Gear News
New Gear: Mariana… The Next Evolution of Moog Bass
Moog Debuts New Bass Synthesizer for iOS, macOS & Windows – Dive deep into Mariana, the next evolution of Moog bass.
Mariana is a powerful new synthesizer is now available at software.moogmusic.com and inside the App Store.
Born from the depths of Moog Music’s legacy in bass synthesis, Mariana breathes new life into electronic sound design techniques for the modern player or producer.
A powerful creative companion, Mariana is designed for intuitive audio layering and processing, merging the soul of Moog bass with user-friendly technology for all digital creators. Optimized for vibrant bass sounds, Mariana invites users to dial in tones that span genres, easily form modulation pathways to create complex timbres, and sculpt distinct sounds that sit perfectly in any mix with built-in effects and compression.
Mariana: The Next Evolution of Moog Bass
Mariana is a dual-layer synthesizer, allowing you to mix together two completely different synthesizer sounds that can dynamically complement each other or be played duophonically. Each layer is built around two oscillators with precise and inventive controls to make your bass tone punch through a mix and stand out from the rest, with a sub-oscillator adding even more low-end weight. Two resonant Moog filters and a third filter specifically for the sub-oscillator let you shape your sound, adding warmth while rolling off high frequencies or pushing up the resonance for added bite. With stereo oscillators and crossover filter functionality, Mariana is optimized for quickly fine-tuning stereo content while simultaneously preserving a powerful mono bass foundation.
Warm tube, tape, and overdrive saturation and a tight compressor add heaviness and glue to your bass lines while an illuminating real-time metering section lets you monitor your sounds and dial them in to a professional standard. Flexible built-in delay and chorus effects operate on separate layers and can expand the stereo image of your sounds while preserving a solid mono signal with high-pass filters. Whether designing your own bass tones from scratch or using one of the 200 included presets as a starting point, Mariana is an accessible and versatile tool for any modern production environment. And although Mariana is optimized for bass, it is fully capable of producing strong leads, punchy percussion, and multidimensional effects, making it possible to craft an entire song using this single instrument.
Mariana’s intuitive user interface is designed for quick and efficient workflow while being fully equipped with three LFOs, three envelopes, and two random generators per layer. Combined with a creative and extremely deep modulation editor, Mariana excels at in-depth sound design and sounds that dynamically evolve over time. Nearly every parameter of Mariana can be modulated internally via MIDI, MPE, and virtual CV to build an interconnected ecosystem right in your DAW. With an optimized resizable user interface, expressive on-screen keyboard for iPad and standalone desktop versions, and seamless integration into any DAW (digital audio workstation), Mariana is the most accessible way to add the unmistakable Moog bass sound to your productions.
Get started with Mariana here.
Exploring Mariana’s Key Sound Design Features Mariana includes all the tools necessary for creating deep, pulsating, professional bass sounds and more. Tone layering, parallel filtering, cross-over control, doubling and detune, compression, dynamic saturation, and surgical stereo placement are all built into Mariana for streamlined, recallable access to your favorite bass chain—without needing to load up additional processors.
Modern Moog Bass: Mariana pulls from the lineage of classic Moog bass instruments (Minimoog Model D, Minitaur) to deliver a new bass synthesizer with cutting-edge features for sculpting powerful bass lines.
Dual Layers: Two separate synthesizer layers allow for complementary sound stacks or independent duophonic playing that can be mixed together.
Deep Modulation: A vast array of modulation sources, destinations, controllers, and functions with a deep mod matrix editor allow for complex modulation of nearly every parameter of Mariana.
Intuitive Interface: A beautiful, resizable, and user-friendly interface gives you effortless control over your bass sounds.
Metering and Compression: Built-in effects, compression, and metering let you add punch to your bass sounds and dial them in to a professional standard.
Interconnectivity: Mariana can interact with the Moogerfooger Effects Plug-ins via virtual CV, creating a modular Moog ecosystem right in your DAW.
Flexibility: Mariana can be used as a plug-in within your DAW, as a standalone app you can control via MIDI without the need for a DAW, and as an iPad app with an expressive on-screen keyboard controller.
Preset Library: A vast library of presets covering a wide range of musical styles and genres provides a starting point for users to dive right into musical creation—or transform stock presets into something completely unique.
For more about Mariana, visit Moog’s software website at software.moogmusic.com.
Moog’s History of Bass Synthesis in Electronic Music
Synthesized bass has transformed the way we hear and enjoy music for the better part of the last century.
Spanning genres and styles, Moog has been synonymous with electronic bass since the 1960s. Bernie Worrell’s Model D revolutionized funk music and paved the way for West Coast hip-hop. Giorgio Moroder’s use of Moog bass to craft “I Feel Love” by Donna Summer brought with it a defining moment in disco. Rush’s Geddy Lee established the archetypal sound of prog rock with the help of Model D and Taurus. Synthesized bass has been a fixture of Trent Reznor’s sound (solo and with Nine Inch Nails), thanks in large part to his personal connection with the Minimoog Voyager.
