There is something of a learning curve but remember we are dealing with a lot of complexity — Hydrasynth is a deep synth and hugely impressive. In terms of build quality, looks, features, sound — not to mention affordability — Hydrasynth has it all.
Read the full ASM Hydrasynth review. Kudos to Novation on an impressive machine! Read the full Novation Peak review. Read the full Roland System-8 review.
Due to its flexible and open sample-based architecture and tried and tested synth engine, it can cover practically any sonic ground. Build quality is solid; all the switchgear and knobs feel tank-like and very roadworthy. Alongside two analogue VCOs, each with variable saw, triangle and square waves, plus shape mod, the Pro 3 has noise, an external audio input and a fantastic wavetable oscillator that houses some truly wonderful waveshapes. Filter wise you get a Prophet 6 style 4-pole low pass, a Moog ish ladder with self-oscillating resonance, then an Oberheim style SEM 2-pole, with variable low and high pass.
There is a very comprehensive mod matrix, which is intuitive, and the OLED screen helps keep everything in check with its immediate feedback and simple navigation. There's also a fantastic sequencer that could easily be a product in its own right.
Four tracks at 16 steps alone would be good but here there is so much more, from swing to programme change mode. The Pro 3 might be seen as a monosynth but it is a three-voice paraphonic synth, making it a versatile beast. The way it cycles through the voices makes it easy to get complex and creative with arpeggios and sequences, in tandem with different octave settings per voice. Pro 3 does 'pretty' and 'subtle' well but where it shines most is when you add a little grit, which is easy to do by way of the filter and Tuned Feedback sections.
The abilities of each section combine to make Pro 3 a true powerhouse of sound design. The drive sections are outstanding and the mod matrix, in tandem with the fabulous sequencer, make this one of the most versatile synths out there. Read the full Sequential Pro 3 SE review. Happily, it delivers. The JD-XA is hugely versatile. This is a great keyboard to have at the centre of any setup - either live or in the studio.
Hats-off to Roland for making one of the most inspiring and unique-sounding synths of recent times. PolyBrute is a digitally-controlled analogue synth combining multiple VCOs and VCFs with a powerful modulation matrix, sequencer and arpeggiator. It features the same button matrix as found on the MatrixBrute which can act as a handy preset browser, a controller for the multi-lane sequencer and, most usefully, a digital patchbay for assigning and editing modulation routings.
It is multitimbral though, with the ability to set up two distinct sounds at once. In standard Morph mode you can use a rotary to gradually morph between these sounds and all their associated parameters.
Overall, this is an excellently designed, characterful synthesizer deserving of a place among the top tier of polysynths. Read the full Arturia Polybrute review. It also has a fantastic build quality and is available in two colours: blue and gun-metal grey. However if you disable the binaural function, the Super 6 switches to a monoaural signal path with 12 voices to work with. Performance-wise, this synth is super hands-on and everything is under direct control with very little hidden.
Sonically, the analogue-style waveforms sound fat with plenty of beefy low content, great mid presence and cutting high-end and the S6 definitely has its own vibe going on.
Versatility is a recurring theme and this synth is great for percussive hits and textures, or more smudgy pads, snappy synth brass, precise basses, punchy cutting leads and more.
Super 6 really is nothing short of super-impressive even more so for a debut release. Intuitive, super-versatile, sounds unique… a pleasure to get lost in!
Read the full UDO Super 6 review. It was developed in collaboration with Tom Oberheim, and boasts a sound engine that's inspired by his original SEM. In fact, the OB-6 promises "true, vintage SEM tone with the stability and flexibility of modern technology". The architecture features two oscillators per voice, with continuously variable waveshapes sawtooth and variable-width pulse, with triangle on oscillator 2. Each voice also has access to a SEM-inspired state-variable filter low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch.
Completing the signal path are voltage-controlled amplifiers. Throw in a powerful modulation system, dual effects section and knob-per-function front panel and you've got a top-dollar synth that will keep you entertained for years to come. This fourth revision of the Prophet-5 synth comes almost 40 years after the last. All you really need to know is that this is a classic synth updated for the 21st Century — the keyboard has aftertouch and velocity; connections include USB.
Other than that, it sounds every bit as good as an original Prophet Outstanding features include some excellent presets including the original set of sounds found on the original Rev1 , the brilliant Poly-Mod section that gives you instant sound design, plus a build quality that will have you drooling.
