I know I might get shot down here but how the heck does this sound any different to any other moog? Great piece of history perhaps but a lot of pointless sounds for a contraption that will cost an arm and leg to maintain?
@maccagrabme I won't shoot you down at all! I wish I still had the Sonic 6 to demonstrate against the Minimoog... I guarantee you'd hear a difference! While I won't say it cost an arm and a leg to maintain, there is a common problem with them which requires repair and money. The point is, it's REALLY fun to use, has a really great sound, unique functionality, and the coolest interface ever.
@maccagrabme The main differences are the envelope generators were very unsophisticated but the modulation section was more complex. The basic sound was still Moog, but the variations you get are very different.
It should be mentioned that these things weren't built very well.... the face plate is flimsy and although it was built into it's own suitcase, they aren't very reliable. This was actually Moog's educational synth... geared for schools. But it does have THAT sound... just be sure to try before you buy!
That depends on its construction. They do have some connector issues internally which can lead to extensive repair. However, if it currently works, it'll probably continue working, so I wouldn't worry about one which is fully functional too much!
There is such a thing as electronic music classes, and there has been since the mid 1900s. Perhaps not at K-12 and high schools, but at colleges. Actaully Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead had taken some classes in the late 60's, so i know it's been happening since about that time. There's some real early synth music composed by a dude named Xenakis called Poem Electronique. It's probably on youtube.
I disagree. The face plate may appear flimsy but the one I have has been around for a while and everything still works as well as the day it was made. Not my first choice if I had to pay for one, but the modulation matrix makes for some very complex waveshapes.
I got to use one of these and an Arp Odyssey in Jazz band in high school...and a rhodes and a wurlitzer EP..it came in its own suitcase..had to tune it on almost every song. We did the broadway version of "the Wiz" and used the Sonic Six for strings and sound effects (I did all the keys and the strings and the soundeffects). The score actually had "Moog" parts charted for the sound effects
determining the price of a sonic6 by comparing it to a minimoog is stupid really (sorry for the word, don't mean to be rude, not a native english speaker) the minimoog has a great sound, but there's not that many synths that have the lfo section and ringmodulator with all its routings and stuff that the sonic 6 sports.
and albeit not minimoog, it's got a great sound of its own. i love it. in europe prices vary from 1200-1400 euro's (which nowadays would be around $1500-1800
My comparison was simply for the sake of defining monetary value. I agree with your statement! I hope you don't think I'm not a fan of the Sonic Six. I love it!
Thanks for your post. Your English was very effective. : )
no worries - i know what you mean. and in fact, when i look at what is asked for a minimoog, around $2500-3000, you're estimate's not that bad. overhere the price of a minimoog buys you a sonic6, source and micromoog. my 3 favorite moog synths
If you could buy all three of those, for the price of a Mini, I would tell people to do it! I am a big fan of the Sonic Six and the Micro. I would only encourage a person to buy a Mini if they were looking for the Mini's specific sound, in comparison to the huge palette provided by those three.
That is too much. The Sonic Six should always be less in value than a Minimoog. It has one less oscillator, does not have the classic Moog sound (although it has a great sound!), and some durability issues. I would say a guide to the value of the Sonic Six should be that it should be at least a thousand less than the Mini at any given time.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
so what? that' s a good demonstrative video but just some of sounds are great but i think it' s not a bad thing to want to listen more than 5sec thoose sounds, that' s all !!!
Hi, I really enjoy the videos that you post here. It's a really great chance to hear some machines that are hard to come by. Anyway, I really like the intro song for this particular video. Is there somewhere I can hear the rest of it? Thanks.
Thanks! The song is from a band I used to head called "Furniture," and I don't have it anywhere available on the internet. I will try to dig it up, and perhaps I can e-mail it to you.
Yes, it is duophonic... one of the few. There is a function that allows one oscillator to play the highest note depressed, and the other to play the lowest note depressed, resulting in two tones.
Yes, I have to say that it is my favourite looking synth. Playing it is like sitting at the dashboard of a 1970s-style spaceship. Roger Manning once said something along the lines of it being like furniture from 2001 A Space Odyssey.
