The Vongon VF-104 is a MIDI controller built specifically for the Moog MF-104M Analog Delay, the Moogerfooger delay that takes MIDI in over a 5 Pin DIN jack. Where the MF-104M on its own is operated by hand, the VF-104 adds preset storage and footswitch control: three banks of three instantly accessible and customizable presets, nine unique sounds in total, selectable from three preset footswitches1. Pedal of the Day, which reviewed the VF-104 in March 2019, later described it as "an amazing MIDI controller designed specifically for the Moog MF-104M Analog Delay"2.
A MIDI controller built for the Moog MF-104M
The MF-104M accepts MIDI control through a 5 Pin DIN MIDI In jack34, and the VF-104 is made to sit in front of that input. Pedal of the Day's review frames the pairing simply: the VF-104 "takes everything you love about your MF-104M and ramps it up"1. The reviewer's verdict was that "the VF-104 is truly an essential piece of the puzzle to unleash all of the potential that this machine holds inside"1.
The delay it controls is a substantial pedal in its own right. MusicRadar described the MF-104M as housed, like all Moogerfoogers, in a rugged steel chassis with wood sides, using CV/Expression inputs for controlling Time, Rate, Feedback, Amount, and Mix5. The VF-104 reaches those same parameters over MIDI instead of voltage control.
The controls
Editing happens from the top panel. Pedal of the Day describes the workflow:
"Using the large center knob, in conjunction with the Next button, you move seamlessly through the parameters found on the MF-104M."
So the front panel is two things doing one job:
- Next button: steps through the MF-104M's parameters1
- Large center knob: used with the Next button to move through the parameters and set each one1
For reference, the parameters being edited are the MF-104M's own. On the delay side, Time (delay) and Feedback (repeats) are the main controls, both with wide ranges3.
Expression pedal mode
Beyond presets, the VF-104 can stand in for an expression pedal. Pedal of the Day explains that "you can even set it up to act as an expression pedal, by changing the values slightly on three presets"1. In practice that means three presets tuned close together can be rocked between with the footswitches, sweeping a parameter hands-free, which matters on a delay like the MF-104M whose CV/Expression inputs otherwise cover Time, Rate, Feedback, Amount, and Mix5.
Where Vongon went next
Pedal of the Day notes that Vongon first came to their attention with the VF-104 in 20192. The maker has since moved into pedals of its own: the Vongon Polyphrase, a stereo echo and looping pedal, was reviewed by the same site in 20232. For players weighing MIDI control against other delay options, the site's delay pedals and MIDI pedals pages cover the wider field.
Videos
Vongon
Pedal of the Day
Questions
Does the Vongon VF-104 work with delays other than the Moogerfooger MF-104M?
The VF-104 was designed specifically for the Moog MF-104M Analog Delay. Pedal of the Day describes it as a MIDI controller made for that pedal alone, and their review frames it as a way to unlock what the MF-104M already offers over MIDI. The MF-104M takes MIDI in over a 5 Pin DIN jack, which is what the VF-104 connects to. Nothing in the published coverage describes it controlling other delays.
How many presets does the Vongon VF-104 store?
Nine. Pedal of the Day's review describes three banks of three instantly accessible and customizable presets, for nine unique sounds in total. The three footswitches on the VF-104 select presets, and each preset can hold three different effect-type settings or three different delay types.
Can the Vongon VF-104 be used as an expression pedal?
Yes. Pedal of the Day notes that you can set the VF-104 up to act as an expression pedal by changing the values slightly on three presets. That gives the MF-104M hands-free control over its parameters without a separate expression pedal plugged into the delay's CV/Expression inputs.
What can a single preset save on the Vongon VF-104?
According to Pedal of the Day's review, a preset can save three different effect-type settings, or three different delay types. Combined with the three banks of three presets, that lets an MF-104M owner call up substantially different delay configurations at a moment's notice from the footswitches.
Sources (5)
- Vongon VF-104 Moogerfooger MF-104M Analog Delay MIDI Controller, Pedal of the Day, 2019-03-07
- Vongon Polyphrase Stereo Echo, Pedal of the Day, 2023-04-02
- Moog Moogerfooger MF-104M Analog Delay, Pedal of the Day, 2015-12-18
- Moog Issues New MF-104M Analog Delay Pedal, No Treble, 2012-07-02
- Moog MF-104M Analog Delay Moogerfooger, MusicRadar, 2012-06-22
