Moog Announces Subsequent 37, Discontinues Sub 37

Moog Music today announced that it is discontinuing the Sub 37 Tribute Edition and replacing it with the Subsequent 37, the little brother of the previously introduced Subsequent 37 CV.

The Subsequent 37 features the circuit design updates to the Sub 37 that were introduced with its big brother, but not the CV connectivity.

Moog describes the Subsequent 37 as ‘The New Standard’ – which positions the new monosynth as not just a replacement for the Sub 37, but as a replacement for the company’s discontinued Minimoog line.

Here’s what Moog has to say about the Subsequent 37:

The SUBSEQUENT 37 is a (2-note) paraphonic analog synthesizer with double the mixer headroom of the Sub 37. This provides access to a new range of classic clean tones in both mono and duo performance modes. Leveraging the mixer’s newfound flexibility, the gain-staging of the Ladder filter has been reshaped to boost harmonic saturation and analog compression, resulting in an overall richer low end. Completing the sonic evolution of the SUBSEQUENT 37 is a re-tuned Multidrive circuit that extends well beyond the grit and growl of the original Sub 37.

Each of the enhancements found in the SUBSEQUENT 37 maintains the magic and character of its predecessor while also providing access to new dimensions of sound and improved playability.

In addition to the sound engine augmentation, each SUBSEQUENT 37 comes with an upgraded keybed for improved playability, a high-powered headphone amplifier strong enough to drive the most demanding headphones, and a software plugin/editor for both Windows and Mac platforms.

Here’s a summary of the features and differences of the two Subsequent synths:

Subsequent 37 CV        $1799

  • Custom aluminum aesthetic
  • Assignable CV & Gate outputs
  • 2x the headroom of original Sub 37
  • Modified Filter section
  • Re-tuned Multi-Drive circuit
  • High-powered headphone amplifier
  • Upgraded Keybed
  • Limited to 2,000 pieces worldwide

Subsequent 37         $1499

  • 2x the headroom of original Sub 37
  • Modified Filter section
  • Re-tuned Multi-Drive circuit
  • High-powered headphone amplifier
  • Upgraded Keybed

Moog shared this video intro, featuring Moog Chief Engineer Cyril Lance and Snarky Puppy’s Cory Henry, demonstrating the sonic changes implemented in the Subsequent design:

Pricing and Availability

The Subsequent 37 is available now for US $1499. See the Moog site for details.

64 thoughts on “Moog Announces Subsequent 37, Discontinues Sub 37”

      1. Novem, TimS is well aware. He was making the point that it ISN’T a replacement because it DOESN’T have three audio oscillators.

    2. Depending on what Mandela Effect Multiverse your in you might want to consider hoping on eBay and grabbing a Moog Antecedent 37 while thery’e still “reasonably” affordable.

  5. This piecemeal incremental adjustments and improvements by Moog is perplexing. I realise they have invested in the tooling and components, however where is the innovation and progress?

  6. I’m so sick of this dumb game. Remakes, and improvements on 2 synths I already bought (sub phatty, then sub 37). That video is effectively a demonstration on what is shitty about their previous synths. Why not just get it right the first time and move on to something else? I’m done with Moog until they decide to actually evolve as a company and do something revolutionary in the spirit of Bob Moog.

    2. Fair enough, but some of us are pretty happy with our Sub 37s as they are. They didn’t stop working just because the Subsequent 37 press release and YouTube video hit the ‘net, and they’ll keep on working for years. I actually prefer the tone of the Sub 37, and I certainly prefer the (significantly lower abroad) price I paid!

      1. Amen. I bought an opened box Sub 37 and I love it. Why would they need to “upgrade” the Sub 37? What they really need to focus on is the Vouyger line.

    3. The Subsequent is definitely an incremental improvement, but why shouldn’t they update it over time? its developed into a great synth and it is now the mono synth to beat.

      And name a software synth from the last few years more revolutionary and better sounding than Animoog.

      They also pioneered the museum quality, full scale synth reissue, on the high end. The lengths they go to on the reissues are a little OCD.

      The Mother-32 was a revolutionary value when it was introduced, too. It’s STILL a great combo of features, quality build and good sound.

      I think the thing that frustrates people about Moog is that a lot of people want a new polymoog – but it may not be commercially viable for them to create a modern polyphonic analog, to Moog’s level of build quality. Moog synths have a better build than Dave Smith’s, so you know you’d be looking at a $3-5,000 synth if Moog did it, and that’s just not where the market is.

