Best Synthesizers

Normally, if you want to play different tunes, you would have to purchase different instruments or devices to produce that tune.

However, since instruments can be very expensive and you can only do so much in using alternative means, synthesizers were developed to help you recreate instrumental tunes using just one device. If you are a fan of 60s and 70s music, you will be able to recreate the music you love with a synthesizer and give it a modern twist.

Unfortunately, like most music equipment, purchasing a synthesizer can be quite a problem. Synthesizers come in various shapes, sizes, features and prices, and there are a handful of companies offering “high-class” synthesizers for any level.

If you are a novice when it comes to synths or you want to buy a good replacement synthesizer, this is the website you need to explore. This website has all the things you will need to know about synthesizers and, as an added bonus, we added a list of synthesizers we recommend that will surely fit your budget.

To help you in your quest in finding the best synthesizer, let’s first look at the features you will need to look for in your ideal synthesizer.

What to look for in a good synthesizer

When choosing a good synthesizer, especially if you are a beginner, it is important that you consider the following:

• Sound—When choosing a synthesizer, it is important that the sounds it produces are close to the instrument or sound you are trying to recreate
• Features—Your synth should come with features that will help you control the quality or depth of your sound, from filters and oscillators, to effects it should have
• Interface—Synthesizers come in various styles so interfaces can greatly vary and influence how you technically use it. Look for a synthesizer that has interfaces that can easily be used and understood. It should also be classy to look at and inspire you to use your synth regularly
• Types of synthesizers—Synthesizers come in either digital or analog formats. Many stress that there isn’t any difference between these two formats, but if you were familiar with the sound difference of both synths, you’d likely purchase an analog synth
• Price—Synths are like instruments; they can be worth a lot of money depending on the features, size and brand. If you are a newbie or someone who just wants a synth for a short period of time, choose a synth that is under $200. If you can splurge, get an analog synth that can range around $400 and up

How to choose a good synthesizer

Now that you know the things you need to look for in a good synthesizer, the next thing you need to do is consider which one to choose.

Here are several questions that can help you in choosing a good synthesizer.

What level are you?

Do not buy anything worth $200 or over if this is your first time buying a synthesizer. The more expensive your choice is, the more likely it comes with a bunch of features you may not be able to understand.

Should I get a synth with a sequencer feature?

For new synth users, it is best to get a built-in sequencer to help you create music per note, even if you do not have a keyboard included in the synth.

How big should the synth be?

Do not buy a big synthesizer even if it looks cool. If this is your first, choose one which is compact and can be used at a moment’s notice.

Do I get a synth with a speaker?

If you don’t have the equipment yet to help you check your synth’s music, get one with a speaker.

What type of synth should I get?

Analog or digital? If this is your first synth, it won’t matter if you get an analog or digital synth. It will be the instruments and the setup you have that will influence your sound.

Image	Product	Price	Rating
	Stylophone Retro Pocket Synth	$	4.0/5
	littleBits Electronics Synth Kit	$	4.3/5
	Korg Volca Keys Analog Synthesizer	$	4.4/5
	Arturia MicroBrute Analog Synthesizer	$$	4.7/5
	Korg VOLCAFM Digital FM Synthesizer	$	4.4/5
	Gakken SX-150 MARK II Analog Synthesizer	$	4.3/5
	Korg MS20 Mini Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer	$$	4.2/5
	Decksaver DS-PC-MINILOGUE Korg Minilogue Synthesizer Cover	$	5.0/5
	Roland GAIA SH-01 Synthesizer	$$$	4.2/5
	Novation MiniNova Analog Modeling Sythesizer	$$	4.4/5

5 Top Synthesizers

Dubreq Stylophone Retro Pocket Synth

Synthesizers can be very bulky and expensive, especially if you are just starting to work on your studio or this is your first time purchasing a synth. What do you do if you do not have the space for a bulky synth, or the budget for a high-end synth? The solution to your predicament is starts by checking out the Dubreq Stylophone Retro Pocket Synth.

