Best synthesizer on Reddit
189 reviews from r/synthesizers, r/TechnoProduction, r/Keytar and 5 more subreddits
189 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Korg
4.3
(40)
"Korg Opsix is a great option if you like FM."
"Opsix. Minilogue."
"Checkout the Korg Minilogue. They’re fantastic and they’re analog."
"Korg Minilogue"
"Maybe you would like the Korg Minilogue"
"MonoPoly or MS-20"
"Korg ms20 or behringer k2 (affordable clone)."
"BS2 or Pro3"
"Just wanna add the Korg Microkorg. Have mine for so long and love it."
"I’m going to go with a Korg Minilogue xd or Arturia Mini Freak."
#2
Arturia
4.6
(25)
"Microfreak."
"Minifreak or ASM Hydrasynth. This is the way!"
"Some form of Freak or a Minilogue XD."
"An Arturia Minifreak costs around that much new. It's an excellent synth and has vast sound design options."
"Microfreak or Minilogue XD"
"Microfreak is great for strange sounds and is sort of the generic recommendation here."
"I second the Microfreak."
"Best bang for your buck is the Microfreak."
"Microfreak."
"If recommend the Arturia Minifreak."
#3
Novation
4.4
(16)
"Novation Circuit...your favorite pair of headphones and two sets of batteries."
"I'll second a used Novation BSII. Fantastic value for very little money."
"If you’re on a budget: Novation Bass Station 2"
"Novation circuit tracks."
"I got the Novation Bass Station 2 for my birthday. Best gift I’ve ever gotten."
"Honestly the peak is the perfect option. It has an otherworldly sound..."
"The Novation Peak is fantastic. It’s sounds amazing."
"Used Novation Circuit Tracks."
"I'd recommend a novation circuit tracks over other things like volca."
"Novation circuit tracks"
#4
Roland
4.1
(16)
"Roland SH01A is the best route to BoC sound."
"Maybe the Roland SH-4D? Four part multitimbral + rhythm part."
"Roland aira S1, it’s not analogue but you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference."
"You can get a used jupiter xm for around ~1000 bucks and it sounds pretty stellar."
"If you don't mind tiny knobs the Roland SE-02 can make a wider range of sounds with a 3rd oscillator and good sounding built-in delay."
"Roland jd xi is great for quick results"
"Roland SP 404 mk2 always gets nice results."
"JD-XI or micro / mini freak, or microkorg would be perfect."
"Used Roland jdxi, only thing I know that has drums too."
"Check out the JD-Xi by Roland, it's the only one that pops in my head."
#5
Behringer
4.1
(12)
"I’m having a blast so far with the Behringer Neutron."
"Deepmind 12."
"I'd vote for the DeepMind 12 as it has a lot of functionality and is really fun to explore."
"Behringer Pro 800 is worth a look, 8 voice polyphony and a sequencer."
"If you don't have a big budget, Behringer neutron or Korg monologue/monologue xD is a good choice."
"Behringer neutron."
"Behringer deepmind 12. it has a decent sized display for visual feedback of waveform changes."
"Behringer deepmind is also great synth with nice fx and vast array of modulation."
"Behringer Crave (cheapest) or Neutron."
"I would go with a Behringer Pro-1."
#6
Hydrasynth
4.6
(10)
"The Hydrasynth Explorer just needs 8 rechargable AA’s and a pair of headphones and you are ready to have a TON of fun."
"Hydrasynth."
"Hydrasynth or Digitone, for sure!"
"The Hydrasynth Explorer is pretty dope and fits in your price range."
"Hydrasynth."
"I would recommend the Hydrasynth, it is a very versatile synth."
"Hydrasynth could score a whole film and do all the foley."
"Hydrosynth."
"I’m loving my Hydrasynth and I’m sure many unique cinematic sounds could be coaxed out of it."
"Hydrasynth Explorer is neither portable nor beginner synth."
#7
Moog
4.8
(8)
"If you’re ok with spending money: Moog Subsequent 37, or Sequential Pro 3."
"I got sucked in with good old-fashioned subtractive synthesis by way of a Moog Grandmother."
"Splurge a bit and get a sub37. So expressive and perfect for leads and bass."
"I’m betting the Grandmother would be fantastic for you."
"I love the Moog Grandmother for bass and leads."
"Moog Grandmother is definitely the synth I’d start with if I had to do it today."
"If you can find one used for a decent price: Moog Sub Phatty"
"Moog Babymother."
#8
Yamaha
4.2
(9)
"Reface CS. All sweet spot."
"Sounds like you want the Yamaha CK88."
"FM is invaluable for your genre. So a Reface DX or even a Volca FM2."
"Your example sounds like FM synthesis: Yamaha Reface DX or Korg opsix"
"I'd say reface cs if you can live without the drums."
"I'd say reface cs if you can live without the drums."
"I'm gonna suggest finding a used DX7."
