Unlocking Grandmother's Secrets: Review, ideas and tips for Moog's latest semi modular synth
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ต.ค. 2024
- Grandmother is Moog's latest semi modular synth - this clip reviews it and explore's what give it its character.
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1:10 What gives Grandmother her character
1:30 The Spring Reverb
2:30 The Mixer
3:20 Patch layout
4:20 User interface
4:50 Hard sync
5:25 Modulation
7:25 3rd oscillator
8:45 Playing chords
9:20 Short demo of the different waveforms
10:40 The low pass filter
12:40 The main envelope
13:30 A 2nd envelope
14:15 The arpeggiator and sequencer
15:45 Glide modes
16:20 Patch ideas
17:30 The utilities module
20:25 Generating feedback
20:50 More patching ideas
22:30 Playing paraphonically
25:00 Pros & cons
Grandmother is the latest semi-modular analog synth from Moog. There have been increasingly more and more semi modular synths released in recent years and the demand for rewiring synths and interfacing them with other modular gear grows.
In this clip I explore what's special about Moog's Grandmother, and it turns out there's quite a lot there, especially if you look beneath the surface. For example, while the front panel seems to show only two oscillators and one envelope, in reality, Grandmother has three fully functioning volt/octave oscillators (four if you count the self resonating filter), two and even three envelopes, and is capable of being played paraphonically.
All of these and plenty more patching ideas, tips and tricks are explored in this clip
NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any what by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.
Nice to see a young man spending some time with his grandmother!
Underrated Comment
You are, without rival, the BEST reviewer of synthesizers! So clear, straightforward and entertaining. Thank you.
Absolutely right !
I agree - in fact I use Loopop's reviews like a reference manual. Find myself coming back to them again and again when I have questions. Clear, easily understandable well presented - great stuff!
Here Here!
Dude is super good at what he does, that's for sure.
"Let's hear what the reverb has to say about this" - my thoughts exactly
If you ever run out of gear to review, you should start 'reviewing' older synths that may be popular on ebay or reverb.
What made me think of it was I sure wish you had one on the sub-phatty and a bunch of other gear I have. Your videos are like the missing owner's manual.
Dreux Donelan +1 I’d watch that.
I second that. Only loopop and AutomaticGainsay are able to make manuals largely redundant. I'd definitely watch that. Dsi Pro2 for instance, or sub37?
yea pls do a subsequent 37 !
Retro gear is so pricey
Please do this
You can get the big bottom end back on a high resonance patch by using the LFO as a pitch VCO, route it's output via the attenuator around the filter (not through it), set it to a sine wave (no harmonics) waveform, set it to a low octave and mix this via the multiple with the filtered sound of VCO 1 and 2 into the VCA. Use the attenuator to dial in as much sub as you want.
Yes!
Now that's crazy talk!
This is such a cool idea I can't wait to try
What he said.
Wow that awesome!
I just bought a Grandmother yesterday and was already anxiously awaiting her arrival but your video just sent me through the roof! It's my first hardware synth and I'm beyond psyched! I will definitely be watching this video a few more times trying to soak it all up, thanks for the great demo, ideas, and secrets!
you're in for a treat :)
Maybe you mention it later in the video I will look but for a newbie like me that screen in the background is really helping my understanding of these knobs
So, not what I expected when I googled "unlocking grandmother's secrets...
In your case I think that grandmother deserves to keep her secrets unlocked... :P
@@metaspherz you meant to write keep granny's secrets locked, right? Not unlocked..right?!?!. God I hope that was a typo.
Lol!!!!!
😂
were you hunting for cookie recipes, or grandma's first husband?
Let me help you, into your chair.....
Grandma!!!!
Until recently, I wasn't a fan of this and Sirin's color scheme. But yesterday I found myself liking it. Today I'm almost in love with it. Tastefully retro, yet still modern and fresh.
They have it in all black as well!
