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Moog Taurus

The Moog Taurus is a foot-operated analog bass synthesizer developed by Moog Music, consisting of a series of monophonic instruments designed for producing deep, powerful low-frequency tones through 13 bass pedals that allow hands-free performance alongside keyboards or guitars.^[1] First introduced as the Taurus I in 1975, it originated as the pedalboard component of the unreleased Moog Constellation ensemble but was released independently due to its popularity for rock bass applications.^[2] The instrument employs subtractive analog synthesis with two voltage-controlled oscillators (typically offering sawtooth and square waveforms), a Moog ladder low-pass filter, and dual envelope generators—one for amplitude (attack/release with sustain) and one for filter cutoff (attack/decay)—enabling versatile bass sounds from presets like Bass, Tuba, and the signature Taurus growl, plus a user-programmable mode.^[3] Its compact pedal design, inspired by organ footboards, features 13 pedals spanning one octave starting from low C, with an octave switch for accessing higher ranges and control sliders for volume, filter cutoff, and resonance accessed under a protective cover for stage durability.^[4] Subsequent models expanded the line: the Taurus II, released in 1981, adapted the engine from the Moog Rogue synthesizer for improved stability and portability, while the modern Taurus 3, launched in 2010 with production limited to 1,500 units, incorporated MIDI connectivity, USB integration, and an arpeggiator while faithfully recreating the original's analog circuitry using updated components like stable oscillators.^[1] The Taurus gained cultural prominence in the 1970s progressive rock era, adopted by artists such as Geddy Lee of Rush for tracks like "YYZ," Chris Squire of Yes on "Owner of a Lonely Heart," Tony Banks of Genesis, and even Sting and Andy Summers of The Police during live performances from 1979 to 1984.^[2] Its arena-filling sub-bass and fat, aggressive timbre—derived from the dual oscillators' phasing capabilities and the filter's resonance—made it a staple for freeing performers to multitask, influencing synth design and bass synthesis in electronic and rock music.^[5] Despite requiring periodic tuning due to analog drift, the Taurus's enduring legacy stems from its raw power and simplicity, with vintage units remaining highly sought after by collectors and modern reissues bridging classic tone with contemporary usability.^[1]

Overview and Design

Physical Design

The Moog Taurus is characterized by its distinctive foot-operated design, centered around an organ-style pedalboard that enables hands-free performance, particularly for bass lines in live settings. The original Taurus I model features a 13-pedal configuration spanning a single chromatic octave from C1 to C2, providing a compact yet effective layout for monophonic bass synthesis. This pedalboard is housed in a sturdy walnut cabinet, contributing to its robust build quality and vintage aesthetic. The pedalboard measures approximately 24 inches wide by 20 inches deep by 8 inches high, while the separate sound module (brain) weighs 26 pounds (13 kg) with dimensions of 24-3/16 inches long by 19-7/8 inches wide by 8-5/16 inches high, making the overall system portable for stage use despite its solid construction.^[6]^[7] Subsequent models evolved the physical layout to enhance playability. The Taurus II expanded the pedalboard to 18 keys, covering a broader range from C to E for improved chromatic coverage without octave switching, while maintaining a similar ergonomic footprint with sturdy, silent-action pedals spaced for average foot sizes. The Taurus II also consists of a separate pedalboard and sound module. The Taurus III, a modern reissue, reverts to 13 velocity-sensitive pedals in a walnut cabinet, but with refined ergonomics including longer pedal lengths for easier access and a sloped front panel that facilitates foot positioning during performance. This model measures 24.5 inches by 23.5 inches by 8.75 inches and weighs 45 pounds (20.4 kg), reflecting added internal components for enhanced durability with steel feet, structural panels, and an extruded aluminum back panel. The Taurus III integrates the sound generation within the pedal unit.^[8]^[9]^[10] Ergonomic features across models prioritize foot control, including integrated footwheels for volume and expression (such as wah or parameter modulation) positioned at the front for intuitive access. The Taurus I and II rely on external power supplies—typically an 18V to 24V AC adapter—while the Taurus III incorporates a built-in universal power supply accepting 100-250 VAC at 50/60 Hz and 15 watts, simplifying setup for contemporary users. These elements underscore the Taurus's focus on reliable, stage-ready hardware tailored to bass pedal performance.^[9]^[11]^[10]

