Moog Music’s Muse v1.4: Dynamic Chorus and Diffusion in Motion

The video opens with a focus on Muse firmware version 1.4, which brings a significant expansion to the instrument’s modulation capabilities. Moog Music demonstrates how this update allows users to modulate every parameter of the diffusion delay using six global modulation sources. This is a notable shift, as previous versions limited modulation of global effects to per-voice sources, restricting the kinds of evolving textures one could achieve.

With these new global LFOs and envelopes, users can now sculpt the diffusion delay in ways that were previously impossible. The video sets the stage for a series of patching demonstrations, highlighting how firmware 1.4 turns Muse into a much more interactive and expressive tool for chorus and diffusion effects.

Moog’s walkthrough reveals the heart of the update: global LFOs can now be assigned to modulate the left and right channels of the diffusion delay independently. By mapping Global LFO 1 to the left and Global LFO 2 to the right, the classic chorus shimmer is achieved, with the mod wheel acting as a macro control for the LFO rates. This setup enables real-time performance tweaks, letting players dial in subtle or dramatic chorus movement on the fly.

The depth of modulation is crucial here. The video demonstrates how shallow modulation depths yield that familiar chorus warble, while cranking up the depth leads to more extreme, less chorus-like effects. Moog also points out the importance of selecting “pitch shift” as the time mode in the diffusion delay’s menu, ensuring that the modulation introduces the pitch artifacts reminiscent of BBD or tape delays. This attention to detail lets users chase both vintage and modern chorus flavours within the same patch.

The integration of expressive controls is where Muse’s new firmware really comes alive. The video shows how the mod wheel can be used to raise the rate of both LFOs, effectively morphing the chorus character in real time. Adjusting the modulation depth of the mod wheel changes the range of possible chorus rates, giving performers nuanced control over the effect’s intensity.

Beyond the mod wheel, Moog demonstrates the use of the macro knob to adjust diffusion time and aftertouch to simultaneously open the filter envelope sustain and increase the diffusion amount. A touch of slew is applied to aftertouch, smoothing transitions and making the response feel more organic. This multi-dimensional approach means that every gesture—be it a finger on the mod wheel or a press of aftertouch—can shape the diffusion delay in musically meaningful ways.

The video then explores alternative patching approaches using the global envelope generators. By routing a global envelope to modulate LFO rates, the chorus speed can increase dynamically as a note is held, adding a sense of motion that evolves over time. This technique is especially effective for creating patches that breathe and shift with the performer’s touch.

Moog highlights the impact of multi-trig mode on the global envelope generator. With multi-trig enabled, each new note retriggers the envelope, resulting in more pronounced dynamic modulation. Disabling multi-trig means the envelope only restarts when all keys are released, leading to a smoother, more legato response. This flexibility allows for both percussive and flowing chorus effects, depending on the desired musical context.