3 oscillators is pleasing to the ear. My computer had 2 fans that when combined they sounded annoying. So I added a third fan, and bingo, it all the annoyance vanished. LOL
Lmao you did synthesis with fans bro
@@boratezel fan-thesis! 😆
Finally, someone mentions the spring reverb up front. Seen so many reviews where they don't even mention it. It's what pushed me over the edge buying this synth. That, the sound and the colours.
The Spring Reverb tank in the University of Washington Buchla (I was there ~1974) added another important color to the instrument; I love that part of my recordings from there. Nice of Moog to recognize that color and of You to give it time at the Front of the show!
I bought one of these November 2018. One of the best instruments I have ever purchased to date. A masterpiece.
This is a great review I'm buying my daughter her first synth and this is my choice!
I am basically nerding out on youtube reviews of the Grandmother. This is the best by far. I like what you are doing here.
the paraphonic demo with the keystep was CRAZY!
I've sat through every Grandmother review/tutorial and this is my favorite. Simple but slick production and he makes it all about the thing he's reviewing and not about himself. Thanks, for taking the time to make this Loopop!👍
Thanks for taking the time to write :)
You know, I've been so proud of myself for figuring out how to use a lot of the patch ports to create sounds I find interesting (total novice. This is my first synth)...and then I see this and realize I know very little about this synth (*immediately captures current patch with camera so I can pull all my cables and start again*). Nice! This is why I subscribe to this channel. You're tutorials do not disappoint.
I had kind of written this synth off until this video. Still not sure it's for me, but my respect and appreciation for this unique instrument have skyrocketed.
Super helpful tutorial! I just purchased this with selling my sub phatty and I while I was hesitant to do that, I really love what the Grandmother has opened up for me. Its hard to explain and maybe its the color panels and what not, but this synth really does encourage you to play around and just be less critical, maybe in the same way the Buchla Easel does? Your tip for sending the ARP to the Oct on the Oscillators is an amazing tool, and can see using that patch many times. I had to pause the video for a good 15min to jam out on it! Thanks!
I just got a Grandmother for Christmas - I will be back to watch this video many more times i think
You are a teacher, an amazing one. And this thing sounds amazing!
Thanks so much :)
Nice tutorial to open up the patch bay functions for someone like myself who's no stranger to subtractive synthesis but is completely new to modular patching. Thank you!
One of the most truly helpful and detailed reviews I have yet seen on TH-cam! Bravo!
Been saving my money for years to buy a SubPhatty....which they just discontinued building, I was very sad. But maybe it was a blessing for it made me take a much closer look at the Grandmother. Thanks to your video and Daniel Fisher's I am getting happy again :)
This is a great review with some nice tips. I've had mine for about a month but haven't dove into too far yet. I've messed around with some patching and came up with some interesting sounds. You've given me more insight of what else I can try. Thank you!
love your videos, even the older ones without the compressor - I then just readjust the volume here and there. you're the Bob Ross of synthesizers hehehe
Your video montages are realy the best for a guy that do reviews. Pleasing every time! Thanks.
I concur
The spring Reverb instantly gives this Moog that ARP 2600 sound which is way cool
LMNC took one of these apart to show the spring oscillator. It really is a big mechanical spring!
I've been struggling with the Grandmother and this video has really helped me to grasp it a lot better. It's my first Moog instrument and without presets, I'm practically lost trying to design musical sounds.
Damn, that double sequencing patch at the end was fire!!
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Mesmerising review, I think this might be your best yet. Your knowledge and attention to detail are always super impressive and your production is superb. Before my coffee and bagel this morning I had no idea this synth existed, now I’m trying to figure out when I can buy it.
wonderful demo, perhaps the best in YT. thank you very much
Such a great review! Based on this and other videos, I made this the first purchase of a hardware synth! It's so good and so much fun!
I'm just getting into synths, bought this so I have a good synth that will last forever... And I have no idea what I'm doing. So here I am! Even having no idea what to do, it's such an exciting piece of gear. Something about it feels special
6 years later and I’m picking up my Grandmother tomorrow, Looking forward to unlocking her secrets.
Best overview of the Grandmother on TH-cam! Thanks for teaching me some new tricks.
I don't necessarily want to buy this synth ATM but still want to watch all your demo's. I enjoy your work sir.
