Moog MAVIS User manual

MAVI S
USER’S MANUAL

“Everything has some consciousness, and we tap
into that. It is about energy at its most basic level.”
- Dr. Robert Moog -

Important Safety Instructions
WARNING: WHEN USING ELECTRIC PRODUCTS, THESE BASIC
PRECAUTIONS SHOULD ALWAYS BE FOLLOWED.
1. Read and follow all the instructions before using the product. Heed all warnings
and keep these instructions for later reference.
2. Do not use apparatus near water—for example, but not limited to, near a bathtub,
washbowl, or kitchen sink; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool.
3. Clean only with dry cloth.
4. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat. Do not operate this apparatus with the
case in direct sunlight.
6. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
7. Use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. Ensure that any
external equipment used in conjunction with this product is installed according
to the safety specifications supplied with that equipment.
8. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for a long
period of time.
9. This product, in combination with an amplifier and headphones or speakers,
may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing
loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level or at a level
that is uncomfortable.
10. The product should only be connected to the AC adapter supplied with the
product. Do not connect the AC adapter to an AC outlet that is outside the
adapter’s input specifications.
11. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into
the enclosure through openings. Do not expose this product to rain or moisture.
12. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as if power supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, or the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or
has been dropped.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
—Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that
to which the receiver is connected.
—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION: Please note that any changes or modifications made to this product not expressly
approved by Moog Music Inc. could void the user’s authority granted by the FCC to operate
the equipment.
OPERATING CONDITIONS AND STORAGE
For optimal performance, you should use your Mavis between 50–95 degrees
Fahrenheit (10–35 degrees Celsius). Safe operating conditions are within the range
of 50–110 degrees Fahrenheit (10–43 degrees Celsius).
Mavis should be stored in temperatures above 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees
Celsius) but never greater than 135 degrees Fahrenheit (57 degrees Celsius). Do not
leave Mavis in a vehicle on a hot day with the windows closed. Temperatures in a
vehicle can exceed 175 degress Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius).

8 Assembly Instructions
11 Setup & Connections
12 About Mavis
Analog Synthesizer Basics
14 Meet Mavis
Default Settings
15 Listening to Wave Shapes
Listening to the Filter
16 Applying Modulation
17 Patching Examples
Wave Folding
S+H (Sample + Hold)
18 MULT
Attenuator
19 ONE+TWO Mixer
20 Panel Controls & Functions
21 The Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO)
24 The Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF)
26 The Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO)
28 The Envelope Generator (EG)
30 The Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA)
31 The Keyboard
33 The Utilities (UTL)
35 The Patchbay
42 Patchbay Module Functions
Wave Folding
43 The Mixer
MULT
44 Attenuator
Sample + Hold
45 Using Mavis as a Eurorack Module
46 Calibration
48 Signal Flow
49 Specifications
50 Warranty & Service Information
Table of Contents

