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Last updated: 14 Feb 2022

Create Cool Sounds With The Best Synthesizers

Best Overall
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ASM Hydrasynth 49-key Virtual Analog Synthesizer
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Best Mono Synthesizer
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Novation Bass Station II Analog Synthesizer
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Most Versatile
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Moog Subsequent 37 Analog Synthesizer
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Best for Small Budgets
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Arturia Hybrid MicroFreak Synthesizer
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Derek Sautter
By Derek Sautter
Published 8:37 pm
Show contents
  • 1 ASM Hydrasynth 49-key Virtual Analog Synthesizer
  • 2 Novation Bass Station II Analog Synthesizer
  • 3 Moog Subsequent 37 Analog Synthesizer
  • 4 Arturia Hybrid MicroFreak Synthesizer
  • 5 Sequential Profit 6 – 6-Voice Analog Synthesizer
  • 6 Yamaha Mx88 88-Key Weighted Action Music Synthesizer
  • 7 Behringer Odyssey Analog Synthesizer

If you’re fond of 80s music, you’ll have heard a synth at some point in your life. But what exactly is this device? A keyboard often has a synthesizer attached to it. For this reason, many people including musicians use the terms synthesizer and keyboard interchangeably. However, a synthesizer is generally used in conjunction with instruments (like a keyboard) to generate various sounds. It doesn't have a distinctive sound of its own - it rather helps you come up with cooler sound variations of other instruments! A synthesizer, effectively, can make one instrument sound like other instruments or adds effects to an original sound. With thousands of products on the market, finding the best device for your budget may seem like a daunting task. However, we have done the research, so you don’t have to. We've put together a list of the best synthesizers in 2021 to suit every budget!

The beauty of a synthesizer is that you can effectively create an entire orchestra of instruments with only a keyboard and a computer. This is an invaluable device if you are a solo artist who is into writing and recording music. In addition, the best synthesizers sound like the real deal and give you the truest sound signal - whether it's drums, keys, pads, or other cool harmonics!

Compare The Best Synthesizers of 2021

1

ASM Hydrasynth 49-key Virtual Analog Synthesizer

– Best Overall
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THE SCOOP

The ASM Hydrasynth is a next-generation virtual analog synthesizer with a 49 keybed. It boasts mutator wave shaping technology – to create a variety of distorted rock sounds. This Synth boasts 8 voice polyphony capabilities and a 32 slot modulation matrix. Each voice offers three Wavescan oscillators offering 219 different waveforms. In addition, this device has five ADSR envelope generators. With these, you can change how a single note or oscillation sounds over time. Five low-frequency oscillators offer a total of 11 waveshapes to add depth to your music.

The ASM Hydrasynth also allows you to control fade-in, delay, and smoothing. In addition, this device allows you to customize its PolyTouch response. It also comes with an expressive ribbon controller, and CV/Gate connectivity.

 

Pros
  • 32 slot matrix for a large number of effects
  • 8 voice polyphony capabilities
  • Ribbon controller
  • 219 different waveforms
Cons
  • It’s expensive
2

Novation Bass Station II Analog Synthesizer

– Best Mono Synthesizer
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The Novation Bass Station II is a mono synthesizer, meaning it can play one note at a time. However, this synthesizer has a new paraphonic setting that allows you to play cool sounds using an oscillator on a single note! In addition, it boasts sub-oscillator tuning and oscillator glide diverge, as well as fixed duration envelopes. All of these allow you to keep your production cadence with ease.

The Novation Bass Station II is now compatible with free firmware made in conjunction with Aphex twin. This firmware allows you to assign a unique patch to every key, greatly increasing its capabilities above and beyond your usual mono analog synthesizer. Also, this synthesizer is perfect for anybody who loves bass! With its built-in arpeggiator, you can change your melody to 32 different rhythms and vary the octave range.

Pros
  • Aphex twin helped create the firmware for this device
  • Built-in arpeggiator allows you to create numerous sounds from one idea
Cons
  • Not the largest synthesizer, but it is amazing value for money
3

Moog Subsequent 37 Analog Synthesizer

– Most Versatile
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THE SCOOP

The Moog Subsequent 37 Analog Synthesizer has both mono and duo capabilities. This device has an arpeggiator that can sync with the step sequencer so you can make your creative idea branch out into almost endless possibilities. Edit looping envelopes with attack, decay, hold, delay, sustain and release functions. You can access 256 presets in 16 patches in 16 different banks. 

