Description

Start with a chord, let the sequencer push it somewhere unexpected, then follow the patch cables as the sound turns into something entirely new. The Moog Matriarch Dark 49-key analog synthesizer combines four analog oscillators, up to four-note paraphonic playability and a 49-note Fatar keyboard with the exploratory architecture of a semi-modular system. Its 100% analog signal path brings together circuits derived from classic Moog designs, including Minimoog-based oscillators, a CP3-based mixer, 904A-based filters, 911-based envelopes and 902-based VCAs. A 256-step sequencer, multimode arpeggiator and stereo analog delay make evolving patterns and spacious textures accessible without patching, while 90 modular patch points open the instrument to deeper sound design. From stacked four-oscillator mono sounds to layered paraphonic sequences and expansive stereo patches, Matriarch brings performance, sequencing and experimentation into one flexible analog instrument.

Four Analog Oscillators Expand the Sonic Range

Matriarch's four analog VCOs can be stacked into a monophonic voice or distributed across two- and four-note paraphonic modes for chords, harmonies and interlocking melodic ideas. Each oscillator provides selectable waveshapes, with hard sync available on oscillators 2–4, while the discrete six-input mixer introduces the asymmetrical clipping behavior of Moog's classic CP3 module. Dual 24dB/octave analog filters can operate in parallel high-pass/low-pass, stereo low-pass/low-pass or series high-pass/low-pass configurations, providing multiple ways to shape harmonic content. Dual ADSR envelopes and stereo discrete VCAs complete an analog voice architecture that can move from overdriven monophonic bass to evolving paraphonic textures.

256-Step Sequencer Shapes Evolving Patterns and Performances

The onboard sequencer stores up to 12 patterns and provides 256 steps with as many as four notes per step, allowing paraphonic chords and melodic movement to become an integral part of sound design. The sequencer can also be decoupled from Matriarch's internal voice to control external gear independently. An arpeggiator complements this workflow with Order, Forward/Backward and Random modes, while the full-size Fatar keyboard provides velocity and aftertouch as patchable control sources. Pitch bend, modulation, variable glide, sustain and expression pedal support add further performance control for shaping patches in real time.

Stereo Analog Delay Extends the Signal Path

A stereo analog delay based on Moog's MF-104M and 500 Series effects provides up to 700 ms of delay with independent left and right delay times, feedback and I/O, plus Ping/Pong operation and MIDI or CV clock synchronization. Voltage-controlled mix and dedicated delay outputs allow the effect to become part of a larger patch rather than simply sitting at the end of the signal path. Combined with the stereo filters and VCAs, the delay can produce wide repeating textures that evolve alongside a sequence or performance. An additional analog LFO supplements the primary modulation oscillator for animating the delay, filters, VCAs and other destinations.

90 Patch Points Enable Deep Modular Exploration

No patch cables are required to begin playing, but Matriarch's semi-modular architecture provides 90 accessible 3.5 mm patch points—including 49 inputs, 33 outputs and two four-way unbuffered mults—for rerouting and expanding its internal signal flow. Three bipolar voltage-controlled attenuators with ring-modulation capability add another layer of signal and modulation shaping, while the primary modulation oscillator supplies sine, saw, ramp, square, stepped-triangle, smoothed-random, sample-and-hold and noise sources. Matriarch can also integrate with Mother-32, DFAM, Grandmother and Eurorack modular systems, extending its role beyond a standalone keyboard synthesizer.

Flexible Connections Integrate Stage Studio and Modular Gear

A rear-panel 1/4" external input routes guitars, drum machines and other sources through the instrument's analog circuitry, allowing Matriarch to function as an external audio processor as well as a synthesizer. Stereo 1/4" line outputs, 3.5 mm Eurorack-level outputs, dedicated 3.5 mm delay outputs and a 1/4" headphone connection provide flexible monitoring and routing, while five-pin MIDI In, Out and Thru join MIDI over USB for integration with hardware and computer-based setups. Combining classic Moog-derived analog circuits, paraphonic performance, deep sequencing and extensive modular connectivity, the Moog Matriarch Dark synthesizer is designed for musicians who want a self-contained instrument that can also serve as the center of a larger analog system.

Moog Matriarch Dark 49-Key Analog Synthesizer
Moog Matriarch Dark 49-Key Analog Synthesizer
Moog Matriarch Dark 49-Key Analog Synthesizer

Features

  • Semi-modular analog synthesizer combines 4-note paraphony, sequencing and classic Moog circuitry
  • Four analog oscillators support mono, duo and 4-note paraphonic performance with selectable waveshapes
  • 90 modular patch points enable deep sound design, while requiring no patching for immediate playability
  • 256-step sequencer stores 12 patterns, with up to four notes per step for evolving harmonic sequences
  • Stereo ladder filters offer parallel, stereo and series modes for flexible analog tone shaping
  • Stereo analog delay provides up to 700 ms of MIDI-syncable stereo or ping-pong repeats
  • 49-note Fatar keyboard provides velocity and aftertouch, with patchable control outputs
  • Dual ADSR envelopes, dual VCAs and multiple modulation sources expand expressive sound design
  • External audio input processes guitars, drum machines and other sources through Moog analog circuits
  • MIDI, USB and Eurorack connectivity integrate Matriarch with stage, studio and modular setups

