Gallery: Bob Moog's Beautifully Intricate Drawings of Synth Circuits
The Bob Moog Foundation011-capacitance-actuated-relay
A 1964 schematic shows a "capacitance actuated" relay. It's unclear what this was for exactly, but theremins are "capacitance actuated" in that the placement of your hands determines the frequency of the sound. Bob was fond of using the incognito initials "B.S." to hide the fact that R.A. Moog Co. was a one-man company at this time.
The Bob Moog Foundation023
Moog drew this 1966 schematic of an oscillator controller by hand. As its name implies, it was used to regulate the frequencies of two or more oscillators, electronic circuits that provided the sine, triangular, pulse, and sawtooth waveforms. It's those waveforms that produce different synthesizer sounds.
The Bob Moog Foundation035-oscillator-schematic
About the controller schematic from the previous slide... This is the the 1966 "schemtic" for the oscillator it likely controlled.
The Bob Moog Foundation044-capacitance-relay
This schematic shows a Renfer Capacitance Relay Oscillation Board, which likely led to the creation of 12 capacitance sensing antennas that composer John Cage used to create [Variations V](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQTFZNm3dE4).
The Bob Moog Foundation0518-300-midget
This is the control plate to a Moog Midget. What the heck is a Moog Midget? You may know it better as the Concertmate MG-1, an analog synth manufactured by Moog and sold by Radio Shack in the early 80s under the Realistic brand name.
The Bob Moog Foundation068-903A-circuit-diagram
This circuit trace layout from 1970 shows the 903A module, basically a noise circuit that provided white and pink noise.
The Bob Moog Foundation078
Here's a layout for Moog's [Synthesizer 1c](http://www.vintagesynth.com/moog/moog_synthesizer_1c.jpg), a preconfigured model made in 1968.
The Bob Moog Foundation089-3p-layout
In 1968, Moog synthesizer systems gained console (C) and portable (P) designations. Here we have a system layout for the Synthesizer IIIP.
The Bob Moog Foundation0910-synthesizer-1p
The layout for the Synthesizer 1P. This smaller version of the hulking 1C could be hauled around in its special cabinet.
The Bob Moog Foundation1019
Here we have the mechanical drawing for the Moog 1130 Percussion Controller, basically an acoustic transducer inside a tom drum that converts the beating of the drum head into a voltage output that can be used to control devices like a Minimoog. [Check it](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVsTQDl5W7w).
The Bob Moog Foundation1113-1130-cable
An elaborate mechanical drawing for the connector cable to goes to the 1130 drum controller.
‘Darth Vader’ Wants You to Know He Definitely Supports Flock Surveillance
Anthony Ralphs was frustrated by the San Diego City Council's support for Flock. He decided it would take something more than reasoned argument to get their attention.
Vittoria Elliott
The Best Early Labor Day Kitchen Deals for Busy Fall Days
With school and sports starting again, these discounts on Instant Pots, cookware, and coffee gear arrive right on time.
Kat Merck
Google’s Pixel 11 Pro Fold Is Better, but Not the Best
A polished update to Google’s foldable brings real improvements, but the price bump and rampant competition make it a tough sell.
Simon Hill
The US Just Recorded Its First 2 Measles Deaths This Year
The fatalities come amid declining vaccination rates and calls from President Donald Trump to split up the MMR vaccine.
Emily Mullin
The Supreme Court’s Mail-In Ballot Ruling Is a Step Toward Chaos in the Midterms
The Supreme Court has removed one roadblock from the Trump administration’s attempts to impose severe restrictions on voting.
David Gilbert
Apple Refreshes the Mac Mini and Mac Studio, Both With New AI-Ready Chips
Apple’s Mac Mini and Mac Studio have been tough to buy for months, but updated versions have arrived. Both include new chips optimized for AI, with the M6 Mac Mini getting a $200 price bump.
Luke Larsen
I Tested the Best Kitchen Composters and Food Recyclers—and Yes, Some of Them Stink
After years of smells, strange noises, and “tea,” these are the composters and food recyclers I’d actually recommend.
Kat Merck
The Best Car Phone Mounts Are Magnetic. Change My Mind
The best car phone holders keep your phone firmly in place while never getting in your line of sight. I took a dozen on road trips this summer to find the best.
Matthew Korfhage
The County Prosecutors Who Became ICE Informants
Illinois prosecutors shared defendants’ personal data with federal immigration agents without criminal warrants, public disclosure, or legislative oversight.
Aura Bogado
This Projector Is a Hole-in-One as a Golf Simulator, but Subpar for Anything Else
The Optoma GT2400HDR laser projector is great for setting up a driving range in your living room, but mediocre video quality makes it less appealing for home entertainment.
John Brandon
Border Wall Construction Threatens 6,000 Years of History on Private Lands
Archeologists are confronting an “unfathomable” loss as border wall construction is set to cut across ranches that are home to unique historical sites, many of which haven’t been fully studied.
Gabrielle Saulsbery
It Should Be Harder to Apply for a Job. No, Really
Thanks to a dwindling supply of open roles, “one-click” applications, and the rise of artificial intelligence, it’s easier than ever to apply for a job. We’re all paying the price.
Kate Taylor