Intended Use and Innovation

The Moog Taurus was conceived as a companion to keyboard synthesizers, designed to allow performers—particularly keyboardists—to produce bass lines with their feet while keeping their hands free for playing melodies and chords on higher-register instruments. This dual-role functionality addressed a key challenge in live music setups of the 1970s, where solo artists or small ensembles needed to cover multiple sonic layers without relying on additional band members. As part of the broader Constellation project, the Taurus integrated seamlessly with other Moog instruments like the Lyra and Apollo, enhancing the overall ensemble's versatility for stage use.^[12]^[3] A primary innovation of the Taurus lay in its pioneering monophonic bass synthesis via foot pedals, making it the first commercial synthesizer specifically built for pedalboard operation and marking a pivotal evolution in analog instrument design during the mid-1970s. Drawing inspiration from traditional organ pedalboards, it shifted from passive, pre-set tones to active, voltage-controlled synthesis, enabling dynamic sound shaping in real time. This approach significantly influenced progressive rock stage configurations, where the Taurus empowered musicians to expand their sonic palette without compromising mobility or focus.^[9]^[12] In performance, the Taurus offered substantial advantages through its intuitive foot controls, which provided direct, tactile access to pitch selection, filter modulation, and volume adjustment, all without interrupting hand-based playing. This real-time parameter control fostered expressive bass lines with deep, resonant tones that traditional bass pedals or organ accessories—limited to fixed waveforms and minimal variation—could not achieve. By freeing performers from manual bass duties, the instrument facilitated more immersive and complex live arrangements, solidifying its role as a transformative tool in electronic music.^[9]^[3]

Development and History

Origins in the Constellation Project

The Moog Taurus originated as a key component of the Constellation synthesizer ensemble, a ambitious project initiated by Moog Music in the early 1970s under the direction of founder Bob Moog.^[13] This system was envisioned as a modular-like setup for comprehensive electronic music production, comprising the monophonic Lyra keyboard synthesizer, the polyphonic Apollo, and the Taurus bass pedals, aimed at providing performers with a versatile, integrated toolkit for live and studio use.^[12] Development of the Constellation began around 1972, with Moog Music seeking to expand beyond the success of monophonic instruments like the Minimoog by addressing the limitations of polyphony and bass articulation in ensemble settings.^[12] In 1974, amid Moog Music's acquisition by Norlin Industries, the Taurus emerged as the first practical realization of the Constellation concept, shifting from broad ensemble prototyping to focused bass pedal design.^[13] Led by Director of Engineering Dr. David Luce, who spearheaded the electronic voice and synthesis elements, the Taurus was developed in collaboration with mechanical designer Tony Marchese to create a foot-operated interface inspired by organ pedalboards.^[14] By 1975, initial production units were refined through iterative testing, incorporating feedback from early demonstrations to enhance stability and tonal range for stage applications.^[3] These prototypes prioritized portability and low-end power, departing slightly from the full Constellation's complexity while retaining its core voltage-controlled oscillator architecture. The project's timing aligned with surging interest in electronic bass enhancement during the mid-1970s progressive rock era, where bands sought thunderous, controllable sub-frequencies to complement complex arrangements without relying solely on traditional electric basses.^[15] Moog's response to this demand positioned the Taurus as an innovative offshoot, bridging the Constellation's experimental ambitions with practical market needs for foot-controlled synthesizers in live performances.^[12] Early testing of related Constellation elements, such as the Apollo loaned to Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake & Palmer for their 1973 album Brain Salad Surgery, informed overall refinements, including the Taurus's emphasis on reliable paraphonic bass response.^[12]

