Moog have announced the launch of a new software synthesizer that is available both as a plug-in and standalone application on Mac, Windows and iPadOS. Described as the next evolution of Moog bass sounds, Mariana is said to offer a user-friendly approach to creating distinct sounds that will sit perfectly in any mix.
Oscillators & Filters
Mariana features two individual layers that can either be used to mix together two different sounds or be played duophonically. Both layers feature a pair of oscillators equipped with sine, triangle, sawtooth and square waveshapes, along with a sub-oscillator and a noise generator that offers a choice of red, pink, white, blue and purple noise types.
There are three filters present, with low- and high-pass variants joined by a dedicated filter for the sub-oscillator, which can operate in high-, band- or low-pass modes. Although it has been optimised for bass sounds, Moog say it is fully capable of producing leads sounds, punchy percussion and multidimensional effects, too.
Modulation & Effects
As for modulation, the instrument is kitted out with three LFOs, three envelopes and two random generators per layer, and a comprehensive modulation matrix editor makes it possible to apply modulation to almost every parameter. In addition to its own internal sources, it is also possible to take control of Mariana’s settings via MIDI — there’s also support for MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) — and thanks to virtual CV compatibility, the synth can also be used alongside the company’s Moogerfooger Effects Plug-ins, allowing users to patch together a virtual modular Moog system in their DAW.
A selection of built-in effects are present, with tube, tape and overdrive saturation modes joined by an onboard compressor, and there are delay and chorus processors that can be used across the separate layers to add some width to patches whilst keeping the low end in check using dedicated high-pass filters.
As well as operating as a plug-in on both desktop machines and iPads, there are also standalone application versions for all platforms, making it possible to play Mariana via a MIDI controller without having to use a DAW.
Compatibility
The desktop version of Mariana is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or higher, and Macs running macOS 11.17 or above, and is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats. The iPad version is supported on iPadOS 14.4 or higher, and is available as a standalone application or AUv3 plug-in.
Pricing & Availability
Mariana is available now, and is currently (5 December 2023) subject to the following introductory pricing offers:
- iPadOS version: $14.99 (usually $29.99)
- Windows / macOS version: $49 (usually $99)