"A Yamaha Reface (either CS or DX) might be a good option."
"Yamaha DX7."
#9
Elektron
4.3
(6)
"I'd go with an elektron digitone, it's a synth, a groovebox, an audio interface and it's great for ambient."
"If you're already happy with your Digitakt, the Digitone is the natural answer."
"Elektron Digitone."
"For something smaller the Elektron Model Cycles will be nice sounding too - $300."
"Pro: Elektron sequencer, four parts, sound great, overbridge, CV control, solid build, mk1 can be found for under €650"
"If you wanna stick to Elektron, Digitone or Analog 4 mk1 would do it."
#10
Waldorf
4.0
(6)
"The only one that you have to safe for is Waldorf Iridium Keys..."
"Waldorf Quantum or Korg PS-3100."
"Waldorf pulse 2 is more stable and can produce very good sounds."
"Waldorf Iridium."
"Check out the Waldorf Blofeld desktop."
"Waldorf Blofield, though I’ve never tried one myself so I don’t know how it sounds irl."
#11
Akai
4.3
(4)
"He’s had it three years with no complaints. I call that a win."
"I’d look at the Akai LPK 25 for a decent midi controller that’s not expensive."
"I do have an akai mpk mini currently that I use for my portable work. Works fine."
"If you want a MIDI controller the Akai MPK is a great starter controller."
#12
Expressive E
5.0
(2)
"Expressive E Osmose is pretty much a Soundtrack generator..."
"Expressive E Osmose."
#13
Virus
5.0
(2)
"Easy, virus ti 2 or really any synth with wavetables."
"Virus is the best option with 3 stereo outs and 16 part multi."
#14
Teenage Engineering
3.3
(3)
"Alternatively a used Teenage Engineering Op1 (version 1)"
"If he likes teenage engineering they have one device called op-z."
"You need a Teenage Engineering OP-1. After a piece of 2x4 it's probably the least musical item in existence."
#15
Modal
4.0
(2)
"Modal COBALT5S is pretty portable, sounds great."
"I can vouch also for the Cobalt5s."
#16
Access
4.0
(2)
"I'd recommend: access virus A B or C."
"Probably access virus."
#17
Blofeld
3.5
(2)
"Blofeld."
"If you want cheaper blofeld is possible but only has 1 stereo out and I hear multitimbral patches aren't easy to control with it."
#18
M-Audio
5.0
(1)
"M-Audio and Novation make the best midi controllers. Period."
#19
BARP
5.0
(1)
"It's a really inspiring instrument for lead sounds."
#20
Typhon
5.0
(1)
"My favorite lead synths in my collection are: Typhon, Syntakt, Digitone."
#21
Dave Smith Instruments
5.0
(1)
"Pulse2"
#22
Sequential
5.0
(1)
"I’d go with the Pro 3, but both are wonderful"
#23
DSI
5.0
(1)
"Also consider a DSI Mono Evolved desktop... It’s wildly powerful for sound design, and soooo good for ambient."
#24
ASM
4.0
(1)
"Any thoughts on the ASM Hydrasynth Explorer?"
#25
Erica Synths
4.0
(1)
"Have a look at the Erica Synths Bullfrog."
#26
Vortex
4.0
(1)
"I have used the Vortex with an iPad that has some virtual synths on it."
#27
Pittsburgh Modular
4.0
(1)
"I've been really feeling good about the pittsburgh modular taiga."
#28
Dreadbox
4.0
(1)
"Dreadbox typhon and a battery pack."
#29
Nord
4.0
(1)
"I got a Nord Lead 2 for around £500 and that does everything you'd need a synth to do."
#30
Blipblox
4.0
(1)
"The Blipbox is pretty much exactly what you describe."
#31
Prophet
4.0
(1)
"Prophet 12."
#32
Deepmind
4.0
(1)
"Basically it's the most you'll get from an analog in the $600 range."
#33
Mininova
4.0
(1)
"Mininova - Wasp Deluxe - Ketstep 37."
#34
Neutron
4.0
(1)
"If you don't mind monophonic a good cheaper option is the neutron."
#35
Bass Station 2
4.0
(1)
"I actually really live my bass station 2 for a lead synth."
#36
Empress
4.0
(1)
"Make Noise 0-Coast or Empress Zoia. Both will help getting outside of conventional composition workflows."
#37
UDO
4.0
(1)
"Udo Super 6"
#38
Casio
4.0
(1)
"Casio CT-S400. It does all those things. Exceeded my expectations."
#39
ARP
4.0
(1)
"Pair of 2600 and Microfreak covers a ton of ground."
#40
Make Noise
4.0
(1)
"Make Noise 0-Coast or Empress Zoia. Both will help getting outside of conventional composition workflows."
#41
Rumble of Ancient Times
4.0
(1)
"Rumble of Ancient Times is a really fun little noisy monster."
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