Production Eras and Model Evolution

The Moog Taurus line originated with the Taurus I, which entered production in 1975 and continued until 1981, during which time approximately 1,000 to 1,500 units were built.^[16] This model emerged under Moog Music's ownership following its acquisition by Norlin Musical Instruments in 1973, a move prompted by financial recession that shifted the company toward cost-conscious manufacturing strategies.^[17] Production of the Taurus I ceased in 1981 amid escalating economic pressures on the synthesizer market, contributing to Moog Music's eventual bankruptcy in 1987.^[18] In response to these challenges, Norlin introduced the Taurus II in 1981 as a redesigned, cost-reduced successor intended to streamline production and lower retail pricing while maintaining core analog functionality.^[19] This iteration was manufactured until 1983, but it achieved limited commercial success compared to its predecessor, reflecting broader difficulties in the Norlin era.^[20] Following the bankruptcy, the Moog trademark was returned to Robert Moog in 2002, allowing his independent venture, Big Briar (founded in 1978), to rebrand as Moog Music and revive classic designs.^[18] The modern revival of the Taurus came with the Taurus III, announced in November 2009 and entering production in 2010.^[21] Limited to an initial run of 1,000 units but ultimately producing 1,500 due to demand, priced at $1,995 each, it sold out quickly through preorders, with manufacturing concluding around 2012.^[21]^[22] As of 2025, Moog Music has not released any official new models in the Taurus line, though accessories such as dust covers for existing units remain available to support ongoing use.^[23]

Models

Taurus I

The Moog Taurus I, introduced in 1975, is a monophonic analog bass synthesizer designed for foot operation, featuring a compact pedalboard and a separate control module for generating powerful low-frequency tones.^[3] It was engineered as part of the uncompleted Constellation project, emphasizing bass applications with a focus on simplicity and expressiveness through pedal control.^[19] The instrument's core sound derives from two voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) producing square and sawtooth waveforms, delivering the characteristic fat, aggressive monophonic bass tones that became iconic in rock and progressive music.^[24] The pedalboard consists of 13 organ-style foot pedals arranged chromatically over one octave, spanning from C1 to C2, allowing players to perform bass lines with their feet while freeing hands for other instruments.^[24] These pedals trigger notes monophonically and support an overall five-octave range via an octave switch on the control panel, enabling extension beyond the bass register when needed.^[3] The pedals lack velocity sensitivity, functioning as simple on/off switches, but include a glide function for smooth portamento effects between notes.^[19] The front panel of the control module provides essential sound-shaping controls, including oscillator mix for balancing the two VCOs and a beat frequency knob for detuning them to create phasing effects.^[3] Filter controls encompass cutoff frequency and emphasis (resonance) for a 24 dB/octave low-pass ladder filter, allowing tonal sculpting from bright to muffled.^[3] The envelope generators provide attack, sustain level (for amplitude), and decay parameters for both amplitude and filter cutoff, with the decay stage handling note decay and release, enabling dynamic swells and decays.^[3] Three preset sounds—Bass, Tuba, and Taurus—are available, alongside a variable mode for custom programming using these controls.^[3] Connectivity is basic, reflecting the pre-MIDI era, with a 1/4-inch audio output jack for monophonic signal and, on some units, CV/gate inputs for external control voltage and trigger integration with other modular or synthesizer systems.^[3] There is no MIDI implementation, limiting direct digital interfacing, and power is drawn from a standard AC outlet via an internal supply.^[24] These limitations underscore the Taurus I's analog purity but require adapters for modern setups. The synthesis architecture, shared broadly with contemporary Moog designs, relies on subtractive synthesis with the oscillators feeding the filter and envelope stages.^[19]

