Moog VOYAGER User Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING – When using electric products, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:

1) Read all the instructions before using the product.

2) Do not use this product near water – for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, in a wet basement, or
near a swimming pool or the like.

3) This product should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.

4) This product, in combination with an amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing
sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume
level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in your ears, you should consult
an audiologist.

5) The product should be located so that its location does not interfere with its proper ventilation.

6) The product should be located away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, or other products that
produce heat.

7) The product should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as
marked on the product.

8) The power-supply cord of the product should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of
time.

9) Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.

10) The product should be serviced by qualified personnel when:
a) The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
b) Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled onto the product; or
c) The product has been exposed to rain; or
d) The product does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in
performance; or
e) The product has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.

11) Do not attempt to service the product beyond that described in the user-maintenance instructions. All other

servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.

DANGER: INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS: Do not open the
chassis. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel only.

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS:
This product must be grounded. If it should malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a path of least resistance
for electrical current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This product is equipped with a cord having an equipment
grounding connector and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an appropriate outlet that is properly
installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.

DANGER – Improper connection of the equipment-grounding connector can result in a risk of electric shock. Check
with a qualified electrician or serviceman if you are in doubt as to whether the product is properly grounded. Do not
modify the plug provided with this product – if it will not fit in the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified
electrician.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Here it is – the minimoog Voyager. Moog Music has put more than 30 years of

experience with analog synthesizer technology into the design of this instrument to
bring you the fattest lead synthesizer since the minimoog was introduced in 1970.
We’ve done away with the things that made 30-year-old analog synthesizers difficult
– the tuning instability, the lack of patch memory, and the lack of compatibility with
MIDI gear. We’ve kept the good parts – the rugged construction, the fun of
changing a sound with knobs in real time, and the amazing, warm, fat, pleasing
analog sound. The Voyager is our invitation to you to explore analog synthesis and
express yourself. It doesn’t matter what style of music you play – the Voyager is here
to help you tear it up in the studio, on stage, or in the privacy of your own home.
Have fun!

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

I. Getting Started……………………………………………………... 3
II. The Basics of Analog Synthesis…………………………………… 6
III. The Voyager’s features…………………………………………… 13
IV. The Voyager’s Components

A. Mixer……………………………………………………………... 18
B. Oscillators……………………………………………………….. 19
C. Filters…………………………………………………………….. 22
D. Envelope Generators………………………………………….. 26
E. Audio Outputs…………………………………………………… 29
F. Mod Busses……………………………………………………... 30
G. LFO/ Sample and Hold………………………………………… 33
H. Keyboard and Left Hand Control Panel ……………………… 35
I. The Touch Surface Controller …………………………………… 36
J. The Back Panel …………………………………………………. 37
K. The User Interface/Voyager Software………………………… 38

1. The Interface…………………………………………… 38

2. Master Mode…………………………………………... 39

3. Edit Mode………………………………………………. 41

4. Panel Mode……………………………………………. 45

5. MIDI………………………………………………………. 46
Appendix A: Caring for your Voyager………………………………. 47
Appendix B: Service and Technical Support Information…………. 47
Appendix C: List of Presets…………………………………………… 48
Appendix D: MIDI Implementation Chart…………………………… 51

Note: Specifications subject to change without notice.

 Moog Music Inc. 2002, 2003 All rights reserved.

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I. Getting Started
For those of you who can’t wait to read the manual (perfectly understandable
when you have a brand new synthesizer…), the following are the important steps to
get you going with your new Voyager. Once the adrenaline subsides a bit, you will
find this manual to be an excellent guide to exploring the outer reaches of your
minimoog Voyager.

- Check the contents in the shipping carton
The Voyager comes in a carton with a removable lid, and contains the following:
The minimoog Voyager itself, a power cord, and the bag that contains the manual
and warranty registration card.

- What you will need
In addition to the Voyager and its provided accessories, you will need:

- A keyboard stand or table that will hold the Voyager,

- (1) ¼” instrument cable for connecting in mono, or (2) ¼” instrument cables for
connecting in stereo,

- an amplifier, or headphones,

- a properly wired AC outlet.

- Warranty registration
Before you get started with your Voyager, please fill out your warranty registration
card and send it to Moog Music Inc. This will activate your warranty and is a vital
piece of information for us to provide you with the best service.

- Remove the Voyager from the carton
Before you remove the Voyager from the carton, make sure you have a space in
mind to set it up. Keep in mind that you will need a keyboard stand or table that
will support a 40 lb. analog synthesizer and will not topple if you play hard. The
Voyager weighs about 40 lbs., so use caution when lifting it out of the carton. Make
sure to save the packaging in case you need to ship the Voyager for any reason.

- Set tilt of panel
The Voyager’s front panel can be tilted for comfortable adjustment of the panel
controls while you play the keyboard. Once the Voyager is on a stand, the
Voyager’s panel can be lifted by the handle on the back of the instrument and set
to one of 5 angles. Pull the front panel forward and lift the hinged support for the
panel and insert the tab into the appropriate slot on the back panel for your desired
front panel angle. CAUTION: Do not over-tilt the front panel when pulling it forward.
Make sure the support bracket is properly seated into the slots on the back panel
before playing.

-Connect to source of AC
Connect the Voyager’s power receptacle to a wall outlet with the supplied AC
cordset (see figure 1). The Voyager will operate with a power source from 100 to 240
Volts.

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-Power up

Turn the power on. You will see the screen light up and display: “minimoog
Voyager by moog music”. After about 5 seconds the greeting screen
disappears and you will see the MASTER mode options. The LED labeled
“MASTER” will be lit. The buttons labeled “PANEL”, “EDIT”, and “MASTER” access
the 3 operating modes of the Voyager.

-Connect to Amplifier

Connect your Voyager to headphones or an amplifier (figure1). For a mono
connection, use the jack labeled “left/mono”. To connect the Voyager to a stereo
amplifier, use the left/mono and right audio outputs to connect to the left and right
inputs of your amplifier. To get a sound, play the keyboard. Adjust the amplifier level
until it is at a comfortable level for listening.

Start Playing!

-

The quickest way to hear what the Voyager has to offer is to listen to the presets. Press the
PANEL button and ENTER. The screen will display the name and number of the last preset
that was in memory. Pressing the +1 or –1 buttons will access a new preset. Presets 001 –
128 are loaded with sounds from the factory. There are a total of 128 locations in
memory for presets. Note that once a preset is called up, you can tweak the parameters
to your liking. If you make changes to a preset and want to return to the original sound,
simply press ENTER.

To operate exclusively from the Front Panel and not from the Presets, the actual panel
parameters must be loaded. This is done by pressing the EDIT button to enter EDIT mode;
then use the +1 button to highlight REAL PANEL CONTROL. Press ENTER, and you will see
the prompt: ” Load actual panel parameter? Yes/No”. Use CURSOR to select Yes and

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press ENTER. The sound produced by the Voyager is now determined by the settings of
the front panel independently of preset memory.

When working with the Voyager, keep in mind that many of the controls are
interactive, so there is frequently more than one way to control a single parameter.
For instance, if the sustain level of the Volume Envelope is all the way down, and the
attack and decay times are at zero, there will be no output. It is really important to
understand the workings of all the controls and how they interact in order to
understand how a sound (or lack thereof) is produced.

For a thorough understanding of the Voyager and it’s workings, continue on with this
manual…

5

II. THE BASICS OF ANALOG SYNTHESIS

For those getting started in the world of electronic music, let’s take a few moments
to go through the basics of sound and synthesis. This will help you understand what
the front panel controls do.

In order to understand synthesis, one must have a basic working knowledge of
the characteristics of sound. There are a few key terms that cover the basics:

Sound – audible vibrations of air pressure. Electronic sounds are delivered to the air
through loudspeakers. (figure 2)

Frequency– The rate of vibration in sound measured in Hertz (Hz or cycles/second)
(figure 3). Our ears can hear from 20 to 20,000 Hz. Frequency corresponds to the
musical term, pitch. A low frequency corresponds to a low-pitched sound such as
a bass; a high frequency sound corresponds to a high pitched sound such as a
piccolo. In music, a change in pitch of one octave higher equals a doubling of the
frequency.

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Amplitude – The strength of a sound’s vibration measured in Decibels (dB). This
corresponds to the musical term Loudness (figure 4).

Harmonic Content – A sound is made up of simple vibrations at many different
frequencies (called harmonics) which give a sound its particular character. This
corresponds to the musical term timbre or tone color. A harmonic sound, such as a
vibrating string, is one in which the harmonics are mathematically related by what is
called the harmonic series. These sounds are typically pleasing to the ear and
generally the consecutive vibrations have the same characteristic shape or
waveform. An inharmonic sound, such as a crash cymbal, is one in which the
harmonics are not mathematically related. Their waveforms look chaotic. White
noise is an inharmonic sound that contains equal amounts of all frequencies. A
frequency spectrum is a graph of harmonics vs. their amplitude; a waveform is a
graph of the amplitude of a sound vs. time (figure 5).

