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Moog 16-Channel Vocoder MBVO (1979)
Description
We’re delighted to present this beautiful example of the Moog 16-Channel Vocoder MBVO, manufactured in 1979 — one of the most revered and capable analogue vocoders ever produced.
As one of the very few full-spec Moog Vocoders to emerge onto the collector’s market, this 16-channel version delivers the unmistakable warmth, intelligibility, and tonal depth that made it the studio standard for professional voice synthesis and sound design in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
This example has been carefully maintained throughout its life, having spent its time in a private studio environment. It remains in excellent cosmetic condition, with only minor signs of age appropriate to a 45-year-old instrument. The construction quality of the Moog Vocoder is substantial, and the overall presentation reflects that heritage perfectly — a serious studio tool, engineered for professional use and longevity.
So good they built it twice!
In 2020, Moog Music reissued the original 16-Channel Vocoder design after more than four decades of absence from production. The decision to recreate such a complex and specialist piece of analogue equipment was a remarkable statement of intent — a tribute to the enduring reputation and relevance of the original 1979 model.
Moog’s reissue was built to the same circuit topology as the MBVO, retaining its fully analogue signal path, 16 filter bands, and iconic control layout. This was not a reinterpretation, but a faithful recreation — evidence of how well the original concept still stood the test of time. For collectors and musicians alike, it reaffirmed what those who have used the vintage units already knew: the Moog Vocoder is a benchmark in musical signal processing, and its sonic character remains as inspiring today as it was when first released.
Technical Specification
The Moog 16-Channel Vocoder MBVO is a fully analogue signal processor designed to analyse and resynthesise the spectral characteristics of one signal (the “modulator”) and impose them upon another (the “carrier”). This model, developed by Moog Music in the late 1970s, represents the pinnacle of classic analogue vocoding design.
The MBVO offers 16 independent filter bands spanning the full audio range, each with precision band-pass characteristics for exceptionally clear speech intelligibility and musical timbral control. The wide channel count, coupled with Moog’s high-quality VCF and VCA topology, delivers a uniquely natural and articulate sound compared to lower-band vocoders of the era.
Input and output routing is fully professional, with balanced line-level connections for both modulator and carrier paths, along with front-panel patch points enabling external filtering, envelope following, and formant shaping. A built-in voiced/unvoiced detector automatically controls sibilant articulation, and a pitch-tracking oscillator allows for synthetic speech or musical tone generation without an external carrier.
The unit is housed in a robust 6U 19-inch rack chassis, featuring high-quality illuminated switches and precision pots throughout — a testament to Moog’s engineering standards of the period.
Power is supplied via standard IEC mains input, suitable for UK and European voltage operation.
Servicing & Condition
This unit was fully serviced by Kent Spong at KSR in April 2025, ensuring it is performing to factory specification and ready for immediate use in any high-end studio environment.
Aside from this comprehensive KSR service, there are no prior maintenance or service records available for this example.
Cosmetically, the instrument presents really well — the front panel, controls, and chassis are all in excellent condition. These vocoders were typically rack-mounted and used in controlled environments, and this example is consistent with that history.
Provenance
This Moog Vocoder was inherited by our client from their father, meaning it has remained within the same family for over 40 years — a rare and reassuring provenance that adds further authenticity to this already exceptional example.
Accessories
No original accessories or documentation were provided with this item, but RL Music will supply a brand new IEC mains cable with the unit.
A PDF of the original Moog Vocoder Owner’s Manual is available from our archive (see Handy Links below).
Handy Links
🎧 Vintage King’s Moog 16 Channel Vocoder Review (4:29)
📰 Synthtopia – “The Greatest Hardware Vocoder I’ve Ever Used” (12.01)
📘 RL Music Archive – Moog Vocoder Owner’s Manual (PDF Download)
Price & Availability
£6,900 GBP – Available for sale now.
As this is a brokered sale, no VAT is applicable to UK buyers. International buyers are responsible for any import duties or taxes levied in their respective countries.
The instrument will be supplied fully tested, carefully packaged, and prepared to RL Music standards — meaning it has been professionally inspected, fully quality-controlled, and presented to the highest collector-grade specification to ensure authenticity, reliability, and buyer confidence.
Payment
Due to the high value of this instrument, we accept bank transfer only (UK Faster Payments / CHAPS or international wire).
Full payment details will be provided on the invoice.
Packing & Shipping
We ship worldwide. Packing, shipping, and insurance are not included in the sale price and are quoted upon request.
Our standard practice is professional, export-grade packaging tailored to the instrument and fully insured for its sale value.
UK buyers are welcome to collect from Reading, Berkshire, or we can arrange a dedicated personal delivery within the UK (subject to quotation).
We are happy to tailor a logistics solution to your requirements.
Warranty
RL Music provides a full 3-month warranty on this instrument, covering all labour and parts. Our warranty guarantees that the synth will arrive in excellent working order and perform exactly as described.
Conclusion
This original Moog 16-Channel Vocoder represents one of the most iconic and musically expressive analogue voice processors ever made. Its combination of sonic depth, studio-grade build quality, and historical importance places it firmly among the most desirable Moog systems of the 1970s. With its recent professional service by KSR and exceptional cosmetic condition, this example stands as both a serious studio instrument and an investment-grade collector’s piece. Whether for creative sound design, electronic music production, or as a centrepiece of a vintage Moog collection, this Vocoder embodies the timeless innovation and craftsmanship that continue to define the Moog legacy.
Pictures
If you would like specific photographs — such as panel close-ups, internal boards, MIDI ports, or serial plates — please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