      The big sellers are cheap synths for noobs, that’s why you get so many people complaining about price, every time a new synth gets introduced.

      1. You made a series of good points until the final paragraph. Pity. Being a snob means you’ll miss out on some great synths that lots of other people own. It’s shocking but true.

        Consider 2 analog monosynths that are much more accessible than a Moog- the Minibrute & Monologue. One comes with CV as standard (not limited to 2000 only) & will integrate with modular systems, the other does microtonal scales. Neither are noobish qualities & both synths have sold well with a sound larger than their price tags.

        Before assuming all complaints related to price are by noobs, try rationalising what it is you’re looking at & what they want. Not every complaint’s unreasonable.

    4. I’m pretty bitter, it feels like they’re saying “we fucked up” with the sub 37. I feel like they owe me upgrades to make my sub do what a subsequent can do.

      I’m really quite upset. It feels like a thing a car company or mobile phone company would do.

      1. A company doesn’t owe you anything because they introduce a new model. The Sub 37 is a brilliant instrument with a beautiful sound and you’re lucky to be able to afford something that many of us can only dream of.

        1. To be fair, they do sound like “we messed up” by comparing both products without emphasizing anything good about the sub37.
          Example of what they could have said : “More headroom in the mixer gives the new model a cleaner, fatter sound while the former model retains its raw, aggressive sound, giving the two synths different flavors”.
          I don’t know if that is technically true (I’m no expert) but you get the idea

          1. I agree. Comparing numbers like that sounds like something the pointy-haired boss from Dilbert would do. Very digital. 😉

          2. Yes, I was totally waiting for them to at least say something positive about the Sub 37!

            I agree, it does feel like Moog are now admitting that the Sub 37 wasn’t as well designed as they originally thought. With the release of the Subsequent 37 CV I was a little mad (especially cause those CV ouputs would play nicely with my modular gear, and an improved keybed seems like a plus), but considering the higher price I wasn’t too jealous. But now I’m a little pissed. If they offered some sort of an upgrade path for current Sub 37 owners I would be more accepting of these improvements.

      2. With that logic we would still be driving Corvairs and Pintos (if we had not yet burned to death in a fiery crash). Progress is good.

      3. I also own a Sub 37 and I could care less about this upgrade, it’s negligible at best. As they say “you won’t be able to tell in the mix”. In any case, some people might even prefer the sound of the Sub37, just like some people still swear by the Virus B, instead of the TI… grit can be good.

    5. To be completely honest…. this is the first one of the phatty line I would consider buying actually. The sound of the previous ones was ALWAYS lacking to me. I liked the character in the Minitaur more tho it was limited in its own ways. This one seems to have finally got that moog sound back. I agree completely tho pity they didn’t get this SIMPLE AMPLITUDE OPTIMIZATION right on ANY of the previous models…. At least they’re back in that sweet spot now.

    6. The Sub 37 is a great synth. I’m p.o.ed that they make a great synth, and suddenly discontinue it because another synth is being made. Look at what happened to the Minimoog line. Every synth on the website is disconnected for no reason.

  7. I recently sold my Sub 37 and put some of the cash to a SE-02. I’m having much more fun with the SE-02 to be honest. With the leftover cash, I’m deciding between the Behringer D or waiting out for the Dreadbox Medusa. I love Dreadbox, so I may just wait.

    1. Maybe you should look also to the Dominion Club when it well be available? Looks that one will give you a lot of sounds for not that much money.

      1. Yeah the Dominion Club is another one I was looking out for. Haven’t heard much since its premiere at Superbooth . I absolutely love Dreadbox though. Proud owner of their Nyx, Erebus, and Hades synths. If I had the cash, I’d buy everything they make. I want an Abyss so bad. Their oscillators are gorgeous. So a 3 osc synth from them is quite tempting.

  8. I’m happy, the company’s still afloat, improving their great sounding products at a competitive price point. As long as there’s an Audio in, you can route whatever other synth you like through to get that extra oscillator (a Shruti for example to get 8-bit wavetables). So I wish Moog all the best!

  9. I think of this as a sign of a company that’s struggeling. I’m pretty sure they would like to develop new stuff, but I am not sure they have the funds or leadership to pull it off. The huge remake of modulars..etc – didn’t come without a cost. I hope they survive.

