Arturia’s Newest Memory V Revives the Iconic 1982 Memorymoog

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Summary

  • Replicates the massive sound of the 1982 six-voice polyphonic synthesizer known for its triple-oscillator architecture
  • Includes modern enhancements such as MIDI Polyphonic Expression, a drag-and-drop modulation system and an advanced arpeggiator
  • Provides a stable software alternative for producers contrasting with temperamental vintage hardware units that retail for upwards of $15,000 USD

Arturia has launched Memory V, a software instrument designed to recreate the sound of the iconic, yet famously unreliable, Moog Memorymoog synthesizer. The original Memorymoog, Moog’s last major polyphonic synth before the company faced financial difficulties, was known for its rich, full sound – each note created using three oscillators. While it heavily influenced the synthpop and progressive rock of the early 1980s, it was notoriously difficult to keep in working order due to its intricate design and frequent power supply failures. Memory V aims to capture that classic warmth and sound without the headaches of the original hardware.

This new plugin is built like a classic synthesizer, featuring three oscillators and a filter for each note it plays. Arturia uses special technology to recreate every detail of the original instrument’s sound, capturing the unique warmth and power that made it so popular. Users can even adjust how much of that classic, slightly unpredictable analog feel is present, adding subtle variations to the pitch and tone.

This software isn’t just a copy of a classic – it’s been updated with modern features. Musicians can combine up to 18 oscillators for strong, clear sounds and increase the number of simultaneous notes from six to twelve. It also includes a versatile arpeggiator and a flexible modulation system with lots of control over shaping the sound. Finally, a four-slot effects rack adds modern sound design tools like tape delay and multi-band compression to the classic feel.

As a huge fan of classic electronic music, it’s amazing to me how important this particular sound is to modern production. The original gear was used on so many iconic tracks – I’m talking Rush’s “Subdivisions” and Genesis’s “Mama,” and even artists like Stevie Wonder and Tangerine Dream relied on it! But now, those original units are incredibly expensive and need constant fixing. That’s why I’m so excited about this digital recreation – it lets anyone get their hands on that defining sound from a whole era, without breaking the bank or becoming a full-time technician!

The Memory V is available now for $149 and comes with over 300 ready-to-use sounds, from classic brass instruments to expansive cinematic textures. It works easily with popular music production software and supports advanced MIDI features for expressive playing. It’s the newest addition to Arturia’s collection of faithfully recreated vintage synthesizers. Current Arturia customers can find special discounts on their accounts.

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2026-05-27 10:57