I couldn't agree more ! great work as always !
Thanks so much for this! I’ve had my grandmother moog for a while but never really understood how to use it so thank you!
I've always loved Moog. Grandmother gives more to love.
You made grandmother easy to understand. Thanks for the great video, you're very good 👍👏.
My first Big Boy synth I ever got. This video really helped me out!!!! I LOVE MY GRANDMA!
I've always loved the sound of my Moog Opus 3 plugged into my '67 Ampeg Gemini 1. The spring reverb (not to mention the vibrato) set it off. Reminds me a lot of the Grandmother's built-in spring.
Moog grandmother + Dave smith instruments Pro 2 is a perfect combo. Throw in some Korg Minilouge XD, Some eurorack and an Elektron Analog four and you really couldn’t ask for much more when it comes to analog needs
How great is the introductive sequence ! I was shocked by both the depth of the sound and the fineness of the sequenced melody.
I have you to thank for my next album - because no doubt, once it's done, it will contain SO much Grandmotherly goodness in it, thanks to this incredible tutorial!!! THANKYOUUUU!!! :)))))
delightful; I bought mine a year ago at Moogfest 2018 and still learned a thing or two. Thanks!
Thanks, great demo with good sound examples, it's a massiv weapon and I still had the chance to test one, it sounds amazing and sounds different to the phatties and the mother 32!!! I yearn to get mine :-) While other synth manufacturer are only on to rebuild old synths as good as possible, Moog follows new paths, finally!
By far most informative video I’ve seen about the Moog GM. Looking forward to the next one
Wasn’t sure what to make of this synth at first, but this video was a great demonstration of what it was capable of, and really made me more interested in it. I appreciate your dedication to being thorough!
Beautiful instrument, excellent overview. Thank you so much! I'm late to the party, but a video about how to use Grandmother with DFAM would be amazing... ❤
GrandMa says thanks. Now her boy can really tweak her knobs! Just got her home, and she is singing!
The tips were most helpful, the MIDI sync of the LFO was the thing I had missed and was longing for.
Fantastic! I'm looking at purchasing my first synth. I cannot tell you how many hours of reviews I've read and watched...this just may have sold me on the Grandmother. SOOOOOooooo looking forward to the next videos on you exploring this synth more. Keep it up. Love it!
Does the manual include patch ideas? And does the synth come with patch cables or is that a separate purchase?And I'm sure that there's no end to the patch ideas, how far can you take it? It's probably a matter of understanding the way each module works and how they can connect with each other. Boy this looks like fun. Pretty sure this is what I'm buying! Thank you so much!
Yes, include cca. 15 patch ideas. You get 6 different (length) patch cables in the original box, so you dont have to purchase. Have fun, mine is 2 days old and it's incredibe. :)
Dude, thank you! This is my first synthesizer. This is so helpful.
same as! Looking to buy this as first ever synth
clearviewmind it's great. I figure out new things every day that are mind-blowing.
@@smithpianoservicing3421 Nice. How long have you had it? I'm really not sure what I'm getting into here or even if this is the synth for me - I just think that it is if that makes any sense. I love minimal electro music, and also love the early the synth-pop pioneers of the early 80's Kraftwerk-Human League-Numan-Depeche-Yazoo-Soft Cell etc etc....Is this the synth for me?? Also adore the early 808 electro sounds which I presume could accompany the Grandmother?? I'm just guessing really.
You will love it. I bought mine about 3 weeks ago.
me too!
Glad to see one of your videos about this instrument! I passed on one at Moogfest this year and deeply regret it. Thanks for making it hurt even more! :)
It actually costs the same - you might not get the denim jacket but could save the tax by ordering online ...
It came with a denim jacket? ugh. stop. Make it stop! ;) (thanks for the online tip!)
Use the price difference in tax and get a jacket ;)
Oh. My. God... Your reviews are absolutely the most informative “how to” guides (& reviews of new gear in general) A few others have already mentioned this in other places on this thread, but I will ask, as well: If you ever have the time and/or inclination, I/We would LOVE IT if you was to explore older gear!! For me, I would WAY APPRECIATE if you was to review some old Soviet gear, especially the revered (& mighty) POLIVOKS Synthesizer!!!! (Please??) Thanks for all of your hard work, Loopop!!
