Top Synthesizers of 2022
UDO Audio Super Gemini
The UDO Audio Super Gemini is highlighted as a top hybrid synthesizer, featuring two synths in one with bi-timbral capability and a rich set of performance features for hands-on modulation. It offers atmospheric, arpeggiated, and dreamy soundscapes, making it ideal for producers seeking lush, otherworldly sounds (Music Radar).
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Synthesis Type | Hybrid |
Polyphony | Bi-timbral |
Sound Characteristics | Atmospheric, arpeggiated, dreamy |
Korg Minilogue XD
The Korg Minilogue XD is recommended as a top synthesizer for beginners. It offers a powerful sequencer, extended versatility, custom Multi-Engine/effects, a joystick for real-time control, and user scales/tunings. This makes it a user-friendly entry-level option for music producers (Music Radar).
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Synthesis Type | Analog/Digital hybrid |
Sequencer | Powerful 16-step |
Control | Joystick for real-time |
IK Multimedia Uno Synth Pro
The IK Multimedia Uno Synth Pro is praised as a budget-friendly analog synth with three VCOs, two analog state variable filters, a modulation matrix, and a simple workflow. It offers a great sound and functionality that exceeds its price point, making it a recommended choice for those on a budget (Music Radar).
Feature | Description |
---|---|
VCOs | 3 |
Filters | 2 analog state variable |
Price | Budget-friendly |
Korg Wavestate MKII
The Korg Wavestate MKII is recognized as an excellent synthesizer under $1,000/£1,000. It delivers cutting-edge wavetable synthesis tools perfect for sound design enthusiasts. With features such as increased polyphony to 96 voices and updated factory presets, it offers diverse sound possibilities and impressive sequencing capabilities.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Synthesis Type | Wavetable |
Polyphony | 96 voices |
Sequencing | Advanced |
These synthesizers are all top choices for 2022, offering various features and capabilities suited to different needs and budgets. Whether seeking atmospheric sounds, an entry-level synth, budget-friendly options, or advanced wavetable synthesis, there's a synthesizer in this list to meet the needs of any music producer.
Synthesizer Design Trends
Understanding the evolving trends in synthesizer design is essential for selecting the right instrument for your needs. Let's explore three key trends: the rise of hardware synthesizers, the debate between monophonic and polyphonic synths, and the ongoing discussion around analog versus digital synthesis.
Rise of Hardware Synthesizers
After a period of decline in the 2000s due to the dominance of software synthesizers, hardware synths have made a significant resurgence in recent years. Producers have rediscovered the advantages of having a physical synthesizer in their studio, which include superior sound quality, a tactile interface, and a hands-on tweaking experience that software synths often lack (Music Radar). This trend underlines the importance of the tangible connection between the musician and their instrument.
Monophonic vs. Polyphonic Synths
Synthesizers can be classified based on their polyphony, which refers to the number of notes they can play simultaneously.
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Monophonic Synths: These can play only one note at a time. Despite the general trend towards polyphony in modern instruments, there has been a notable return to monophonic synths. This is seen in both revived analog designs and cutting-edge digital instruments, where generating multiple notes can be cost-prohibitive.
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Polyphonic Synths: These can play multiple notes simultaneously. Polyphonic synths have become increasingly popular due to their versatility, allowing for complex chords and lush, multilayered soundscapes.
Synth Type | Number of Notes | Typical Use Case |
---|---|---|
Monophonic | 1 | Bass lines, lead melodies |
Polyphonic | Multiple | Chords, complex sound textures |
Analog vs. Digital Synthesis
The debate between analog and digital synthesis continues to be a hot topic among musicians and producers.
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Analog Synths: Analog synthesizers have experienced a renaissance since the '90s. These instruments are known for their warmth, depth of sound, and limited polyphony. Due to their analog circuits, they can produce rich and organic tones that many musicians find appealing (Sound On Sound).
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Digital Synths: Digital synthesizers utilize digital signal processing (DSP) to generate sounds. They often offer more features, greater polyphony, and more precise control over parameters. Digital synths can emulate a wide range of sounds, making them highly versatile tools for music production.