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In general, “synthesis” refers to the generation of sound through a group of
amplified circuits over which the programmer/performer has power to change
volume, pitch, timbre and articulation. The Minimoog Voyager is based on what is
called “subtractive synthesis”. This method of synthesis employs a harmonically rich
(think bright-sounding) source material, and then removes frequency components
to create the desired sound. The basic components of subtractive synthesis and
their definitions follow:

Oscillator: A circuit that electronically “vibrates”. When used as a sound source, an
oscillator is the electronic equivalent of a vibrating reed, or string. When amplified,
an oscillator produces a pitched sound whose frequency is determined by one or
more control voltages (see below for more info). Changes to these voltages
correspond to changes in pitch. An oscillator’s vibration can have different shapes
or waveforms, which are described below. The Voyager has three oscillators.

Waveform: The shape of an oscillator’s vibration. This determines its timbre.
Commonly used waveforms in subtractive synthesis are sawtooth, triangle, square,
or rectangular. Different waveforms have different timbres. A sawtooth has the
greatest number of harmonics, and sounds bright and buzzy. A square wave has
only odd harmonics, and sounds bright, but hollow, like a clarinet. A rectangular
wave can vary in shape, but typically has a bright but thin sound, and a triangle
wave’s harmonics are so low in amplitude that it sounds muted and flutelike (figure

6).

Mixer: A circuit for combining multiple sound sources or signals. The Voyager’s Mixer
allows you to select and set the level for up to 5 different sound sources.

8

Filter: A circuit that removes some frequencies and allows other frequencies to pass
through the circuit.
A filter has a cutoff frequency that determines the point at which frequencies begin
to be removed.
A lowpass filter is one in which frequencies above the cutoff frequency are removed
and all frequencies below the cutoff are passed through.
A highpass filter is one in which frequencies below the cutoff frequency are
removed and frequencies above the cutoff are passed through.
A bandpass filter has two cutoff frequencies that define a frequency band, outside
of which the frequencies are removed (figure 7).

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Control Voltage - Control voltages (also called CVs) are used in analog synthesizers
to affect changes in the sound. In the case of pitch, pressing a key on the
keyboard sends a control voltage that determines the pitch of the oscillators. The
pitch can also be changed by a voltage provided from a panel control, such as an
oscillator tuning control. Every panel control on the Voyager produces a control
voltage that is routed to the circuit that the knob or slider is designed to change. An
oscillator with pitch varied by the voltage from the keyboard or tuning control is a
Voltage Controlled Oscillator, or VCO. A filter whose cutoff frequency is determined
by a voltage provided from the cutoff control is a Voltage Controlled Filter, or VCF.
An amplifier whose amplification is determined by a CV is a Voltage Controlled
Amplifier, or VCA.
To illustrate the idea of control voltages, let’s look at a theoretical voltage
controlled synth with a VCO, VCF (lowpass) and VCA. Let’s suppose that the VCO
frequency and VCF cutoff frequency change one octave for every volt applied to
their control inputs. Let’s also suppose that the VCA output level is at 100% when +5
Volts is supplied to the control input, and is at 0% when 0 Volts is applied. In figure
8a, The VCO oscillates at 500 Hz with a +1 V CV, the VCF has a cutoff frequency of
16 kHz with a +5 V CV, and the VCA produces 100% output with a +5 V. In figure
8b, we reduce the VCO CV to 0 V, a change of 1 Volt. Notice that the frequency is
halved – a change of one octave. The VCF CV is dropped 6 volts to –1 V. Notice
that the cutoff frequency then drops 6 octaves, and at 250 Hz, only allows the
fundamental tone through. Finally, the VCA CV is reduced by 3 Volts. Notice the
amplification is reduced to 40% of the maximum level.

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Modulation - Modulation is the use of a CV to affect a voltage-controlled circuit.
Modulation has a source, destination, and amount. This could be as simple as the
filter cutoff of a VCF (a modulation destination) being changed by the front panel
cutoff control (the source), or as complex as mixing multiple CVs together to
modulate filter cutoff. Modulation is used in synthesis to create complex sounds
and add variation.

Envelope Generator - An envelope describes the contours that affect the
characteristics of a sound as it evolves in time from its start to its finish. Take a
plucked string for example: when a string is plucked, its amplitude is suddenly very
loud, then dies out gradually. The initial part of the sound is very bright but then the
brightness fades away. The frequency of the sound goes slightly higher and then
drops slightly as the note fades. These kinds of changes in a sound over time can
be applied to oscillators, filters or the amplitude of an electronically generated
sound by an envelope generator. The envelope generator creates a CV that
describes the contours of a sound. Attack, measured in time, specifies the onset or
transient of a sound. With Volume for instance, the sound might start suddenly as
does a plucked string sound, or fade in slowly like a bowed string crescendo.
Decay is also measured in time and specifies how quickly the onset of a sound
fades into the sustained portion. Sustain is the level at which a sound sustains after
the initial transient. Release is measured in time and determines how long a sound
takes to fade away after a note is released. These four components make up an
ADSR envelope generator. An envelope control signal has to be started and
stopped. The start and stop is triggered by what is called a gate signal. A gate
signal is either on or off. When it goes on, the Envelope generator is started, when
the gate goes off, the release segment of the envelope begins. (figure 9)

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Low Frequency Oscillator - Also called an LFO, this is a special type of voltage
controlled oscillator that oscillates primarily below the range of human hearing.
LFOs are typically used as a source of modulation.
For instance - an LFO with a triangle waveform at about 6 Hz modulating the pitch
of a VCO sounds like vibrato. The same LFO with a square wave will sound like a trill.
An LFO modulating a voltage controlled amplifier will sound like a tremolo (figure

10).

Sample and Hold - This is a circuit with an input for a control voltage and an input
for a trigger. Each time the trigger is fired, the circuit takes the voltage that appears
at the input and holds it at the output until the next time the circuit is triggered.
An LFO is a common way to trigger a sample and hold (or S&H) circuit. When an
LFO is applied to the trigger input, and a random signal such as white noise is
applied to the CV input, a random stepped voltage will appear at the output in
time with the each cycle of the LFO. (figure 11)

Glide - Also called portamento, is the slowing down of pitch changes as you play
different notes on the keyboard. In synthesizers, a rate is specified that determines
how fast the glide between notes is.

These terms are basic to understanding analog subtractive synthesis. Should you
choose to pursue a more in depth study of the subject, recommended is the book
Analog Synthesis by Reinhard Smitz, available from Wizoo Publications
(www.wizoo.com).

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III. The Voyager’s Features

The minimoog Voyager is a monophonic analog synthesizer that is a descendant of
the classic minimoog. Its sound sources are an external audio input, a noise source,
and three analog, variable waveform oscillators. The Voyager has front panel
controls for real time control of its parameters (figure 12).

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The back panel offers the many connections available, including the power, MIDI,
CV, and audio connections (figure 13). For the Control Inputs, a blue nut indicates a
gate/footswitch input and a red nut indicates a CV/ expression pedal input.

- The Oscillator section includes controls for choosing the octave, the tuning of the
second and third oscillators, the oscillators’ waveforms, and switches for oscillator
sync, linear FM, and oscillator 3’s frequency range and keyboard control.

- The sound sources are selected and their levels are set in the Mixer section.
The output of the Mixer section goes to the Filter section. An effect can be inserted
between the Mixer and Filters by means of the Mix Out/ Filter In jack.

- The Filter section contains two filters that work together in two different modes. Dual
Lowpass mode features two lowpass filters in parallel and Highpass-Lowpass mode
features a lowpass and highpass filter in series. The Cutoff control affects both filters’
cutoff frequencies, and the Spacing control sets a difference between the two
filters’ cutoff frequencies. The outputs of the Filters are passed on to the Output
VCAs.

- The Envelopes section contains one ADSR envelope generator for the Filters, and
one ADSR envelope generator for the Output VCAs. The audio path is illustrated in
figure 14.

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- When a key is pressed, A Gate and Pitch CV are produced by the keyboard. The
Gate signal is used to trigger both the Filter and Volume Envelopes. The Pitch CV is
used to determine the pitch of the Oscillators and can be applied to a varying
degree to the Filters through the Keyboard Control Amount knob.

- Modulation is performed through the Modulation Busses. There are two separate
Mod busses. One is controlled by the Mod Wheel, while the other is controlled by
the MOD1 CV input. If nothing is plugged into the MOD1 CV Input, then the
PEDAL/ON bus is on at the level determined by the Amount control. In each Mod
Bus, a Modulation Source, Shaping signal and Destination are selected. An overall
maximum modulation amount can be set with the Amount control. The Modulation
CV paths are illustrated in figure 16.

