Moog DFAM
Launched: 2018
Original MSRP: $599
Current Price: $599
Moog’s DFAM (Drummer From Another Mother) is, like the Mother-32, a small, portable, but powerful modular machine. Moog isn’t known for its drum machine work, but the DFAM is a great entry into the rhythm synth category. Indeed, with the DFAM, Moog used the architecture of the Mother-32 semi-modular monophonic analogue synthesizer to build an equally unique semi-modular drum machine.
Sound-wise, the DFAM benefits from two Moog analogue oscillators, guaranteeing a great sound right out of the gate. Users can then sculpt the signal with a low and high-pass ladder filter, while three analogue envelopes provide modulation capabilities.
The DFAM also has a white noise generator, making it a great option for industrial musicians, or those exploring the harsher vistas of techno and noise. And, of course, the 24 patch-bay allows users to reconfigure the sound in a modular way, and then connect it to other modular gear, or CV/Gate enabled instruments.
While the sounds are firmly within the rich analogue territory for which Moog is known and loved, it certainly has some limitations. First of all, it is only an eight-step sequencer. For minimal compositions, this might do. But if more complex sequences are required, an external sequencer will have to control the DFAM via MIDI or CV/Gate.
Is the DFAM a classic? Probably not. But it is a unique take on the analogue drum machine and another tool for electronic musicians looking to colour their sound in different ways.