Parameter | Analog Synths | Digital Synths |
---|---|---|
Sound Quality | Warm, organic | Versatile, precise |
Polyphony | Usually limited | Often extensive |
Features | Basic but focused | Extensive and flexible |
Cost | Generally more expensive | Can be more affordable |
The choice between analog and digital synthesis ultimately depends on personal preference and specific needs. Both offer unique advantages that can cater to different styles of music production.
By staying informed about these design trends, artists can make better decisions when selecting their next synthesizer, ensuring it aligns with their creative goals and technical requirements.
Selecting the Right Synthesizer
Choosing the right synthesizer can be a daunting task, given the myriad options available on the market. Understanding the various factors involved can help artists make an informed decision.
Factors to Consider
When selecting a synthesizer, several key factors should be considered:
- Type of Synthesis: Determine whether you need an analog, digital, or hybrid synthesizer.
- Polyphony: Consider the number of notes the synth can play simultaneously. This is crucial for complex compositions.
- Portability: Assess whether portability is a concern for live performances.
- Budget: Set a budget based on features and brand reputation.
Factor | Consideration |
---|---|
Type of Synthesis | Analog, Digital, Hybrid |
Polyphony | Number of notes played simultaneously |
Portability | Weight and size |
Budget | Price range, including potential additional costs like keys and hardware |
Choosing Between Analog and Digital
Analog and digital synthesizers each have their unique pros and cons, impacting their suitability for different types of music production.
Analog Synthesizers:
- Advantages: Warmth and depth of sound, live tweaking (Sound On Sound).
- Disadvantages: Limited polyphony, can be expensive (Quora).
Digital Synthesizers:
- Advantages: Versatility, affordability, extensive sound libraries.
- Disadvantages: Sometimes lack the warm and rich sound quality of analog synths (Quora).
Comparison Table:
Feature | Analog Synthesizer | Digital Synthesizer |
---|---|---|
Sound Quality | Warm and rich | Versatile but can be less warm |
Polyphony | Often limited | High, can play many notes |
Customization | Extensive hands-on tweaking | Extensive but menu-driven |
Price | Generally higher | More affordable |
Hybrid Synthesizers
Hybrid synthesizers combine the best of both analog and digital worlds, offering enhanced flexibility and functionality.
- Sound Quality: Blend of rich analog warmth and digital precision.
- Polyphony: Typically generous.
- Customization: Extensive options for sound design.
Hybrid synthesizers are ideal for artists who want the tactile experience and sound quality of analog, paired with the extensive functionality of digital synthesis.
By considering these factors and understanding the differences between analog, digital, and hybrid synthesizers, artists can select the best synthesizer to suit their needs.
Understanding Synthesizer Features
Exploring synthesizer features is essential for artists seeking the best synthesizers. Two key features to consider are keyboard sensitivity and aftertouch functionality.
Keyboard Sensitivity
Keyboard sensitivity, also known as velocity sensitivity, allows musicians to play expressively. This feature mimics the response of a traditional piano keyboard, where the volume and timbre of the note vary based on how hard the keys are struck. Most modern synths are equipped with velocity-sensitive keyboards (Sound On Sound).
Synth Model | Velocity Sensitivity |
---|---|
UDO Audio Super Gemini | Yes |
Korg Minilogue XD | Yes |
IK Multimedia Uno Synth Pro | Yes |
Korg Wavestate MKII | Yes |
Keyboard sensitivity enhances expressive play and is crucial for dynamic performances and intricate productions. This feature allows nuanced articulations and can be essential for genres that demand a high level of expressiveness.
Aftertouch Functionality
Aftertouch functionality adds another layer of expressiveness to synthesizer play. When pressure is applied to a key after it is initially struck, aftertouch generates additional modulation or vibrato effects. This feature can significantly enhance the sonic palette of the instrument, providing musicians with a broader range of expressive possibilities (Sound On Sound).