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- The LFO is assigned through the MOD Busses. It features a triangle and square
wave. It is also used to trigger the Sample and Hold.

- The touch surface controller can control three parameters (X,Y,A) simultaneously.
The position of a finger on the touch pad generates a control voltage for horizontal
(X) position and a control voltage for vertical (Y) position. Pressing on the touch
surface causes a CV based on the area (A) of the fingertip. A light touch causes less
of your fingertip to touch the pad, a heavy touch causes more contact with the
touch surface.

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IV. The Voyager’s Components
A.

MIXER

The Mixer combines the main sound sources of the Voyager. It’s the place to start
when creating a new sound from scratch, or figuring out how a sound is put
together. All the sound sources can be turned on or off, and their levels can be
adjusted. The sound sources available are:

- External Audio Input

- Oscillator 1

- Oscillator 2

- Oscillator 3

- Noise Source
Each sound source has both an on/off switch and a level control. When working
with the Voyager, it is important to keep track of which sound sources are on and
which are off.

The audio output of the mixer goes to the filter. There is an insert jack on the back of
the unit where an external effect can be inserted in between the mixer and the
filter. This can also be used as direct output of the Mixer. Note that this output is
before the Volume envelope. If an Oscillator is selected and its level is above zero –
its sound will be there regardless of playing the keyboard.

OSCILLATORS 1 to 3: The controls for the Oscillators on the mixer are simple: on/off
and level. When the levels of the Oscillators are set high, the output from the mixer
gently overdrives the filter section. This was one of the important features in the
original minimoog that gave it its characteristic “fat” sound.

NOISE: The Noise source is a white/pink hybrid, and can be used as a sound source
or a modulation source.
Noise is great for making ocean wave sounds, explosions, wind sounds or using as a
subtle coloration to a sound.

EXTERNAL AUDIO IN: The External Audio in allows an external audio source to be
routed into the mixer, where it can be mixed with the VCOs and Noise source, then
passed to the filters and the out put. The LED above the External input begins to light
up as the Input signal to overdrives the Mixer input. When the light is faint, a small

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amount of soft clipping is occurring. When the LED is bright, the signal is really
strongly overdriven. Judicious use of overdrive can really fatten up a sound.
The external audio input can accept a signal from instrument level to line level.

MIX-OUT LOOP: The jack on the back labeled “mix out/filter in” is an insert point
between the Mixer output and the filter input. Using a standard insert cable an
effect such as a moogerfooger MF-102 Ring Modulator can be inserted to add
effects to the oscillator, noise source, and external audio in prior to the filter stage.
The Mixer output signal send appears at the tip of the jack. The return signal
appears at the ring of the jack. A cable plugged into the jack breaks the
connection between the mixer and the filter, Unless the Return signal is sent to the
ring of the jack, no signal will pass through to the filter. The level settings in the mixer
affect the output level, so keep this in mind as you try different devices in this loop.
This insert point is a great spot to insert a distortion or waveshaping device, a phaser,
ring modulator, or delay effects (figure 17).

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B. OSCILLATORS

The Oscillators are the main sound source of the Voyager. The oscillators in the
Voyager are all analog Voltage Controlled Oscillators, or VCOs. They feature a
temperature regulation circuit that provides them with excellent tuning stability. The
VCOs can produce a total musical range of 8 ½ octaves! In addition, the
frequency of oscillator 3 can be set to sub-audio (<20Hz) vibrations for use as a
second LFO.
Oscillator One performs as a master oscillator to which Oscillator 2 and 3 are
tuned. The timbres of the oscillators are adjusted by their variable Waveform
controls. In addition, there are switches for Oscillator 2 sync to 1; Linear Frequency
modulation of oscillator 1 by 3; Oscillator 3 keyboard control on/off; and Oscillator 3
Lo or Hi frequency range. The frequencies of the Oscillators are controlled by a
number of sources. The main source is the keyboard. The keyboard outputs a
voltage that allows the oscillators to be played in an equal tempered scale. The
glide circuit can be switched in between the Keyboard CV and the oscillators to
slow the changes between notes. The Keyboard CV is mixed with the Octave
switch CV, the Frequency control (oscillators 2 and 3), the Pitch Bend Wheel, the
Pitch CV In (on the back panel), the fine tune control, and the output of the Mod
Busses when the “Pitch” destination is selected.

OCTAVE: Oscillator Octave switch (6 positions)
Each Oscillator has a switch labeled Octave that selects the relative frequency
range. To hear how it works, turn off oscillators 2 and 3 with the mixer. Turn Oscillator
1 on and set its level to 5. Play a note on the keyboard and rotate the Oscillator 1
octave switch clockwise one click – the note will rise an octave. You can use this
control to change the frequency range that the keyboard controls. The markings 32’
up to 1’ are octave standards based on organ stops. On the 16’ setting the highest
A on the keyboard should be A440.

FREQUENCY: Oscillator 2 and 3 Frequency control
Oscillators 2 and 3 have a Frequency control. When the control is in the center
position, the oscillators should be in tune with the frequency of Oscillator 1 (when the
octave switches for all three oscillators are in the same position). The frequency
control can change the pitch of oscillator 2 or 3 a total of + or – 7 semitones

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relative to Osc. 1. This allows more than one frequency to be played when a key is
pressed, or to get a very swirly sound when the oscillators are slightly out of tune.
Oscillator 1 does not have a frequency control because it is designed to serve as a
reference oscillator for the other 2 oscillators.

FINE TUNE:
Fine tune control can be used to tune the Voyager’s oscillators + or – 2 semitones
for matching an external reference pitch.

WAVE: Oscillator waveform control
The VCOs of the Voyager feature a continuously variable waveform control. The
legend on the front panel shows the pure waveforms that are available. They are
triangle, sawtooth, square, and rectangular. The waveform is morphed gradually
from one to another as the waveform control is rotated. Because the waveform is
voltage controlled, this can be modulated. This allows generation of some very
interesting timbral changes. By limiting the modulation between the square and
skinny pulse waveform, you can get pulse width modulation. Although the
waveforms can be set from the front panel individually for each oscillator,
modulation is applied to all three waveform controls simultaneously. When using
modulation, it is possible to make the width of the rectangular wave so skinny that it
becomes silent.

3 KB CONT: Oscillator 3 Keyboard Control On/Off
The 3 KB Control switch, located below the oscillators disables keyboard control of
oscillator 3’s pitch when in the off position. By disabling the keyboard control of Osc.
3, you can use it as a drone, or as a modulation source whose frequency doesn’t

change with the key played.

In addition to turning off the keyboard control of
Oscillator 3, switching this to OFF increases the amount the Oscillator 3
FREQUENCY control changes Oscillator 3’s frequency.

3 FREQ: Oscillator 3 Frequency range switch Lo/Hi
This selects Oscillator 3’s frequency range. When in the Lo position, Osc. 3 operates
as a subaudio sound source (clicks) or as a modulation source (LFO). When in the Hi
position, Osc. 3 operates with the same available frequency range as Osc. 2.

1 Æ 2 SYNC: Oscillator 2 Synced to Oscillator 1
Oscillator Sync is an effect caused by resetting an oscillator waveform’s start point
with another oscillator (figure 18). The effect is noticeable if The Synced Oscillator is
a higher frequency than the Reset Oscillator. The main frequency heard is that of
the reset oscillator. As the frequency of the synced oscillator is swept, it reinforces
the harmonics of the reset oscillator. Depending on how applied, the effect can be
aggressive or warm and vocal. This effect is much more dramatic when Oscillator 2
is set to a higher octave than Oscillator 1.

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3 Æ 1 FM: Direct Linear Frequency Modulation of Osc. 1 by Osc. 3
When an Oscillator is used as a CV source for another VCO, it is called Frequency
modulation. Frequency Modulation effects can vary from vibrato or trill effects to
clangorous inharmonic sounds to rich timbres that evoke acoustic sounds. Linear
FM is the kind of Frequency Modulation used in classic FM synths.

GLIDE: Glide enables a glissando effect between notes. There is a switch on the left
hand controller panel that enables this effect. The knob labeled glide adjusts the
rate of glide. The glide can vary from a very fast to a very slow glide.

CONTROL INPUTS FOR THE OSCILLATOR SECTION: There are two inputs on the
back panel that accept CVs or expression pedals that affect the oscillator section.
They are labeled Pitch, and Wave. The Pitch input controls the frequencies of all
three oscillators. A one volt change of this voltage will change the pitch by
approximately one octave. The Waveform input controls the waveforms of all three
oscillators. A 5 Volt Change of this voltage will sweep the oscillator waveforms
through their entire range. Plugging in an expression pedal like the moogerfooger
EP-1 (ring = +5.5 supply to the pedal, tip =variable CV return) produces control
voltages from 0 V to +5 V at either control input.