This is a classic synth reborn. Read the full Sequential Prophet-5 Rev 4 review. At its heart, the Quantum is an 8-voice, bi-timbral 2-part synth, using very high-resolution stereo oscillators routed through dual resonant analogue or digital filters. Sounds can be split and layered and voices can be allocated flexibly between layers; each layer can also have its own output for independent processing. Importantly, there are four independent synthesis engines across the three oscillators.
It is truly unique and capable of stunning, otherworldly, or familiar sonic results. It can sound huge, small, thin, fat, warm, epic, broken or cold and you can imprint your personality onto the sound using the available parameters, or your own samples. Read the full Waldorf Quantum review. At the top end you will find synths which pack in more features and flexibility, either in the form of more voices, or effects, or with sequencing skills that can take your compositions off in all manner of strange directions.
Sometimes you can simply change a few parameters and see what happens. For creative, curious people there are few things that come close to the experience of playing a hardware synth. As with any genre of music, or music technology, there are trends which come and go.
FM, for example, seems to have undergone a renaissance recently, while digital synths offering wavetable functionality greatly expands the tonal palette you have to play with. And that is exactly why we love them. MusicRadar The No. Included in this guide: 1. Image 1 of 3. Image 2 of 3. Image 3 of 3. A super-cheap, quirky analogue monosynth that delivers where it counts.
Synth engine: Analogue. Polyphony: Monophonic. Keyboard: Touch keyboard. Sequencer: Yes. Connectivity: 3.
Power: Four AA batteries. Synthesizer Keyboards. Read more Synths with built-in keys. You can set up your sound and play the keys as you go. We have a range of monophonic and polyphonic synths available, as well as analog and digital.
If you need help finding what you need, you can use the filter below to get started. Read less. Sort by. Number of Keys. Keyboard Action. What's Included? Price Range. Special Offers. View all filters.
Besides that, they offer a lot of capabilities for more advanced users. As a result, synthesizer keyboards have become increasingly popular in the past decades, and there are many reputable companies now that produce various models.
To help you with this quest, I have gathered here the 10 best synthesizer keyboards currently on the market. Each model is presented in simple words, with its advantages and drawbacks, so that you know what to expect from it. The Korg MicroKORG is a product of a well-known company in this niche, and it has been an extremely popular keyboard synthesizer for many years. It comes with 37 mini semi-weighted keys, a dual oscillator synthesis engine and an eight-band vocoder that can create many classic synthesizer sounds.
It also allows you to edit and customize sounds in real time with five different knobs, and it also features three effects, external audio processing, editable presets and three delay modes. The knobs and controls are quite easy to use, making this keyboard synthesizer suitable for starters. Moreover, you can record songs without using any other equipment and it comes with two audio inputs.
Here comes another product from a big brand: the Roland GAIA SH is a powerful synthesizer with 37 full-sized velocity sensitive keys and three virtual analog engines.
Each of them has a filter, an oscillator, an LFO, and an envelope, while dedicated knobs allow you to control them with ease. The interface is made to be easy and allows you to play live with this synthesizer keyboard.
Additional effects include flanger, low boost, delay, distortion, reverb, as well as a phase recorder, a D Beam, and an arpeggiator. This is a very portable synthesizer, as it comes with a compact and lightweight design along with the capability to be battery-powered. In terms of connectivity, there are both USB and MIDI ports that connect it easily to your computer, but on the other side, the lack of an audio input might be quite burdensome.
The Yamaha Montage 8 is a premium-quality keyboard synthesizer that comes packed with loads of features for both amateurs and professionals.
It features 88 keys with hammer action, emulating the feeling of playing on an acoustic piano. It also features high-quality embedded digital to analog conversion.
There is a high level of versatility that lets you both experiment with different sounds and customize the keyboard to your needs. The eight rotary encoders and faders, combined with the LCD screen allow you to control it with ease, and it is actually one of the best models for playing live.
The Arturia MicroBrute combines the capabilities of a larger synthesizer keyboard the Arturia MiniBrute in a smaller size. It comes with 25 mini keys that might be a little bit too small for those with big hands. Its compact and lightweight design make it very easy to carry around. It features a high-quality oscillator and a step sequencer that let you create classic analog synthesizer sounds. Controls include a modulation and a pitch bending wheel, along with a bunch of knobs and faders, besides the small size.
