Douglas Babb was a string bass major at the Indiana University School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana in 1971. One day, in the circular halls that house the music practice rooms, he was drawn to an unearthly noise emanating from an unmarked broom closet. As a fan of the recently released "Switched On Bach" by Wendy Carlos, Babb recognized the source of the sounds and upon further investigation, he discovered the secret that would change his life. Those sounds were created by one of the first Modular Moog Synthesizers ever made and I.U. had one!
Babb signed up for all of the classes in "Electronic Music" and "Recording Techniques" that were offered. Composition classes were taught by John Eaton, a friend of Moog's and an innovator in the use of electronic instruments in acoustic operas. Eaton was a virtuoso on an unusual instrument called the "Synket" which consisted of three small monophonic keyboards stacked one above the other. Unlike the wall sized Moog, the Synket was portable and better suited to live performance. Eaton urged Moog to develop a smaller, more portable version of his invention and commissioned an instrument which housed modules and sequencers in two smaller boxes with an optional keyboard. Still too complex for mass marketing, Moog continued to focus his efforts towards perfection.
Finally, Moog arrived on campus with a prototype of what is now known as the MiniMoog. Babb was among the few students chosen to work with this ground breaking instrument. He conferred with Moog as to the features and options that would be included. The final MiniMoog design was one of the most popular synthesizers ever made. Babb has owned several over the years and remains in contact with Moog.
See our list of links to find out more about Moog, the MiniMoog, etc.