Moog Subsequent 37: The analog duophonic synth for bass and leads
· re:union Radio editorial · 2 min read
The Moog Subsequent 37 is a monophonic to duophonic analog synthesizer with 37 keys and two oscillators.
The Moog Subsequent 37 is an analog synthesizer from Moog's Sub-37 series, produced since August 2017 and still in the manufacturer's lineup today. It's aimed at producers and live musicians looking for a compact, monophonic to duophonic analog synth for basslines and leads.
At a glance
- 37 keys, two oscillators, analog subtractive sound generation
- Monophonic or duophonic operation possible
- One switchable low-pass filter with 6, 12, 18, or 24 dB/octave
- 256 patch storage locations, control via MIDI, CV/Gate, aftertouch, and velocity
Origin: Evolved from the Sub 37
The Subsequent 37 builds upon the Moog Sub 37, introduced in 2014. An intermediate step was the limited Subsequent 37 CV in May 2017, with additional CV and Gate outputs, of which only 2,000 units were built. The regular version subsequently adopted key innovations from this limited edition, such as a new keybed, but omitted the additional CV/Gate outputs.
Sound Generation and Control Concept
At its core, the Subsequent 37 operates with two oscillators and two LFOs based on the principle of analog subtractive synthesis. Polyphony is limited to monophonic or duophonic operation – so the device isn't designed for dense chord pads, but rather for punchy basslines and lead sounds, where two voices can be used simultaneously for intervals or unison effects. The single, but switchable, low-pass filter covers four different slopes with 6, 12, 18, and 24 dB/octave.
Memory and Connections
256 internal memory slots allow you to store your own patches and recall them quickly live. The synthesizer is controlled via MIDI as well as classic CV/Gate connections, and the keyboard additionally supports aftertouch and velocity – both expressive tools that allow for finer nuances when playing with modulations and volume.
| Manufacturer | Moog Music |
|---|---|
| Keys | 37 |
| Polyphony | monophonic / duophonic |
| Oscillators | 2 |
| LFOs | 2 |
| Filter | 1 switchable low-pass filter (6/12/18/24 dB/octave) |
| Memory | 256 patches |
| Control | MIDI, CV/Gate, Aftertouch, Velocity |
| Market Launch | August 2017 |
The regular Subsequent 37 „includes many of the features of the limited edition Subsequent 37 CV, including a new key bed“ — but without its additional CV and Gate outputs.
If you're DJing with CDJs and mixers like the AlphaTheta CDJ-1500X, you often produce your own sounds with exactly such analog synths – for harmonically consistent transitions between self-produced tracks, it's also worth taking a look at the Camelot Wheel.
FAQ
Can the Moog Subsequent 37 be played polyphonically?
No, it is designed for monophonic or duophonic operation and is therefore limited to a maximum of two simultaneously sounding voices – this is sufficient for basslines and leads, but not for multi-voice chords.
What distinguishes the Subsequent 37 from the original Sub 37?
The Subsequent 37 adopted key improvements from the limited special edition Subsequent 37 CV, including a new keybed, but without its additional CV and Gate outputs.
Source: Wikipedia: Moog Sub 37