Ah, that's great. The Sonic Six has always been my personal favorite of the Moogs. I love the blue color and the built-in speaker. The best part is that they marketed it for use in school music programs. I wish my school had had one of those when I was a kid. And I wish I had one now myself!
I wish I still had mine, too. It was a lovely device. I hope to have another one some day! They really have a unique sound and a gorgeous and fun interface.
Interesting demo of a rather plain-sounding synth, thanks though! It seems to be somewhere between a Minimoog and a Satellite - shame it goes for a sky-high price these days, partly because of the fact that its says 'Moog' on it. The Korg 800DV is a much more flexible and interesting machine than the Sonic Six in my humble opinion - grab one if you can!
I was quite fond of its aural character. To me, it sounded more like an early Roland synth than a Moog. I would pay high prices for one for functionality and aesthetic character, but I agree that they probably fetch high prices due to the label. I have always wanted an 800DV. I remember when both could be had in the $500 to $600 region. :::sighs:::
The calculator watch has been commented upon in other videos! Sadly, the strap has broken and the battery is dying, and I don't think I'm going to replace it. I might have to sell it on eBay as "The watch shown in Automatic Gainsay analog videos!" ; )
Fortunately, Casio still makes calculator watches! They are quite handy; probably more practical than a Rolex.
Had a Casio calculator watch that lasted me for about 12 years until it died, more or less. I bought a new one, also a Casio calculator watch, but with the Databank feature.
In the sense that computer games use digital synthesizers to achieve the sounds, I guess I'd agree... but comparing this to a cell phone is like comparing a trumpet to a party favor.
Yes, you're not likely to buy one of these for less than $1300 if it works.
To be fair, in the case of more modern cellphones, there are cellphones that use polyphonic wavetable digital synthesis, such as my Motorola RAZR V3. Some of the sounds on my phone are MIDI as opposed to being digital samples.
Of course, wavetable digital synthesis is not frequency modulated analogue synthesis.
Ever have anyone make the comment about something sounding like a Commodore 64?
Speaking of which, a company, I forget who at the moment, made an instrument that uses an actual SID chip that was used in the C64. The instrument is called the Sidstation.
I wonder if anyone's tried to do a piece using all synthesizer technologies combined?
No, it's not a Mini... it's a synthesizer in its own right! The only reason people don't often realize how great it is is because there is always the Mini comparison. Everyone should have a Mini, but if you want a unique sound, get a Sonic Six!
damn!, you guys don't know anything about keyboards or goats!
subgenius2012 10 months ago
sounds like a vomiting old goat
vladd001 1 year ago
@vladd001 Hmm. Maybe a vomiting YOUNG goat. A vomiting OLD goat would be more phlegmy somehow.
AutomaticGainsay 1 year ago 3
Comment removed
tangofizz77 1 year ago
@tangofizz77 Wow....
Foreignsik 3 months ago
@Foreignsik Sorry, I posted that comment back when I was a whining little shit. This is NOTHING like the microKORG XL.
tangofizz77 3 months ago
I know I might get shot down here but how the heck does this sound any different to any other moog? Great piece of history perhaps but a lot of pointless sounds for a contraption that will cost an arm and leg to maintain?
maccagrabme 1 year ago
@maccagrabme I won't shoot you down at all! I wish I still had the Sonic 6 to demonstrate against the Minimoog... I guarantee you'd hear a difference! While I won't say it cost an arm and a leg to maintain, there is a common problem with them which requires repair and money. The point is, it's REALLY fun to use, has a really great sound, unique functionality, and the coolest interface ever.
AutomaticGainsay 1 year ago
@maccagrabme The main differences are the envelope generators were very unsophisticated but the modulation section was more complex. The basic sound was still Moog, but the variations you get are very different.
horowizard 1 year ago
Comment removed
MeuronDB 1 year ago
I'm interested!
vipvop 1 year ago
@vipvop Sorry man. Sold it months ago.
MeuronDB 1 year ago
what? did R2D2 say something there?
Locust1313 1 year ago
It should be mentioned that these things weren't built very well.... the face plate is flimsy and although it was built into it's own suitcase, they aren't very reliable. This was actually Moog's educational synth... geared for schools. But it does have THAT sound... just be sure to try before you buy!
