Software synths are a great tool, but there’s nothing like having the hardware of a real synthesizer underneath your fingertips. With so many out there, it is hard to know which synthesizers are the best. To help navigate through the sea of synths, we’ve compiled our list of some of the best synthesizers you can buy today.
1. Korg Prologue 16
Type: Analog
Polyphony: 16-voice paraphonic
For serious musicians, the Korg Prologue 16 is one of the best options out there. This synth gives you a wide, 61-key keyboard, four voice modes, a powerful arpeggiator, and a 24-bit digital effects engine. The robust arpeggiator provides a four-octave range and six arp types, letting you create complex and intricate melodic runs not possible through manual playing. To top it off, its extensive capabilities are easy to navigate thanks to eight program sorting methods. If you’re looking to create professional music, the Prologue 16 is a great weapon of choice.
2. Arturia MicroFreak
Type: Analog, digital
Polyphony: 4-voice paraphonic
The Arturia MicroFreak is a hybrid analog/digital synthesizer featuring digital oscillators, an analog filter, and a touch-plate keyboard. This device is jam-packed with features, and its sound design possibilities are nearly endless. If you want a synth with an astonishing amount of paraphonic performance capabilities and unique synthesis styles, look no further than the MicroFreak.
3. Korg Minilogue XD
Type: Analog
Polyphony: 4-voice paraphonic
The Korg Minilogue XD is everything great about the original Minilogue and then some. With the XD, you get a full-featured sound design system equipped with build-in effects, a powerful sequencer, and micro tuning capabilities. The digital multi-engine also gives you access to four types of noise, a VPM/FM oscillator, and your own custom user osculators. It’s easy to get creative with the Korg Minilogue XD analog synthesizer.
4. Behringer Model D
Type: Analog
Polyphony: 2-voice paraphonic
Behringer is known for its great synthesizers, and Model D is no exception. The pure analog signal path is based on authentic VCO, VCF, VCA and ladder filter designs in conjunction with a dedicated and fully analog triangle/square wave LFO. The Model D puts a world of musical creation under your fingertips, letting you create any monophonic sound imaginable. If you want fat old-school tones at an affordable price point, this is your synth.
5. Korg Odyssey
Type: Analog
Polyphony: Monophonic/Duophonic
The Korg Odyssey synthesizer is an authentic reproduction of the legendary Arp Odyssey synth from the ’70s. The two true analog oscillators allow you to produce insanely fat sounds reminiscent of that period. The world-clas Klark Teknik FX boasts reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter, and multi-effects, letting you conjure virtually any sound. If you want to produce the defining sounds of the ’70s, pick up the Korg Odyssey.
6. Behringer MS-1
Type: Analog
Polyphony: Monophonic
The MS-1 is Behringer’s take on the legendary Roland SH-101, and then some. With features such as a 32-step sequencer, arpeggiator, and attachable handgrip, the MS-1 is a fantastic synth to create big, fat tones with. Recreate the legendary sounds of the ’80s and ’90s with this affordable homage.
Each of these synths opens a world of music creation possibilities. No matter your sound creation needs, we have a synth for you. Want to browse more options? See our full range of synthesizers and find the best one for you.