Moog Rogue Explained

Synth Name:Rogue
Synth Manufacturer:Moog Music
Synthesis Type:Analog subtractive
Polyphony:Monophonic
Timbrality:Monotimbral
Oscillator:2
Filter:low-pass
Attenuator:ASR
Lfo:1
Keyboard:32 keys
Left Control:none
Ext Control:CV/Gate
Memory:none
Dates:1981

The Moog Rogue is a monophonic analog synthesizer produced by Moog Music in the early 1980s. Very basic in its design and use, the Rogue featured a 32-note keyboard and two VCOs. VCO number 2 is tunable between a half-step below to an octave above VCO number 1. This allows the Rogue to play atonal sounds like the Moog Prodigy. The Rogue did not have features to allow the user full flexibility to program the patch settings. However, the VCF and the VCA were simple to operate. The design of the hard-wired patch system was well thought out (considering its size and cost) and a wide variety of sounds and modulation effects are possible. The Rogue also includes a Sample-and-Hold feature that the Prodigy does not. The synthesizer is most commonly used for its powerful bass. The Rogue is similar in some respects to the famous ARP Odyssey, though smaller and less versatile.

Moog Music was criticized for repackaging the Rogue as the Taurus II, changing the design to a pedal-operated synthesizer with little difference in sound quality.

The Rogue is very similar in design and sound to the less-expensive Moog Concertmate MG-1, also made by Moog Music, but re-branded for Realistic around the same time for home use. This was perhaps the first example of a keyboard designed for the home musician.

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