Taurus II

The Moog Taurus II, released in 1981, represented an evolution of the original Taurus pedal synthesizer, incorporating design elements from the contemporary Moog Rogue while expanding the pedalboard for greater playability. It consisted of a separate 18-note foot pedal controller and a detached monophonic synthesizer module, allowing for more flexible integration into studio or stage setups. The pedalboard spanned from C1 to F2, providing a 1.5-octave range that extended lower than the Taurus I's configuration, up to approximately G2 when accounting for octave transposition options. This design aimed to enhance bass performance for live musicians, with the pedals generating control voltages (CV) and trigger signals compatible with other Moog gear.^[25]^[26] The synthesis engine of the Taurus II was directly based on the Moog Rogue, featuring two voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) for analog sound generation. Oscillator 1 offered sawtooth or square waveforms, while Oscillator 2 provided sawtooth or a narrow pulse wave with a fixed 85% duty cycle, enabling richer tonal variations through detuning and synchronization without full pulse width modulation control. The signal path included a classic Moog 24 dB/octave low-pass filter with cutoff, resonance (emphasis), and envelope amount controls, alongside a contour generator for attack, decay, and sustain shaping the filter and amplitude envelopes. Additional elements like low-frequency oscillator (LFO) modulation, white noise mixing, and overdrive added versatility for bass tones, though the overall architecture prioritized simplicity over the original Taurus's fixed presets.^[25]^[27]^[28] Controls on the Taurus II mirrored the Rogue's streamlined panel layout, with dedicated knobs for oscillator tuning, waveform selection, filter parameters, mixer levels, and master volume, eliminating the preset storage found in the Taurus I in favor of manual tweaking and provided sound charts for recreating patches like various bass, solo, and effect sounds. Pitch and modulation wheels, along with a glide control, facilitated expressive performance, while the back panel included CV/gate inputs for external control. This simplified interface, however, contributed to its niche appeal. Production ran from 1981 to 1983 in limited quantities due to its higher cost relative to emerging digital synthesizers and the broader industry shift toward polyphonic and programmable instruments in the early 1980s. The Taurus II was discontinued as Moog refocused amid market changes, marking the end of the analog pedal synthesizer line until later revivals.^[25]^[29]^[30]

Taurus III

The Moog Taurus III, released in 2010 as a limited-edition revival, features a 13-note velocity-sensitive pedalboard spanning one octave from C to C, allowing for expressive foot control with adjustable velocity resolution ranging from full 0-127 MIDI values to fixed levels. This design enhances playability over the original Taurus I by incorporating modern digital integration while maintaining an all-analog signal path for sound generation. The unit includes editor/librarian software compatible with PC and Mac platforms, enabling preset management and device integration via USB.^[10]^[31]^[32] Key additions to the Taurus III include USB and DIN MIDI I/O for seamless connectivity with contemporary setups, a built-in arpeggiator with modes such as Up, Down, and Order, along with octave range and rate controls synced to MIDI clock or tap tempo, and an LFO offering triangle, square, ramp, and sawtooth waveforms routable to pitch and filter with rates from 0.1 Hz to 100 Hz. It provides 52 presets in total—four factory presets including recreations of the classic Taurus I sounds (VAR, TAURUS, TUBA, BASS) and 48 user-programmable ones—stored in non-volatile memory, with save and load functions accessible via the software. The sound engine delivers analog fidelity through two ultra-stable voltage-controlled oscillators producing sawtooth waves, a genuine Moog 24 dB/octave low-pass filter, and dual envelope generators, emulating the classic tones of the Taurus I with improved tuning stability after a 5-minute warm-up. Firmware updates were released up to version 2.0.3 in 2013, addressing bugs and adding features like enhanced arpeggiator options, with updates applied via MIDI SysEx on PC or Mac.^[33]^[9]^[34] Originally priced at $1,995, the Taurus III was produced in a limited run totaling 1,500 units (initially planned for 1,000, with an additional 500 due to demand), all of which sold out by early 2012. As of 2025, secondary market prices for well-maintained units typically range from $3,000 to $3,500 or higher, reflecting its rarity and enduring appeal among musicians seeking authentic Moog bass tones.^[31]^[35]^[36]

