Moogerfooger MF-103S 12 Stage Phaser plugin is a digital recreation of Moog’s iconic analog phaser pedal, bringing its lush, swirling sounds to the digital realm. This plugin captures the essence of the original hardware, offering a 6 or 12-stage phasing circuit that can produce everything from subtle modulation to deep, psychedelic sweeps. The MF-103S features a wide-range LFO for modulating the phaser sweep, as well as a resonance control for emphasizing the phased notches. Moog has meticulously modeled the analog circuitry, aiming to replicate the warm, organic character of the original pedal. The plugin’s interface closely resembles the hardware, with skeuomorphic knobs and switches that provide a familiar, tactile feel. However, it also includes modern features like preset management, parameter automation, and virtual CV routing between instances, expanding its creative potential beyond the original hardware’s capabilities.
Pros:
• Authentic emulation of the classic Moogerfooger phaser sound
• Flexible modulation options with virtual CV routing
• Stereo processing capabilities not available in the original hardware
Cons:
• CPU usage can be higher than some competing phaser plugins
The MF-103S 12 Stage Phaser plugin offers a comprehensive set of features that both recreate and expand upon the original hardware. At its core is the phaser circuit, which can be switched between 6 and 12 stages. This allows for a range of phasing effects, from subtle movement to deep, swirling textures. The 6-stage mode tends to produce a more subtle effect, while the 12-stage mode creates a more pronounced, complex phasing sound. The plugin’s LFO section is particularly versatile. It offers a wide range of rates, from slow, evolving modulations to audio-rate effects. The LFO shape can be adjusted from a sine wave to more angular shapes, allowing for varied modulation characteristics. The Amount control determines how much the LFO affects the phaser sweep, enabling users to dial in the perfect amount of movement.
One of the standout features is the Sweep control, which manually adjusts the phaser’s center frequency. This can be used in conjunction with the LFO for more complex modulations or automated within a DAW for precise, rhythmic effects. The Resonance control adds emphasis to the phased notches, allowing for more pronounced, squelchy textures when turned up.
The MF-103S also includes a Drive section, modeled after the input stage of the original hardware. This adds subtle saturation and can be pushed into more aggressive distortion, adding warmth and grit to the phased sound. An Output control allows for level matching and can be used to compensate for any volume changes caused by the phasing effect.
A unique aspect of the MF-103S is its virtual CV (Control Voltage) implementation. This allows users to modulate various parameters using sources from other instances of Moogerfooger plugins within the same project. This opens up complex modulation possibilities that weren’t feasible with the original hardware, such as using the LFO from one instance to modulate the Sweep of another.
The plugin also offers stereo processing capabilities, expanding on the mono nature of the original pedal. Users can choose between true stereo processing or a mono-to-stereo mode that creates width through slight offsets between the left and right channels.
Additional modern features include a comprehensive preset management system, allowing users to save and recall their favorite settings. The plugin also fully supports parameter automation within DAWs, enabling precise control over time.
When compared to other phaser plugins on the market, the MF-103S stands out for its authentic analog modeling and unique feature set. While plugins like Soundtoys PhaseMistress offer more extensive modulation options and UAD’s MXR Phase 90 provides a different flavor of classic phasing, the MF-103S captures a specific, highly-regarded analog sound that many producers and musicians seek. The MF-103S generally offers a warmer, more organic character compared to many digital phasers. Its ability to go from subtle to extreme effects, combined with the drive section and CV routing, gives it a versatility that many other phaser plugins lack. However, some users might find plugins like FabFilter Timeless 3 more intuitive for complex modulations, despite lacking the specific Moog character.
This plugin is best for:
• Producers and musicians seeking authentic Moog phaser tones in a digital format
• Sound designers looking for a versatile phasing tool with analog-style warmth
• Electronic music producers wanting to add movement and depth to synth sounds
• Guitarists and bassists looking to recreate classic psychedelic and funk tones
Moogerfooger MF-103S 12 Stage Phaser plugin successfully brings the iconic sound and functionality of Moog’s hardware phaser into the digital domain. It offers a rich, warm phasing effect that can add depth, movement, and character to a wide range of sound sources. The plugin’s strength lies in its ability to capture the nuances of analog circuitry while offering the convenience and flexibility of software. Its extensive modulation options, including the unique virtual CV routing, allow for creative sound design possibilities that go beyond the original hardware’s capabilities. While it may be more CPU-intensive than some simpler phaser plugins, the sound quality and versatility justify the resource usage for many users. The MF-103S is particularly well-suited for those working in genres that lean heavily on psychedelic, funk, or electronic sounds, but its subtle settings make it useful across a broad spectrum of music production. Whether used for adding gentle movement to pads, creating swirling guitar effects, or crafting complex, evolving textures, the MF-103S proves to be a powerful tool in the digital musician’s arsenal.