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FILTERS

C.

Ahh… the Moog filter – the sound that started it all… Filters are used for
transforming the character of an audio signal. Filters are used to modify a sound by
stopping some frequencies and allowing others to pass through. An important term
regarding filters to understand is “Cutoff Frequency”. This is a frequency at which
frequencies begin to be rejected. There are different types of filters. Some of the
most common and most musically useful are lowpass, highpass, and bandpass. A
lowpass filter behaves as its name indicates: it allows low frequencies through and
rejects high frequencies. A highpass is filter does the opposite. It passes all
frequencies above the cutoff and rejects the frequencies below the cutoff.
A bandpass comes from a lowpass and highpass filter put together. The lowpass
filter defines a maximum frequency that will pass through, and the highpass filter
defines a minimum frequency that will pass through. What’s left is a band of
frequencies that will pass through the filters, hence the name, bandpass.
Another aspect of filters is their cutoff slope. This refers to how many dB per
octave frequencies are rolled off beyond the cutoff frequency. The number of
“poles” in a filter determines the cutoff slope. Each pole adds 6dB to the cutoff
slope. Therefore a 1-pole filter rolls off frequencies at 6db/octave, a 2-pole filter has
a 12dB/octave cutoff slope, 3 poles makes for a 18dB/octave cutoff slope, and a 4
pole filter has a 24dB/octave cutoff slope. The classic Moog filter is a 24dB/octave
lowpass filter.
With the Resonance control, a peak is created at the cutoff frequency (fig. 19).

22

When the resonant peaks of the lowpass filters pass through the overtones of the
sound being filtered, those overtones are reinforced. This gives the filter a nice
character that sounds vocal, quacky, or zappy, depending on how it’s used. When
the resonance is turned up past 8, the filters begin to self-oscillate at the cutoff
frequency, producing a sine wave tone. The Keyboard Control Amount control sets
how much the filters’ cutoff frequencies track the keyboard note that is played. As
you play higher on the keyboard, the cutoff frequency goes higher, too.

The Voyager features two filter modes: Dual Lowpass and Highpass/Lowpass

DUAL LOWPASS MODE:
The Voyager’s dual Lowpass filter mode features two lowpass filters which are routed
to the left or right audio output. The Cutoff knob controls the frequency cutoffs of
both filters. The filters can be set to the same cutoff frequency, or different cutoff
frequencies with the Spacing control (figure 20). When the two filters are set at
different cutoff frequencies and routed to two different speakers, what you hear is a
fantastically swirly and vocal sound – halfway between a phaser and a lowpass
filter.

23

HIGHPASS LOWPASS MODE:
In Highpass/Lowpass mode, the Voyagers filters are configured as a lowpass and
highpass filter in series, summed to both outputs. As with the dual lowpass mode,
the Cutoff control changes the cutoff frequency of both filters, and the spacing sets
the frequency difference between the highpass filter and lowpass filter. The spacing
between the two filters creates a bandpass filter (figure 21). The Resonance control
affects only the lowpass filter, thus making for some terrifically interesting filter
sounds.

CUTOFF:
The Cutoff knob is the main filter control. This sets the cutoff frequency of both of
the filters in the both dual lowpass and highpass/lowpass mode.

In Dual Lowpass, the frequencies to the right of the indicator on the knob are the
frequencies that are filtered out. The frequencies to the left of the indicator are the
frequencies that are allowed to pass through the filter. This is why as you turn the
control clockwise the cutoff frequency becomes higher and the sound becomes
brighter. Of course to hear the effect of a lowpass filter it helps to have a signal rich
in harmonics which provides high frequencies to filter. A good example of a sound
rich in harmonics is a sawtooth waveform.

In Highpass/ Lowpass mode, the combination of highpass and lowpass filters
forms a bandpass filter. The Cutoff control changes the center frequency of the
passband.

24

SPACING:
The Spacing control is used to determine the difference between the cutoff
frequencies of the two filters in both dual lowpass mode and highpass/ lowpass
mode.

In Dual Lowpass mode, the numbers on the legend around the knob refer to
octaves. When the Spacing control is centered, the cutoff frequencies of the two
filters are identical and the filter sounds like a classic Moog Filter. Setting the Spacing
control to +1 in Dual Lowpass mode means that the left filter has a cutoff frequency
equal to where the Cutoff knob is set, and the right frequency has a cutoff
frequency that is one octave higher than the left filter. This means when the Cutoff
control is swept, two resonant peaks are heard, giving the filter a unique quality.

In Highpass/Lowpass mode, the Spacing control sets the difference between the
cutoff frequencies by shifting the highpass filter’s cutoff frequency up or down. When
the Spacing control is fully clockwise, the cutoff frequencies of the two filters are the
same, making for a very narrow frequency band.

RESONANCE:
The Resonance control causes feedback in the filter circuit that adds harmonic
emphasis at the cutoff frequency. This control affects the lowpass filters, but not the
highpass filter. When the Resonance control is all the way down, the lowpass filters
act as a tone control, rolling off high end as the Cutoff control is turned down. As
the resonance increases, the filter begins to form a peak at the cutoff frequency. As
the Cutoff control is swept the peaks reinforce the harmonics of the signal being
filtered are reinforced – creating an effect that is vocal or zappy. As the Resonance
is turned up the peak increases in strength until the control is set to 8 or higher, when
it begins to self-oscillate – creating sine waves with the same frequency as the
cutoff frequency.

KEYBOARD CONTROL AMOUNT:
The Keyboard Control Amount knob allows the Filter Cutoff to follow the key
played on the keyboard. A higher key will cause a higher cutoff frequency. This
allows a sound to retain its brightness as it is played higher on the keyboard.

FILTER CONTROL INPUT: The Control Input on the back labeled FILTER is a CV input
for external control of the Voyager’s filter cutoff control. The Input accepts -5 to +5
volts, or an expression pedal like the EP-1. The voltage applied here is added to
where the front panel Cutoff control is set. A one-volt change in this control voltage
will change the cutoff frequencies of both filters by about one octave.

25

D. ENVELOPES

When we think of a musical sound, say a plucked string, we think of it as having a
start and an end. In the case of a plucked string, it begins with a burst of energy
and then slowly fades out until it is silent. In synthesis terms, this is called an envelope
– a shape that defines the changes that occur in a sound over time. An envelope
can define any aspect of a change in sound – volume, timbre, or pitch for
example. The Voyager has two envelope generators. When triggered, these circuits
produce control voltages that vary as determined by the attack, decay, sustain and
release controls. The Attack control determines the character of the onset of the
sound. A short attack time corresponds to a sudden sound like a percussion
instrument or a plucked string. A long attack time corresponds to a gradual onset of
sound like a plane flying overhead, or the slow crescendo of a bowed string
instrument. The Decay is the second stage in the evolution of a sound before it
sustains or dies out. For instance with a plucked string – the sound begins with a
burst of energy which begins quickly, then drops back to a lesser level of energy
and then proceeds to fade out from there. The decay is the time that it takes for the
signal to drop down to the level set by the Sustain control. The decay time has no
effect when the sustain level is set at 10. As long as a key is held down, the note will
sustain at the sustain level. After the key is released, the Release time determines
how long it takes for the sound to fade out. An envelope can be used to describe
the shape of the volume of a sound, it can also be used to describe other aspects
of sound – say timbre or pitch. An envelope is used to generate the evolution of the
sound after the note begins.

The Voyager has two envelope generators, one for modulating the filter, and one
for modulating amplitude. The envelopes can also be used as Modulation sources
or Modulation shaping for other parameters through the Mod Busses.

ATTACK: This control sets the Attack time of the EGR from 1 msec to 10 seconds.
DECAY: This Control sets the Decay time of the EGR from 1 msec to 10 seconds.
SUSTAIN: This is a level control for the sustained part of the envelope.

26

RELEASE: This is the time for the envelope to return to zero, from 1 msec to 10
seconds.

AMOUNT TO FILTER:
For the filter envelope, there is a control that adjusts the amount that the filter
envelope signal modulates the filter. It has both positive and negative values. If it is
set to a positive value, say +2, The envelope will add to the Cutoff control. If it is a
negative value, say –2, the envelope will subtract from the Cutoff control.

KEYBOARD/ ON/EXTERNAL:
The Envelopes are started by a gate signal. The envelopes will sustain as long as a
gate signal is still present. When the gate is off, the release of the envelope
happens. The Switch labeled Keyboard/ On/External selects whether the envelopes
are triggered from the keyboard, on, or from an external trigger source. When
Keyboard triggering is selected, the envelopes are triggered from the keyboard
gate signal. When the switch is set for On/ external, the Envelopes are on if nothing is
plugged into the external trigger input. In this case the envelopes sustain at the level
determined by the sustain controls. This is useful for keeping the envelopes
sustaining without holding a key down when you want to process an external audio
signal through the filters with out using the keyboard, or create drones. When
On/external is selected and a footswitch or external gate signal is applied to the
envelope gate input on the back panel, the envelopes are triggered from that
input.