THESonicMMM 2 years ago 3
I wish I wasn't forced to agree... but I do. These are not as roadworthy as others.
AutomaticGainsay 2 years ago
By the way... great videos!
THESonicMMM 2 years ago
@AutomaticGainsay so if i got one, is that to say it wouldnt last?
333poison07 1 year ago
That depends on its construction. They do have some connector issues internally which can lead to extensive repair. However, if it currently works, it'll probably continue working, so I wouldn't worry about one which is fully functional too much!
AutomaticGainsay 1 year ago
Educational synth? Why?
F0nkyNinja 2 years ago
There is such a thing as electronic music classes, and there has been since the mid 1900s. Perhaps not at K-12 and high schools, but at colleges. Actaully Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead had taken some classes in the late 60's, so i know it's been happening since about that time. There's some real early synth music composed by a dude named Xenakis called Poem Electronique. It's probably on youtube.
ChrisGuerre 2 years ago
I disagree. The face plate may appear flimsy but the one I have has been around for a while and everything still works as well as the day it was made. Not my first choice if I had to pay for one, but the modulation matrix makes for some very complex waveshapes.
horowizard 2 years ago
I was just looking at EBAY for the 1 Sonic Six that's being sold by the estate of Mark Freeland (Sept 26th 2009).
With 7h 6m to go they're still asking $1,500 or best offer.
r5t6y12 2 years ago
If it's functional, buy it! That's a fair price!
AutomaticGainsay 2 years ago
whats the music in that video?? which band???? is great!!! please tell me!!! (the first song...?!)
kingkatalogas 2 years ago
It is a song called "Symphysis" by a defunct Minneapolis band called Furniture.
AutomaticGainsay 2 years ago
i guess ring mod and xmod are the same bro
nophil 2 years ago
fm is pretty much a totally different style of synthesis
UnchainTheNight1 2 years ago
dunno, but my jx-8p doesnt half as much with it as this synth.
UnchainTheNight1 2 years ago
I got to use one of these and an Arp Odyssey in Jazz band in high school...and a rhodes and a wurlitzer EP..it came in its own suitcase..had to tune it on almost every song. We did the broadway version of "the Wiz" and used the Sonic Six for strings and sound effects (I did all the keys and the strings and the soundeffects). The score actually had "Moog" parts charted for the sound effects
spangfract 2 years ago 5
ow eh, by the way. i think that $3600 sonic six ebay auction is about the longest running auction ever. ;-)
sonicsecs 2 years ago 3
determining the price of a sonic6 by comparing it to a minimoog is stupid really (sorry for the word, don't mean to be rude, not a native english speaker) the minimoog has a great sound, but there's not that many synths that have the lfo section and ringmodulator with all its routings and stuff that the sonic 6 sports.
and albeit not minimoog, it's got a great sound of its own. i love it. in europe prices vary from 1200-1400 euro's (which nowadays would be around $1500-1800
sonicsecs 2 years ago
My comparison was simply for the sake of defining monetary value. I agree with your statement! I hope you don't think I'm not a fan of the Sonic Six. I love it!
Thanks for your post. Your English was very effective. : )
AutomaticGainsay 2 years ago
no worries - i know what you mean. and in fact, when i look at what is asked for a minimoog, around $2500-3000, you're estimate's not that bad. overhere the price of a minimoog buys you a sonic6, source and micromoog. my 3 favorite moog synths
sonicsecs 2 years ago
If you could buy all three of those, for the price of a Mini, I would tell people to do it! I am a big fan of the Sonic Six and the Micro. I would only encourage a person to buy a Mini if they were looking for the Mini's specific sound, in comparison to the huge palette provided by those three.
AutomaticGainsay 2 years ago
At around 1:20 it sound like Galaga.
tight384 2 years ago
searched for this on ebay and the only one for sale was $3,600!
enthusia492 2 years ago
That is too much. The Sonic Six should always be less in value than a Minimoog. It has one less oscillator, does not have the classic Moog sound (although it has a great sound!), and some durability issues. I would say a guide to the value of the Sonic Six should be that it should be at least a thousand less than the Mini at any given time.