Bass has been the foundation for the sound and power of Moog instruments for decades. In a new video narrated by actor, writer, producer, and comedian H. Jon Benjamin, Moog invites you to journey through moments of the past and into the future of bass with a soundtrack built using all sounds from Mariana.
Experience the Sounds of Mariana
Whether using Mariana on iOS, macOS, or Windows, any player of any experience level can get started with the instrument by exploring its 200 included presets.
Spanning genres and styles suitable for any creator, these sounds were professionally designed by Moog’s in-house Product team and electronic artists like Kyle Hall, Erin Barra, Bad Snacks, and Lisa Bella Donna.
Listen to a selection of these sounds here.
Free Guided Tutorial Videos
Moog has teamed up with Thavius Beck, an experienced digital educational content creator, to demonstrate the depth and dynamic features of Mariana for users new to sound design in the software space. In this hour-long deep dive, Thavius breaks down specific aspects of the synth while making a full song exclusively using Mariana. This tutorial will provide Mariana users with a clear overview of the instrument, what makes it unique, how to approach sound design, and tips to build a complete track with this new synthesizer. Watch the video on Moog’s YouTube. Plus, Moog debuts four new guided walkthroughs to its informative Demo Library series on YouTube. Each demonstration highlights a unique way to use Mariana as either a standalone instrument or within a multi-effects environment inside commonly used DAWs like Ableton. Visit the Moog Demo Library to watch.
Developing a Modern Moog Bass Synthesizer
Moog Music has long been a pioneer in electronic bass, from the iconic Minimoog Model D to the Taurus Bass Pedals, Sub Phatty, and Minitaur. Mariana continues this tradition in the form of a groundbreaking software synthesizer for iOS, MacOS, and Windows.
Following the success of last year’s Moogerfooger Effects Plug-ins release, the Product team at Moog in Asheville, NC, has been hard at work on the next great-sounding Moog software synthesizer. Moog’s small group of software engineers brought this vision to life working closely alongside in-house industrial design, branding, and product experts to ensure Mariana looks, sounds, and behaves with the quality and character of every bass-forward Moog instrument before it.
Optimized for vibrant bass sound, Mariana is a powerful tool for artists and musicians across all genres and workflows. Explore this instrument here.
Limited-Time Introductory Pricing: Mariana Is Now 50% Off
Mariana is now available to download and explore on Moog’s website, through the App Store, and with trusted Moog partners worldwide. For a limited time, Mariana is only $14.99 USD (regularly $29.99) for iOS mobile devices and $49 USD (regularly $99) for macOS/Windows use.
To get started, visit software.moogmusic.com!
Gear News
New Gear: Esopus Guitars Launches New Acoustic/Electric Bass
Esopus Guitars Launches New Acoustic/Electric Bass…
Esopus Guitars is proud to announce the new “Tailwater” bass guitar, from legendary bass luthier Stuart Spector. This 32” scale bass is handcrafted by Stuart using the only finest woods and components at the Esopus Guitar workshop located near Woodstock NY in the Catskill Mountains.
From its fully carved spruce top (the top is carved on both its exterior and interior surfaces) with a thumb rest that is elegantly carved into the top, to its custom-made Fishman piezo pickup and super hard Carnauba wax finish, every detail of the Tailwater is part of creating the ultimate playing experience.
The Tailwater bass features a fully chambered spruce over alder body (15.5″ lower body bout width, 2.25″ body thickness measuring from the peak of the carved top) that delivers a super comfortable tonal tool for all your low-end needs.
Each Tailwater bass is hand-signed and numbered on the back of the peghead by Stuart Spector. A very limited number of Tailwater basses are handcrafted each year at the Esopus workshop.
“I am proud to present the Tailwater bass, a bass that I have spent the last three years perfecting. The Tailwater is a culmination of all of my 45 years of experience, knowledge, and passion for bass guitar crafting. I am so eager to hear what fellow musicians create with this exciting new instrument.” -Stuart Spector
Direct Pricing : $4995.00 plus options.
For more information about Esopus Guitars and Stuart Spector’s handcrafted instruments, visit www.EsopusGuitars.com.
Bass Videos
New Gear: Spector Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II
Spector Launches Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II…
Spector Musical Instruments expands their celebrated Woodstock Custom Collection with the Volume II series – a breathtaking series of 12 handcrafted, one-of-a-kind bass guitars, each one masterfully designed by members of the Spector team. Crafted in the Spector USA Custom Shop in Woodstock, New York, these works of art go beyond musical instruments and expand the boundaries of Spector Bass design.
Spector’s iconic design lays the foundation for the Volume II collection. Each bass showcases a unique vision, including the selection of tonewoods, electronics, captivating finishes, and intricate design details. The collection highlights Spector’s commitment to craftsmanship and artistry and the individual people and stories that make up the team.
“The Woodstock Custom Collection was such a huge success, and we had so much fun with it that we couldn’t wait to do it again,” said John Stippell, Director – Korg Bass Division. “With Volume II, we’re expanding on everything we learned from the first collection, as well as pushing our design and Custom Shop team even further. These basses are a testament to the inspiring talent, creativity, and skill of every person on the Spector team. I’m excited for all of these basses and love how they tell the unique stories of all involved.”