RATE CONTROL INPUT: The Control Input on the back labeled RATE is a CV input for
external control of the Voyager’s Envelope time constants. The Input accepts -5 to 5
Volts, or an expression pedal like the EP-1. An expression pedal or a positive voltage
applied here decreases the attack, decay, and release times from where the front
panel is set for both the filter and the volume EGRs. A negative voltage will increase
the attack, decay, and release times from where the front panel is set for both the
filter and the volume EGRs (figure 22).

27

ENVELOPE GATE INPUT:

This input accepts a footswitch or gate signal. Pressing the footswitch or applying a
gate signal (+5V) triggers both envelopes when On/External is selected by the ENV.
GATE switch.

RELEASE INPUT:
This input accepts a footswitch or gate signal. Pressing the footswitch or applying a
gate signal (+5V) enables the Release of the Envelopes regardless of the position of
the Release switch on the Left Hand Controller panel.

28

E. MAIN OUTPUT

The Voyager has two audio outputs. There is a VCA for each output, which allows

for stereo effects such as Panning or the Dual lowpass filtering. The main control for
the Volume is the Master Volume Control. The Volume Envelope modulates the
output VCAs. When only one output is desired, the two output VCAs are mixed to the
left output.

LEFT/MONO and RIGHT OUTPUTS: These are the audio outputs that are on the
back panel. They are both ¼” unbalanced outputs. When only the left audio
output has a plug inserted into it, both the left and right signals are summed to that
jack in mono.

MASTER VOLUME: This is the main Volume control. Full-clockwise is maximum
output, full-counterclockwise silences the Voyager.

VOLUME CONTROL INPUT: Accepts a 0 to 5 V control voltage or an Expression
pedal, such as the EP-1 with the ring connection supplying 5 Volts to the Pedal and
0 to 5 Volts control voltage return to the Voyager on the tip connection. The Master
Volume sets the maximum output level, and as the Volume CV input drops below 5
volts, the output is reduced.

PAN INPUT: A –2.5 to 2.5 V control voltage applied to this jack will cause the output
signal to pan from left to right.

29

F. MODULATION BUSSES

Modulation is the heart of making interesting sounds with analog subtractive
synthesis. The Voyager’s two Modulation busses open up a world of modulation
possibilities that were not available on the original Minimoog. The Mod Busses allow
the user to select a variety of modulation sources, their destinations, addition
shaping of the amount of modulation, and a maximum level. The Mod busses are
labeled Mod Wheel and Pedal/On. The performance controls for these two busses
are the Mod Wheel and the MOD1 input on the back panel. The MOD1 input can
accept an expression pedal like the EP-1, and is used like the Mod wheel to fade in
and out the desired modulation. With nothing plugged into the MOD1 input, the
Amount control of the Pedal/On bus determines the strength of modulation.

Here’s a block diagram of a Mod bus (figure 23):

30

There are three modifiers to the Amount of modulation: the Amount control, the
Shaping CV, and the Mod Wheel or MOD1 input level. The Amount level is the final
level control which sets how much both the Mod Wheel/ MOD1 Input and the
shaping CV allow the mod source through to the mod destination.

To try out a simple modulation, set the LFO to about 6 Hz, the Source to triangle
wave, the destination to Pitch, the shaping to on, and the amount to 5. The Mod
Wheel can be used to fade in the modulation, which should sound something like
vibrato.

This is a simple use of a mod bus. The flexibility of the two Modulation Busses offer a
wealth of modulation possibilities which make the Voyager an incredible sound
design tool.

SOURCE:

Choosing a modulation source is done through a combination of the Mod Source
Switch and the menus of the software. The Mod Source selector switch is a
6-position switch. The Front panel selections are:

-TRI: LFO Triangle Wave

-SQ: LFO Square Wave

-S+H: Sample and Hold output

-OSC. 3: Oscillator 3

-ON/MOD2: with nothing plugged into the MOD2 jack, this is a steady +5 V signal.
The MOD2 input is for using external CVs as a Modulation source.

-NOISE/PGM: This is a programmable source for the mod bus with Noise as the
default.

The programmable Mod source is set in the EDIT mode menu

items MOD WHEEL PGM SOURCE or PEDAL PGM SOURCE.

SHAPING:
The shaping is a way to dynamically change the amount that the Mod Source
modulates the Mod Destination. Shaping occurs before the Amount control and
before the Performance controls. The switch that selects this is a 4-position switch
that is labeled:

- FILT. ENV.: This allows the filter envelope to shape the amount of Modulation
before the Mod Wheel or MOD1 performance control.

- VELOCITY: This allows Keyboard Velocity to shape the amount of Modulation
before the Mod Wheel or MOD1 performance control.

- PRESSURE: This allows Keyboard afterpressure to shape the amount of Modulation
before the Mod Wheel or MOD1 performance control. The pressure signal that
comes out of the keyboard is either on or off, thus pressure can be used as a switch
that gives a boost to the amount of modulation.

- ON/PGM: This is a programmable shaping for the mod bus with ON as the default.

The programmable Mod shaping is not implemented in Version 1.0 of the
Software. The default, On, is active.

DESTINATION:
A modulation destination is chosen in the same manner as the Mod source: a
combination of the 6 position destination switch and the software menus. The
Destination switch is labeled:

-PITCH: The Pitch of all three Oscillators

-OSC.2: The Pitch of Oscillator 2

31

-OSC.3: The Pitch of Oscillator 3

-FILTER: The Filters’ Cutoff frequency

-WAVE: All 3 Oscillators waveform

-LFO/PGM: This is a programmable destination for the mod bus with LFO Rate as the
default.

The programmable Mod destination is set in the EDIT mode menu

items MOD WHEEL PGM DEST or PEDAL PGM DEST.

AMOUNT:

The Amount control is used to set the maximum amount of modulation sent to the
Modulation Destination. When the Amount control is set to 0, no modulation will
pass through to the Modulation Destination. When the Amount is set to 10, The
maximum amount of modulation is sent to the Destination when the Performance
controller (Mod Wheel or MOD1 Input) is all the way up.

MOD BUS PERFORMANCE CONTROLLERS: Mod Wheel and MOD1 Input
The Mod Wheel and MOD1 Input are performance controllers for the Mod Wheel
Mod Bus and the Pedal/On Mod Bus respectively. They are the final stage in
determining the amount of modulation sent to the selected Destination. When at
maximum, the modulation amount is determined by the Amount control. When off,
the modulation amount is 0.

MOD 1:
The MOD1 input accepts an expression pedal or control voltage from 0 to 5 Volts.
This is used as the performance control for the PEDAL/ON Mod Bus. With nothing
plugged into this jack, the voltage here is 5 Volts. When the voltage is at 0, no
modulation is sent to the PEDAL/ON Modulation Destination. When the Voltage at
the MOD1 is at 5 Volts, the Modulation is sent to the Destination at the level set by
the PEDAL/ON Amount control.

MOD2:
The MOD2 input is for applying an external modulation source into the MOD busses.
The input accepts an Expression Pedal or a control voltage of –5 to +5. With nothing
plugged into this jack, the voltage here is 5 Volts. When the SOURCE switch selects
ON/ MOD2, the Voltage that is at this jack becomes the Modulation source.

32

LFO/ SAMPLE AND HOLD

G.

The Voyager has a dedicated LFO and SAMPLE and HOLD. The LFO produces
triangle and square waves that oscillate from .2 to 50 Hz. There are triangle and
square wave outputs that can be selected as Modulation sources in the Mod
Busses. The Square wave is routed to the Sample and Hold trigger input, and the
noise source is routed to the sample and hold input. For each cycle of the LFO, the
voltage at the input of the sample and hold circuit is held until the next trigger
event. Noise is a random signal, so the voltage that appears at the output of the
sample and hold is a random voltage that changes in time with the LFO. If a plug is
inserted into the sample and hold gate input on the back Panel, it will disconnect
the LFO from triggering the sample and hold circuit. A gate signal or footswitch will
trigger the sample and hold circuit. Similarly, a plug inserted into the Sample and
Hold input Jack disconnects the noise from the S+H input. In this circumstance
when the S+H circuit is triggered, the voltage at the tip of the plug is held at the
output of the S+H circuit. In this way the user can get “staircase” modulation
patterns (figure 24).

33

LFO RATE:

The LFO Rate control sets the Rate of the dedicated LFO. The range of oscillation is
.2 Hz to 50 Hz.