Assembly
Instructions

8 | Assembly Instructions
Assembly Instructions
To learn how to assemble your new synth, visit moogmusic.com/mavis for video assembly
instructions, follow the instructions on the included Quickstart and Assembly guide, or follow
the instructions on the next few pages.
Putting Mavis together is easy. All of the electronic components have been pre-assembled, so
no soldering is required. And while assembly is not complicated, it is important to follow each
step, in order. Be mindful that you are working with delicate, high-tech electronics, so a good
measure of caution and care is always in order.
A Note About Electrostatic Discharge: You may have noticed that little electric shock you sometimes receive
when you touch something like a metal doorknob. This is called electrostatic discharge, and it can be harmful
to electronic components. To protect the circuitry when you are assembling your Mavis, leave the circuit board
in its protective anti-static sleeve until you are ready to install it. Also, take a moment to ground yourself by
touching a metal surface or grounded object before you handle the circuit board.
Unpacking & Inspection
Check the contents of the shipping carton. Be careful when unpacking your new Moog
Mavis parts so that nothing is lost or damaged. Moog recommends saving the carton and
all packing materials in case you ever need to ship the instrument for any reason.
MAVIS SHIPS WITH THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
1. Lid ......................................................................................................................................................................... x1
2. Chassis ................................................................................................................................................................ x1
3. Front Panel ........................................................................................................................................................ x1
4. PCB (Printed Circuit Board) ....................................................................................................................... x1
5. Hex Nut Driver Tool ....................................................................................................................................... x1
6. Rubber Feet ...................................................................................................................................................... x4
7. M3x8 Screws ..................................................................................................................................................... x9 (+1 spare)
8. Hex Nuts ............................................................................................................................................................. x24 (+1 spare)
9. Light Pipe ........................................................................................................................................................... x1 (+1 spare)
10. Serial Number Label ...................................................................................................................................... x1
11. Calibration Tool ............................................................................................................................................... x1
12. 6" 3.5 mm Mono (TS) Patch Cables ....................................................................................................... x5
13. Mavis Quickstart and Assembly Guide .................................................................................................. x1
14. 12 Volt DC Power Supply ............................................................................................................................. x1
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
1. A table or surface where you can assemble your Mavis
2. A Phillips Screwdriver
3. A 1/4" instrument cable and amplified speaker, or headphones with a 1/4" plug
4. A properly wired AC outlet (100–240 Volts AC/50–60 Hz)

9 | Assembly Instructions
ATTACH THE FEET
The square self-adhesive Rubber Feet should be
placed on the corresponding square areas on the
bottom side of the Chassis.
Remove the protective film from each foot, apply,
and hold firmly for a few seconds.
SECURE PCB TO FRONT PANEL
Carefully remove the Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
from the sleeve. Remove the protective film from
the Front Panel and gently guide it onto the PCB,
taking care that all keys, knobs, jacks, and the VCA
switch fit through their respective holes. Using a
Phillips Screwdriver, carefully secure the PCB to
the Front Panel using five of the M3x8 Screws.
These screws enter from the back of the PCB and
attach to threaded stand-os on the back of the
Front Panel.
NOTE: A few of the rubber keys may not immediately
pass through the Front Panel. For these remaining keys,
simply use the flat end of the included red calibration
tool to guide them into the correct position.
MOUNT PCB/PANEL ASSEMBLY
TO THE CHASSIS
Place the PCB/Panel Assembly into the Chassis.
Be sure that the power jack connection on the
PCB/Panel lines up with the power jack port on the
Chassis. Use the four remaining M3x8 Screws to
mount the PCB/Panel Assembly to the Chassis.

10 | Assembly Instructions
SECURE PATCHBAY AND
INSTALL LIGHT PIPE
ATTACH THE LID
Mavis includes a protective Lid that keeps dust
and debris o of your instrument. Place the Lid on
top of Mavis when not in use, while in transit, and
for the next assembly step.
APPLY THE SERIAL NUMBER
Now that you’ve built your new instrument, it’s
time to make it ocial.
With the Lid on, flip the entire unit upside down
and apply the Serial Number Label to the bottom
of the Chassis. Don’t forget to write your name in
the "Built By" section.
Use the 8mm end of the included Hex Nut Driver
to secure a Hex Nut to each of the 24 jacks on
the Patchbay (be careful not to over-torque). This
will provide a secure platform for plugging and
unplugging patch cables. Next, there is a clear
plastic Light Pipe that carries light from the LFO
RATE LED on the PCB to the Front Panel. Insert
the tapered end of the Light Pipe into the hole
directly to the right of the LFO RATE knob. When
inserted correctly, it should sit nearly flush with the
Front Panel.

