Synthesizer Heaven: The Top Ten Hardware Synthesizers of 2022
10. IK Multimedia UNO Synth
The IK Multimedia Uno Synth is a powerful and versatile synthesizer that is perfect0 for modern producers. With its all-analog audio path and dual oscillators with continuously variable waveshape, the Uno Synth is capable of conjuring truly massive sounds. In addition, the Uno Synth has a multimode filter, LFO, two envelopes, and effects which allow you to shape your sound in any way you desire. Plus, the built-in sequencer with 27-note keyboard and 13 scale options makes composing on the fly a breeze. Finally, with its portability and connectivity with other music-making gear, the IK Multimedia Uno Synth is a must-have for any producer.
PROS:
+The synthesizer engine is excellent, and the keyboard is perfect for monophonic playing.
+The sequencer is also terrific, and the effects are wonderful.
+The MIDI I/O suits my needs perfectly, and the connectivity is great.
+The power requirements are very reasonable, as it only needs four AA batteries.
CONS:
- The hardware feels like it was made out of recycled materials.
- Several parameters can’t be accessed via the interface, making you feel like a second class citizen.
SPECS:
Type: Analog
Polyphony: Monophonic
Keyboard: Touch keyboard
Sequencer: Yes
Effects: Delay, Dive, Scoop, Vibrato, Wah, Tremolo
MIDI I/O: Minijack In/Out
Connectivity: 3.5mm stereo output (mono summed), 3.5mm stereo input (mono summed), Micro USB
Power: Four AA batteries
Purchase here: 10. IK Multimedia UNO Synth
9. Korg Minilogue XD
The Korg synthesizer is the perfect choice for those looking for the best of both worlds. The best features from the monologue and Prologue. The Korg minilogue XD synthesizer is a great value for the money, offering 4-voice polyphony, 37 velocity-sensitive keys, and a host of powerful features. The digital multi-engine is particularly impressive, as it gives you access to a wide range of sounds that would otherwise be impossible to create with an analog synth.
The only downside is that the minilogue XD can be a bit overwhelming for beginners, as there is a lot of depth to this synthesizer. However, if you take the time to learn all it has to offer, the Korg minilogue XD will provide you with endless hours of creative fun.
PROS:
+Solid build quality
+CV connectivity
CONS:
- Only one filter pole option onboard
- No low-cut/high-pass filter switch or dial
SPECS:
Synth engine: Hybrid
Polyphony: 4 voices
Keyboard: 37 slim keys, velocity-sensitive
Sequencer: Yes
Effects: Delay, Reverb, Chorus, Flanger, Ensemble, Phaser
MIDI I/O: In/Out
Connectivity: Headphones, stereo output, audio in, sync in, sync out, USB, 2x CV in
Power: AC adapter.
Purchase here: Korg Minilogue XD
8. Studiologic Sledge
The Studiologic Sledge 2.0 synthesizer is a powerful machine that offers users a wide range of sounds and options. With 24-voice polyphony, an expanded memory, and the ability to load samples, the Sledge 2.0 is perfect for anyone who wants to create original sounds. Thanks to the inclusion of 66 digital wavetables from the Waldorf PPG Wave synthesizer, it's also possible to create classic '70s synth bass tones or modern dubstep noises.
In addition, the Sledge 2.0 comes with a variety of filters, LFOs, and an onboard arpeggiator that make it easy to achieve any sound you can imagine. Whether you're a experienced musician or a complete beginner, the Studiologic Sledge 2.0 is a great synthesizer to have in your arsenal.
SPECS:
Synth engine: Virtual analog
Polyphony: 24 voices
Keyboard: 61 keys with aftertouch
Sequencer: No
Effects: Chorus, phaser, flanger, delay, reverb
MIDI I/O: In/Out
Connectivity: Left and right audio outs, two headphones outs, USB (to host and MIDI), hold and expression pedal inputs
Power: AC adapter
PROS:
+Rich, full virtual analog sound
+Sampling capability
+Lightweight and solid
CONS:
- Yellow, but you can get it black
- Occasional software bugs and glitches
Purchase here: Studiologic Sledge
7. Korg Wavestate
The Wavestation synthesizer keyboard has been updated to Wave Sequencing 2.0, which allows for more complex and evolving patches. Parameters are assigned their own "lane," and each lane can have a different number of steps, with control over their start, end, and loop points. Lanes can even randomize their step order every time they are played, for a completely unpredictable and non-linear playing experience.
The Korg wavestate synthesizer is a powerful machine with gigabytes of samples to explore. It features thousands of new samples from Korg, as well as sounds from the KRONOS and KROME libraries, and Plugin Guru. You can play up to 64 stereo voices simultaneously, with amazing sound quality thanks to Korg's anti-aliasing sample playback technology. If you're looking for a synthesizer with great character and precision, the wavestate is the perfect choice.
The wavestate synthesizer offers a variety of filters modeled after classic synthesizers, as well as Korg's multimode filter. This gives you a wide range of options for shaping your sound.