One of the best reviews/demo i've ever seen !! Great synth also :-)
If you haven't seen any of Loopop's other videos don't miss out
Man, Loopop, your videos sure are a pleasure to watch. I had all but written off the Grandmother, having hardly ever heard it. You make it look and sound like an awesome synth.
Then again, you kind of do that with all the products you review.
This video has made me desire a spring reverb
The review i have been waiting for! I love my Moog Grandmother! Its truly right on time!
There's something really awesome about the toyish colors. It makes me think of techno and 80s arcades. Fits the synth look.
awesome video, been looking at NAMM 2019 and wondering what single piece of gear should i acquire this year, - after watching this i think i'm gonna blow out the NAMM list and just buy the GRANDMOTHER... thank you sir, best demo on youtube.
funny thing is, all i bought last year was the DFAM
wow. that dual arpeggiator at the end was mind blowing!
This video was AMAZING. Incredibly educational, in-depth, and entertaining. Thank you for this fantastic video and educational review!!
Just got mine 2 days ago. Spent a ton of time researching, playing around with one in the store, and it’s a beast. I’ve wanted a Moog since the 1990’s when they were hard to find, unless you knew of a vintage shop, or a rumor that a band was getting rid of theirs, or just had a fortune. I absolutely love the huge, natural sound of this synth. This demo is great, but the sound in your ears, with headphones is purely breathtaking. A lot of people think it’s plastic. It’s very hefty, and is a metal enclosure with molded plastic parts. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a great first synth. I have the Korg Minilogue, which although feels light and nowhere near as incredible as this, it’s a nice little accompaniment to create some great soundscapes, tones, ..etc. Excellent Demo/tutorial of a great synth!
This is an outstanding piece of work. Thank you.
I've been pairing my grandmother with Roland TR8S, Dreadbox NYX, DSI OB-6 and a JUNO with great results.
This would be my dream synth if not for 2 really big flaws that could have been so easily fixed. 1) the total drop off of low frequencies when you use resonance (a simple bass boost switch would've solved this) makes the res useless for me, as i play bass in my band. The minimoog has the same flaw, but that was created many decades ago...give us the damn option to switch bass boost on. Leave it off if you like the classic minimoog res. 2nd...a few more keys and they'd have made a full 3 octave keyboard. Such little, inexpensive additions...i cannot comprehend why they didnt do these things with such a gorgeous sounding synth....its perfect in every other way. GREAT review, as always.
i know this comment is 3 years old but grab an eq pedal! dial that bass back in
Thanks for sharing your deep knowledge of synthesis.
Loved seeing the sound waves as you demo'd!
Oh wow, you're still active on this vid years later! Hey, what is it you're using to display the wave form? Is it connected directly to Grandmother?
As a new proud owner of the Granny, i found this video extremly usefull, thanks for sharing, so i can try some of the gimmicks discovered in this video, time to play with Granny, cheers!!
Everybody, listen to Denis Polic's music. Give it a try!
Beautiful, as always. I love my G'mother and look forward to your follow up videos.
Such a great video for a synth newbie to explore my new purchase! Your descriptions and demo really helped me get a jump start on the fun. Thanks!
Also Dreux Donelan +1 .... on every point they made.
Beautifully executed overview video. For years I have wrestled with investing in a Moog (not being able to afford ANY) and would ask myself, if I did invest, which one would I even buy? This one looks VERY attractive to me and at a fraction of the price.
Tiny Diodes Instruments - "Fun to Look at, Fun to Play"
Very good explanations am thinking about getting one so will save this! Great stuff!
Well done, my friend. Next month I got my own here in Cologne/Germany
Sheez, in your first 10 mins alone, you made me go from 'meh, I'll pass on this toy', to 'I'm saving up for one now'. No video before this, especially from the mothership itself has exposed the unique and usable character of this sturdy little axe. One of your best vids yet.
i love how clear you made it, very instructive. suscribed !