LFO SYNC:

The LFO Sync switch sets the trigger method for starting the LFO waveform.
OFF/SYNC: This setting allows the LFO to be free running, unless there is an input to
the SYNC jack on the back panel. The SYNC jack accepts a +5 V Clock Signal that
retriggers the LFO.

MIDI: Allows a MIDI clock signal to retrigger the LFO.

MIDI Clock triggering the LFO

is not implemented in Version 1.0

KB: Allows the LFO to be retriggered when a note on the keyboard is started.
ENV. GATE: Allows a gate input to the ENVELOPE GATE jack on the back panel to

retrigger the LFO.

LFO RATE INPUT:
This jack accepts an expression pedal or control voltage from –5 to +5 Volts. A
positive voltage here adds to the position of the LFO Rate control, a negative
voltage here will subtract from the position of the LFO Rate control.

LFO SYNC INPUT:
This jack accepts a footswitch or +5 V Gate input. Closing the footswitch or
applying a gate here will retrigger the LFO Waveform.

SAMPLE AND HOLD INPUT:
This jack accepts an expression pedal or control voltage from –5 to +5 Volts. The
Voltage here is applied to the Sample and Hold Input.

SAMPLE AND HOLD GATE INPUT:

A +5 Gate signal will trigger the Sample and Hold Circuit.

34

KEYBOARD AND LEFT HAND CONTROL PANEL

H.

The Voyager has a 44 note keyboard (3 ½ octaves F to C), like the original
minimoog. Unlike the original minimoog, the keyboard can produce velocity CVs, a
pressure CV, and transmit MIDI note on messages.
To the left of the keyboard is the Left Hand Controller Panel. It features the Pitch
Bend and Mod Wheel controls and the glide and release switches.

PITCH BEND WHEEL: This control affects the pitch of all three oscillators.

MOD WHEEL: This control sets the amount of modulation that is sent to the

Modulation destination of the Mod Wheel Mod bus.

GLIDE: This switch turns on and off the GLIDE circuit.

RELEASE: This switch is used to shorten the Release time of both the filter and Volume

envelopes. You will notice that with very long release times, the release is shortened,
but not off all the way.

35

I. TOUCH SURFACE CONTROLLER

The touch surface controller is a real-time three-dimensional control surface.
The destinations selected in software are as follows:
X (left and right): Filter Cutoff
Y (up and down): Filter Spacing
A (area): Filter Resonance

Moving right on the X-axis of the touch surface causes the Cutoff frequency to
go higher.
Moving up on the Y-axis of the touch surface is like turning the Spacing control
clockwise
Increasing the amount of area covered by the finger(s) on the touch surface
increases the Resonance of the Filters. Remember that A is not pressure, but
area. This is similar to pressure in that pressing hard puts more area of the
fingertip in contact with the touch surface, but it feels different.

The touch surface only affects the Filter parameters when an appendage is in
contact with it.

The X or Y axis of the touch surface can also be used as a Modulation source in
either Mod Buss for the Programmable Sources. This is done in the EDIT Mode
menu selections PGM M-WHL SOURCE and PGM PEDAL SOURCE.

With the touch surface controller there is no right and wrong way to use it.
Experimentation is the key.

36

J. THE BACK PANEL

The Back Panel is loaded with Jacks. In addition to the Audio Outputs, there are
a multitude of CV and gate inputs, the MIDI connectors, a BNC outlet for a
gooseneck lamp, the accessory port, and the power connector.

POWER CONNECTOR: This is a standard AC power inlet, Use only a power cord
designed to mate with this receptacle. The Voyager power supply is designed to
work with power inputs of 100-240 VAC.

DANGER – Do not alter this connector in any way. Doing so can result in the
risk of shock, injury or death.
Be familiar with the safety instructions printed at the beginning of this manual.
If the connector should be damaged, refer servicing to qualified personnel
only.

MIDI CONNECTORS: These are connectors for MIDI in, out and thru.

BNC LAMP CONNECTOR: This is a 12 VDC BNC outlet for a gooseneck lamp.

CV/EXPRESSION and GATE/FOOTSWITCH INPUTS: The CV/ Expression inputs are

color coded with red nut. These jacks accept an input from an expression pedal
such as the EP-1, or a CV from –5 to +5 Volts. The Gate/Footswitch Inputs are
color coded with blue nuts.

All Gate inputs accept footswitches except the

Sample and Hold Gate Input. It accepts only a +5 Volt Gate Signal.

ACCESSORY PORT: This is designed for accessories from Moog Music – The vx-351
Voyager CV Expander It contains the output of the analog gates and CVs from
the Voyager. With the VX-351, the Voyager becomes more like a modular synth.

37

K. THE USER INTERFACE/ VOYAGER SOFTWARE

1. The Interface

The interface for the minimoog Voyager’s software functions is in the center of the
instrument (figure1).

(figure 1)

The display is a LCD screen in the center. When the unit is first powered on, the screen
will read the message:

minimoog

The message will stay on the screen for approximately 5 seconds, then the screen will
display the Master Menu. Note that the LED above the button labeled “MASTER” is lit. The
sound produced will be the last sound used before the Voyager was powered down
previously.

There are three operating modes for the Voyager:

- MASTER: Global settings for the Voyager, and data send and receive
functions.

- EDIT: Used for editing parameters of a preset not accessed through the
front panel. Naming and saving presets is done in EDIT mode.

- PANEL: This mode accesses the Voyager’s presets and performance functions.
The Voyager contains 128 presets.

Voyager

by moog music

38

2. MASTER Mode

MASTER mode accesses the global settings for the Voyager and the routines for sending
and receiving data.

To enter MASTER mode, press the MASTER button. The following options will appear:

LCD CONTRAST
MIDI IN CHANNEL
MIDI OUT CHANNEL
SEND PRESETS
RECEIVE PRESETS
SEND SYSTEM ROM
SEND BOOT SYSTEM
RECEIVE UPDATE

The +1/ -1 buttons scroll through the list. The list will wrap around when you scroll past
the end. When a line is highlighted, it can be selected by pressing the ENTER button.
Once a line is selected, the screen displays that option.
Press the MASTER, CURSOR or ENTER button to return to the MASTER Menu.

LCD CONTRAST
When this is selected, use the +1/ -1 buttons to change the LCD contrast. Different
angles of the front panel will require different contrast settings.

MIDI IN CHANNEL
When this is selected, use the +1/ -1 buttons to select the MIDI Channel that the
Voyager recognizes. The Voyager only responds to one channel at a time.
The choices are 1-16

MIDI OUT CHANNEL
When this is selected, use the +1/ -1 buttons to select the MIDI Channel that the
Voyager uses to send Data. The Voyager sends MIDI on one channel at a time.
The choices are 1-16.

SEND PRESETS
This is a utility to send Sysex (System Exclusive) data for archiving the bank of presets in
the Voyager’s memory. This requires another Voyager, or a computer with a MIDI
interface and a program that can accept a manual Sysex dump. You must enable the
device that is to receive the Sysex data. Once the remote device is enabled, press
ENTER to start the data transfer.

RECEIVE PRESETS
This is a utility to import Sysex data for a bank of Voyager presets. This requires another
Voyager, or a computer with a MIDI interface, a program that can send a Sysex bank,
and a bank of Voyager presets. The Voyager must be enabled to receive the presets.
When entered, the screen will prompt the user: “Sysex enabled”. At this time, a Sysex
transfer from a remote device can be started. To disable the ability to receive Sysex,
press the –1 button, or press ENTER to return to the MASTER menu. This utility will replace
any presets that are in memory, so be sure to back up any presets you want to save
before going through this process.

39

SEND SYSTEM ROM
This utility allows you to back up your operating system via Sysex data. This screen
displays the prompt: “Press Enter to send Prog Data”. The boot software version will be
displayed on the bottom line. Before you press enter, be sure the remote device is
enabled to receive the data. Pressing ENTER will start the export. We recommend
backing up the operating system before upgrading to a new version of software.

SEND BOOT SYSTEM
This utility allows you to back up your boot software via Sysex data. This screen displays
the prompt: “Press Enter to send Boot Data”. The boot software version will be displayed
on the bottom line. Before you press enter, be sure the remote device is enabled to
receive the data. Pressing ENTER will start the export.

RECEIVE UPDATE
This utility is used to upgrade the system software. Updates will be available from time to
time on our website, www.moogmusic.com in the Support section. To take advantage
of this feature requires the following:

- A computer with internet access and MIDI interface.

- MIDI Software capable of sending a generic Sysex bank file (.syx) or Standard MIDI file
(.mid)

Many sequencers are capable of opening Sysex files and sending Sysex data. If you do
not own one of these, check out “MIDI-OX”, a MIDI utility software for PC available online
at www.midiox.com. For Mac, there is a program called “Sysex” that provides the same
function.
If you do not own a computer, special arrangements will need to be made for software
upgrades. Please contact [e-mail].