11 | Assembly Instructions
Setup & Connections
POWER UP & PLAY
Using the included 12V DC Power Supply, connect the barrel end to the Mavis power connection jack,
and connect the other end to an AC wall outlet (100–240 Volts AC/50–60 Hz).
When the red LFO RATE LED on the Front Panel lights up, your synthesizer is powered on and you are
ready to build your first patch!
NOTE: There is no power switch on your Mavis. Once connected to the power supply, the unit is On. Mavis is an
analog instrument and should be allowed to warm up before use. In cases where it has been left in a cold car
overnight, for example, it may take even longer for the oscillator tuning to stabilize. For optimized tuning, do
not operate your Mavis in direct sunlight.
/VCA
With the Mavis VOLUME knob turned all the way down (counterclockwise),
plug one end of a 3.5 mm cable into the / VCA jack on the patchbay. Then
plug the other end into an amplified speaker or mixing console input, using a
3.5 mm-to-1/4" adapter if necessary. This jack can also be used with a set of
mono or stereo headphones, providing the same signal to each ear. Now, raise
the VOLUME knob (clockwise) to bring the sound to an appropriate level.

12 | About Mavis
About Mavis
Mavis is a complete, compact, and powerfully equipped analog synthesizer. The built-in
keyboard, select hardwired connections, and remarkable sound engine provide Mavis
with plenty of musical dexterity to stand all on its own. On-board utilities and an array of
inclusive patch points transform Mavis into the archetype of a modular synthesizer, able
to work in concert with other modular, semi-modular, or Eurorack instruments and other
electronic music equipment. Once assembled, you will have the satisfaction of owning a
100% analog Moog synthesizer that you’ve built yourself. A lifetime of rewarding
synthesizer experiences await.
ANALOG SYNTHESIZER BASICS
Analog synthesis relies on two types of signals: audio signals and control signals. Audio signals are the
sounds you hear emanating from the sound creation circuits of an instrument. Control signals, on the
other hand, are used to change and/or modify the settings of these circuits. In an analog instrument,
these control signals carry a continuously variable voltage level. These signals are referred to as Control
Voltages, and many parameters of an analog synthesizer’s modules are “Voltage Controlled.” An
additional type of control signal is known as a Gate, or Trigger, which is simply used to initiate an event.
Pressing a key on a keyboard is an example of generating a Gate signal.
In an analog synthesizer, each set of circuits performs a particular job—the oscillators, filters, envelopes,
etc.—are each self-contained modules. By design, these modules are wired together using both audio
signals and control signals. However, patch points and patch cables can allow these modules to be
reconnected in new ways. This is the basis for the term Modular Synthesizer. The first Moog synthesizers
were modular synthesizers.
In this diagram of Mavis modules, the solid lines represent audio signals, and the dotted lines represent
control signals. The definitions and functions of each module are described later in the "Panel Controls &
Functions" section (page 20).

Meet Mavis

14 | Meet Mavis
DEFAULT SETTINGS
Now that your Mavis is assembled and fully functional, here are a couple of quick exercises
that allow you to become more familiar with how it works. Be sure that Mavis is connected
to an AC power source using the included adapter, and connect a set of headphones to
the /VCA output jack. This same jack can also be used to connect Mavis to an amplifier,
monitoring system, audio interface, etc. Carefully set all of the controls to the default
positions shown below. This will provide a great starting point for exploring the functions
and features of Mavis.
Meet Mavis
Mavis is jam-packed with analog synthesizer goodness and rich sonic character. The powerful
Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) is matched with a Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF) of the
legendary Moog Ladder Filter design. Modulation sources like the Low Frequency Oscillator
(LFO) and four-stage Envelope Generator (EG) add dynamic motion to your sound—and the
full-octave button keyboard puts it all at your fingertips.
Deeper still, the Utilities (UTL) and patchbay are home to many more modular treats. Here
you will find a wave folder, a 2-in/1-out mixer, a variable attenuator, modular mult jacks, and
even a Sample+Hold (S+H) Generator. These same 24 patch points oer the freedom to
connect the modules in new and creative ways, and to explore the excitement of interfacing
with other synths and electronic music equipment.
INITIAL PATCH

