First I'll discuss how I obtained this synth and then I'll describe the synth.  I obtained this via Aime Leon Dore's drop back in 2021 called Leon Dore, where they sold 1/1 inspiration items.  I've included proof of purchase in the images.  The package came with the synth and an ac adapter.  This synth works as expected and works well with the ac adapter.  I've not played this synth at all other than to test it, so it comes in the same condition it was purchased in.

The synthesizer is a compact analog monophonic synthesizer produced by Moog Music, Inc. in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It's a classic entry-level Moog instrument known for its raw, punchy bass tones and straightforward design, often described as a "budget Moog" due to its affordability and simplicity compared to flagships like the Minimoog. This unit is in excellent cosmetic and functional condition, with minimal wear visible on the panels, knobs, and keyboard. The serial number **6983** suggests it was manufactured around 1980–1981, during the peak production run (exact dating can vary slightly based on factory records, but serials in this range align with that era).

- **Manufacturer**: Moog Music, Inc., based in Buffalo, New York (as stamped on the back panel). It was designed under the leadership of Moog's engineering team, including influences from earlier models like the Micromoog.

- **Production Years**: 1979–1982, with around 3,000–4,000 units made in total—relatively rare compared to other Moog synths.

- **Price at Launch**: Approximately $495 USD (equivalent to about $1,800 today), making it one of Moog's most accessible instruments at the time.

- **Notable Context**: The Rogue was part of Moog's push toward more portable, performance-friendly synths during the post-disco era. It shares its core sound engine with the Moog Taurus II bass pedals, essentially adding a keyboard to that design for lead and bass duties. Production ended when Moog Music faced financial challenges, but the Rogue has seen a cult revival in modern analog synth collecting.

 

The Rogue is a no-frills, hands-on analog synth emphasizing immediate playability over deep modulation. Here's a breakdown of its key components, visible in your photos:

| Section | Key Controls/Features | Description |

|---------|-----------------------|-------------|

| **Keyboard** | 32-note (2.5 octaves, F to C); velocity-insensitive | Compact white keys with black sharps; responsive for live performance but monophonic (one note at a time). |

| **Oscillators (VCOs)** | 2 x Voltage-Controlled Oscillators (sawtooth, square, triangle waves); Mix knob for blending | Dual detunable oscillators for thick unison or interval sounds; tune range up to 30 Hz for sub-bass. |

| **Filter** | Moog 24dB/octave low-pass ladder filter; Cutoff, Resonance (Emphasis), Envelope Amount, Keyboard Tracking | Iconic Moog filter for warm, growly sweeps; switchable modes (contour, keyed, or bypass). |

| **Envelope Generator** | Single ADS-like envelope (Attack, Decay, Sustain mode via switch) | Controls VCF and VCA; simple but effective for punchy plucks and sustains. |

| **Modulation** | LFO (rate up to 30 Hz) for pitch/vibrato; Glide (portamento) control | Basic LFO with triangle/square waves; auto-glide and pitch bend wheels for expressive bends. |

| **Mixer/Effects** | Volume, Oscillator Drive, Noise; Master Volume | Adds grit with overdrive; noise generator for percussive hits. |

| **I/O (Rear Panel)** | Audio In/Out (unbalanced 1/4"), Trigger In/Out, Keyboard Out, Gate In/Out; Power: 9V AC, 6W (50-60 Hz) | CV/Gate compatible for modular integration; includes CV filter tracking. |

| **Dimensions/Weight** | Approx. 20" x 12" x 4" (50.8 x 30.5 x 10.2 cm); ~15 lbs (6.8 kg) | Portable and rugged, with a black textured enclosure. |

Power is supplied via a quirky 1/8" barrel connector (often replaced in vintage units). No built-in effects or polyphony—it's pure analog subtraction synthesis.

### Sound and Usage

The Rogue excels at **fat bass lines, leads, and stabs**, thanks to its dual VCOs and legendary Moog ladder filter, which delivers that signature "mooginess" without complexity. It's less versatile than the Minimoog (no sub-oscillator or extensive patching) but shines in live settings or as a Taurus alternative for keyboardists. Drawbacks include limited polyphony and basic envelopes, but that's part of its charm—immediate, tactile fun.

Famous users include Gary Numan (on early tours), DEVO, and Nine Inch Nails. It's popular today for chiptune, synthwave, and retro electronica.