When entering the RECEIVE UPDATE screen, the screen will ask if you are sure you want
to upgrade the software. Selecting YES will initialize the memory and enable the
Voyager to receive the Sysex data containing the new Operating System software.

40

3. EDIT Mode

EDIT Mode is used to determine parameters of a preset not accessible through the
front panel and to name and save presets. EDIT mode is entered by pressing the EDIT
button. When this is done, a list appears that displays the different options. Using the +1
or –1 buttons moves the list items to highlight a new line. The Options in EDIT mode are:

RECALL
REAL PANEL CONTROL
PITCH BEND AMOUNT
PROGRAMMABLE MOD WHEEL MOD BUSS SOURCE
PROGRAMMABLE MOD WHEEL MOD BUSS DESTINATION
PROGRAMMABLE PEDAL/ON MOD BUSS SOURCE
PROGRAMMABLE PEDAL/ON MOD BUSS DESTINATION
KEYBOARD MODES
TRIGGER MODES
TOUCH SURFACE MEMORY
INITIALIZE PARAMETERS
PRESET NAME
SAVE PRESET

RECALL:
RECALL is a function that returns to a previously edited version of a sound.
This is used in conjunction with PANEL Mode. If you are in PANEL Mode and make
changes to a preset and then press ENTER, the sound reverts to the original saved
settings. If you want to get back your tweaks, Press the EDIT button to enter EDIT mode –
RECALL will be highlighted. Press ENTER, and the display will prompt “Recall the last
edited sound? Yes/No”. Use the cursor button to select Yes and press ENTER. You will
now hear the changes you made to the preset. At this point if you want to keep those
changes, you can save the preset. RECALL can also be used to return to a preset
sound after the parameters are initialized (INIT. PARAMETERS or REAL PANEL CONTROL,
see below).

REAL PANEL CONT.:
REAL PANEL CONTROL is a function that enables the operation of the Voyager from
the front panel. To use this function, enter EDIT MODE by pressing the EDIT button. Press
the +1 key to highlight REAL PANEL CONT. and press ENTER. The screen prompts: “Load
the actual Panel Parameters Yes/No?” Use the CURSOR button to select Yes and press
ENTER. The sound produced when the keyboard is played is now determined by the
settings of the front panel controls.

PITCH BEND AMT.:
PITCH BEND AMOUNT allows the user to set a pitch bend range for each preset.
Highlight the PITCH BEND AMT. function in the EDIT Menu and press ENTER.
Use the +/- 1 buttons to select the desired range for the pitch bend wheel.
The options are:
Off
+/- 2 Semitones
+/- Minor Third
+/- Major Third
+/- Fourth (default)

41

+/- Fifth
+/- 1 Octave
+/- 1 Octave & 5

th

+/- 2 Octaves
+/- 2 Octaves & 5

th

PGM M-WHL SOURCE
PROGRAMMABLE MOD WHEEL SOURCE is a function that allows the user to program 1
of 8 additional modulation sources to be used when the SOURCE switch for the Mod
Wheel Mod Bus is set to NOISE/PGM. Enter EDIT mode, and
use the +1 button to highlight PGM M-WHL SOURCE. Press ENTER and the following Mod
Sources appear:
Noise (default)
Filter ENV
Amplitude ENV
Smoothed Sample and Hold
Oscillator 1
Oscillator 2
Touch Surface X
Touch Surface Y

PGM M-WHL DEST.
PROGRAMMABLE MOD WHEEL DESTINATION is a function that allows the user to
program 1 of 8 additional modulation destinations to be used when the DESTINATION
switch for the Mod Wheel Mod Bus is set to LFO RATE/PGM. Enter EDIT mode, and use
the +1 button to highlight PGM M-WHL DEST. Press ENTER and the following Mod
Destinations appear:
LFO Rate (default)
Filter Resonance
Filter Spacing
Panorama
Osc. 1 Level
Osc. 2 Level
Osc. 3 Level
Noise Level

PGM PEDAL SOURCE
PROGRAMMABLE PEDAL/ON SOURCE is a function that allows the user to program 1 of
8 additional modulation sources to be used when the SOURCE switch for the Pedal/On
Mod Bus is set to NOISE/PGM. Enter EDIT mode, and
use the +1 button to highlight PGM PEDAL SOURCE. Press ENTER and the following Mod
Sources appear:
Noise (default)
Filter ENV
Amplitude ENV
Smoothed Sample and Hold
Oscillator 1
Oscillator 2
Touch Surface X
Touch Surface Y

PGM PEDAL DEST.

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PROGRAMMABLE PEDAL/ON DESTINATION is a function that allows the user to program
1 of 8 additional modulation destinations to be used when the DESTINATION switch for
the Pedal/On Mod Bus is set to LFO RATE/PGM. Enter EDIT mode, and use the +1 button
to highlight PGM PEDAL DEST. Press ENTER and the following Mod Destinations appear:
LFO Rate (default)
Filter Resonance
Filter Spacing
Panorama
Osc. 1 Level
Osc. 2 Level
Osc. 3 Level
Noise Level

KEYBOARD MODES
KEYBOARD MODES allows the user to select 1 of 4 types of keyboard priority for a
preset. Keyboard priority for a monophonic instrument determines what happens when
more than one key is depressed. Enter EDIT mode and use the +1 or –1 button to
highlight KEYBOARD MODES. Press ENTER and the current Keyboard Mode appears. Use
the +/-1 buttons to choose from one of the following options.
Lower Key (the lowest key pressed sounds)
Higher Key (the highest key pressed sounds)
Last Key (the most recent key pressed sounds)
1 Key Only (the first key pressed sounds)

TRIGGER MODES
TRIGGER MODES allows the user to select how the envelopes are triggered when
more than one key is pressed on the keyboard. Enter EDIT mode and use the +1 or –1
button to highlight TRIGGER MODES. Press ENTER – the screen will display the current
Trigger Mode. The +/- 1 button chooses a different option. The choices are:
Single Trigger (legato, envelopes aren’t retriggered until keys are fully released)
Multi Trigger (each time a new note sounds, the envelopes are triggered)

TOUCH S. MEMORY
TOUCH SURFACE MEMORY is for allowing the last known X and Y parameters of the
touch surface to be held in memory after contact is no longer made with the touch
surface. This is for the X and Y signals used as the programmable Sources in the MOD
BUSSES. When this function is off, the X and Y values return to zero after contact with the
touch surface is no longer made.

INIT. PARAMETERS
INITIALIZE PARAMETERS is a function that allows the user to reset the current values of
the Voyager’s parameters to a basic sound which can be used as a starting point for
new sound development. Enter EDIT mode and use the +/- 1 buttons to highlight INIT.
PARAMETERS. Press the ENTER button and the screen will prompt “Load the default Init.
Parameters? Yes/No”. Use the cursor to select Yes and press ENTER. The parameters are
as follows:

43

PRESET NAME
PRESET NAME is a function that allows the user to assign a name to a preset
containing up to 24 characters on two twelve character lines. Characters are selected
by moving the cursor to the desired character location and scrolling through the
character list. The cursor can be moved with the CURSOR button, or by tapping the
bottom half of the touchpad (referred to as T-S). Characters can be selected by using
the +/-1 button, or by moving your finger horizontally across the top half of the
touchpad. Available characters are:

<space> ! “ # $ % & ‘ ( ) * + , - . / 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 : ; < = > ? @ A B C D E F G H I J
K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z [ \ ] ^_ ` a b c d e f g h I j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z {
| } ~

Once a name is entered, it must be saved to be stored in memory. Below is the routine
for saving presets.

SAVE PRESET
SAVE PRESET allows the user to store all the Voyager’s current front panel settings, Pitch
Bend Amount, Programmable Mod Sources and Destinations, Keyboard Mode, Trigger
Mode, and Preset Name to one of 128 Memory locations. To save your edited sound,
enter EDIT mode, use the +/- 1 buttons to highlight SAVE PRESET and press ENTER. The
screen displays across the top line EDIT STORE TO PRESET X, where X is the current preset
number. Below that, the preset name that is already stored in memory is displayed. Use
the +/- 1 buttons to select the preset location where you want to store your current
settings, then press ENTER. The screen then confirms your decision, and prompts you to
select Yes or No. Use the cursor button to select Yes and press ENTER. The previously
stored values for the selected preset are now replaced with your new values.