15 | Meet Mavis
LISTENING TO WAVE SHAPES
Timbre is a term used to denote the harmonic content
of a sound, be it bright and buzzy or warm and dark. In
general, timbre is defined by two things: the waveform
of the oscillator and the settings of the filter. Using the
default settings, hold down any key on the keyboard.
Slowly rotate the VCO WAVE knob from the fully
counterclockwise position (saw) to the fully clockwise
position (pulse), and listen to how the harmonic
composition of the sound changes.
Leave the VCO WAVE knob in the fully clockwise
position. This selects the Pulse wave. Now, slowly
rotate the PULSE WIDTH knob. This changes the width,
or duty cycle, of the Pulse wave, from a narrow pulse
(counterclockwise) to a square wave (clockwise). These
two knobs provide a wide variety of timbres.
LISTENING TO THE FILTER
Mavis is equipped with a low-pass audio filter to
further shape the timbre of your sound. The CUTOFF
knob sets the frequency of the filter. Simply put, sonic
frequencies above the Cuto frequency are filtered
out, and the sounds below the Cuto frequency are
allowed to pass.
The RESONANCE knob adds a certain amount of
boost, or emphasis, to frequencies around the Cuto.
Return all the knobs to their default settings (page
14). Again, hold any key on the keyboard and slowly
rotate the CUTOFF knob. As the knob is rotated to the
left (counterclockwise), you will hear the sound get
“darker” as more upper harmonic content is filtered
out. Rotating this knob to the right (clockwise) allows
more upper harmonic content to pass through the
filter, creating a “brighter” sound.
Now try dierent settings of the RESONANCE and
CUTOFF knobs, noticing how it aects your sound.
Finally, set both the CUTOFF and the RESONANCE
knobs to about the 3 o’clock position, and slowly rotate
the CUTOFF knob to the left (counterclockwise). As
you “sweep” the filter in this manner, you will hear the
emphasis peak created by the RESONANCE knob
sweep as well. At maximum Resonance settings, the
filter will self-oscillate, producing its own audible tone.
Setting the filter to self-oscillate is a useful synthesis
trick for adding sonic complexity to your sound.

16 | Meet Mavis
APPLYING MODULATION
In the previous exercises, manually changing
the settings of the PULSE WIDTH knob
and the CUTOFF knob noticeably aected
the sound. In a voltage-controlled analog
synthesizer such as Mavis, we can apply
a modulation source (Control Voltage) to
automatically change the value of these
parameters. Mavis contains two hardwired
modulation sources. The first is an LFO
(Low Frequency Oscillator) that provides a
repeating, cyclic change based on the current
settings of the LFO RATE and LFO WAVE
parameters. The second is the EG (Envelope
Generator) that creates a single, continuously
changing control signal based on the current
settings of the ATTACK, DECAY, SUSTAIN,
and RELEASE knobs. This EG control signal
begins anew each time a key is pressed.
Rotating the VCO MOD MIX knob selects
the EG, the LFO, or some mix of these two
modulation sources. The PITCH MOD AMT
knob determines how much of this combined
modulation source is being applied to the
pitch of the VCO. The PWM AMT knob
determines how much of this combined
modulation source is being applied to the
Pulse Width of the VCO wave shape. Go
ahead and try rotating these three knobs and
hear how it aects the sound.
Similar controls are available to automatically
modulate the Cuto frequency of the VCF.
Rotating the VCF MOD MIX knob selects
the EG, the LFO, or some mix of these two
modulation sources. The VCF MOD AMT
knob determines how much of this combined
modulation source is being applied to the
Cuto frequency of the VCF. Again, go ahead
and rotate these two knobs to hear how it will
aect the sound.

