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Sub-harmonic tones and polyrhythmic sequencing are the name of the game for this former Moogfest DIY project

Moog’s Subharmonicon synth has existed in limited numbers for a couple of years. This compact, semi-modular originated as a DIY build project for VIP Engineers at Moog’s 2018 Moogfest event but now, much like the DFAM before it, it’s been repurposed for the mass market and is available to buy in fully pre-built form.

The Subharmonicon is the most leftfield and esoteric of Moog’s recent semi-modulars, with an emphasis on polyrhythmic sequencing and sub-harmonic tone generation. Sound creation is handled by two analogue VCOs linked with four subharmonic oscillators. The relationship between these subharmonic generators and the main oscillators can be set in a variety of different ways, offering quantised intervals for chord generation, an Equal Temperament setting for creating Just Intonation intervals – ie whole number ratios of the root oscillator – or a fully unquantised mode.

The synth couples these generators with two 4-step sequencers and four rhythm generators, which output different divisions of the master tempo. The idea is to encourage the creation of polyrhythmic patterns and complex modulation. In classic Moog fashion, there’s also a resonant low-pass ladder filter too, along with A/D envelopes for both filter cutoff and the amp.

This release version of the Subharmonicon is slightly different from that first seen at Moogfest. The main changes are aesthetic – replacing the original white face plate with a black and silver version to match the Mother-32 and DFAM.

The control layout has been rearranged slightly too, placing the oscillators in the centre, flanked by the sequencers and patch bay.

On the patchability front, the Subharmonicon has 32 3.5mm ins and outs for internal and external routing and modulation. The synth can accept MIDI too, via an included 3.5mm to DIN adapter. There’s an external power supply included for standalone use, but the Subharmonicon can also be easily mounted to a Eurorack system, by simply removing the face plate from its chassis.

The Subharmonicon is available now priced at £739.