SPECS:
Synth engine: Digital
Polyphony: 64 voices
Keyboard: 37 full-size, velocity sensitive
Sequencer: Yes
Effects: 14
MIDI I/O: In, Out, USB
Connectivity: USB
Power: 12V DC
Pros:
+ Wide range of filters
+ Great effects
+ Assignable modulation
+ Sample builder allows for WAV file uploads up to 512MB
Cons:
- No oscillator sync
- No FM or ring modulations
- Multisamples cannot be modulated into each other
Purchase here: Korg Wavestate
6. Roland JD-XA
The JD-XA is an analog/digital crossover synthesizer that allows you to combine its analog and digital synth engines - giving you two synths in one. The real magic happens when the JD-XA's engines interact with one another, providing you with all sorts of new ways to create your own unique form of sonic mayhem. Additionally, the JD-XA is packed with digital effects, making it well equipped to handle any sound-shaping tasks that you want to throw at it. Plus, its built-in 16-track pattern sequencer gets up and running without even plugging into your computer. And finally, the JD-XA's flexible design makes routing a snap. All of these features come together to make the JD-XA one of the most powerful and flexible synthesizers on the market today.
The Roland JD-XA synthesizer is a powerful and flexible tool for music creation. Its two sound engines - analog and digital - can be used independently or combined for even more sonic possibilities. The analog engine is capable of creating rich, warm sounds, while the digital engine offers access to SuperNATURAL technology for expressive, realistic sound. Additionally, the JD-XA has filters that can be used to shape the sound, as well as cross mod, ring mod, and OSC sync functions. Plus, it comes with a 16-track pattern sequencer and is compatible with the Integra-7 sound libraries from Roland's Axial website. Finally, it has a variety of connectivity options, including USB, MIDI, and CV/Gate, plus it has a mic input so you can modulate the sound with your voice.
SPECS:
Synth engine: Analog/digital
Polyphony: Analogue, four voices; digital 64 voices
Keyboard: 49-note, velocity-sensitive with aftertouch
Sequencer: 16-track pattern sequencer
Effects: MFX: eight systems with 67 types; Part EQ: eight systems; TFX: two systems with 29 types; Delay; Reverb; Master EQ
MIDI I/O: In/Out
Connectivity: 1/4-inch main output jacks, 1/4-inch analogue dry output jack, 1/4-inch click output jack, 1/4-inch combo mic jack, foot pedal jacks, CV/gate output jacks.
PROS:
+ Two sound engines for more sonic possibilities
+ Analog engine can create rich, warm sounds
+ Comes with a 16-track pattern sequencer
CONS:
- User manual is minimalistic
- "crackle bug" reported by some users
- Doesn't have dedicated controls for arpeggiator rate and gate.
Purchase here: Roland JD-XA
5. Waldorf Quantum Synthesizer
The Waldorf Quantum synthesizer is a versatile and powerful instrument that can create a wide range of sounds. With its 8-voice, bi-timbral design, it can produce rich, layered sounds that are perfect for sound design, film/TV work, or simply creating your own unique sonic textures.
The four independent synthesis engines allow you to create complex sounds that would be impossible with other synthesizers. And with the high-resolution stereo oscillators and dual resonant filters, you can create truly stunning sonic results. Though it carries a high price tag, the Quantum is an investment worth making for any serious musician or producer.
SPECS:
Synth engine: Hybrid
Polyphony: 8-voice
Keyboard: 61-key fatar keybed with aftertouch
Sequencer: 64 stepEffects: Chorus, flanger, delay, reverb
MIDI I/O: In/Out/Thru
Connectivity: Headphone output, stereo audio input, MIDI and USB (B-type) I/O, USB (A-type), SD-card, stereo audio output, aux output, pedal inputs for expression and sustain.
PROS:
+ Build quality is amazing
+ Layout is good
+ Sonic possibilities are fantastic
CONS:
- Presets are not that good in my opinion
- High price tag
Purchase here: Waldorf Quantum Synthesizer
4. Oberheim OB-X8
The Oberheim synthesizer is one of the most well-known and respected instruments in the music industry. Founder Tom Oberheim is considered one of the most influential figures in music, and the company has been responsible for some of the most iconic synth sounds of the last several decades. The OB-X8 is a polyphonic analog synthesizer that pays homage to the illustrious OB series by faithfully re-creating three of its models within a single synthesizer.
This instrument contains a selection of the most unforgettable sounds from the '80s, complete with individual filter types and all the presets that made each model unique. An all-analog signal path means that the OB-X8 has the same sonic warmth and fullness as its older siblings, while modern optimizations like an OLED screen and MIDI/USB compatibility make it a perfect addition to any synthesist's toolkit.
