The instrument
The Moog Liberation, released in 1980, was one of the first keytars, allowing keyboardists greater stage mobility. It features a 44-note keyboard and shares its architecture with the Moog Prodigy. Designed for expressive performance, it includes two monophonic oscillators and a polyphonic section for organ-like sounds. With its built-in modulation controls and distinct analog character, the Liberation became a notable presence in early ‘80s music, used by artists seeking both portability and Moog’s signature sound.
Details
The Liberation has two VCOs with triangle, sawtooth, and square waveforms, each with independent octave control. A 24 dB/octave low-pass filter and ADSR envelopes shape its dynamic tones. A ring modulator and noise generator expand its sonic range. The neck features a ribbon controller and modulation wheel for expressive play. To reduce weight, its power supply is housed externally in a 2U rack unit.