    But hey! Look at Studio Electronics.. I honestly cannot think of a company that have made more out of remakes than them. And few take a notice of it – as long as it sounds good. 🙂

    1. IMO Moog is doing fine. In fact they’ll keep releasing mono’s as long as they can remain profitable before they introduce a true poly.
      I think they are very well run, their product roadmap is done several years ahead of time and is very specific. If and when they do stagnate a bit only then will they release a true poly to grow the company to keep it afloat another few decades.

    2. Weren’t they selling those larger modulat aystems for like $50k? How could the development cost come even close to a number like that.

        1. Oh there was definately a huge “collectors” mark up. Mos lab and Club of the Knobs have been making system clones for years that are just a fraction of the Moog price. Your paying for the name and pedigree.

    3. If they were a megacorp, sure–but they’re a small company and they don’t do things by halves. Slow, careful iteration; well-respected and relatively bug-free products. (owners of the original Waldorf Q know what I’m talking about.)

      IIRC the Minitaur was a new architecture which begat the Sub Phatty which begat the Sub 37. Five years in the making. 🙂

    4. Moog has about 70 employees while a massive multinational manufacturer such as Roland has over 3000. Moog’s engineering team is small and cannot afford the R&D expense of designing completely new instruments every 12 or 18 months (just for the sake of having something new).

      Careful iteration and focused product development pays off in the long run, especially when a company focuses on high-end gear. There’s a reason Apple only has a handful of phone models and Harley sells the Sportster and Softail rather than a massive series of machines with incomprehensible model numbers like GX-805.

  10. I’m glad they did this. I owned a s37 and this is a huge improvement being able to send CV out to other modular gear as well as the other upgrades. I bought one and it sounds really great although i feel you if your bummed out about still having a tribute edition and wanting this. Mine sold quickly on CL.

  12. Listened to comparison videos.
    I do like the “softer” sound of the old one better.
    I hardly ever use drive or clipping when i design patches.
    I like the clean sounds!

    regards, the subjective me

  14. $300 for some C/V I/O. circuitry. Hard to believe it costs that much. Even Minimoog expanders with a case , and knobs were at that price range. Moog should have kept it at $1499 with C/V I/O without those aesthetics. Good decision to make CV standard for an extra price bump. But what means “standard” if it changes. In a few year we may see the MiniMoog (SMD version) back as the standard….. Bought a Voyager RME new for $1799 a few years back. Oh, now I see, the price is the new standard..

  15. De sebsequent 37 with a Behringer minimoog in the external in Midi connected though the 5 pin. Done for below 2k. 5 osc multi filter modulatable heaven. And since the headroom of the mixer is up there..Great space to mix these 5 oscs + noise and sub osc. This is actually a terrific match If i may say So. Im gonna go for it 🙂 Ps dis they update the mixer headroom to be able to handle a 3 or 5 voice expander?

  17. Just to clarify, seeing as so many people seem to be mentioning it, the “replacement to the discontinued Minimoog” sentence in the article was added by Synthopia and is not mentioned anywhere in the press release from Moog. In fact the Minimoog isn’t mentioned anywhere in it.

  18. I think moog is losing it. I have a sub37 and a voyager, the sub 37 is cool has a lot of knobs and all 2 mod busses, some great funcionality but the sound is sad compared to the voyager, tiny, not 3d at all, and mine came with a problem wich i can’t solve caus i am in Brazil. I dont know why moog stoped getting creativ, they are just re releasing the same porduct, and showing people that bought the sub37 that it wasnt that good. Probably because people complained. I wish to see something cool from moog again.

  19. Somehow, this one feels hard to justify having the Roland SE 02 around.

    I think this could be treated towards live players looking for a good quality mono synth

  21. Hey Moog, please explain why every Minimoog in the Voueger line is discontinued, and why your still banking on the modular synths that no one can afford or have the space? Also, you could have just updated the firmware to allow for the extra headroom.

    1. Not until I played one next to a Mini did I find anything not to like. The Mini sounded so nice. Could not get the same sound from the 37.

  24. The 37 CV became my modular controller.
    I had to save up a few extra bucks, but it sure is nice to patch my systems without an external box.

    After I bought it, I remembered I had the midi to CV modules on a couple of my racks. oh well

  25. A Moog is basically a solo voice, like a violin. The chordal paradigm doesn’t generally work all that well. Things get oddly muddy and undermine the point. The Memorymoog was impressive, but it came and went, while the monophonics roll on. Moog could pull off their own high-end DeepMind 12 thing, but what for? A Moog is what you put on top of VAs or workstations for when its time to play a standout section. That’s the same path Keith Emerson and Cory Booker took. There’s a good reason for it.