I have discovered your channel after buying my first Synth - Nord Lead 4. I am a Bass players and lately I could fulfil my long-waited dream of buying a synth. I humbly request if you can do something similar for Lead 4 as your tricks and explanations are really encouraging and inspirational. TIA
Fantastic review. I'm feeling that I'm going to buy one based on this alone. Thanks! Subscribed!
damn great point about it making sense for sustain to be a slider. that should be the case on more synths, so intuitive.
Practical hands on show. Useful and simple. Big up 👍🎹🖐
Loved this! When can we expect you pairing the grandmother with a eurorack?
I love my grandmother. Thanks for sharing more possibilities that are exciting!
Paraphonic blew my mind. Good video.
Thanks for the paraphonic tip. I love my Grandmother and Keystep!
Excellent and very informative video! Many thanks for making this video.
Great video. That reverb is so cool
Awesome review of a wonderful instrument! Just got mine and it’s beautiful, heavier than expected which I like...got the Dark series. True class. 🖤
nice walkthrough as always. Seriously considering buying this one. Plenty of sound design possibilities.
I just love your in depth demos. Best videos on youtube. And that's coming from a guitarist! ;)
Here’s a timeline of the various topics covered in the video:
1:10 What gives Grandmother her character
1:30 The Spring everb
2:30 The Mixer
3:20 Patch layout
4:20 User interface
4:50 Hard sync
5:25 Modulation
7:25 3rd oscillator
8:45 Playing chords
9:20 Short demo of the different waveforms
10:40 The low pass filter
12:40 The main envelope
13:30 A 2nd envelope
14:15 The arpeggiator and sequencer
15:45 Glide modes
16:20 Patch ideas
17:30 The utilities module
20:25 Generating feedback
20:50 More patching ideas
22:30 Playing paraphonically
25:00 Pros & cons
THANKS!!!
Or you could just look at the left side of the video as it plays and it’s all listed there for the duration.....
Wow, thank you for sharing that enlightning overview. I've seldomly learned so much in 30 minutes ;-)
This is like a music easel. I am in love with mine and I think Moog should get an award for my new love child. Peace Christo 👽
agreed, its so much fun, its the base I start my grooves with...
There's some kind of oscillators sync on the Grandmother like there is on the Minitaur for example? Very useful for more powerful bass notes
I wish youtube had hit this level when I got my first Moog 15 years ago (Micromoog I rescued from a garage sale for $50 lol). Took me forever to figure out how to use the thing. Really need to go to my dad's house and get it out of storage.
These are so absolutely awesome homie, thanks so much
Dude, you rock! I love your videos. This helped me to decide to buy this AWESOME Semi-modular rig. So many possibilities. I bought it to learn synthesis, how to create sounds, and learn modular on the unit. I can also add future modular gear once I master this synth, and sequence it from the (Grand)Mother board! That's pretty cool. the Strymon Big Sky pedal added another dimension to the decision to buy the Grandmother as it opens the harmonics up and this is what really sealed the deal. I love the Live playing, having to create the sound I'm after. Such a simple synth, but expandable. plus, it has vintage sounds, which I prefer. Love the Sub37, but this is a different experience. The Sub37 has presets and ability to save patches. To me, that would be the solution for live playing without having to build my own sounds. It's why I didn't buy it. I wanted to be forced to learn by experimenting with knobs and sliders. Now I am headed down a modular rabbit hole. Years ago, back in the 1980s, it was two tiers of stacked, large synths. Now it's these boutique-sized Synths, which I love. Less gear space taken up to allow for other small, boutique gear. Also, the smaller synths are cheaper due to their size. You can have more variety. Yeah, I know you can get all this from VSTs, but I'm not a techie person. I'm a musician. I like tinkering with knobs and sliders and playing organically live sounds.
Thanks for your comment :)
Such a great reviews. Thank you! Ii am also a big fan of grandmother. best synth i ve ever had
Just got mine ! Thanks for your vid !
Dude you're my go to synth channel on youtube!