Specs

General
  • Product type: Semi-modular analog synthesizer
  • Model: MOD-MATR-DK
Keyboard
  • Keys: 49 full-size Fatar keys
  • Velocity sensitivity: Yes
  • Aftertouch: Yes
  • Additional controllers: Pitch bend, modulation wheel, variable glide
Sound Engine
  • Sound engine: 100% analog
  • Polyphony: Monophonic, 2-note paraphonic, 4-note paraphonic
  • Analog oscillators: 4
  • Oscillator waveforms: Selectable
  • Hard sync: Oscillators 2, 3 and 4
  • Noise generator: White noise
Mixer
  • Mixer inputs: 6
  • Eurorack-level mixer inputs: 5
  • Instrument-level mixer inputs: 1
  • Mixer design: DC-coupled discrete
  • Clipping behavior: Asymmetrical
Filters
  • Filters: 2 analog
  • Filter 1: 24dB/octave low-pass with resonance
  • Filter 2: 24dB/octave switchable low-pass/high-pass with resonance
  • Filter modes: Parallel HP/LP, stereo LP/LP, series HP/LP
Modulation
  • Modulation oscillator: Analog
  • Modulation waveforms: Sine, saw, ramp, square, stepped triangle, smoothed random, sample and hold, noise
  • Additional LFO: Yes
  • Additional LFO waveforms: Triangle, square
Envelopes and VCAs
  • Envelope generators: 2 analog ADSR
  • Envelope stages: 4
  • End-of-envelope gate outputs: Yes
  • VCAs: 2 discrete analog
  • VCA routing: Stereo
Attenuators and Mults
  • Voltage-controlled attenuators: 3 bipolar
  • Ring modulation capability: Yes
  • Mults: 2x4 parallel-wired unbuffered
Effects
  • Effect type: Stereo analog delay
  • Maximum delay time: 700ms
  • Ping-pong delay: Yes
  • MIDI clock sync: Yes
  • CV clock sync: Yes
  • Voltage-controlled mix: Yes
  • Independent left/right delay times: Yes
  • Independent feedback: Yes
Sequencer and Arpeggiator
  • Sequencer length: 256 steps
  • Notes per step: Up to 4
  • Stored sequences: 12
  • External gear sequencing: Yes
  • Arpeggiator modes: Order, Forward/Backward, Random
Patch Points
  • Patch points: 90
  • Patch point connectors: 3.5 mm
  • Patch point locations: Front and rear panels
  • Inputs: 49
  • Outputs: 33
  • Parallel-wired mults: 2x4
Audio Inputs
  • External audio input: 1/4" TS
Audio Outputs
  • Line outputs: 2x 1/4" TS
  • Headphone output: 1/4"
  • Headphone level control: Dedicated
  • Eurorack-level outputs: 2x 3.5 mm
  • Delay outputs: 2x 3.5 mm
Pedal Inputs
  • Sustain pedal input: 1/4"
  • Expression pedal input: 1/4"
MIDI
  • MIDI input: 5-pin DIN
  • MIDI output: 5-pin DIN
  • MIDI thru: 5-pin DIN
  • USB MIDI: Yes
Power
  • Power supply: Included 12V DC adapter
  • Polarity: Positive tip
  • Current: 2A
  • AC input: 100–240V AC, 50/60Hz
  • Power connector: Screw-on barrel connector
Dimensions and Weight
  • Dimensions (WxDxH): 32" x 14.25" x 5.5"
  • Weight: 24 lb.

Warranty

LIMITED WARRANTY
Moog Music warrants each instrument to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year after delivery to the retail purchaser. The warranty is void if the instrument has been modified in any manner other than in accordance with written instructions from Moog Music, Inc., of if the defect or failure is judged by Moog Music, Inc., to be caused by normal wear, accident, neglect or conditions of operation other than those specified in the instruction manual.

This warranty is subject to verification by Moog Music, Inc., that a defect or failure exists and that the original purchaser complies with the following:
1. Warranty Registration Card must be returned by the purchaser to Moog Music, Inc., within 10 days of retail purchase.
2. Moog Music, Inc., must be notified by telephone or in writing of the problem to secure authorization to return the instrument to the factory or warranty center.
3. The instrument must be shipped prepaid. It will be returned with shipping charges prepaid by Moog Music, Inc.

MOOG MUSIC, INC., MAKES NO OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE—EXCEEDING THE DURATION OF THE AFORESTATED OBLIGATIONS—ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED AND EXCLUDED FROM THIS WARRANTY. NORLIN SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

Moog Music, Inc., authorizes no persons to assume for it any warranty or other liability in connection with the sale of Moog Music, Inc., instruments.

Moog Music, Inc., reserves the right to make changes in design at any time without incurring any obligation to install same on units previously purchased.

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