The Arturia MicroBrute is an affordable instrument, while its easy-to-use interface makes it suitable for beginners. Its versatility is enhanced by the MIDI connectivity and the audio input, that let you connect it either to your computer, or process another instrument.
The Korg Minilogue is a compact synthesizer keyboard that comes with 37 slim keys that are velocity sensitive note that some people might find them too slim.
It has 4 voices, which is quite a surprising feature at this price level, as well as a step sequencer. The automation feature lets you create patterns easily and along with the intuitive menu make it a beginner-friendly instrument. More advanced users can benefit from functions such as shape control, cross modulation, tape style delay and ring modulator. A nice thing is its programmable memories and presets that let you store and recall everything you create. The Korg Minilogue has sturdy build quality that ensures durability.
Moreover, its compact design allows it to be easily transported. In terms of connectivity, it is quite versatile as it features both USB and MIDI connections, along with audio inputs and outputs both headphone and line outputs. It is impossible to make any list with the top synthesizer keyboards and not include at least one Moog model: this famous brand has created some of the most iconic synthesizers. The Moog Grandmother is a semi-modular monophonic synthesizer with 32 velocity-sensitive keys and it has been inspired by the big Moog synthesizers, offering high-quality sound performance.
It features 2 oscillators, a 4-pole ladder filter and a 1-pole highpass filter. Moreover, it comes with 41 patching points for analogue synthesizer enthusiasts, as well as a built-in spring reverb. On the other hand, its interface is not easy to use for those who are just starting out, so this is not a recommended keyboard synthesizer for beginners.
Another great advantage of the Moog Grandmother is its looks: it has a vintage design that makes it quite beautiful. So, what about those of you who want a synthesizer keyboard that has 88 keys, just like an acoustic piano? Well, there is one! The Roland JUNO-DS88 is a greatly versatile keyboard that comes with 88 weighted keys that mimic the feel of an acoustic piano , adding to playability.
Of course, the JUNO-DS88 also comes with many electronic features such as a variety of organ and synth tones, vocoder, reverb and auto pitch effects. The sound quality is very rich and detailed, featuring advanced digital processing for its sound synthesis.
Additionally, it features an 8-track pattern sequencer and built-in recording functionality. This is a synthesizer keyboard that is quite transparent, which means that it is quite easy to learn and to operate. Not to mention they sound great, too. However, while the price is less daunting, some of the terminology can still make choosing a synthesizer feel quite intimidating.
Trust your own ears. Another term to look out for is polyphony, meaning how many notes a synth can play simultaneously. A monophonic synth, on the other hand, only has one voice available. Slightly less common are paraphonic synths, which sit somewhere in between — these allow multiple notes to be played by dividing the oscillators within a single synth voice.
Having more voices will always mean more flexibility, although monosynths often pack more of a punch when it comes to weight and grit. For leads, basslines, percussion or FX, a mono or paraphonic synth may be the way to go.
MusicRadar The No. Included in this guide: 1. Image 1 of 6. Image 2 of 6. Image 3 of 6. Image 4 of 6. Image 5 of 6. Image 6 of 6. Korg Minilogue XD. A compact, powerful analogue synth that takes inspiration from the Prologue. Synth engine: Analogue and digital. Polyphony: 4 voices. Keyboard: 37 slim keys, velocity-sensitive. Sequencer: Yes. Effects: Modulation, Delay, Reverb. Power: AC adapter. Reasons to avoid - Keys are slim rather than full-size.
Behringer Neutron. Polyphony: Paraphonic. Patch points: Reasons to avoid - Too easy to saturate the filter section. Image 1 of 3.
Image 2 of 3. Image 3 of 3. Korg Volca FM. Synth engine: Digital FM. Polyphony: 3 voices. Keyboard: Multitouch. Effects: Chorus. Power: Battery or optional AC adapter. Reasons to avoid - Only three voices. Image 1 of 4. Image 2 of 4. Image 3 of 4. Image 4 of 4. Arturia MiniBrute 2. Synth engine: Analogue. Keyboard: 32 RGB-backlit velocity-sensitive button grid. Effects: Distortion three types. Connectivity: Headphones.
Power: Power adapter. Reasons to avoid - Osc 2 pitch control is a little too close to the filter cutoff. Moog Werkstatt Polyphony: Monophonic. Control: key keyboard.
Reasons to avoid - Not ideal as a performance synth. Novation Circuit Mono Station. Reasons to avoid - Lack of a screen can make editing confusing. Image 1 of 5.
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