Technical Specifications

Synthesis Engine

The Moog Taurus synthesizers employ a monophonic analog subtractive synthesis architecture, designed primarily for generating deep bass tones through voltage-controlled components. At the core of this engine are two voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), which serve as the primary sound sources. These VCOs are tunable across octaves, typically spanning ranges such as 32', 16', and 8', allowing for flexible pitch selection in the low-frequency domain. Both VCOs in the Taurus I are capable of producing sawtooth and square waveforms, providing rich harmonic content ideal for bass applications. The Taurus II introduces pulse-width modulation options on the waveforms for additional tonal variation. Later models like the Taurus III recreate these waveforms using updated components.^[3]^[25]^[10] The signal path begins with the VCO outputs feeding into a mixer, where the levels of each oscillator can be balanced and detuned for beat effects or thicker sounds. From the mixer, the combined signal passes through the hallmark Moog 24 dB/octave ladder low-pass filter, a transistor-based design known for its smooth cutoff and resonant self-oscillation capabilities. This filter includes controls for cutoff frequency (spanning approximately 20 Hz to 20 kHz), resonance (or emphasis), and modulation depth from the filter envelope, enabling the sculpting of tonal brightness and formant-like resonances essential to the Taurus's aggressive bass character.^[37]^[19]^[10] Following the filter, the signal routes to a voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA), which shapes the overall amplitude. Envelope generators modulate both the filter cutoff and VCA gain to define the note's dynamic contour. In the original Taurus I, these are simplified to attack and release envelopes for both amplitude and filter cutoff, providing punchy transients without sustain control. Subsequent models like the Taurus II and III expand envelope capabilities, with the Taurus II sharing a single contour generator for both (attack, decay, sustain) and the Taurus III featuring full ADSR envelopes for each, with attack times from milliseconds to seconds and decay/release up to several seconds, allowing for more versatile articulation while maintaining the monophonic priority (typically low-note). The entire path concludes at the audio output, with glide (portamento) circuitry enabling smooth pitch transitions between notes, adjustable from instantaneous to over two seconds per octave. This straightforward yet potent signal flow—VCOs → mixer → filter → VCA → output—underpins the Taurus's reputation for raw, powerful analog bass synthesis across all models.^[3]^[25]^[19]

Controls and Connectivity

The Moog Taurus series features a range of operational controls designed primarily for foot operation, allowing bassists to integrate the synthesizer seamlessly into live performances while maintaining hands-free control over key parameters. The original Taurus I model includes a 13-note organ-style pedalboard spanning one octave (C to C), with pedals that trigger monophonic notes via simple on/off switches without velocity sensitivity.^[3] Flanking the pedalboard are two large foot-operated sliders: one for volume (VCA gain) and the other for filter cutoff frequency, enabling real-time dynamic adjustments during play.^[16] Additional footswitches control glide (portamento, toggle on/off), decay (envelope release, toggle on/off for sustained or decaying notes), and octave upshift. The front panel, accessed via a flip-top lid, houses knobs for oscillator mix (balance between two VCOs), filter envelope amount (modulating cutoff depth), and master volume, alongside selector buttons for three fixed presets (Bass, Tuba, Taurus) or a variable mode for custom tweaking.^[6]^[3] In contrast, the Taurus II separates the pedal controller from the synthesizer module for greater flexibility. The pedalboard expands to 18 notes (C to F, low-note priority), with integrated glide control variable from 5 milliseconds to 2.3 seconds and a tune knob for fine pitch adjustment (±2.8 semitones).^[25] The controller outputs CV (1 V/octave) and trigger signals (S-trigger or V-trigger) via stereo jacks, allowing it to drive the Taurus II module or other compatible synthesizers. The synth module's front panel includes a pitch wheel (bending >± perfect fifth), modulation wheel (for vibrato or tremolo), and knobs for oscillator intervals, sync modes, contour generators (attack/decay/sustain), filter parameters (cutoff, resonance, envelope amount, keyboard tracking), mixer levels (Osc 1, Osc 2, noise), and VCA modes (contour, keyed, or bypass). No velocity or aftertouch is present on the pedals.^[37]^[25] The Taurus III modernizes these elements with enhanced expressivity and digital integration. Its 13-note pedalboard incorporates velocity sensitivity for nuanced triggering (though not affecting the internal voice directly, useful for MIDI output) and aftertouch for real-time modulation.^[10] Two built-in footwheels provide expression: one fixed for volume (MIDI CC#7) and the other programmable for parameters like filter cutoff or LFO rate, with an LED bargraph display for visual feedback. Footswitches handle preset/bank selection (up to 52 presets across 13 banks), glide toggle, decay toggle, octave shift, and transpose/program functions. The front panel features dual-layer controls accessed via illuminated buttons: Level 1 for core synth parameters (oscillator frequency/beat/octave/mix/glide, LFO rate/amount/sync, filter cutoff/resonance/envelope, volume envelope attack/decay/sustain) and Level 2 for arpeggiator (order/pattern/octave/rate/latch) and advanced editing, all adjustable via knobs and a value encoder with LCD readout.^[10]^[22] Connectivity across the Taurus models emphasizes analog integration with progressive digital additions. All variants include a 1/4-inch unbalanced mono audio output (line-level, typically 0 dBm) for direct connection to amplifiers or mixers.^[25]^[10] The Taurus I supports external control via CV/gate inputs (1 V/octave pitch CV, +5 V gate) on the rear panel, allowing keyboard or sequencer triggering, and select units feature a footswitch input for sustain.^[6] The Taurus II expands this with bidirectional CV (input/output via stereo jack, 100 MΩ impedance) and dual trigger options (S/V), plus an audio input for processing external signals through its filter.^[25]^[37] The Taurus III introduces MIDI (DIN in/out) and USB MIDI (bidirectional, class-compliant) for DAW integration and preset control via CC messages, alongside retained CV inputs (pitch/filter/volume, 0-5 V) and gate (+5 V), plus two high/low impedance audio outputs and an AC power inlet (90-250 V, 15 W).^[10] These options enable the Taurus III to function as both a standalone pedal synth and a MIDI-controllable module, with local control disable for external sequencing.^[38]

