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Other sequencing features include the ability to sequence voice modes, change gate length, swing, and sequence length parameters, among many others. This enables users to perform long and complex sessions without needing a DAW. 16 slots for these oscillators are more than enough for any user.Īnother important feature is the 16-step sequencer which can be used not only for sequencing but also for parameter locking and pattern-chaining. Considering how active the Prologue’s third-party community of fans and creators is, users of the Minilogue XD will certainly benefit from a wide variety of oscillators available. Aside from FM/ wavetable oscillators, it has noise generators, variable phase modulation, and 16 slots for user oscillators.
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Minilogue XD’s biggest asset is its digital multi-Engine capabilities. Also included are high-quality effects that use 32-bit floating-point processing. The multi-engine design beefs up the XD’s sound design capabilities with an FM/wavetable oscillator. Based on the earlier Minilogue design, Minilogue XD sports a 4-voice architecture which can be stacked on top of each other. The Best Synthesizers for Beginners Korg Minilogue XDįirst up is Korg’s Minilogue XD which is part of their celebrated ‘Logue range of digital multi-engine analog synths. Newbies will enjoy patching and conjuring the strangest sounds from this tiny machine.Ĭons: The Volca Semi-modular is not as powerful as most of the other synths, and its small size may not please those who want something that looks more ‘serious.’ Pros: Korg’s Volca Semi-Modular is technically semi-modular, but everything about it, from the sound to signal architecture, screams modular. Semi-Modular Synth Korg Volca Semi-modular This resulted in a synth with a smart signal architecture and easy integration with bigger synth ecosystems such as the Eurorack.Ĭons: The SE-02 is monophonic, and that may leave some users looking for more voices under their fingers. Pros: This “Designer Boutique” synth from Roland is the result of a collaboration with analog veterans, Studio Electronics. If you’re looking for a synth where you can do extended chord voicings, you have to look elsewhere. Not a lot of manufacturers, especially analog ones, put aftertouch functionality into their products, so the aftertouch in the Poly D comes off as a pleasant surprise.Ĭons: The Poly D only has four voices, which means keyboard players can only do four-note chords. Pros: We choose Poly D because it is the only synth in our list that has a real keyboard aftertouch. Bubbling with features that the latest innovations in digital technology have to offer, OP-1 is a synthesizer slam dunk.Ĭons: Operating OP-1 requires a bit of menu-diving which some users may find too tedious. Pros: OP-1 has found phenomenal success in the synth community for obvious reasons which we will discuss below. Blessed with oscillators that religiously mimicked Sequential Circuits’ Pro-One, Behringer’s recreation packs all of its analog goodness into a pretty Eurorack-compatible box.Ĭons: Some may not like the fact that Behringer copies vintage synths down to the smallest detail. Pros: Behringer PRO-1 is a full-fledged analog synth. Pros: The Moog Subharmonicon has a unique approach to polyphony and making the most out of its multiple oscillators.Ĭons: The Subharmonicon can be a bit intimidating for beginners because of its intricate signal flow. It is specially made to craft the most ground-breaking bass sounds you can ever imagine.Ĭons: Monophonic synths have limited applications, and so does the Bass Station II, when compared to most synths in its price range. Pros: The Bass Station is a specialist synth. Monophonic Synth Novation Bass Station II Pros: The Neutron is perhaps the best bang-for-your-buck synth in our list, as it has everything from analog oscillators, digital effects, to a full-on modular component.Ĭons: Like most devices that try to be a jack-of-all-trades, users may feel a bit shorthanded when they finally come across the Neutron’s limits. Our Top Choices from this Guide Best Affordable Synth Behringer Neutron Semi-Modular Buying Guide – Choosing Your First Synth.Music Production Nerds is supported by readers like you! If you buy something through our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission at no expense to you. Here we present to you some of the best synthesizers for beginners to get you started. So you’ve decided to take the plunge and buy your first synthesizer? Great! There’s a whole sonic world out there to discover and create.
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