The synthesizer is one of the more unique instruments to learn as it allows you the power to create and play thousands of different sounds in a matter of seconds.
This instrument was actually invented in 1955 and in the 1960s it started to rise in popularity due to bands like Pink Floyd, The Beatles, ELO, etc. What makes this such a fun instrument is the fact that you don’t have to be a pianist in order to play it.
In fact, one of the most famous synth players in rock bands is Geddy Lee of the band Rush. An interesting fact about him as that he never learned to play the piano, as he was actually a bassist, and a great one at that.
The synth world is ever-changing with the development of technology and there are a few different options to consider.
There are analog synths and digital synths. Analog synths are renowned and in the keyboard industry and generally have a warmer sound than digital. They use analog circuitry whereas digital use digital processing.
The easiest way to describe this is to think of a digital synthesizer much like a computer with piano keys.
5 Best Synthesizers – From Hardware To Software
Korg Monologue Synthesizer – Best Cheap Synth
For synth enthusiasts who want something with an old school feel, but also modern, the Monologue is just what you are looking for. It’s very affordable and it’s extremely powerful.
This synth comes with 2 VCO oscillators and a 16-step sequencer. The Monologue is often talked about when it comes to budget options that are still highly professional.
This synth tends to make most professional musicians lists when it comes to cheaper synths.
Moog Matriarch – Best Analog Synthesizer
The Moog Matriarch is a brand new analog synth from arguably one of the most important synthesizer companies in the world today, Moog.
This is a synth for serious musicians who are looking to get their hands on one of the best analog synths currently on the market.
Micro Korg – Best Portable Synth
The Micro Korg has been out since the early 2000s and it has been on some of the biggest albums in the last 20 years. The band who arguably used this synth better than all of the other bands is The Killers.
This synth was on almost every song on their debut album, “Hot Fuss” and it shaped the album as a whole, giving it a nostalgic feel that continues to dominate the alternative world 15 years later.
The Micro Korg is affordable, portable and rather easy to use. This is often recommended to beginners as it one of the easier synths to use. You can easily switch between patches to explore sounds and you can also create sounds with little to no previous knowledge of synths.
Output – Best Software Synth
Output is one of the biggest names in the music production world today. They have multiple synth libraries that are incredible and are used all of the pop world.
In order to use software synths, you will need to use a DAW of some sort. A DAW stands for, “digital audio workstation,” and basically this is just your home base. You will do your recording in your DAW as well as your experimenting.
DAWs typically cost money, however, you can also find free DAWS that allow you to work for free.
Yamaha CS-80 – Best Vintage Synthesizer
The Yamaha CS-80 synth is one of the most popular and sought after synths in the world today. It’s extremely expensive, heavy, and difficult to use, but that doesn’t stop synth enthusiasts.
It was released in 1976 and it was used on countless records all over the music industry. The CS80 is known for being one of the most expressive keyboards ever and it has an incredibly warm sound.
Monophonic Vs Polyphonic Synths
Monophonic synths are simply synthesizers that can produce one note a time. Polyphonic means that it can produce more than one sound at the same time.
Persistence With Synths
When you decide to purchase a synth, the most important thing that you can do is to stay persistent. Make sure that you’re constantly trying to learn more things about your synths as it will help you grow and learn the instrument more.
Conclusion
Having the right synth can elevate not only your writing process, but also expand your musical knowledge. This list highlights all of the different options that you would need when getting into synthesizers.
Author Bio
Chris Senner is the owner and editor of Keyboard Kraze. He has over 20 years of keyboard experience, including playing in a major label band and touring the world.