AutomaticGainsay 2 years ago
I love Synth
0MarciaAlexandria0 2 years ago
Thank you so much!
omanafire 2 years ago
You made me orgasm.
MrEggcake 3 years ago
in a baf way
MrEggcake 3 years ago
Thank you for sharing.
scrualla 2 years ago
Spread your orgasms around.
MrEggcake 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
you can' t play something without change something for more than 5 sec?
maisquisuije 3 years ago
I'm sorry you are not satisfied with the video.
AutomaticGainsay 3 years ago
hahahahaha you di...."·"$"·% this is a demonstrative video about the features of this synthesizer not a musical video clip hahahaha.....
fututronic 3 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
so what? that' s a good demonstrative video but just some of sounds are great but i think it' s not a bad thing to want to listen more than 5sec thoose sounds, that' s all !!!
maisquisuije 3 years ago
That's a nice intro music! Have you found it yet? :-). Would love to hear the rest.
odakueffect 3 years ago
Hey, thanks! Yes, I have! And it will be available soon (he said cryptically). : )
AutomaticGainsay 3 years ago
where do u get all this equipment from?
nunurox 3 years ago
Most of it was purchased off of eBay... where it is all relatively common.
AutomaticGainsay 3 years ago
cool now all i need is a credit card
nunurox 3 years ago 5
Hi, I really enjoy the videos that you post here. It's a really great chance to hear some machines that are hard to come by. Anyway, I really like the intro song for this particular video. Is there somewhere I can hear the rest of it? Thanks.
ryobimaiori 3 years ago
Thanks! The song is from a band I used to head called "Furniture," and I don't have it anywhere available on the internet. I will try to dig it up, and perhaps I can e-mail it to you.
AutomaticGainsay 3 years ago
thanks a lot! that would beat logging on to youtube all the time to hear it!
regards
ryobimaiori 3 years ago
how many moogs do you have? lol
killanator21 3 years ago
Love the sound.. feels so "near".
HenrikRagnarsson 4 years ago 3
Yes, it is duophonic... one of the few. There is a function that allows one oscillator to play the highest note depressed, and the other to play the lowest note depressed, resulting in two tones.
AutomaticGainsay 4 years ago
do you see them in vintage shops much any more
mrredhot 4 years ago
Those LFO sequences remind me of the intro to "Jungle Love" By Steve miller band.
mooghammondb3 4 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
bad song
grandmaos 4 years ago
bad post
shiby14 3 years ago
I think the Arp 2600 (suitcased blue marvin) has to be my favorite looking synth. Sorry, Sonic 6 :S .
Jrayk1 4 years ago
Well, then be looking for the video I will be making about my newly-acquired grey-face ARP 2600!
AutomaticGainsay 4 years ago
I really like the colors set on the sonic six. It's definitely in my list of favorite looking synths.
Jrayk1 4 years ago
Yes, I have to say that it is my favourite looking synth. Playing it is like sitting at the dashboard of a 1970s-style spaceship. Roger Manning once said something along the lines of it being like furniture from 2001 A Space Odyssey.
AutomaticGainsay 4 years ago
Really Cool. I have one Sonic six that we use a lot in my band "MooseQuartet.
Pojlof
Pojlof 4 years ago
Ah, that's great. The Sonic Six has always been my personal favorite of the Moogs. I love the blue color and the built-in speaker. The best part is that they marketed it for use in school music programs. I wish my school had had one of those when I was a kid. And I wish I had one now myself!
carpeteria 5 years ago
I wish I still had mine, too. It was a lovely device. I hope to have another one some day! They really have a unique sound and a gorgeous and fun interface.
AutomaticGainsay 5 years ago
Sounds like the synth on Wings' Band on The Run in 1973
finchtrump 5 years ago
Pretty wild and freaky sounds! Sounds like it could have been used to make the audio of space invaders or something.
Trance88 5 years ago
I want one...NOW.
Pighood 5 years ago
I'll try and do something on the 800DV at some point :-)
Watching the Sonic Six clip again and I have to say I am more into it. Thanks...
baward 5 years ago
Thanks for the discussion! Oh, man... if you make an 800DV video, you'll just make me have to have one!!!
