What Is the Memory V and Why Does It Matter?
Arturia's Memory V is a software emulation of the legendary Memorymoog, a polyphonic analog synthesizer made by Moog between 1982 and 1985. The original Memorymoog is famous for its massive, rich sound—often described as six Minimoogs in a box—but it is equally infamous for reliability issues, including tuning problems, failing power supplies, and difficult maintenance. Memory V delivers the classic Moog sound without these headaches or the sky-high vintage price tag.
The Legacy of the Memorymoog
Only about 3,500 Memorymoog units were produced, and the synth now sells for around $15,000 on the vintage market. Even a broken unit can cost $10,000. The Memorymoog+ was among the first synths to adopt MIDI, but its rushed production led to poor build quality. Arturia's Memory V solves all these problems as a software plugin.
Key Features of Memory V
Memory V faithfully reproduces the original hardware with modern enhancements. Here are the standout features:
- Three oscillators per voice with the iconic Moog lowpass ladder filter
- Stackable voices—combine all six voices (18 oscillators) for crushing leads
- MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) support for per-note control
- Drag-and-drop modulation with multiple envelopes, LFOs, and a function generator
- Multi-arpeggiator for complex rhythmic and melodic patterns
- Analog instability control to emulate vintage imperfections
Modern Amenities for Contemporary Producers
Unlike the original, Memory V includes a user-friendly interface that closely re-creates the dozens of knobs and buttons of the Memorymoog. It also supports modern features like MPE and advanced modulation, making it ideal for both classic and experimental sound design.
Sound Design Capabilities
Memory V excels at creating iconic '80s brass sounds, unstable pads, and rich strings. You can dial in exactly how much analog instability you want—from pristine to broken-sounding. This flexibility allows producers to capture the exact character of a vintage Memorymoog, whether fully functional or in need of service.
Pricing and Availability
Memory V is priced at $149, with discounts available for existing Arturia customers. Compare that to $15,000 for a vintage Memorymoog—Memory V is a fraction of the cost. It is available now through Arturia's website.
Final Verdict: Is Memory V Worth It?
For synth enthusiasts and producers who crave the legendary Moog polyphonic sound without the reliability nightmares or astronomical price, Memory V is a no-brainer. It combines the best of vintage analog tone with modern convenience, making it one of the most compelling synth emulations on the market.
Who Should Buy Memory V?
- Producers looking for authentic '80s synth sounds
- Moog fans who cannot afford a vintage Memorymoog
- Sound designers wanting versatile modulation and MPE support
- Anyone who values reliability and modern workflow
Arturia's Memory V is a powerful tool that honors the original while fixing its flaws. Whether you're creating lush pads or crushing leads, this plugin delivers.
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