Guide to keyboard synthesizers and reviews of the best playback and analog synths. These are available in various sizes, including compact ones, and provide you with cutting edge sounds. The construction quality is robust, and can be used as a midi controller as well to play soft synths. You may skip to the best keyboard synthesizer here.
Introduction
There comes a time when a keyboard player wants to move from using preset sounds to making their own sounds or needs access to cutting edge sounds. If you can relate to that, perhaps it is time to move away from your arranger or digital piano, and consider buying a synthesizer.
Unlike a typical electronic keyboard, a synth (workstation) produces rich sounds and includes several versatile features, including the option to manipulate sounds to your liking.
Keyboard synthesizers are also available in various sizes (88 keys, 76-keys, 61 keys, 49-keys, 37-keys).
Musicians have their own preferences when it comes to the number of keys. Some prefer synthesizers with more keys (such as 88-keys) as it provides them with a wide dynamic range (lower octaves, higher octaves); some prefer compact synthesizers as the small size fits into any stage or studio rig, suitable for the space-conscious musicians (these are also perfect instruments to get started with analog modeling).
When it comes to synthesizers, you hear various terms like analog, digital, “virtual analog” and so on. But for those who have heard & played these synthesizers before, many are fascinated by the analog world of sound.
A basic understanding of synthesis is all that you need to dig into the features of these synth keyboards.
Most experienced users usually own multiple keyboards, which may include a combination of beginner synths, analog synths and/or workstations. If you are a beginner in synthesis technology then it will take some time for you to reach there.
Recommended Synthesizers
- Roland Juno DS88 (88 Keys) Synthesizer
- Roland GO:KEYS Music Creation Keyboard Synthesizer (61-Keys)
- Moog Matriarch Analog Synthesizer (49 Keys)
- Novation MiniNova Compact Keyboard Synthesizer (37-Keys)
Synthesizer vs Electronic Keyboard (for Beginners)
A Synthesizer Keyboard is basically a sound-generating machine and unlike an Arranger keyboard, it does not contain built-in musical sequences, intros, accompaniments, and fill ins. Instead, it contains loops and arpeggios which can be modulated and stored to be played back later.
A musical keyboard will also NOT let you tweak the built-in sounds…may be it will let you to a limited extent. Keyboard synthesizers on the other hand will let you do much more. You can create rich, amazing sounds to some extremely wacky ones. The editing features on a synthesizer keyboard make it different from arrangers.
Even synthesizers are available in various sizes (25, 37, 61, 72, 76, 88 keys) and come with varied action – synth action, semi-weighted and weighted.
Synths can produce melody as well as percussion sounds ranging from reed instruments to drums. But its true power is its possibility to create completely new and unheard of sounds. Synths provide you with different ways to create extremely sophisticated sounds. You can choose to either program these in, or you can operate in real time to give your sounds a high degree of expressive life.
Synthesizers are technically superior instruments, are more expensive and it gives you the capability to manipulate almost any of the parameters associated with the built-in sounds.
Unlike musical keyboards, they do not have built-in accompaniments and speakers; you will need external speakers to generate sounds.
Top Synthesizers for Various Price Ranges
Arturia MiniBrute-2 Analog Keyboard Synthesizer
ARTURIA recently launched the MiniBrute 2 & 2S analog Synthesizer, successor to the popular MiniBrute. Arturia MiniBrute 2 now offers more options, more modularity, full-size Keys & a few more surprises. Besides the MiniBrute 2, Arturia also launched the MiniBrute 2S that swaps a traditional keyboard for performance pads and a sequencer that can be recorded in real time.
What’s new on the MiniBrute 2?
- Two oscillators with waveform mixing
- Multi-mode Steiner Parker filter
- LFOs, ADSR and AD envelopes, and a hybrid step-sequencer and arpeggiator inherited from Arturia’s Keystep devices. 25 full-size velocity sensitive keys with aftertouch
- Pitch and modulation wheels not found on the original
- Arturia’s own Brute Factor feedback circuit
The new analog synth now comes with a second oscillator, a semi-modular architecture and more.
Buyer of the new MiniBrute will also get the ARTURIA Cook Book, a hardcover book where you can find various sounds to re-program. These example sounds helps you understand the engine as well as give you ideas to craft interesting sounds.
Watch: ARTURIA MiniBrute 2 SYNTHESIZER Demo
Arturia MiniBrute Analog Keyboard Synthesizer, 25-Key
MiniBrute is an analog synthesizer from Arturia with several innovative features. Read more here.
Korg MicroKorg 37-Key Analog Modeled Synth / Vocoder
The popular Korg MicroKorg comes with a huge library of analog-style synth sounds, an on-board vocoder, 8-step arpeggiator, and more, in a tiny, battery powered, 5-pound MicroKORG, and includes a cool gooseneck microphone.
And this keyboard is not just for keyboard players, the microKORG can be used by bassists who need some killer synth bass-sounds, by vocalists who want to add some sonic extras, or for that matter, by any musician.