: ) Drop me a message if you do, I'd love to see it, and I'll add it to the Analog Synthesizers group!
AutomaticGainsay 5 years ago
Interesting demo of a rather plain-sounding synth, thanks though! It seems to be somewhere between a Minimoog and a Satellite - shame it goes for a sky-high price these days, partly because of the fact that its says 'Moog' on it. The Korg 800DV is a much more flexible and interesting machine than the Sonic Six in my humble opinion - grab one if you can!
baward 5 years ago
I was quite fond of its aural character. To me, it sounded more like an early Roland synth than a Moog. I would pay high prices for one for functionality and aesthetic character, but I agree that they probably fetch high prices due to the label. I have always wanted an 800DV. I remember when both could be had in the $500 to $600 region. :::sighs:::
AutomaticGainsay 5 years ago
Not only do you play a Sonic Six in this Video, but you have a CALCULATOR WATCH!
very cool.
clocklife 5 years ago
The calculator watch has been commented upon in other videos! Sadly, the strap has broken and the battery is dying, and I don't think I'm going to replace it. I might have to sell it on eBay as "The watch shown in Automatic Gainsay analog videos!" ; )
AutomaticGainsay 5 years ago
Fortunately, Casio still makes calculator watches! They are quite handy; probably more practical than a Rolex.
Had a Casio calculator watch that lasted me for about 12 years until it died, more or less. I bought a new one, also a Casio calculator watch, but with the Databank feature.
Intersonus903 5 years ago
What did this thing cost back in 1972, a few hundred grand?
RacerXGTO 5 years ago
I have actually never heard, but I'll bet it was under $5000.
AutomaticGainsay 5 years ago
Actually the Sonic Six was Moogs most inexpensive model. I paid $1100.00 Brand new from Moog in 1974 for mine.
acousticphotonica 5 years ago
COOL did i can find a moog in mexico?
NENARULES 5 years ago
I don't know!
AutomaticGainsay 5 years ago
Like mario bross sound track, it is a moog expencive?
NENARULES 5 years ago
In the sense that computer games use digital synthesizers to achieve the sounds, I guess I'd agree... but comparing this to a cell phone is like comparing a trumpet to a party favor.
Yes, you're not likely to buy one of these for less than $1300 if it works.
AutomaticGainsay 5 years ago
To be fair, in the case of more modern cellphones, there are cellphones that use polyphonic wavetable digital synthesis, such as my Motorola RAZR V3. Some of the sounds on my phone are MIDI as opposed to being digital samples.
Of course, wavetable digital synthesis is not frequency modulated analogue synthesis.
Intersonus903 5 years ago
That sounds like a celphone
NENARULES 5 years ago
Well, that's a new one. An exciting change in comparison to the standard "that sounds like Nintendo games!"
AutomaticGainsay 5 years ago
Ever have anyone make the comment about something sounding like a Commodore 64?
Speaking of which, a company, I forget who at the moment, made an instrument that uses an actual SID chip that was used in the C64. The instrument is called the Sidstation.
I wonder if anyone's tried to do a piece using all synthesizer technologies combined?
Intersonus903 5 years ago
Very nice.
oysterrock 5 years ago
God my grandmother is younger than this synth. To bad she is not as interesting :(
00watcher 5 years ago
It came out when I was 5. Are you saying I'm old? ; )
AutomaticGainsay 5 years ago
love your videos! always wondered what the sonic six was capable of...sounds good, but it still ain't no mini :)
sampleandhold 5 years ago
No, it's not a Mini... it's a synthesizer in its own right! The only reason people don't often realize how great it is is because there is always the Mini comparison. Everyone should have a Mini, but if you want a unique sound, get a Sonic Six!
AutomaticGainsay 5 years ago
Oh MAN! I didn't know you had one of these! That's crazy. I've always wanted to see what one could do.
Thanks again, Marc, your videos are great.
mootbooxle 5 years ago
Thank you so much! I don't actually have one anymore, I sold it to buy my Minimoog!
AutomaticGainsay 5 years ago