In short, this synthesizer has everything you need to create a variety of sounds!

 
Pros
  • 256 presets available so you can recreate a range of instruments
  • 2 modulation buses for easier layering of sound
  • Good quality ladder filter creates great sound
Cons
  • This synth is quite pricey but worth it if you know what you are doing
4

Arturia Hybrid MicroFreak Synthesizer

– Best for Small Budgets
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THE SCOOP

The Arturia MicroFreak Synthesizer has wavetable and digital oscillators so you can make the same envelope fade, decay, hold and delay. It also possesses analog filters allowing you to define certain tones within your sound. The Arturia MicroFreak Synthesizer also has a modulation matrix and a sensitive touch plate. If you haven’t tried a touch plate, it’s like something from a science-fiction novel written in the 70s. We’re in love with this synthesizer and we’re confident that you will too!

Pros
  • Great for first-time synth buyers and those on a budget
  • Can store up to 256 presets
  • A flat touch plate is satisfying to use
Cons
  • If you are used to resting your fingers on keys lightly when playing a keyboard or piano, you will need to train yourself out of doing this with the touch plate
5

Sequential Profit 6 – 6-Voice Analog Synthesizer

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The Sequential Profit 6 is a vintage synthesizer with 6 voices. This synth stands out from the crowd with a sub-oscillator per voice so that you can add real depth to your music and atmosphere to the club. Other features are a studio-grade, analog stereo distortion, digital dual effects section, a knob-per-function top panel, and an onboard arpeggiator and step sequencer. The Sequential Profit 6 also includes a 4-octave, semi-weighted keyboard. In addition, the keyboard possesses velocity, which picks up on how fast you press the key, and aftertouch which picks up on how firmly you press the keys.

Pros
  • 6 voice capacity
  • Sub oscillator per voice
  • Semi-weighted keyboard
Cons
  • Super costly
6

Yamaha Mx88 88-Key Weighted Action Music Synthesizer

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The Yamaha Mx88 is a keyboard with 88 keys and synthesizer capabilities. It can play 16 keys at once, so you do not need to worry about notes cutting out or being swapped with other notes. With the Yamaha Mx88, you can recreate all of your favorite instrument sounds with only one instrument. This device is especially good at mimicking vintage sounds like the wah peddles or flangers and phasers. A complete music production software is included with this product. As such, you can create entire songs with nothing but the Yamaha Mx88 and a compatible computer.

Pros
  • Production software included
  • 128-note polyphony so you can build on the sound
  • A wide array of instrument mimicking capabilities
Cons
  • If you wish to connect your iPhone to this device, you will need to buy the lightning USB independently
7

Behringer Odyssey Analog Synthesizer

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The Behringer Odyssey Analog Synthesizer has 37 semi-weighted keys. It possesses a 32-step sequencer that will ensure your timing is never off. This great value for money synthesizer allows you to add reverb, flanging, chorus, pitch shifting, delay, and multi-effects. The Behringer Odyssey Analog Synthesizer has three classic filters, just like the original Behringer in the 70s but with more bite. These include the MKI filter, the MKII filter, and, you guessed it, the MKIII filter.

Pros
  • Weighted keys are great for people who are used to playing the piano
  • Arpeggiator and 32 step sequencer
  • Lets you create awesome 70s sounds
Cons
  • Although the keys are labeled as semi-weighted, we found them to be less durable than expected

Best Synthesizers Buying Guide

If you are considering investing in a synthesizer and would like to research around before deciding, you may want to consult the following buying guide. Within this section, we’ll cover all the factors you should look for in a synth, the average price for the most popular models, as well as a couple of frequently asked questions around the topic!

Things to Consider When Buying A Synthesizer

There are lots of things to consider when it comes to purchasing a synthesizer. These include:

Analog, Digital, or Hybrid?

Analog, digital and hybrid refer to a synth’s circuits and waveform. It has a big effect on both functionality and sound. To choose the right type, you should learn a little about each.