Features

• This mini and pocket-sized synthesizer looks like the 1967 classic synthesizers
• This synth comes with a metal keyboard which can be played with a stylus
• You can play three types of retro organ sounds, complete with a vibrato effect which can be added
• You can tune the Stylophone using the tuning knob at the bottom of the device and use the same method to produce pitch-blend sound effects
• This synth comes with built-in speakers and an optional headphone jack. Volume control is also possible with this synth
• MP3 players can be connected with this synth to help you sync your MP3 music with the Stylophone and then play it through the speaker
• This synth uses 3 AA batteries to play

Pros

In terms of sound quality, this synth will blow your mind because it will take you back to the past thanks to the retro sounds you can produce. Some of the difficult retro music you can’t make with modern synths can also be made with this synth. This synth also responds to every command you make in real time, helping you make that masterpiece without worrying if one key is out of sync.

You will also be able to plug in your favorite music players, external speakers or headphones to listen to the synth’s music, and even use the music from your music player to serve as the base of your synth music. If you don’t want to use an external speaker, the synth’s own speakers will play your sounds loud and proud without any glitches.

Cons

Unfortunately, this synth can be a little delicate and easily break due to its cheap components. The sounds may also bore you since it will only make retro sounds all the time and not transcend to another tone style.

The pitch is also quite limited since it will only stay within the usual retro synth pitches. The keys may also be a little off because it might not properly input your notes, completely affecting your sound. The stylus can also be a pain because it can easily wear out and affect how you use this synth.

Bottom line

Retro music is rare nowadays, and if you are a fan of these sounds, there are few ways to get them. The Dubreq Stylophone Retro Pocket Synth will help you go back in time to produce your favorite retro music and give it your own twist anywhere you go without costing you too much.

littleBits Electronics Synth Kit

If you are wondering how synths work, disassembling one and learning each piece can be very difficult to understand. However, what if there were a synth kit that could help you make your own little synth which actually plays and helps you continuously adjust it as you improve? The startup littleBits has you covered with that with the littleBits Electronics Synth Kit!

Features

• This kit is made up of 12 Bits^TM modules which can be connected together by built-in magnets and produce a modular analog synthesizer
• Once it is fully assembled, this mini synth can immediately be played and help you understand how analog synthesizers work
• You will get a project booklet which contains instructions on how to modify, adjust or understand each sound circuit in the set
• The box doubles as a performance station which can be connected to either recording or live equipment for use
• Users who have other littleBits modules will be able to connect this synth kit with their modules and use pieces to customize their very own synth Bits
• This kit also has audio output and input jacks to connect to your speakers and other instruments

Pros

Even though this synth has to be assembled, you will not worry about it too much because the parts are connected through magnets and come with a mounting board guide. The sound is also surprising because it is crisp despite its small size.

It is also easily connectable to your computer, helping you play the tunes from your synth to your desktop. You will also have no problems with getting help or replacements for this synth, thanks to its highly responsive customer service.

Cons

If you are not very good with do-it-yourself kits, you may not be able to enjoy this synth kit since you have to build the synth on your own.

The information may also be too complicated for you to understand, especially how each part should be aligned. The synth’s modules are also very delicate and if one fails, the rest will be affected. Since it is a small synth, you will be limited to the number of sounds you can produce.

Bottom line

There is a saying that says, “do not judge a book by its cover.” With the littleBits Electronics Synth Kit, this do-it-yourself synth kit will definitely impress because not only will it help you understand and create music, it can also amaze you with how much you can do with the mini modules in every kit.

Korg Volca Keys Analog Synthesizer

Analog synthesizers can be very expensive to buy, especially if you are a beginner to synths and want a synth from a trusted brand. Fortunately, known music brand Korg has heard the pleas of the people and made one such synthesizer, the Korg Volca Keys Analog Synthesizer.

Features

• This synth can produce 3-note true analog synthesis with just one knob, allowing you to tweak sounds according to your preferences
• It also comes with a 16-step sequencer that can help produce free-flowing loops if needed
• It also has a 27-key analog lead synth that will blow you away due to the sounds it can produce
• This model of the Korg synth comes with a voicing function that can be modified with the three oscillators in the machine, which can produce one of 6 combinations: unison, poly, fifth, octave, unison ring and poly ring
• The synth also comes with a motion sequence function which records how you move the knob and other settings, ensuring you can create uniformed loops and unique music each time you use this synth
• You can connect a variety of instruments to this synth thanks to its sync in and out plug
• This synth also comes with a MIDI in-note entry plug and external sync capacity for DAW

Pros

This synth is very practical, especially for those who are always on the go. Simply load your favorite sound samples, then modify them through the synth’s keypad and 8-instrument/note polyphony. You will also be able to edit the pitch of your samples, thanks to the semitones option included in this portable synth.

