Synthesizer reviews from Reddit

Summary

We analyzed 376 Reddit reviews across 11 subreddits and 47 posts to rank the best Synthesizer brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/synthesizers, r/ambientmusic, r/TechnoProduction, r/Keytar, r/guitarpedals. Top-rated brands include Korg (4.4/5), Arturia (4.7/5), Roland (4.3/5).

Stats

Reviews376

Subreddits11

Posts47

Brands36

Products94

Top communities

r/synthesizers309 r/ambientmusic16 r/TechnoProduction10 r/Keytar8 r/guitarpedals8

376 reviews from

and

By Brand

By Product

Korg

4.4

(82)

"I second a Minilogue. Good price and sound, also if you get presets for it you can see an indication on the display while turning knobs what value the presets has."

"X2 for Minilogue."

"The 2600 is great for learning as that's what it was built for."

"An even better synth to learn the basics on is the 2600 (Beh or Korg)."

"If you want a synth to learn synthesis, I think one without memory is better. That being said, if you want memory check out the Korg Minilogue XD"

"I bought a used Korg MiniLogue XD for my first and only synth so I could play around with making ambient. It’s perfect (for me) for cost, capability and a learning tool"

"Used Microkorg. Every time."

"Minilogue xd can do a lot of these type of sounds."

"Came here to say Opsix, the filtered FM mode also means you can have 6 operators/oscillators with individual filters that can self oscillate on top of the master filter."

"With Korg Opsix you can have 6 operators x 8 unison = 48 oscillators per voice."

Arturia

4.7

(55)

"Recommend to look into the Minifreak. Very versatile digital synth with a great sequencer. Perfect for happy accidents and to get to know more of sound design"

"Buy a small synth like the microfreak and come join us at r/synthesizers!"

"Arturia microfreak covers loads of different synthesis models."

"The company Arturia makes great software emulations of all the classic 80s synthesizers."

"Get a Minilab 3 and Arturia V-Collection afterwards."

"Arturia V-Collection has you covered nearly entirely in that regard."

"I'd suggest the arturia Minifreak, it's a really easy instrument to use."

"Arturia minifreak. Would be a nice first time synth i think."

"Microfreak and any Behringer"

"If you're willing to push a little higher, an Arturia MicroFreak might hit the spot. Super versatile and something that will grow with you."

Roland

4.3

(48)

"I defintely will gonna be the Roland or Yamaha modx6."

"The Roland Mobile cube is pretty rad."

"Roland Mobile Cube - AA batteries, chorus and reverb, stereo. Multiple inputs."

"If you want an authentic 80s analog synth, the Roland Alpha Juno is an amazing value and imo does the best leads and basses of ANY Juno."

"The Roland SH-4D is an amazing multitimbral synth, it has all the Juno/JD/JX sounds and a lot of deep controls for sound design."

"I just got an SE-02 today, and wow! It sounds amazing!"

"I love the Roland SE-02 and Arturia Minifreak."

"Roland S-1 is a surprisingly good synth :) and it won’t cost you an arm n leg."

"Anything Roland and you're set."

"I agree with the Roland Aira S-1. It’s amazing but it is kind of difficult to figure out when you are learning the basics of synthesis."

Behringer

4.3

(47)

"Deep mind, my vote for best first synth to learn."

"Its a lovely instrument. Its a very good Moog clone with an extra oscillator and chorus with the bonus of a built in sequencer."

"The Deepmind is a monster for this kind of sounds, it really is amazing. Great value for money too."

"The best value in a polyphonic analog synth with keys that does 80s Roland Juno type sounds is the DeepMind 12."

"As others said Deep Mind. It is an incredible synthesizer period. The modulation matrix makes this thing sing."

"Get the behringer deepMind 6. enjoy."

"Behringer is your friend as others have said. Deepmind, or Pro 800."

"Behringer Pro 800 is $339.00. Buy two and run them in stereo."

"Get a Berhinger Deep Mind. Really powerful versatile polyphonic analog synth with delicious built in digital effects for cheap."

"Surprised nobody has mentioned the Behringer Pro 800. I’m not the biggest Behringer fan, but you can’t beat what is basically an 8 voice Prophet for under $400."

Novation

4.5

(27)

"For a monophonic synth, the Bass Station 2 is very powerful."

"And can do a ridiculous amount of stuff for an affordable analog synth. The value ratio is excellent on the BSII."

"I’ve also seen people on Reddit selling the Digitone OG for $350 which is nuts. If you can find one of those for $350 that’s my pick."