17 | Patching Examples
WAVE FOLDING
Wave Folding is another concept available in your Mavis to
change the harmonic content of the sound, and Mavis is the
first Moog instrument to ever feature a wave folder. The wave
folder is not part of the Mavis signal chain by default, and must
be patched in to use.
Patching any signal to the FOLD IN input jack (R1; C3) will
connect that signal directly through the wave folder to the VCF
and VCA, bypassing the VCO. In order to try this out, return all
of the parameters to their default settings (page 14) and rotate
VCO WAVE fully counterclockwise to the saw wave. Next,
connect a patch cable from the VCO output jack (R5; C1) to
the FOLD IN input jack.
As you hold down any key on the keyboard, slowly rotate
the FOLD knob back and forth between the full left
(counterclockwise) and full right (clockwise) position to hear
how controlling the amount of wave folding aects the timbre
of the sound. Generally, rotating the FOLD knob to the right will
add a more aggressive sound. To the left, not so much.
TIP: Due to the way Wave Folding handles sharper wave edges, the
wavefolder will have a much more pronounced eect with the VCO
WAVE knob set to saw than set to square.
S+H (Sample + Hold)
Sample + Hold is a specialized form of modulation that creates
a series of stepped voltages that can be applied to change the
value of a specific parameter. For a deeper discussion of how
the Sample + Hold circuit works, see "Sample + Hold" (page
44). This example will use S+H to change the value of the VCF
Cuto frequency.
First, set all of the parameters back to their default settings
(page 14). Next, connect a patch cable from the S+H output
jack (R7; C2) to the CUTOFF input jack (R3; C2).
As you hold down any key on the keyboard, you will hear the
note sustain, but it will seem to “pulse” as the value of Cuto
frequency changes in a rhythmic fashion. Try turning the VCO
WAVE knob and the LFO RATE knob to hear how the S+H
eect changes.
Patching Examples
Throughout this manual, individual patch points are referenced by their label name, and by
their Row and Column coordinates, such as (R4; C2) for the VCA CV input jack.

18 | Patching Examples
MULT
The MULT is a simple module that allows you to route one
signal to two dierent destinations. Continuing from the
SAMPLE + HOLD example above, you may want to route the
S+H eect to change the frequency of the VCO in addition
to the filter cuto. Patch the S+H output jack (R7; C2) to
the MULT input jack (R8; C1).
By patching the MULT 1 output jack (R8; C2) to the filter
CUTOFF input jack (R3; C2) we can replicate the example from
the previous section while having another copy of the Sample +
Hold signal available at the MULT 2 output jack (R8; C3).
Patch the MULT 2 output jack (R8; C3) to the 1V/OCT input jack
(R2; C1) to have the Sample + Hold change both the pitch and
filter cuto frequency at the same time.
ATTENUATOR
The ATTENUATOR is another simple module that allows you
to adjust the strength of any signal. Perhaps we want to use the
Sample + Hold to change the VCO frequency but would like a
less dramatic eect.
Patch the S+H output jack (R7; C2) to the ATTN (+5) input jack
(R6; C3) and patch the ATTN output (R7; C3) to the 1V/OCT
input jack (R2; C1).
With this configuration, you can use the ATTENUATOR knob
to scale the Sample + Hold eect on the VCO—from narrow,
subtle changes with the knob counter clockwise to wider
range changes as the knob is turned clockwise.

19 | Patching Examples
ONE+TWO MIXER (LFO as second oscillator)
Mavis includes a mixer that allows you to mix a signal through
the ONE input jack (R3; C3) and associated ONE LVL knob with
a signal in the TWO input jack (R4; C3).
One of the most powerful uses of this mixer is to turn Mavis
into a two-oscillator synthesizer by using the LFO at audio
rate. To explore this, begin by returning all parameters to their
default settings (page 14).
First, put the LFO into audio rate by moving the LFO RATE
knob to approximately 4 o’clock. Next, patch the LFO output
jack (R6; C1) to the ONE (-5) input jack (R2; C3), patch the
VCO output jack (R5; C1) to the TWO input jack (R4; C3) and
patch the ONE+TWO output jack (R5; C3) to the FOLD IN
input jack (R1; C3).
As you hold down the low C key, raise the level of the ONE LVL
knob to hear both the LFO and VCO mixed together, and adjust
the LFO RATE knob slowly until both oscillators are close
enough together to provide a pleasing, thick sound.
As you play the keyboard, you will hear the VCO move in
tandem with the keys while the LFO remains at the pitch
corresponding to C, providing a nice tonal counterpoint.
By patching the KB CV output jack (R1; C2) to the LFO RATE
input jack (R3; C1) both oscillators will move together. This
patch oers a deep timbral world to play with by adjusting
the VCO WAVE, LFO WAVE, and ONE LVL knobs while also
allowing for wave folding on top.

Panel Controls
& Functions