NAMM: New Moog MINITAUR Coming to NAMM?

[Update: video, higher res pics & press release added below.]
via Matt on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge via The Syntheszier Sympathizer.

"Not much to say here. Just found out through the vintagesynth.com forums... should be properly announced at NAMM. Rumored price: $600. Let's hope-- This could mean a Moog for almost every producer!"

And NAMM begins...

Update: details via Pro Star Audio:

"The MINITAUR is a compact table-top monophonic MIDI-and-CV-controllable analog bass synthesizer module with a 100% analog audio signal path, based on the design of the Taurus 3 bass synthesizer.

The front panel features a knob-per-function design, for maximum real-time tweakability. There are no internally stored presets, but presets can be created and managed via MIDI. The MINITAUR has several new features added to the classic Taurus synth engine, including an external audio input, that expand the basic synthesis and sound design capability of the instrument. Minitaur fits right into the computer based music production rig or is easily controlled via MIDI controller.

100% analog audio signal path based on Taurus I and Taurus III synthesizers.
2 Taurus VCOs with variable Glide amount
Sawtooth (original Taurus) or Square waveform selection for both VCOs
External Audio Input
Headphone out
2 Mixer VCAs for setting the level of the VCOs
1 VCF Moog/Taurus-style Ladder Filter w/ VC Resonance
1 VCA
Two Minimoog-style ADSR Envelope generators with the Decay and Release segments controlled by the Decay knob plus a Release On/Off switch
1 MIDI-syncable triangle wave LFO for modulating VCF/VCOs
DIN MIDI In and MIDI over USB out"

Update: we now know what Tara was tweaking.  Credit goes to Brian Esser on Facebook for catching it.

Update: video, hires pics & the official press release:

Introducing Minitaur

YouTube Uploaded by MoogMusicInc on Jan 5, 2012

"Moog Music has announced the release of Minitaur, the newest addition to Moog's Taurus Bass Synthesizer family. Minitaur is a compact and powerful analog bass synthesizer that features a classic one knob per function layout. Most notably, it is the first instrument in the Taurus family that does not have foot pedals. At only 8.5" x 5.25" and less than 3lbs, the Minitaur puts powerful analog Moog bass into a package designed to fit seamlessly into today's performance and production environments."

Moog Minitaur Video Demo

YouTube Uploaded by SweetwaterSound on Jan 5, 2012

"Daniel Fisher presents one of the most exciting new products we've seen from Moog in a long time - the Minitaur desktop-style analog synth module! Based on Moog's Taurus 3, this little synth packs a ton of analog punch at a sweet price. You can control it with CV, MIDI, or USB-MIDI, and it's even got an external audio input to run signals through the amazing filter and modulation sections."

PRESS RELEASE:
[click pic for hi-res shots]
"MOOG INTRODUCES MINITAUR - NEWEST MEMBER OF THE TAURUS BASS FAMILY
Winter NAMM Debut for Powerful New Analog Bass Synthesizer

ASHEVILLE, NC – Jan, 5 2012 -- Moog Music has announced the release of Minitaur, the newest addition to Moog’s Taurus Bass Synthesizer family. Minitaur is a compact and powerful analog bass synthesizer that features a classic one knob per function layout. Most notably, it is the first instrument in the Taurus family that does not have foot pedals. At only 8.5” x 5.25” and less than 3lbs, the Minitaur puts powerful analog Moog bass into a package designed to fit seamlessly into today's performance and production environments. The Minitaur will be introduced at Winter NAMM Booth #5000 at the Anaheim Convention Center, January 19-22, 2012.

The release of Minitaur marks the next chapter in the Taurus family history, by introducing a new form factor, control interface and increased level of accessibility. “The Minitaur has all the growl, snarl and body associated with the Taurus family of bass synthesizers. We’re really excited to be able to offer this in such a compact package that is both immediately playable as an extremely versatile analog synth and also integrates seamlessly into the world of MIDI and USB control environments,” says Cyril Lance, Chief Engineer of Moog Music.

The Taurus Bass Pedals enjoy a nearly 40-year history and have made a seismic impact in the music world since their introduction in the mid-Seventies. "The Taurus opened up so many possibilities for me...it also opened up a whole way of looking at what I do," says Geddy Lee, of the multi-platinum band Rush.

In 2009, Moog Music released the Taurus 3 Bass Pedals, a modern reinterpretation of the classic Taurus Bass Pedals. The Taurus 3 is currently used by artists such as The Black Keys, Animal Collective, Jean Michel Jarre, Yes, Weezer, Rush, and The Dave Matthews Band.

Since the inception of Moog Music, Bob Moog tested his ideas, instruments and sounds on musicians as a key part of the product development process. In keeping with this tradition, Minitaur has been presented to a broad array of producers, artists and songwriters including Geddy Lee of Rush, techno legend Derrick May, Flying Lotus, Moby, Holy F*ck and renowned record producer Nick Raskulinecz as a part of the final product development process. The enthusiastic response from these artists marks the beginning of the next generation in the Taurus Bass Synthesizer line.

Minitaur Features Include:
• Compact rugged steel chassis
• One knob per function interface
• Two ultra stable oscillators with Sawtooth and Square waveshapes
• Classic Taurus Style Moog ladder filter
• Two Minimoog-style Envelope generators for modulating VCF and VCA
• Midi-syncable LFO with Controls for Rate, VCO LFO Amount, and VCF LFO Amount
• DIN MIDI and MIDI over USB
• Analog Control inputs for pitch, filter, volume and gate
• External audio input
• Headphone output


Shipping in Spring 2012
Price: $679"

http://www.moogmusic.com/products/taurus/minitaur

Update: synth trivia from  Michael K Sullivan on Facebook: "fact: 'The Minotaur' became the first Moog-based Billboard Top 40 hit single." The song was written by: Dick Hyman"

Update:

Geddy Lee on the Moog Taurus Pedals, Pt. 1

YouTube Uploaded by MoogMusicInc on Jan 5, 2012

"Moog visited Geddy Lee in his Toronto studio to get his take on the Taurus pedals, old and new. This is the first of a 3-part series relaying touching stories and musical innovations from the start of Rush's reigning fame to now. In this installment, Geddy talks about his first introduction to the Taurus sound and what he would like to see next from Moog...Minitaur."