Moog Subharmonicon

Subharmonicon is a semi-modular polyrhythmic analog synthesizer that employs a 6-tone sound engine and multi-layered sequencers to explore the world of subharmonics, polyrhythms, and the unique relationships they create.

Although no patching is required to start creating, exploring Subharmonicon's modular patchbay unlocks worlds of possibilities as you make novel connections and plug into new ideas. The 32-point 3.5mm patchbay can be patched into itself, expanding Subharmonicon's onboard capabilities, or interfaced with Mother-32, DFAM, and other external Eurorack-compatible gear (MIDI Type A adapter included for DIN to 3.5mm MIDI input). Use as a standalone synth with included +12V DC power supply or simply remove the front panel to install into any Eurorack system.

The Moog Subharmonicon is a versatile analog labyrinth of subharmonically derived synthesis and polyrhythmic sound, equally suited for losing oneself and simultaneously finding oneself.

Experimental Origins

Subharmonicon is inspired by Joseph Schillinger's mathematical system for musical composition and is influenced by two analog innovations from the 1930s and 1940s: the Mixtur-Trautonium, which employed a series of subharmonic oscillators to generate electronic undertones, and the Rhythmicon (developed by Leon Theremin!), an instrument capable of sounding multiple harmonically related polyrhythm generators simultaneously.

The Mixtur-Trautonium created subharmonics by dividing the frequency of its primary oscillator, while the Rhythmicon created polyrhythms that were multiplications of its primary tempo. These concepts of subharmonics and polyrhythms form the historic roots of the Moog Subharmonicon.

The undertone series, or subharmonic series, results from the division of an initial fundamental frequency (f) by successive integer values (unlike the overtone series, which results from integer multiples of the fundamental frequency). Where overtones are found to occur naturally in acoustic sounds, undertones must be produced through more extreme or novel methods, such as electronic circuitry.

Polyrhythms employ multiple rhythms playing at once to create complex, interweaving phrases. In the same way that a subharmonic oscillator divides the fundamental frequency (f) to create a musically related subharmonic, each rhythm generator in Subharmonicon uses an integer value to divide the current tempo value (t) to create a new rhythm.

ANALOG SOUND ENGINE
- SOURCES: VCO 1, SUB 1, SUB 2 / VCO 2, SUB 1, SUB 2
- FILTER: Self-Oscillating Ladder Filter, Low-Pass, 4-Pole (-24 dB/Octave)
- ENVELOPES: VCA EG (Attack, Decay); VCF EG (Attack, Decay)

ANALOG SEQUENCERS (x2)
- STEPS: 4 Steps per Sequencer, selectable Quantization
- CLOCK: Driven by any and all of the Rhythm Generators

RHYTHM GENERATORS (x4)
- RHYTHM: Derived by dividing the Tempo by an integer value (1-16)
- CLOCK: 20 BPM to 3,000 BPM (Beats per Minute; 1 Pulse per Quarter-note), MIDI Clock, EXT CLOCK

PATCHBAY
- JACKS: 32 x 3.5mm
- INPUTS: 17 Input Jacks
- OUTPUTS: 15 Output Jacks
- MIDI: 3.5mm MIDI Input (Type A dongle included)

REAR PANEL
- AUDIO: 1/4" TRS Headphone or 1/4" TS Instrument
- POWER: Power supply connection
- SECURITY: Kensington lock slot

WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS
- PRODUCT:
- Imperial (in.): 4.2h x 12.57w x 5.24d
- Metric (cm): 10.67h x 31.93w x 13.31d
- Weight: 3.5 lbs.
- Metric Weight: 1.58 kg
- SHIPPING:
- Imperial (in.): 8h x 15w x 9d
- Metric (cm): 20.32h x 38.1w x 22.86d
- Imperial Weight: 6 lbs
- Metric Weight: 2.72 kg

POWER SUPPLY (INCLUDED)
- STYLE: Wall adapter; barrel connection; center-pin positive
- INPUT: 100 - 240VAC; 50 Hz - 60 Hz
- OUTPUT: +12VDC; 1200mA

POWER CONSUMPTION
- TYPICAL: 4.8 Watts

EURORACK SPECS
- CURRENT DRAW: 360mA (maximum) from +12VDC (10-pin header)
- MOUNTING DIMS: 60HP (1" / 26mm Module Depth

ACCESSORIES
- 2-TIER VERTICAL RACK KIT: RM-KIT-0221
- 3-TIER VERTICAL RACK KIT: RM-KIT-0331
- GIG BAG: RES-GB-010
- 6" 3.5 mm CABLE PACK (QTY 5): RES-CABLE-SET-2
- 12" 3.5 mm CABLE PACK (QTY 5): RES-CABLE-SET-3
- EMPTY 60HP CASE: RM-KIT-0401
- EMPTY 104HP CASE: RM-KIT-0501
- BACKUP POWER SUPPLY: TRN-01-000-0023

PRODUCT ONLY

PRODUCT IN BOX

Weight (lbs)

Weight (kg)

Imperial (in)

Metric (cm)

3.5 lbs

1.58 kg

12.57 W x 4.21 H x 5.24 D

31.93 W x 10.69 H x 13.31 D

Weight (lbs)

Weight (kg)

Imperial (in)

Metric (cm)