Buy Korg MicroKorg | Read more…
Waldorf Blofeld 49-Key Synthesizer
The 49-key Waldorf’s Blofeld synth module is one killer virtual-analog synth that’s ready for any stage or studio rig! And it looks great too, with elegant stainless-steel knobs and a metal case, this compact powerhouse is a marvel of German engineering. This killer virtual-analog synth fits in nicely in the studio as well as onstage.
Key features of Waldorf Blofeld synthesizer:
Semi-weighted keyboard synthesizer with 49 keys, velocity, and aftertouch
whopping 60 megabytes of sample memory, Over 1,000 sounds
Virtual analog, wavetable, and sample-based oscillators
Fun to use the various combination – add vocals to pads, analog sounds packed with strong attack sample and so on.
Pitch bend wheel, modulation wheel, and sustain pedal connector for instant expression
Polyphony of Max. 25 voices
MIDI I/O, Class compliant USB/MIDI for Mac, PC, and Linux
Backlit graphic display
3 Oscillators, 2 filters per voice , 2 independent multi-mode filters per voice, 3 fast LFOs per voice, 4 fast Envelopes per voice
Powerful arpeggiator
Freely programmable arpeggiator pattern with up to 16 steps per sound
Internal power supply
Moog Little Phatty II Stage
Although digital might be the norm today, the world’s most celebrated analog synth maker still has a great reputation among serious musicians.
For around thousand dollars, the Moog Little Phatty Stage II is among the world’s most celebrated analog synths, with powerful monophonic sound, sweet arpeggiator, and a punchy voice that won’t be easily missed.
It comes with MIDI connectivity, dual VCOs and a 100% analog signal path. With Moog Music’s Little Phatty Stage II, you’ll get a powerful and punchy voice that won’t be easily missed.
Behringer MS-101
Behringer announced the new MS-101 analog Synthesizer, based on the popular Roland SH-101 Synthesizer. The synth comes with several new features, with new FM possibilities, new step sequencer as well as many connections for external instruments.
More features of the Behringer MS-101:
Monophonic synthesizer with authentic 3340 analog oscillator that produces insanely fat sound
32 semi-weighted full-size keys
Arpeggiator, pitch bend wheel and a pitch modulation trigger
Guitar strap included for live jamming on stage
Behringer also plans to introduce Vintage-Inspired Analog Synths.
Watch: Behringer reveals new analog Synthesizer
Synthesizers: Detailed Guide
A synthesizer keyboard with its sound tweaking capabilities, various pattern generating capabilities, audio recording and editing features makes it quite a different beast from an arranger keyboard. A Synthesizer can not only emulate a wide variety of sounds, but can also be used to create your own unique sounds (besides natural sounds). You can use a synth to create variations of electric pianos, or effects such as UFO landing sound, via the several options and controls available on a synthesizer.
Synthesizers come in various sizes – 61 keys, 76 keys, 88 keys and less than 61 keys…but the most common ones are the 61-Key or smaller Synthesizers. In terms of features, except for the number of keys, all of them have more or less the same functions.
A synth might look similar to an arranger keyboard; you will also find a synth-action on both these instruments… but that is where most of the comparison ends. A synthesizer gives you lot of tools to tweak and create new sounds
Most synthesizers do not have built-in speakers, so you will need good external speakers/amps to hear your keyboard synthesizers output.
Here’s why you should consider buying a Synthesizer:
- Studio quality sounds. Most Hardware synthesizers producer better sounds than software
- Amazing sounds, patterns & sequencer
- Create unique sounding music
- You can control almost every parameter related to sound.
- These are great for experimenting with new sounds and introducing new ideas
- Multi-track Recorder for Audio & MIDI, with onboard mixer and dedicated transport controls
- Tweak the Sounds – Knobs and Buttons to tweak the sounds as you wish.
- Built-in Arpeggiator and Multi-Effects
- Interface to PC – Easily connected to a PC or Mac through the USB port
Type of Synthesis
Basically, you get two types of keyboard synthesizers depending on the type of sounds generated – Analog Synths and sample Playback Synths.
- Sample Playback Synths include more of the bread and butter type of sounds. If you are more into pop, jazz, orchestral or mainstream type of music then you will need authentic piano, string, brass sounds. And that is what a Sample Playback Synth provides.
- Analog Synthesizers (also known as Virtual Analog synths or VA synths) are for those who only prefer doing dance, trance, techno type of music. It gives you a palette of sounds that suits these styles of music, something which sample playback synths cannot provide.
Recommended Best synthesizers:
- Best Beginner Synthesizer / Entry Level Synths
These synths are inexpensive, but do not cut down on the core features. These are great to test the waters, can be your first synth. - Best Synthesizer Keyboards under $700
For the cost-conscious musicians, these synths offer premium sounds and professional effects. - Best Synth Keyboards under $1000
Professional synth keyboards, priced well within the reach of the working musician. - Best Music Workstation Keyboards
The best synths & workstation available for professionals.
How is the Sound Produced in a Synthesizer
The Oscillator is a common term that you will here, and it is the component that generates the sound. It generates a frequency and sets the pitch of the sound as well as the waveform of the sound.
