Moog Music Little Phatty Stage II User Manual
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LP Stage II User’s Manual - Appendices
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LP Stage II User’s Manual - Appendices
So there you have it - the six basic components that make up a synthesizer based on the subtractive
synthesis model. Keep in mind that most ‘subtractive’ synthesizers often include more than one of each
component. This is especially true of the oscillators and envelope generators (the Little Phatty has two of
each), but may also be true of filters, amplifiers and LFO’s. For example, the Moog Voyager has three oscilla-
tors, two filters, two amplifiers, an LFO, two extensive modulation sections, and the Voyager’s third oscillator
can act as an additional LFO. Synthesizers that offer more than one of each type of component provide
a broader palette for sound creation, resulting in sounds with a greater complexity, variation, and depth.
Nonetheless, even a simple analog synth like the LP can be used for incredibly expressive sounds given solid
programming and playing technique.
So what is the best way to configure and program these synthesis components effectively? The answer
could fill a book’s worth of explanations and examples. Two such recommended books on this subject are:
“Power Tools for Synthesizer Programming” by Jim Aiken, available from Backbeat Books
“Analog Synthesis” by Reinhard Smitz, available from Wizoo Publications
You can also learn a lot from examining the factory presets in detail. The Little Phatty’s presets were crafted
by some of the best sound designers in music today, and you can learn their secrets simply by exploring the
individual parameters that makeup the sound. Just dial up a few presets and dig in!
As with all musical instruments, practice, exploration and experimentation are an important part of achiev-
ing great results. Spend a little time getting to know your new instrument - your efforts will be rewarded!