Comparing Synthesizers

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Comparing Synthesizers · Moog Minimoog The Moog Minimoog was invented in 1971 by Bob Moog. It was called the Minimoog because it was smaller than other synthesizers from that era. It is one of the most popular synthesizers of all time · Prophet 5 The Prophet 5 was one of the most popular synthesizers of the 1980s and although it lacked midi functions it was still the most successful out of all the prophet synthesizers made. Its analogue effects and string sounds are still some of the best around. · Roland Juno 106 The Roland Juno was released in 1985 and is still used today because of its easy programming. Polyphony Polyphony is the ability to be able to play more than one note at the same time. Early synthesizers such as the Minimoog were not polyphonic but Monophonic. This means that if 8 keys were pressed still only the one sound would be heard. The Prophet could handle 5 at the same time while the more advanced Juno 106 could handle 6. The user interface on the Minimoog is user friendly. Where most people just twist and turn the knobs to get the sound they want. The panel with all the controllers and knobs on is hinged so that it could be placed vertically instead of horizontally for easier use and access. It features three voltage- controlled oscillators, a noise source, VCA, warm resonant filter and mixer as well as pitch and bend sliders. It has 44 keys with lower note priority, as well as an external input and 'S-Trigger' jack which allows it to be connected to a drum controller or ribbon controller and was generally easy to use. The Minimoog casing is made out of wood. The overall design was a first in terms of size because it was so small compared to the massive synthesizers used before it. Each of the knobs are big and move smoothly which enabl the user to play and tweak at the same time. The Prophet 5 is a design to the Minimoog but has allot more keys.

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