Cherry Audio is proud to sponsor Bandsplaining's "Early Electronic Pop was Awkward and Glorious," a video that explores the history of electronic music using early Moog synthesizers, and the 1960s "Moogsploitation" era. Jeremy details how early pioneers, classical crossovers, and experimental musicians used gear like the Moog modular synthesizer to shape modern electronic music.
Watch the video and scroll down below to see how you can get 20% off select Cherry Audio instruments until November 5, 2026!
The synthesizer revolution reached mainstream audiences when Wendy Carlos, using the Moog modular synthesizer, composed and released Switched-On Bach. That album transformed public perception of electronic music from abstract sound effects into a commercially viable and expressive art form. Its success triggered a wave of record label cash grabs and "Moog-sploitation" albums. However, it also inspired innovative artists like Dick Hyman, Gershon Kingsley, and ambient pioneers to push the instrument into new progressive, atmospheric, and influential musical territories.
As mentioned in the video, you can create these sounds yourself using Cherry Audio's free Voltage Modular Nucleus software. Voltage Modular is a virtual modular synthesizer that allows musicians, producers, and sound designers to build custom analog-style synthesizers, audio effects, and soundscapes on their computers. This software offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional modular systems, eliminating the need for large and expensive modular hardware.
Voltage Modular Nucleus is free! If you do not have a Cherry Audio account, please visit the Register page to create a username, password, and verify your email address. Then you can download, install, and start using the software.
When opening Voltage Nucleus for the first time, you will be prompted to log in to your Cherry Audio account, which activates the software demo on that computer. You can install and activate our demos on up to four computers, as with the full versions.
Additional videos and other resources for getting started with Voltage Modular can be found in this article on our website.
Once you get comfortable with Voltage Modular Nucleus, you can then demo or purchase the Cherry Audio/MRB VM900 Collection for the full experience of the legendary 900-series as seen in the Bandsplaining video. The VM900 Collection provides an authentic audio and visual experience of the legendary Moog 900-series modules. Every detail is meticulously reproduced, capturing the essence of early analog synthesis with remarkable accuracy thanks to Mark Barton’s (MRB) proprietary DSP coding.
Consisting of 26 modules, the VM900 series preserves original panel layouts and operations for a true vintage feel. From oscillator drift to warm mixer overdrive and carefully reproduced panel art, this collection is essential for enthusiasts of vintage analog synthesis!
If you want to experiment with that "Moog Sound" without dealing with modules and patch cables, Cherry Audio provides several virtual instruments based on more traditional synthesizers with keyboards. Like Voltage Modular, there are several ways you can use these applications:
Standalone Mode: All Cherry Audio virtual instruments include a built-in standalone application version that runs directly on macOS or Windows without needing a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). You can open the app, plug in a MIDI keyboard, and play immediately (or even use your PC mouse and keyboard).
DAW Support: If you do use a DAW, Cherry Audio instruments are available in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin formats for use in software like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, and Reason.
Live Hosts: You can also use live plugin host software like Gig Performer or Unify to play Cherry Audio plugins live at home or on stage.
Try the free, no-obligation 30-day trial demos for Cherry Audio instruments. The demos will play white noise periodically but are otherwise unlimited during the 30-day period. Some of our favorite virtual instruments inspired by Moog hardware are:
Miniverse - a painstaking virtual emulation of the granddaddy of all portable synthesizers, the 1971 Minimoog Model D. No other instrument is more associated with the word "synthesizer," and it's perhaps the best-known and loved analog synth ever made. Get 20% off the purchase of Miniverse with the discount code BANDSPLAINING at checkout, until November 5, 2026!
Polymode - based on the groundbreaking Polymoog, one of the world’s first polyphonic synthesizers with a sound like no other synth (think "Cars" by Gary Numan). Get 20% off the purchase of Polymode with the discount code BANDSPLAINING at checkout, until November 5, 2026!
Memorymode 2 - inspired by one of the most iconic polyphonic programmable analog synthesizers of the 1980s, the legendary and massive Memorymoog. Get 20% off the purchase of Memorymode 2 with the discount code BANDSPLAINING at checkout, until November 5, 2026!
Surrealistic MG-1 Plus - a super authentic recreation of the fun and funky Realistic MG-1 synthesizer, created by Moog and sold in Radio Shack stores in the 80's. Like Voltage Modular Nucleus, it's absolutely FREE!
We hope you found inspiration in the video by Bandsplaining! Now, we invite you to embark on an exciting journey into the world of electronic music creation. Discover the endless possibilities of crafting your own unique sounds and compositions, all starting with the powerful tools offered by Cherry Audio.
MINIMOOG and MOOG are registered trademarks of Moog Music and INMUSIC MMI ACQUISITION LLC. There is no association, affiliation or endorsement of Cherry Audio or its products by Moog Music or InMusic.