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4. PANEL Mode

PANEL Mode is used to access presets and other performance functions. Pressing the
PANEL button accesses PANEL mode. This lights the LED above the PANEL button, and
the preset number is displayed. Note that the previous sound is stored until the ENTER
button or the +1/-1 buttons are pressed. Once a preset is called up, parameters can
be changed. If the original sound is desired, simply press ENTER and the original preset
will be reloaded. ENTER stores the tweaked sound into a memory buffer that can be
brought back through the RECALL function in EDIT mode. Once the program number is
changed, the buffer is cleared.
There are 128 memory locations for presets, all of which can be overwritten by the
user. The 128 presets are numbered 1 to 128. A preset consists of all the settings of the
front panel controls except FINE TUNE, plus the parameters in EDIT mode.

Once a preset is called up, the knobs can be used to adjust the parameters of the
sound. When a knob is changed and it is in a different position than the stored value,
the value jumps to the position of the knob.
If you make changes to a preset that you like – they can be saved in EDIT mode.

Once in PANEL mode, pressing the PANEL button accesses the PANEL mode Menu.
There are four items in this menu:

QUICK MODE
PARAMETER DISPLAY
HEADPHONE VOLUME
MASTER VOLUME

QUICK MODE
QUICK MODE is used to determine whether the presets change by simply pressing
the +1 or –1 button, or by a combination of +1/-1 and ENTER. QUICK MODE (+1/-1
changes presets) is ideal for auditioning Presets. Disabling QUICK MODE is designed for
performing live, where the user may want to call up a new preset while continuing to
play the current preset. The new preset only becomes active when the user presses the
ENTER button.

PARAMETER DISPLAY
PARAMETER DISPLAY is used to monitor changes to the values of a preset’s
parameters. When PARAMETER DISPLAY is active, a change in the position of a knob or
switch on the front panel causes the display to show the preset’s stored value and the
new value simultaneously. The last parameter changed is displayed.

HEADPHONE VOLUME
HEADPHONE VOLUME is used to determine whether the stored Headphone Volume
value is loaded when a new preset becomes active. This is useful in case your presets
have stored a high Headphone Volume value, or if you’ve changed to a different set of
headphones and the volume is drastically louder than normal.

MASTER VOLUME
MASTER VOLUME is used to determine whether the stored Master Volume value is
loaded when a new preset becomes active. This is useful if your preset bank contains
unusually loud presets, or presets with widely varying Master Volume values.

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5. MIDI

The current (as of 01/20/03) MIDI implementation of Version 1.0 of the software
allows for the transmission of Note On messages with Velocity, Program Change
messages, and System Exclusive Data (software and preset banks). The Voyager will
transmit MIDI Note On messages polyphonically.

The Voyager responds to Note On messages, Program Change messages, All Notes
Off, Pitch Bend, Mod Wheel (CC1), and Volume Controller (CC7) messages. It is a
monophonic instrument. The Voyager is a monophonic synthesizer, and responds to
Note On messages based on the Note Priority and Trigger Mode selected.

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Appendix A:
Caring for your Voyager

Clean the Voyager with a soft, moist cloth only – do not use solvents or abrasive
detergents. The finish of the wood cabinet can be cleaned with a guitar polish, or a
fine furniture polish. Heed the safety warnings at the beginning of the manual. Don’t
drop the unit. If shipping your Voyager, we recommend the original shipping carton,
or an ATA approved Road Case. Shipping the Voyager in a non-ATA or packaging
other than the original carton will void the warranty. When setting up the Voyager,
be sure your stand or table is capable of holding at least 50 lbs.

Other maintenance of the Voyager should be referred to qualified service
personnel. There are no user serviceable parts inside the chassis.

Appendix B:
Service and Tech Support Information

Your Voyager Signature Edition has a 4 year limited warranty. This warranty covers
parts and labor, but excludes normal wear and tear and catastrophic occurrences.
You should refer to the warranty registration for the exact terms and conditions.
Should you develop problems with your Voyager please contact Moog Music tech
support (by email [e-mail]) and describe your problem in as
much detail as possible. You may also contact tech support at 828-251-0090.

47

Appendix C:
List of Presets

There are a total of 128 presets in a Voyager bank. There are 128 presets in the
factory bank of sounds shipped with the Performer Edition. These were written by
the sound designer and composer Zon Vern Pyles, ranging from classic Moog
sounds to the outer reaches of the Voyager’s synthesis capabilities. Thanks for the
sounds, Zon!!!

The following is a list of the preset names. Many are self-explanatory – they’re all
worth exploring…

Minimoog Voyager Performer Edition factory patches

name

#

001 - I'm Ba-aack!!
002 - Chiffy Lead
003 - Brassy Lead
004 - Robo Vox
005 - Growing Lead
006 - X-tra low Bass
007 - Mellow Hammer
008 - Hollow Bass
009 - Brain Salad Buzz
010 - Gurglet
011 - Cycler mod (wheel up)
012 - Wetness (wheel up)
013 - Animated (wheel up)
014 - He was lucky
015 - Tympanic membrane
016 - Kinda saxy
017 - Analog Daze
018 - Heartbeat
019 - Electric Room
020 - Monica
021 - Wheel Bass
022 - Vowel Bass (wheel up)
023 - Slippery Lead
024 - Classic Ripper
025 - Toad Bass
026 - Velocity Bass
027 - Velowave Bass
028 - Funny Vox
029 - Minor Glider
030 - Prog Lead
031 - Forever Lead
032 - Here it comes

48

033 - Panning Throbber
034 - Zappy Bass
035 - Classic Sweeper
036 - Touchpad sync
037 - First Love
038 - Clearly fuzzy
039 - Fond Memories
040 - Flyin' fingers
041 - Worms of funk
042 - Tremowah Bass
043 - Welcoming machine
044 - Touchpad horn
045 - Still fun (wheel up)
046 - Subfood Bass
047 - Firm bottom
048 - Lunar News (wheel up)
049 - Seafoam (wheel up)
050 - Wheel talker
051 - Living Bass
052 - Pucker up
053 - Lil' delay
054 - Utopian Lead
055 - Bouncer (wheel up)
056 - Stereo Zaps
057 - In the pocket
058 - Going Baroque
059 - Flutey
060 - Relaxed Bass
061 - Mystery metal
062 - "B" drone jam
063 - No knives please
064 - Topographic melodies
065 - Familiar growl
066 - Make it sing
067 - For Ripley
068 - Other life
069 - Epiphany
070 - Crop circle delivery
071 - Swamp life
072 - Spartacus
073 - Horn of Mythos
074 - Call of the Gearpig
075 - Soft as I remember
076 - Stereo S&H (wheel up)
077 - Harmonized (wheel up)
078 - Sasquatch speaks up
079 - Bo
080 - Some funk for ya'
081 - Bubbly Lead

49

082 - Synthworld
083 - Aleatoric
084 - Wheel chorus Lead
085 - Glass Temple
086 - Repeater Bass
087 - Electro Kid
088 - Fuzzy Lead
089 - Catherine of Aragon
090 - Catherine Howard
091 - Anne Boleyn Bass
092 - Anne Boleyn Lead
093 - Raw & melodic
094 - Sweepy Bass
095 - Green Fog
096 - Wrong Crypt
097 - Just the harmonics
098 - Thematic
099 - Plucky Bass
100 - Bright Bass
101 - Tubby Bass
102 - Alien Metal
103 - NOT Unplugged
104 - Bass Phenomena
105 - Reedy Bass (use wheel)
106 - Dramatic Entrance
107 - Flying Toy
108 - Alley Cat
109 - Speedway
110 - Call the plumber
111 - Sweet Thing
112 - Tribal
113 - Plucked Lead
114 - Hollow Fuzzytone
115 - Sizzle Bass
116 - Fly by
117 - Short lived
118 - What the...
119 - Harpsinotes
120 - Not small
121 - Tiny flute
122 - Cosmic chatter
123 - Ridin' the storm out
124 - Large fifths
125 - Fanfare
126 - Synergistic
127 - Bass for E. Vonallen
128 - Windy night

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Appendix D:

MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART

Moog Music Inc. 1/20/03

Minimoog Voyager MIDI Implementation Chart Version 1.0/012003

Function…

Basic Default
Channel Changed

Default

Mode Messages

Altered

Note
Number
True Voice

Velocity Note On

After
Touch
Pitch Bend X O

Note Off

Transmitted Recognized Remarks

1-16
1-16

3
X
X

53-96

**************

O

O

XX

1-16
1-16

0-127

0-127

X

4*

O**

X

X

Memorized
Memorized
*Note Priority is user
selectable
**All Notes Off

*CC 1 (Mod Wheel)
CC 7 (Volume)

Control
Change

XO*

Program
Change True #

System Exclusive
System
Common
System
Real Time
Aux
Messages
Notes

O

0-127

OO

XX

XX

XX

O

0-127

Must be enabled

Mode 1: Omni On, Poly Mode 2: Omni On, Mono O: Yes
Mode 3: Omni Off, Poly Mode 4: Omni Off, Mono X: No

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