  26. Well you can’t just have a “tribute” edition. If there is only one edition then it’s not really an edition is it?
    Seems like more for your money. Improved keybed is welcome.

  27. A improved keybed would have been nice for the SubPhatty. What a pity!
    The SubPhatty, A nice beautiful little synth that I had to sell because of the horrible keybed and bad information of updates on the Moog site. Also the update proces is incredible weird. (Moog take a look at Clavia and see how easy it is).
    Such a shame all the new work goes to re-newed synthesizers and the older ones will not get any attention any more.

  29. I’m not sure what to think about this. I own a Sub 37 since a year now and i never really got warm with it. Somehow I can’t manage to fit it in any productions, it’s always too big, fat and aggressive. So most of the time it ends up as a (very expensive) sub bass generator. Perhaps it’s just me, but this synth is…difficult. If they improved these issues with the new edition, it might be worth a shot.

  30. I don’t get the sarcasm and brutal comments that are so common on this site. Shouldn’t you be happy that manufacturers are developing new products, regardless of whether you agree with their vision or not? Ultimately, the market will determine the fate of any manufacturer, but what we all have in common is enthusiasm for synthesis and we should therefore encourage makers to introduce products as they see fit…

  31. I’m sorry that I’m going to sound like a jerk saying this, but: a lot of the people commenting here haven’t a clue about how product development works in the real world. Unlike (say) Apple, Moog does not expect its customers to churn through a new model synthesizer every year. I don’t work for Moog, but I strongly suspect that their business model Is something like that of a European sports car manufacturer. Let’s say Ferrari[1]. There is a fine balance between the designers/developers and the money/mgmt side of the business. It’d be awesome to talk to a Moog (or Ferrari) engineer and hear about the ideas and innovations that they simply couldn’t work into this year’s model because of cost/schedule considerations. The original Sub37 is an amazing piece of hardware. Once you’ve built such a thing, and it’s real – there begins a process of continuous improvement and refinement. Something as “trivial” as adding CV didn’t happen overnight: it had to be designed, reviewed, prototyped, tested (and tested and tested), documented (in different ways and in several different places)(does Moog publish repair documentation to it’s authorized repair centers like auto manufacturers?), they have to train support people on how it works so they can assist people who call customer service … and I’m probably leaving a lot of stuff out.

    Sadly, the biz/mgmt side of things occasionally has to make unpopular business decisions about products that aren’t selling well.

    In short: I’m confidant that Moog is building the best synthesizers they can. And they are constantly trying to improve their products. It’s just a sad fact of life that hardware doesn’t lend itself to updates like one can do with software. Honestly, people should simply be aware that when you buy the 1st generation of something – a synthesizer, a car, a television, etc – there’s going to be a 2nd generation, maybe even a 3rd or 4th or 5th – that is going to be somehow ‘better’. And hey – sometimes businesses screw up and you’re *glad* you’ve got a first gen.

    Also note: because Moog are who they are, they (like Ferrari)(correctly) understand that they have an obligation to maintain the reputation of their name and to promote the industry that they are a part of. Unlike Apple – who spend a gawdawful amount of money on advertising and promotion – Moog has its name and its reputation for innovation and high quality. I’m sure they spend some money on ads – but I strongly suspect that most of their sales rests on their reputation, and, importantly, that their reputation isn’t just a lot of hype.

    I’m not an ad guy, but I’d bet that “Moog” is up there with “Coke” in terms of ‘universal recognition’ or whatever ad people call it. You could probably get captured by a cannibal tribe in South America and say “Moog synthesizer” and they’d drag out a late 70’s Minimoog and a Heathkit guitar amp, all powered by crusty automobile batteries. And if you can make like Rick Wakeman, you might even walk out of there alive.

    (I’m not a shill. But yes, I am a fan).

    [1] although my original Sub37 is probably built a lot better than many Ferrari s.

    1. Based on the many companies in this niche that do manage to create new products that don’t completely cannibalize their previous ones, I would say that Moog is perfectly capable of developing a more diverse array of synths with greater frequency. Dave Smith is a great example of a company that diversifies its product line quite a bit and frequently. I love Moog as a company, but I think they are using up their goodwill due to lack of creativity.

  32. ahhh. so thats what Moog meant by “Limited Edition” for my Sub37 when i brought it. Wasnt about limited numbers sold, it was about a limited sound. So the “limitations” are lifted with this new version.

    Kinda deceptive wording from the marketing dept at the time then.

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