"I would look at used but mint excellent Novation Bass Station 2 and pair it with any of these: ASM Hydrasynth Explorer, Modal Argon 8, Modal Cobalt 8, or Arturia Minifreak."

"Novation Mininova 😃"

"A 2nd hand Bass Station 2. Perfect for beginners to grow into and learn about synthesis"

"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."

Moog

4.7

(14)

"My favorite synth right now is the Moog Grandmother."

"Wait a couple of months and go Moog Grandmother."

"Moog grandmother"

"Grandmother"

"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."

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."

Waldorf

4.2

(11)

"Waldorf Irdium. 3 oscillators per the bi timbral audio core. Fully formed Fm, wave table, va, resonator and granular synthesis."

"Waldorf Iridium."

"A used Waldorf blofeld desktop is a powerhouse contender for “only synth you ever need”."

"The only one that you have to safe for is Waldorf Iridium Keys..."

"Digitone and Waldorf Iridium come to mind, Analog Four too"

"Also the Waldorf Blofeld seems great, I never used it but I think it would be a strong candidate to start with."

"Blofeld, Model D, JV-1010 if speak of not just analogue or VA."

"Waldorf Iridium."

"Check out the Waldorf Blofeld desktop."

"The Blofeld has 8 knobs (and 4 buttons)."

Yamaha

4.2

(11)

"Plugging the Yamaha Reface CS — not new, but used. Love mine."

"Reface CS. All sweet spot."

"I'd use Opsix simply because it's cheap, has a nice sequencer, nice effects like a shimmer reverb."

"YAMAHA REFACE CS"

"The Opsix is a great one as well for tons of sound but it's digital in case you were thinking analog synth."

"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'm gonna suggest finding a used DX7."

#10

ASM

4.6

(8)

"Hydrasynth. thing is a beast and great value for the price."

"I’d show up to band practice with my hydrasynth explorer and go from there."

"Hydrasynth Explorer paired with a Microfreak Have both, lovely combo."

"Also Hydrasynth Explorer, Korg Modwave, Korg multi/poly, etc."

"Let me put an ASM Hydrasynth here 🙂"

"Just got a hydrasynth explorer which was $600."

"Look at the hydrasynth line"

"Any thoughts on the ASM Hydrasynth Explorer?"

#11

Elektron

4.3

(8)

"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."

"Digitone and Waldorf Iridium come to mind, Analog Four too"

"I've seen more than a few first gen Digitones selling used for $350. It's a lot of bang for the buck."

"Elektron Digitone."

"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."

#12

Access

4.5

(4)

"Access virus ti; 16 part multi timbral, and mod matrix that is ridiculous, along with 5 types of synthesis"

"The Access Virus is all over the music you mention too."

"I'd recommend: access virus A B or C."

"Probably access virus."

#13

Akai

4.5

(4)

"My MPC keys does all that. Has very nice sounds onboard. Can load samples and sample from source as well. A pleasurable and fun workstation to use."

"He’s had it three years with no complaints. I call that a win."

"MPC Keys would a good choice and fairly future-proof"

"If you want a MIDI controller the Akai MPK is a great starter controller."

#14

Dreadbox

4.3

(4)

"Dreadbox Typhon is pretty awesome. Great analog sound, endless modulation and a quite original set of great sounding effects."

"Dreadbox Typhon is small but very capable, has a sequencer and onboard FX."

"Dreadbox Typhon"

"Dreadbox typhon and a battery pack."

#15

Meris

5.0

(3)

"The Enzo X looks to be a big step up."

"Meris Enzo X."

"Check out the Meris Enzo X."

#16

Teenage Engineering

3.8

(4)

"I really enjoy my OP-Z and Roland S-1. They are both relatively easy to use, deep if you wish to explore, can get simple beats out within 5 mins."

"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."

#17

ARP

4.3

(3)

"ARP 2600 excels at this IMO."

"Or if you are really on a budget maybe an ARP 2600"

"Pair of 2600 and Microfreak covers a ton of ground."

#18

Make Noise

4.0

(3)

"Make Noise 0-Coast!"

"Make noise 0-coast"

"Make Noise 0-Coast or Empress Zoia. Both will help getting outside of conventional composition workflows."

#19

Studiologic

4.0

4.0

(1)

"Moderate Multi-Use: BOSS SY-1 or Source Audio C4: They are a great starting point if you want something that gets all of your standard "synth sounds" in a single unit."

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