Notable Users and Legacy

Key Musicians and Bands

Mike Rutherford of Genesis was an early adopter of the Moog Taurus pedals, incorporating them into the band's sound starting in the late 1970s and prominently featuring them on the 1981 album Abacab for bass lines, such as in the track "No Reply at All."^[39]^[40] Tony Banks of Genesis also utilized the Moog Taurus pedals for keyboard bass duties in live performances and recordings during the late 1970s and early 1980s, contributing to the band's progressive rock sound.^[19] Geddy Lee of Rush extensively used the Moog Taurus pedals in both studio recordings and live performances from the late 1970s onward, including on the instrumental track "YYZ" from the 1981 album Moving Pictures, where the pedals provided the distinctive low-end synth bass foundation.^[41]^[42] Lee has credited the Taurus with influencing Rush's songwriting and arrangement processes during this era.^[43] Chris Squire of Yes acquired a set of Moog Taurus pedals shortly after their 1976 release, using them as an early adopter to layer bass sounds in live settings and recordings, often combined with his existing Dewtron Mister Bassman pedals for enhanced tonal depth.^[44]^[45] The Police integrated the Moog Taurus I pedals into their setup during the late 1970s, with Sting purchasing a set in 1979 from Manny's Music in New York, and Sting and Andy Summers using them for synth bass elements on albums like Zenyatta Mondatta (1980).^[46]^[47] Jean-Michel Jarre utilized the Moog Taurus pedals in live performances and recordings, notably on the 1982 live album Les Concerts en Chine, where they drove the bass lines in "Souvenir de Chine" alongside other analog synthesizers.^[48]^[49] Bassist John Myung of Dream Theater incorporated the Moog Taurus III pedals into his rig starting around 2011, employing them for harmonized bass effects on tracks like "The Enemy Inside" from the 2013 album Dream Theater and in live choruses during tours.^[50]^[51] Post-2012 revivals saw the Taurus III adopted by acts like The Black Keys, who integrated it into studio work for its classic analog bass timbre, alongside modern progressive bands continuing the pedals' legacy in complex arrangements.^[38]

