Editing Minimoog (section)

== Development ==
[[File:Minimoog model D (early 1970s), MIM PHX.jpg|thumb|An early 1970s Minimoog Model D synthesizer]]
In the 1960s, [[RA Moog Co]] manufactured [[Moog synthesizer]]s, which helped bring electronic sounds to music but remained inaccessible to ordinary people. These [[modular synthesizer]]s were difficult to use and required users to connect components manually with [[patch cable]]s to create sounds. They were also sensitive to temperature and humidity, and cost tens of thousands of dollars.<ref name="Red Bull">{{Cite web|url=http://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2017/10/instrumental-instruments-minimoog|title=Minimoog: The First Truly Portable Synthesizer|last=Weiner|first=Sophie|date=October 20, 2017|website=[[Red Bull Music Academy]]|access-date=2018-11-28}}</ref> Most were owned by universities or record labels, and used to create soundtracks or [[jingle]]s; by 1970, only 28 were owned by musicians.<ref name="Red Bull"/>

Hoping to create a smaller, more reliable synthesizer, Moog engineer Bill Hemsath created a prototype by sawing a keyboard in half and wiring several components into a small cabinet.<ref name="Red Bull"/> Moog president [[Robert Moog]] felt the prototype was fun, but did not initially see a market for it.<ref name="Red Bull"/> Moog and the engineers created several more prototypes, adding features such as the suitcase design to aid portability.<ref name="Red Bull"/>

In early 1970, Moog Co began losing money as interest in its modular synthesizers fell. Fearing they would lose their jobs if the company closed, the engineers developed a version of Hemsath's miniature synthesizer, the '''Minimoog Model D''', while Moog was away.<ref name="Red Bull"/> Moog chastised them, but came to see the potential in the Model D and authorized its production.<ref name="Red Bull"/>

As the engineers could not properly [[Voltage regulation|stabilize]] the [[power supply]], the Minimoog's three [[Voltage-controlled oscillator|oscillators]] were never completely synchronized. Although unintentional, this created the synthesizer's "warm, rich" sound.<ref name="Red Bull"/> Its [[voltage-controlled filter]] was unique, allowing users to shape sounds to create "everything from blistering, funky bass blurps ... to spacey whistle lead tones".<ref name="Wired">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2016/07/new-minimoog/|title=Clear Some Space on Your Synth Rack: The Minimoog Returns|magazine=WIRED|access-date=2018-11-28|language=en-US}}</ref> The Minimoog also was the first synthesizer to feature a [[pitch wheel]], which allows players to bend notes as a guitarist or saxophonist does, allowing for more expressive playing. Moog's associate [[David Borden]] felt that Moog would have become extremely wealthy had he patented the pitch wheel.<ref name="Red Bull"/>