Visit online at spectorbass.com/
Bass Videos
New Gear: The Dingwall John Taylor Signature Model
Dingwall John Taylor Signature Model…
After playing a limited edition Dingwall live with Duran Duran, John Taylor has launched his
Dingwall Guitars production model, loaded with a Rupert Neve Designs preamp and
Rio-inspired graphics.
Dingwall’s major launch for 2023 was the limited edition Rio Dream Bass, featuring an
innovative Rupert Neve Designs onboard preamp. A year later, the range has been bolstered
with the Canadian company now offering unlimited access to its continued collaboration with
John Taylor of Duran Duran.
Dingwall CEO Sheldon Dingwall says the basses are a response to Taylor’s upfront bass style.
“John’s bass playing with Duran Duran really imprinted on me how a bass should fit into a band mix. The combination of tastefully busy syncopation, his punchy tone, and tight performance immediately drew my ear. His basslines have always had a special combination of energy and elegance.”
The John Taylor Signature model follows the formula of the limited edition Rio Dream Bass,
combining a lightweight Nyatoh body with three neodymium pickups to produce what Dingwall deems “wonderful playability and tones that display a rare clarity and refinement.” The JT Signature model also updates the Rio Dream Bass with a range of new colors; Metallic Black, Primrose, Cranberry and Seafoam Green, as well as a new 5-string variant.
Other specs include a bolt-on Maple neck, a Pau Ferro multi-scale fingerboard with the ‘Rio Eye’ inlaid at the 12th fret, and Dingwall’s new ‘Minimalist’ bridge. The headstock sports lightweight tuners and a Rio-inspired graphic that complements the body stripes, designed by longtime Duran Duran collaborator, Patty Palazzo.
Finally, an onboard preamp designed and configured in collaboration with Rupert Neve Designs, whose studio consoles have long represented the pinnacle of high-end audio engineering, promises a clear voice that balances punch and sustain. “Duran’s breakthrough single, the title track from 1982’s Rio, was originally recorded on a Neve console, so the history was already there,” says Sheldon. “But the team at Rupert Neve Designs absolutely nailed the tone.”
Like the Rio Dream Bass, the JT Signature has also been configured to Taylor’s own personal
specifications. “It all started when I was in Toronto about six years ago,” says Taylor. “A friend
showed me a Dingwall bass on his phone. I loved how it looked and immediately said to my
tech, ‘You’ve got to reach out to these guys!’”
For further information on the range options, head to dingwallguitars.com
Gear News
New Gear: Nembrini Launches Bass Hammer Plugin
Bass Hammer Plugin…
Nembrini Audio launches the Bass Hammer plugin which is engineered for advanced bass tone sculpting. Modelled on the Aguilar Tone Hammer* which is renowned for its tone shaping flexibility, the Nembrini Bass Hammer features Adaptive Gain Sculpting, comprehensive EQ adjustments and versatile cabinet simulations.
The Nembrini Audio Bass Hammer plugin has been designed to infuse discerning musicians’ digital workspace with the legendary tonal characteristics and dynamic versatility of its hardware counterpart. The new plugin delivers all the distinct organic warmth, detailed midrange control and adaptive tonal shaping the Tone Hammer* is famous for in a flexible digital format.
Bass Hammer features Adaptive Gain Sculpting to transform a signal’s EQ curve and gain structure and alter the behaviour of the MID parameter. The Graphic EQ has six bands enabling nuanced shaping across the bass frequency range. Plus, the four selected bass guitar cabinets, four carefully selected microphone emulations and a parallel D.I. signal with console compressor offer users plenty of scope to explore ambient reverb blending.
Introductory prices of $29.99 for the Desktop version (regular price $137) and $9.99 for the IOS form (regular price $19.99) are available until 30th April 2024. Bass Hammer is PC and Mac (VST2, VST3, AU, AAX) compatible and requires a FREE iLOK account.
To find out more and download the Bass Hammer plugin please go to nembriniaudio.com/products/bass-hammer-bass-amplifier or
apple.com/us/app/bass-hammer/id6480058361Video
Gear News
Gear News: Ernie Ball Music Man Custom Design Experience
Ernie Ball Music Man is proud to launch the Custom Design Experience.
Ernie Ball Music Man Custom Design Experience is an online custom instrument configurator that allows customers to design and build their dream StingRay Special Bass guitar. Customers can choose from 4-string and 5-string models, right and left-handed orientations, single and double humbucking pickups, a multitude of finish options, many neck, pickguard, hardware, string gauges, tuning, case options, and more.
All Custom Design Experience instruments are built in the Ernie Ball Music Man San Luis Obispo, CA, facility and are shipped directly to the customer.
Options include:
Right or Left hand
4-string or 5-string
Single H or double HH pickups
30 unique finishes
3 hardware finishes
5 pickguard options
12 fretted neck options
2 fretless neck options
Regular or SLO Special neck profiles
4 tuning setups
3 string gauges
2 cases
For more information, visit online at music-man.com/custom-design-experience
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Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison
New Gear: Spector Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II