Cultural Impact and Revivals

The Moog Taurus played a pivotal role in shaping the bass sounds of 1970s progressive rock, delivering thunderous, monophonic tones that cut through dense mixes and became a hallmark of the genre.^[19] Its adoption by leading acts provided a powerful foundation for complex arrangements, as exemplified in Genesis's "Dance on a Volcano," where the pedals contributed to the track's driving low-end.^[19] The instrument's distinctive roar, particularly the "Taurus" preset, solidified its status as a go-to tool for prog bassists seeking analog depth.^[19] Beyond prog rock, the Taurus's foot-pedal interface inspired innovations in electronic music, enabling hands-free bass synthesis that influenced pedalboard designs and live performance techniques.^[52] This organ-inspired control scheme allowed musicians to layer synth bass alongside traditional instruments, paving the way for integrated setups in genres emphasizing rhythmic intensity and sonic experimentation.^[52] The Taurus endures as an iconic piece of synthesizer history, with original models highly sought after by collectors for their rarity and vintage appeal; well-preserved Taurus I units often fetch prices exceeding $4,000 on the secondary market in 2025.^[4] Its retro analog aesthetic continues to evoke the era's raw electronic timbre in modern media, including film scores and video game soundtracks that draw on classic synth motifs. Revivals have sustained the Taurus's legacy into the digital age. In 2023, Behringer introduced the TORO, an analog recreation of the Taurus I featuring dual voltage-controlled oscillators, a ladder filter, and four presets like "Toro" and "Tuba," priced at approximately $169 for accessible entry into its sound.^[53] Software emulations, such as Cherry Audio's Lowdown released in 2022, faithfully model the original's circuitry with sawtooth and square waveforms, a 24 dB/octave low-pass filter, and over 40 presets, integrating seamlessly into DAWs for contemporary production.^[54] As of 2025, Moog has not announced a new Taurus iteration, leaving third-party clones and plugins as primary avenues for its revival.^[55]

