Moog

L
et’s start by looking at
the physicality of Mavis.
An obvious comparison
can be drawn with
Moog’s Werkstat, in that
they both follow very
similar design ethos.
Mavis is billed as a DIY analogue
synth and, while that is true to an
extent, those of you who are less
interested, or lack the skills, for hours
of soldering need not worry. Mavis
does need to be constructed but
anybody can do it. The box contains a
completed printed circuit board
would prefer some of these to be a
little larger but, unlike the DFAM,
there aren’t many where total
accuracy is needed and the knobs/
pots feel sturdy and have a decent
feel. I’m sure companies like Think
will offer kits for larger knobs, or you
can source your own.
A power supply ships with the unit
but if you are a Eurorack player, then
you’ll be pleased to know Mavis is
Eurorack compatible and there’s a
standard power socket underneath.
So, while there is some work to
do, don’t feel put off but enjoy the
fact that you get to see more than you
typically would with other synths and
learn a little about what is going on
under the lid.
Getting in the Moog
The front panel is typical Moog;
clearly laid out and labelled, with all
the patch points grouped to the left of
the device but facing up like a Mother
32, rather than out to the side like
the Werkstatt. This is clearly needed
to add Mavis to a modular rig and lifts
the feel of Mavis to something more
like other Eurorack-compatible
replete with all components, a case
(including a dust cover), front panel,
screws and nuts, a light pipe and a
tool for tightening the nuts.
Construction takes a few minutes
only, with most of that time used for
tightening the nuts onto the patch
points. It’s a simple case of screwing
the front panel to the printed circuit
board, pushing the light pipe into
position to bring the illumination for
the LFO rate up to the front panel and
that’s about it.
Even the control knobs are part of
the onboard components. Personally I
THE PROS & CONS
+
Compact all-in-one
or add it to a
Eurorack rig
Classic Moog tones
with wavefolding
Versatile patching
possibilities
-
Control knobs may
be too small for
some tastes
Moog Mavis | Reviews
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