DIY MOOG Filter vs MoogerFooger Filter

[manulaudic]

Hi !

I want to get a Moog Filter so i can run my synths through it and get some great tones.
Has anyone built one? Compared it to the Moogerfooger Filter box?

I am thinking of this build : http://www.yusynth.net/Modular/EN/MOOGVCF/index.html

If anyone can show some light whether or not it is wise to go the DIY route considering the Moogerfooger is pretty low on price or if the DIY would sound better !

Thanks a lot,
Manu

 

[gato]

I don't know whether its comparable to a moogerfooger but I've built that filter.
A few things to keep in mind:
You'll have to build a power supply, and current draw on that module is really low so you should just bite the bit and build some other modules as well since you're already building the supply  :
I etched the boards myself which isn't a huge deal but it does make a lot of sense to etch multiple boards at a time rather than just one. You can also get boards other places, I think bridechamber.com carries them.
You need to match the transistors so you need a DMM that has a tester or throw something together.
The CA3046's aren't in stock at most suppliers like mouser but you can get them at smallbearelec.com
You'll have to build some kind of housing for it. The cool thing about modulars is that each module just needs a metal sheet with some drilling (another reason to build a couple modules).
Also, most important thing: if you do go the DIY route you will get obsessed and you will spend all your time and money collecting components for more projects than you can finish this lifetime
goodluck

 

[critterkllr]

I've been obsessively looking at DIY modular synths lately. I haven't read any negative comments about the Yusynth modules. I'm planning on building one soon.

I do own all of the Moogerfoogers and the MF-101 is top notch. With the MF-101 you are also getting an envelope follower, the moog drive circuit, CV control of all the controls and an easy way to attach to pedalboards. You can find them for under $200 used pretty easily. In the event that you decide to sell it, they hold resale well. Keep in mind, if you're going for a modular way to get the moog filter sound, you may have to look into an envelope generator to control the sweep. The envelope follower is cool for guitars, but it just resembles an auto-wah type of effect.

 

[vladosh]

Modular synths are a great addiction , i have been building myself for a few years now  ,i think maybe the Oakley version of a moog vcf is the best by the looks of the schematic ,just bit more details then yusynth and this has env follower in it too http://www.emusic-diy.org/Schematics/Oakley/FilterBox?action=AttachFile&do=get&target=filter1.gif ,however for anyone who wants to go into modulars you may check the schematics vault at electro-music ,it's a collection i put together and i tried to pick at least 90% of working projects and no-fault schematics  http://electro-music.com/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=Schematics.Listbytype ,btw the SEM Oberheim Filter sounds great to me

 

[Uhl]

I build a breadboard version of the Moog filter based on the schematics of Yusynth (very nice guy, i had some questions and wrote him a mail and he explained everything very detailed).
I placed the module in a small box so I can use it as a stomp box. If you go the DIY route you can always make some changes to make it sound like you want it to. I  modified the input stage with another OP Amp so I can get more gain to drive the filter harder.
On the other hand is the envelope follower in the MF-101 a really useful feature. I do not own the MF-101 only the MF-Drive of the Minifooger series. I must say the build quality of the pedal is very good and it is totally quiet.

I think in the end it all comes down to the question whether you want to build something yourself and be proud of it or if you want a great pedal which is working out of the box.

 

[etheory]

I own the MF-101 and find it rather noisy.
Those pedals are really designed for guitar inputs first and foremost and I've found them pretty noisy to use on line level signals.
I would imagine that the original implementation, with the original higher spec PSU rails would give much better results than the MF-101.

They are fun to use pedals, but in my opinion, you'd get far better results with DIY.

I'm literally going to be doing this and building Model D and 904 DIY implementations to compare myself.

It has "the sound" for sure, and it's distortion/overdrive is interesting if not a bit grainy for my taste, but it's definitely not a quiet piece of high-end recording gear so much as a fun effect that gives a good all round result on a variety of sources.

YMMV, and this is just all my own opinion.
For instance, for overall noise levels, my Oberheim SEM analog synth (another old analog design of a similar ilk and era) is DEAD quiet in comparison.

Yes, build quality is outstanding, however.

 

[vladosh]

For instance, for overall noise levels, my Oberheim SEM analog synth (another old analog design of a similar ilk and era) is DEAD quiet in comparison.

The Oberheim VCF is really creamy filter as they call it but i like it , ive built a Polivoks and Steiner vcf so far both very edgy and rough vcf's ,wanna try some Serge VCF and Wasp ,also ,about Moog for some reason i really like this version http://www.schmitzbits.de/rsmoog_scaled.png i think maybe is true to the original ,and is all just transistors ,just to match the first and the last pair for Vbe in the ladder as i recall and prolly the following output cell

 

[etheory]

http://www.schmitzbits.de/rsmoog_scaled.png

That is the original Minimoog Model D filter schematic.

For more info go here: http://www.fantasyjackpalance.com/fjp/sound/synth/synthdata/16-moog-minimoog.html
There is an absolute wealth of info there about the Model D

And for the 904a, from the Model IIIC Moog Modular: http://rudn.nodevice.com/preview/big/373/373104-1.jpg

The main difference being the 904a has a hotter input so it distorts earlier and more.

 

[manulaudic]

Thank you all for your answers !

It took rather long for me to reply

Well, i guess if DIY is what i want to do i should just do so. Otherwise the MF101 is a damn great pedal for the price considering the extra FX and all...

Maybe i will do both. Start with buying the MF101 and then build a stomp box version fo the DIY filter from yusynth !

Thanks for clearing this out.

M