Cons

Unfortunately, you have to be very careful with this synth because slight damage to the material can affect the entire machine. You also have to be careful when inputting your notes because the keys are too close to each another. There is also the snare sound that hums, even if you not making synth sounds. Recording your final sample with this synth may also be difficult since it may malfunction at times.

Bottom line

Korg is a pioneer in music technology and it shows in their all the products they develop. The Korg Volca Keys Analog Synthesizer reflects the company’s mastery is this one-of-a-kind analog synth that you can play anywhere.

Arturia MicroBrute Analog Synthesizer

For musicians or music lovers, synthesizers are the way to go if you want to create various sounds with just one machine. However, if you are looking for a synthesizer that is compact, yet has all the features you need in a synthesizer, the Arturia MicroBrute Analog Synthesizer should be on your consideration list.

Features

• This synthesizer comes with a 100% analog audio signal path to assist in music production
• The Steiner-Parker Multimode Filter is also included in the machine in three levels—LP, BP, HP
• You can also modify the oscillator functions thanks to the Overtone Sub-Osc oscillator mixer, which allows you to use four functions: sub, square, sawtooth and triangle
• You will also be able to plug in your MIDI devices thanks to its 5-pin DIN connector or a USB port and preferred audio output

Pros

This synth may likely be considered as a real synthesizer due to the tunes it can make, regardless of the genre. You will also be able to make high-class noise and analog tracks easily thanks to the various functions of this synth.

You can also plug in your favorite instruments or MIDI devices and make the tracks of your dreams with this synth. Even if it has quite a lot of features, beginners will find themselves rocking with this synthesizer, especially once they make those first notes.

Cons

For those with thick fingers, this synth can be difficult to play because the keys are too small. The keys are also a bar lower than those produced by full-size keys.

You may also not be able to play this immediately once it is assembled because you first have to adjust all the presets to your preferences, a big setback for beginners. If you are hoping to play chords with this synth, it is impossible since the synth is monophonic.

Bottom line

It is important to have a synth that has all the features you will need for music creation, even if it is affordable and compact. With the Arturia MicroBrute Analog Synthesizer, you will be able to produce killer music from a small package, regardless of your synthesizer level, and improve your sound skills as if you are using an actual synthesizer used by professionals.

Korg VOLCAFM Digital FM Synthesizer

From the past, you would have needed a groove machine to dance to your favorite music and download, or go to a club to hear today’s dance music. What if there were a way to get these two music genres in just one device and turn it into your own? Korg knows one way of achieving this with the Korg VOLCAFM Digital FM Synthesizer.

Features

• This FM synthesizer comes with a 3-voice polyphonic system which allows it to replicate the same sound one can get with a classic FM synthesizer
• This synthesizer is also compatible with various sound samples, such as the SYS-EX/SYX format used by Yamaha’s DX7, thanks to its 32 algorithms and six operating functions
• Sound editing is a breeze with this system thanks to its modulator carrier knobs and the parameter list that can help new synth users in their adjustments
• A sync connector can be used with this synthesizer to allow you to connect to Korg’s other groove machines, even the older models

Pros

If you want a mini-synth that you can take with you anywhere and handle a variety of plug-ins, this is the synth you should consider buying.

If you want to make FM sounds, even if you are at a beginner level, this synth is easy to understand. It comes with a parameter and algorithm guide if you find yourself lost making music. Battery life is also very long, allowing you to play for as long as you like without worries.

Cons

Because of the material of this synth, you must be very careful or it can crack without warning. You may also need to purchase a different adaptor for your plug ins because this synth needs a 6.35mm plug to work.

Recording can also be a hassle with this synth because of its space or compatibility. The sequencer is also pointless in some instances, preventing you from adjusting the synth quality of your tunes.

Bottom line

Why settle for playing groove or dance music alternately with your music devices if you can combine these two together? The Korg VOLCAFM Digital FM Synthesizer will help you combine two of your favorite genres in one device and help you dance your way to the new rhythms this synthesizer can help you produce for a relatively low price.