Synth Model | Aftertouch |
---|---|
UDO Audio Super Gemini | Yes |
Korg Minilogue XD | No |
IK Multimedia Uno Synth Pro | Yes |
Korg Wavestate MKII | Yes |
While aftertouch is a desirable feature, it may not be necessary for beginners or those purchasing their first synthesizer. However, for advanced users, it opens up additional creative potential and expressive control over their music.
By understanding these features, artists can make informed decisions when selecting synthesizers to suit their needs, ensuring the right balance of functionality and expressiveness.
Synthesizer Comparison
Examining the top synthesizers in the market reveals a variety of features and capabilities suited for different artists. Here is a detailed comparison of five noteworthy synthesizers: Novation Bass Station II, Arturia PolyBrute and PolyBrute 12, Sequential's Power Trio, ASM Hydrasynth Family, and Nonlinear Labs C15.
Novation Bass Station II
The Novation Bass Station II, a staple since its release in 1993, is celebrated as one of the finest analog monosynths. This synthesizer is designed with digital control and features dual DCOs, a sub-oscillator, multi-mode filter, built-in sequencer, arpeggiator, and an acid filter type. Continuous firmware updates significantly enhance its functionality, reinforcing its long-term value (Perfect Circuit).
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Oscillators | 2 DCOs with Sub-Oscillator |
Filter Modes | Multi-mode |
Extras | Sequencer, Arpeggiator |
Updates | Regular Firmware Updates |
Arturia PolyBrute and PolyBrute 12
The Arturia PolyBrute and PolyBrute 12 are acclaimed for their versatile sound capabilities, making them ideal for complex patches as well as straightforward leads and bass sounds. Both models provide multiple voices of analog polyphony with powerful modulation options. The PolyBrute excels with six voices and morphing capabilities, while the PolyBrute 12 extends up to twelve voices (Perfect Circuit).
Feature | PolyBrute | PolyBrute 12 |
---|---|---|
Voices | 6 Analog Polyphony | 12 Analog Polyphony |
Oscillators | 2 VCOs per voice | 2 VCOs per voice |
Keybed | Full Touch | Full Touch |
Extras | Motion Recorder, Sequencer | Motion Recorder, Sequencer |
Sequential's Power Trio
Sequential's Power Trio—Prophet-6, OB-6, and Trigon-6—are celebrated for their polyphonic analog synthesis. The Prophet-6 echoes the classic sounds of the Prophet-5, OB-6 features Oberheim's SEM oscillators and filters, and Trigon-6 offers analog synthesis akin to Moog with three VCOs. Each model includes dual stereo effects, a four-octave keybed, and advanced features like an arpeggiator and sequencer.
Feature | Prophet-6 | OB-6 | Trigon-6 |
---|---|---|---|
Voices | Polyphonic | Polyphonic | Polyphonic |
Oscillators | DCOs | SEM Oscillators | 3 VCOs |
Keybed | 4-Octave | 4-Octave | 4-Octave |
Features | Dual Stereo Effects | Dual Stereo Effects | Dual Stereo Effects |
ASM Hydrasynth Family
The ASM Hydrasynth Family stands out for its cutting-edge tones and virtual analog modeling. These synthesizers come with three oscillators, digital filters, an extensive modulation matrix, polyphonic aftertouch, and MPE support. They are excellent for both studio use and live performances, providing a broad range of sound design possibilities (Perfect Circuit).
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Oscillators | 3 Oscillators |
Filters | Digital Filters |
Keybed | PolyAT-capable |
Features | Wavescan Modes, MPE Support, PolyAT |
Nonlinear Labs C15
The Nonlinear Labs C15, conceptualized by Stephan Schmitt, is a boutique synthesizer focusing on expressive human interaction. It uses phase modulation and feedback synthesis to produce complex and experimental tones. Designed for direct interaction, it offers elements like aftertouch, velocity control, and ribbon controllers, even foregoing traditional LFOs.
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Synthesis | Phase Modulation, Feedback |
Interaction | Aftertouch, Velocity, Ribbon |
Design Focus | Human Interaction |
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