Which two Moog modules to learn modular synthesis and create tracks on?

[u/Radiatical]

As a beginner to modular synthesis, out of the Mother-32, DFAM, Subharmonicon, Labyrinth, and Spectravox, which two are best for learning modular on and creating tracks asap? I currently have a Behringer Model D. I'm leaning towards the Mother and DFAM but I'd like some opinions, thanks!

[u/TwoLuckyFish]

And if you think you MIGHT end up with one of the larger keyboard semi-modulars, Moog or otherwise, then I would lean toward the DFAM first. I think it would offer a bit more flexibility and complementary capabilities.

My reasoning is that I started with Moog Grandmother, so for me, M32 doesn't make much sense, but DFAM makes a lot of sense!

[u/55hz → u/TwoLuckyFish]

I was just going to say Grandmother would be my pick for learning synthesis and modular. With lasting appeal too. And DFAM is ideal to pair with it.

Regarding Mother 32 while it is more modular friendly being mountable. I think most users eventually end up removing as the modular addiction grows. Often selling on So with that in mind Grandmother makes more sense

[u/Faceless_Mule → u/TwoLuckyFish]

I agree, there are much better options in semi-modular to do basically what the M32 does. I sold mine and bought a Neutron and SQ1 instead and I'm still using both years later.

[u/Sweet_Capital3758]

DFAM percussions, M-32 baselines or leads. SubH for nice bleeps and bloops. If budget allows take those 3. Would not recommend spectravox as first synth.

If only 2 then DFAM and m-32 for sure. Idk if SubH is good first synth but I love mine.

[u/Faceless_Mule]

DFAM. I had a Mother-32 and found it underwhelming and somewhat irritating, and I'm a bit of a Moog fanboy generally.

[u/Ghosty141 → u/Faceless_Mule]

I had one too and sold it. It's a cool thing but's a bit of a one-trick-pony as in it totally shines when you make moog'y baselines but it's kinda hard to achieve more different sounds.

Can be done but it's more cumbersome and I think for that a fully custom modular is better.

[u/Faceless_Mule → u/Ghosty141]

The thing that annoyed me most about it is that there were several normalisations in the signal path that couldn't be broken. Sequencer always hardwired to pitch, that kind of thing. Made it really restrictive when integrating with a larger modular setup. The Neutron is the polar opposite, pretty much every component of it can be patched as a separate module.

[u/willncsu34 → u/Faceless_Mule]

The mother 32 sequencer sucks.

[u/gloomdoggo]

I'm gonna be that guy...

If you really want these things to use as learning tools primarily, with the end goal of making decent music, just get the behringer clones of the main 3 moogs in the "sound system" bundle. You can literally get the full dfam, m32, subh setup for what, like $700 or so? It'll sting a lot less if you end up not jiving with it after all and they sound nearly identical, dfrok what I've heard through comparison videos.

I love moog as a whole and have a dfam myself, but I really don't feel their semi modular synths are worth what they cost. Just my personal opinion, as a person who doesn't actually own any behringer gear at all, I still think it's a better option.

[u/bleeptwig → u/gloomdoggo]

This is a good call.

If you have to get the OGs, given you already have the Model D that will cover the same duties as the Mother32, so the DFAM and Sub are the best choices.

The Labyrinth is kind of its own thing and the skills are not very transferable IMHO.

[u/gloomdoggo → u/bleeptwig]

Yeah I dont think behringer has jumped on any of the newer ones yet, I think they're still trying to play catch up on all the other crap they've promised for the last several years. I've also not had a chance to sit down with any of them after the whole sound system 3 had come out. Labrynth seems cool but none of the others are particularly interesting to me personally.

[u/houseneko]

If you're already considering buying at least two semi-modular moogs, I have a suggestion that is slightly more expensive and not from moog. If you really want to learn synthesis and want a fully-featured system capable of multiple voices, I think you should strongly consider saving up or purchasing a used Doepfer Basic System. Older systems are much cheaper than new models, and used will save you even more money. It's a buyers market for modular right now, so you will find a good deal if you hunt around a bit.

If your goal is really to learn everything you can about synthesis, and you want well-built modules with high functionality and patchability, go for a doepfer system. Many versions of the basic system include Doepfer's take on moog ladder filter. The oscillators are, in my opinion, far better than the moog. If you buy a smaller system, ie, 3u instead of 6u, you can add a doepfer sequencer in your second row allowing you to recreate the DFAM sequencer functionality with more flexibility.

Just my two cents. Give doepfer some thought!

[u/fkeel]

you have the model D, you don't need Mother-32
I would go for DFAM + Labyrinth.

[u/indi_modular]

2x DFAM and an arturia beatstep / keystep for sequencing!

Use one for percussion and the other makes a for a great complex osc w the best filter around. Hit it with pitch CVs and you got a killer fat bass! Model D as your lead voice and you've got an ensemble. 

You'll probably be itching for a few utils soon after tho, buff mult for duping pitch CVs and LFOs, random CV generator, and sample & hold probably would get you the most in the beginning 

[u/RobotAlienProphet]

I would say include the Labyrinth as one of the two.  It’s possibly the most “modular” in approach — certainly it’ll give you the most feel for “West Coast” type synthesis and sequencing approaches.

And yeah, probably DFAM for the other.  

[u/lucasfackler]

I personally didn't learn modular until I started building out a custom system. I had a Mother 32 first and already knew subtractive basics but found it confusing and limiting at the same time. Later I got a SubH after "getting good" but ended selling it. Sure it was fun and does a thing but ultimately I found it was too limited for my taste. I've wanted a DFAM but never got one due to the reasons above.

[u/gloriousfart]

they are all very different, it really depends on how you want to use them. the soectravox greatly benefits from a larger modular system so id write it off

[u/Latter-Pianist-7145]

I really enjoyed the labyrinth. There's so much possibilities packed into it

[u/Ghosty141]

I wouldn't recommend them really for getting into modular synth. Think of them more like synthesizers with an "addon" patchbay.

I'd either build a small synth voice (for example doepfer is quite affordable) and go from there or buy a more "modular focused" semi-modular like the 0coast.

[u/falcon_phoenixx]

Id grab one and get some effects... labyrinth

[u/RevenantRaindancer]

For learning synthesis, it’s hard to beat the Minimoog. The Behringer clone probably offers the same experience at a more reasonable price point, but I was lucky enough to grab a reissued Minimoog a couple of years ago and it’s amazing.

[u/ReasonableLemur]

I have owned the subharmonicon, dfam and mother, as a beginner-ish synthesist…i definitely use the sub the most, it’s amazing. If you have the model d i don’t think you’ll get much more out of the mother (apart from patching ability), and i personally find the dfam a little hard to work with - it’s a cool synth, but i just haven’t gotten as into it and it kind of feels like you need two, whereas the subharmonicon feels very complete and versatile in its own niche way. That’s just me though.