SPECS:
Synth engine: Analog
Polyphony: 8 Notes, Bitimbral
Keyboard: 61 Fatar keybed
Sequencer: None
MIDI I/O: In/Out/Thru/USB
Connectivity: Audio Outputs:3 x 1/4" (mono, right, left) Pedal Inputs:3 x 1/4" (sustain, volume, filter) Other I/O:1 x 1/4" (arpeggiator clock input)
PROS:
+ three different classic Oberheim synthesizers in one unit
+ all-analog signal path for authentic sound
CONS:
- No built-in sequencer
- Costs as much as a house
Purchase here:
3. Behringer DeepMind 12
The DeepMind synthesizer offers a variety of features that make it unique among other synthesizers. These include the ability to stack voices in unison mode, detune oscillators, and control drift rate. Additionally, the filter section can be pushed into self-resonance without an oscillator signal present, making it a versatile tool for creating different sounds. Finally, the VCA section provides one front-panel slider level that can be used to overload the VCA if desired.
It has 32 presets, a dedicated Mod Matrix, and a comprehensive Arp/Seq section. It also has the unique feature of wi-fi connectivity, which allows it to act as a MIDI hub. The only downside is that some parameters are not available via front panel controls. Overall, the DeepMind is an impressive first entry into the synth arena for Behringer.
SPECS:
Synth engine: Analogue
Polyphony: 12 voices
Keyboard: 49 keys, velocity-sensitive and aftertouch
Sequencer: 32-step control sequencer
Effects: More than 30 algorithms including reverb, chorus, flanger, phaser, delay and multiband distortion
MIDI I/O: In/Out/Thru
Connectivity: Stereo outputs, Headphones, CV/pedal input, USB
Power: Mains adapter
PROS:
+ Variety of features including unison mode, detune oscillators, and control drift rate
+ Filter section can be pushed into self-resonance without an oscillator signal present
+ 32 presets, a dedicated Mod Matrix, and a comprehensive Arp/Seq section
+ Affordable
CONS:
- Some parameters are not available via front panel controls
- Display isn't great
- The key bed is squishy (some have described as such)
- Build quality is not great
Purchase here: Behringer DeepMind 12
2. Roland Jupiter-X
The Roland Jupiter-X is my main synth because of its flexibility for live performances and studio recording. There is not a sound you cannot make with this beast. It has an all-metal chassis that is built to last, and the 61-note keyboard is aftertouch-enabled for a truly premium experience. The sound engine is powerful and capable of reproducing classic analog sounds as well as vintage digital synths.
I also appreciate the arpeggiator, which uses artificial intelligence to generate perfect beats, bass lines, chords, and arpeggiated figures. This feature is especially useful when I'm performing live or trying to come up with new ideas in the studio. Overall, the Roland Jupiter-X is an excellent synthesizer that I would highly recommend to any musician.
SPECS:
Synth engine: ZEN-Core
Polyphony: 256 notes (tone setting dependent)
Keyboard: 61 keys, semi-weighted with aftertouch
Sequencer: I-Arpeggio, 5 parts, Multi-part with play detection
Effects: Multi-effects, Part EQ (5 systems), 7 x Reverb, 4 x Chorus, 5 x Delay, Overdrive, NS/Compressor (mic), Master EQ/Compressor
MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB/Bluetooth
Connectivity: Stereo outputs, Headphones, CV/pedal input, USB
Power Source: Standard IEC AC cable
PROS:
+ Like having every Roland synth ever made
+ Endless presets and companion software
CONS:
- Tiny screens
- Overwhelming and confusing companion software
Purchase here: Roland Jupiter-X
1. Hydrasynth Explorer
(Editor's choice)
I use this synth every day. This is the most fun I've had playing and sound designing on a synth ever! The random feature will keep you busy for hours. The most user-friendly and intuitive interface and comfort conveniences. This thing just makes sense.
The Hydrasynth Explorer is a more affordable version of the original Hydrasynth synthesizer. It retains many of the same features, including the polyphonic aftertouch keyboard, but does not include the built-in sequencer or arpeggiator. It's a great choice for those who want to experience the sound design possibilities of the Hydrasynth without breaking the bank.
SPECS:
Synth engine: Combines multiple synthesis methods like wavetables, linear FM, WavePWM, subtractive, and more
Polyphony: 8-voice polyphony, with 3 oscillators per voice and 4 Mutator waveshapers total
Keyboard: 37-key virtual analog synthesizer with polyphonic aftertouch
Sequencer: Powerful arpeggiator with 8 modes, including chord and phrase modes
Effects: 8 insert effects, with Chorus, Flanger, Rotary, Phaser, Lo-Fi, Tremolo, EQ, Compressor, Delay (5 types), and Reverb (4 types)
MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB
Connectivity: Stereo outputs, Headphones, CV/pedal input, USB
Power Source: DC or Can be powered by 8x AA batteries for on-the-go fun!
PROS:
+ Unique wavemorphing sound engine
+ Keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch
+ Endless sound design options
CONS:
- Designing patches gets complicated fast
- Almost not “portable”
Purchase here: Hydrasynth Explorer
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