References

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Free delivery 14-day returns... size 621mm(L) x 571mm(W)including space for power cable x 208mm(H) External size 674mm(L) x 631mm(W) x 309mm(H) Weight Hex-Stucco-PVC versions approx 14kgMissing: specifications dimensions
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https://www.organology.net/instrument/moog-taurus/
[31]
New Moog Taurus 3 Bass Pedal Specs & Pricing - Synthtopia
Nov 26, 2009 · The Moog Taurus 3 has 13-note velocity sensitive bass pedals, 2 VCOs, 1 VCF, 2 ASD envelope generators, 1 LFO, 52 presets, and costs $1,995.
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Moog Taurus 3 Editor and Librarian - Patch Base - Coffeeshopped
Download Patch Base for iPad free in the App Store. View in App Store. macOS. Patch Base runs on macOS 10.13 and higher. Download it here. Download.
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Moog Limited Edition Taurus III - Sweetwater
12 banks x 4 presets = 48 total programmable bass sounds; Bank 0 contains the original Taurus 1 Presets - VAR, TAURUS, TUBA, and BASS; MIDI: Din and USB, ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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Downloads | Moog Music
download icon. Taurus 3. Firmware UpdateTaurus 3 v2.0.2.5 Firmware PCDownload download icon. Firmware UpdateTaurus 3 v2.0.2.5 Firmware MACDownload download icon.Firmware Updates · User Manuals · Patches · Presets
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Moog Taurus III - Reverb
In stock Rating 5.0 (4) The original Moog Taurus of the mid-1970s was a foot pedal-controlled analog synth with 13 foot keys and a five octave range.
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Taurus 3 firmware update - v2.0.3 - Moog Forum
Mar 28, 2013 · Hi all! I fixed some Taurus 3 bugs this week, and added a couple of features. This should probably be called version 2.1.0, but I'm tagging ...Taurus III software upgrade - Moog ForumTaurus 3 firmware update v1.14 - 16 Dec 2011More results from forum.moogmusic.com
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Moog Taurus II | Vintage Synth Explorer
The Taurus is an interesting synth, it's a pedal synthesizer with essentially the same synth engine as the Rogue. A very basic synth with only sawtooth or ...
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Moog Taurus III Analog Monophonic Bass Pedal Synthesizer
May 15, 2015 · The famous Taurus I bass synthesizer was renowned for its huge solid low end fundamental (aka oomph TM ) and throaty roar of its signature preset.
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Moog Taurus 3 Bass Pedals - What To Know & Where To Buy
Rating 4.5 (15) · Free delivery4 days ago · The Moog Taurus 3 is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play one note at a time, which is ideal for bass lines and lead sounds. Can the ...
[41]
Moog String Filter | Genesis: a gear revelation Wiki | Fandom
Mike Rutherford used the Moog String Filter on the Moog Taurus I pedals in the studio on Abacab, to control the sound, in addition to an MXR digital delay ...
[42]
Genesis Abacab ~ Vintage Synthesizer Recreation ~ RetroSound
Sep 12, 2024 · ... Mike Rutherford Featured the ARP Quadra, Moog ... Genesis Abacab ~ Vintage Synthesizer Recreation ~ RetroSound ~ Arp Quadra, Moog Taurus.
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Geddy Lee on the Moog Taurus Pedals, Pt. 1 - YouTube
Jan 5, 2012 · Moog visited Geddy Lee at a studio in Toronto to get his take on the Taurus pedals, old and new. This is the first of a 3-part series ...
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Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass, Moog Taurus Pedals (Exit ... - YouTube
Dec 30, 2022 · RUSH - YYZ Bass Cover : Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass, Moog Taurus Pedals (Exit...Stage Left). 4.1K views · 2 years ago ...more ...
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Geddy Lee Discusses Moog Taurus Pedals - Interview
Jan 5, 2012 · The interview (and series) focuses on Geddy's use of the Moog Taurus Pedals throughout Rush's history. ... Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson Announce ...<|separator|>
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Ask YES – Friday 26th April 2013 – Chris Squire - Yesworld
Apr 26, 2013 · And then later on, Moog came out with the Taurus pedals and I also acquired a set of those, and I used to combine the sounds from both ...Missing: prototype | Show results with:prototype
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ARTICLE ABOUT Chris Squire (Yes) FROM Sounds, January 31, 1976
Feb 28, 2020 · “It's almost as if Moog developed the Taurus bass pedals with me in mind, though I'm sure he didn't.” Presumably Chris was fairly choosy ...Missing: prototype | Show results with:prototype
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Moog Taurus I | The Police equipment Wiki
Between 1979 to 1984 both Sting and Andy Summers used the Moog Taurus I analogue bass pedal synthesiser onstage with the Police. It was first manufactured ...
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The Police Zenyatta Mondatta equipment
Moog Taurus I pedals; Roland SH-2 synth; Roland GR-300 guitar synthesizer; Roland RS-505 Paraphonic - likely synth strings on "Behind My Camel". Stewart ...<|separator|>
[50]
Jean Michel Jarre Souvenir Of China ~ Vintage Synthesizer ...
Apr 3, 2025 · Souvenir Of China by Jean Michel Jarre from the album The Concerts in China (1982) Featured the Oberheim OB-X, the Moog Taurus bass pedals ...
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Moog Taurus Song List - SynthTrax
Apr 8, 2022 · Table of Songs featuring Moog Taurus (I,II,III) ; Steve Hackett, Clocks, 1979 ; Jean-Michel Jarre, Concerts in China (album), 1982 ...
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Rig Rundown - Dream Theater's John Myung - Premier Guitar
Oct 25, 2011 · He uses an Ernie Ball Volume Pedal as Master Volume to pull the signal back to tune. He started using the Moog Taurus 3 pedals this tour for ...
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Interview: John Myung of DREAM THEATER and THE JELLY JAM
Jun 18, 2016 · The song “Perfect Lines” was another track like “Water” that experiments with bass and harmonizing bass with Moog Taurus pedals. The piano ...
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The Moog Taurus: the Beast of the Bass that Continues to Evolve
Aug 30, 2019 · The early '70s concept for the Constellation comprised of three parts: the Apollo – a polyphonic synth; the Lyra – a monosynth which was slated ...
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Product | TORO - Behringer
Introducing the Behringer TORO, an authentic recreation of the legendary Taurus I made popular by Rush, Genesis, Dream Theater and Yes to name a few.Missing: Moog | Show results with:Moog
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Cherry Audio Lowdown, Moog Taurus bass Synthesizer emulation
May 23, 2022 · Cherry Audio Lowdown is a new Synthesizer plugin (win/mac) that recreates the fat, juicy sound of the Moog Taurus bass synth from 1975.
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Here's the 2025 update on all the synths and drum machines that ...
Jan 7, 2025 · It is expected to go on sale in 2026, with a price at the upper end of Behringer's synths so around $1,000 plus. BX700. New Behringer synths. ( ...