Analog

Analog equipment has a satisfyingly warm sound compared to many older digital synths. You can also use them to provide a wider variety of sounds because the sound waves are created in an analog circuit.

Digital

Digital waveforms/circuitry can sound more jagged than analog. However, it is also often cheaper and easier to produce.  Some digital synths can convincingly imitate analog sounds but not quite as convincingly as the real thing. Many choose digital synths because they like the metallic sound that digital provides, but most choose it because it creates more effects and sounds than analog synthesizers.

Hybrid

Hybris is a mixture of analog and digital. You may find that hybrids sound like analog synthesizers with a couple of digital synth features.

Monophonic or Polyphonic

When looking at the specs of a synth, you may have noticed mention of voices. Voices simply refer to the amounts of notes the synth can play at the same time. The monophonic synth can play one note at a time. One note can still sound full on a synth if it has multiple oscillators per voice.

Polyphonic synths can play multiple notes. This is preferable to most people. However, polyphonic synthesizers are generally more expensive than monophonic synths. For this reason, you will need to weigh up the value of this feature for your needs compared to the price.

Drum Machines & Sequencers

Drum machines are synthesizers that focus on percussive sounds. This is not the same as an electric drum kit, as it imitates percussive instruments without the need to “play” them. Drum machines are available in analog and digital options. 

Analog drum machines create punchy tones using filters and envelope generators that transform waveforms into the desired sound. Digital drums often use samples of existing drum sounds but will create the desired sound like analog drum machines do.

A sequencer can be used to control your synth instead of a keyboard. It is used to send information to your synthesizer. This could be a melody, a repeating pattern, a rhythm, or all of the above. If you cannot play an instrument well but want to compose a song, a sequencer will play the notes. This means you can focus on experimenting with the effects and dynamics of the song.

Modular synthesizers

Modular synthesizers give you complete control over what signal is sent where. You can choose which component affects which, unlocking a larger variety of sounds and effects. Using certain functions in ways that were never intended to be used can create exciting and surprising results in your music. For example, you can use oscillators to affect volume, voltages to control the tempo, and envelopes to affect filters. 

How Much Do Synthesizers Usually Cost?

Synthesizers can range greatly in price depending on their features and brand. You can buy a synthesizer for as little as $60 and as much as $4000 and up! We do not recommend buying an expensive synth before learning how to use one with fewer features. If you're passionate enough, you'll realize that a synth with fewer features is all you need to create the sound you want!

Things You Must Consider While Buying A Synthesizer

While the factors mentioned above were mainly feature-based, there are two more things you should watch out for when buying a synthesizer.

Customer reviews

It is always important to check out customer reviews before buying any synthesizer online. This is the best way to ensure the quality of the product before you make any financial decision. If you are happy with your purchase, consider leaving your own feedback to help other synth enthusiasts in the future.

Warranty

Synthesizers can be incredibly expensive. Therefore, when ordering online, we recommend only shopping through a reputable music vendor. Most of these online stores will offer a warranty for a certain length of time, protecting your investment if a fault should arise with the machine.

Best Synthesizer FAQ

Q: Do I need a synth with a built-in keyboard?

A: Look, keyboards often come with a synthesizer - no matter how complex or simple, they'll often have a synthesizer. That's exactly why the term MIDI keyboard and synthesizer have so much overlap. Synthesizers, on the other hand, are more like a controller and they don't need to have a built-in keyboard. 

Q: What’s the difference between sampler and synth?

A: A synthesizer uses filters, waveforms, envelopes, and various effects to create its sound. On the other hand, a sampler uses pre-recorded samples of instruments that can then be altered to create the desired sound.

Derek Sautter
By Derek Sautter
Derek is a professional musician who specializes in percussion and works with the independent WGI group Cap City Percussion. With a Bachelors of Music from Capital University, specializing in Music Industry studies, he consistently finds himself playing and teaching percussion to anyone who has the will to learn. Derek is also a former member of DCI groups Legends (2014-15) and Colts (2016-18); he is also the percussion technician and instructor of the drum line at Olentangy High School. You may find him playing a gig throughout the greater Columbus, Ohio area.
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