Things to remember:
- Higher tones / pitches will have higher frequencies
- Lower tones / bass tones will have lower frequencies
The better synthesizers come with more oscillators, so that they can generate several kinds of frequencies. The frequency generated is then fed to the filter to give you better control over he sound.
What does a filter do?
It removes certain frequencies and harmonics and gives you better control over the sound that you are trying to synthesize. The better synthesizers provide you with several kinds of filters so that you can apply the proper effects.
There’s an Amplifier too
Synthesizers use electricity to generate the frequencies, but then they are not powerful enough to be heard properly on their own. This is where an amplifier is required; it amplifies the signal so that it becomes powerful enough to be heard through the speakers.
Envelope Generator
So now you are aware of oscillators, filters and the amplifier.
You need another component that can control the output from these, and that is where the envelope generator comes into picture. It also decides when should the sound start or end.
- When applied to the oscillator – it can change the pitch
- When applied to the filters – it can change the brightness, timbre
- When applied to the amplifier – it can change the volume
- It can also change the overall timbre of the sound.
So these are the common components of any synthesizer, and when you are tweaking the sounds, you are actually controlling these components.
This is how a Synthesizer produces sound.
How Does a Synth Keyboard Let You Create Your Own Sounds
A Synth Keyboard gives you a lot of control by letting you modify sound related parameters. Here’s how a synth keyboard let you create your own sounds.
Sound Generating Elements
A synthesizer includes sound generating elements which creates a basic set of audio waveforms.
Now, to create a different sound you should be able to modulate or change these waveforms. This is the reason synthesizers come with so many knobs, sliders and buttons.
These controls let you modulate the basic waveforms so that you can create sounds with totally different patterns. Using the knobs and sliders, you can change the waveforms pitch, frequency, amplitude and other parameters to create entirely new sounds.
The following are some of its features:
- It produces waveforms and lets you modulate (change) them to create new audio waveforms
- It doesn’t contain accompaniments nor do they have built-in speakers
- It contains loops, arpeggios and effects
- Extremely versatile
- Used to create sounds that can be used as sound effects in background scores
- Used mostly in studios
- Used by lot of keyboardists to play in a band because of their stunning sounds and effects.
How To Add Effects?
You will find this section in all the synths and this is what lets you alter the waveform to produce that different sound.
A particular sound or timbre sounds that way because of the waveform generated and you can change it by altering these four things:
- Attack – This is the time taken for a sound to reach its maximum level after a key is pressed.
- Decay – This is the rate at which the volume decreases from that maximum level.
- Sustain – This is the level of the sound while the key remains pressed.
- Release – this is the duration of the sound after the key is released.
Here are a couple of videos explaining the Fundamentals of Synthesizer Programming
Using Arpeggiator / Arpeggio Patterns on Synthesizers
This is an awesome feature available on synths!
An arpeggiator lets you play a variety of phrases and arpeggio patterns using just one finger!
Some of the synths may provide you with two polyphonic arpeggiators, making it possible to create even more sophisticated patterns!
You may use the two arpeggiators to play two different instruments – for instance drums and bass, while you play your chords and melody. This feature gives you amazing power for your live performances.
Most of these synths provide you with numerous patterns to choose from. They even let you create your own original patterns, which you can then store in the internal memory for later use.
You can read more on the Arpeggio Function of a Keyboard Synth here.
Additional Features
Do You Need an Onboard Sequencer on a Synthesizer?
Almost all the beginner keyboards and digital pianos provide you with a built-in sequencer but that is quite basic. It does the basic job of recording the tracks but that’s it.
Lot of musicians over time switch to a computer based setup where they use a software sequencer program to do all the sequencing, editing and mixing stuff.
But that doesn’t mean that you don’t get keyboards which have better sequencing features. It’s just that you need to decide if you really want one.
But why would you need one with good sequencing abilities? There could be many reasons – if you are seriously into music programming and performing.
Why do you have to switch on the computer everytime you have some cool idea that you wish to expand upon. You can straightaway start creating using the synthesizer’s sequencer.
You do a lot of gigs? Then a synth with sequencer and an arpeggiator is a good combination to have. Ideally you need one on which the arpeggiators can sync to the MIDI clock coming from the sequencer. With the press of one button you can create sequence by switching on the arpeggiator and pressing a chord.
But then you can also accomplish all these using a software sequencer such as Sonar, Cubase or Logic. So if you don’t have a keyboard based one, you don’t have to fret!
Free Bundled Sequencing Software
Besides the features listed above, most of the 61 Key Synthesizers will offer you free sequencing software along with the instrument, when you make a purchase.
So if you have been planning to buy a sequencing software program, just hold on. You may get it free along with your 61 Key Synthesizer.
Additional Reading
- Moog Synth/Synthesizers
- 88 Key Synthesizers – Perfect Balance of Synthesizer and Piano
- Professional Synthesizers from Yamaha
- Full-Featured Synthesizers from Roland
- How to create a unique tone using the Synthesizer
- Learn How to Use the Arpeggio Function on Keyboard Synths
- How to Use Multi Pads on Keyboards?
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KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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