9 Impressive Hardware Synths – Reviews and Buying Guide

Having taken the first place on our list, you can tell that the device is filled with a ton of features even from the outlook. Some people may be dissuaded from buying this tool by the fact that it is monophonic. However, if you put it in paraphonic mode, it can mimic the effects of a true polyphonic device. As such, you wouldn’t be losing any functionality by choosing this tool over a polyphonic one. There is as well a third operation mode known as the dual-split mode.

Also, the keyboard deserves mention. It consists of 49 keys, all of which will react to the velocity with which you press them. They are as well aftertouch sensitive. Oscillators are also fundamental in the construction of any synth. With this tool, you get three of them, which can be blended using the mixer on the synth.

Another thing that the mixer can do is to include input from external sources as well as the noise generator. Speaking of the noise generator, you get about four noise types with this purchase. They include white, pink, blue, and red noise types. The sequencer on the Arturia MatrixBrute Monophonic Synthesizer can also be a source for awe, given that it allows you to put together a 64-step music sequence without hassle. This is in line with the arpeggiator that will enable you to play notes in rapid succession. Performance controls are as well a staple in most modern synthesizers, and their presence is noted on this device. They include four encoders in addition to pitch bend and mod wheels.

This review would be incomplete without the mention of available presets, of which there are 128 of them when the device is new. This number can be extended to 256 when the empty slots are filled in.

Why is it special?

• Quality of the keys is top-notch
• Possesses a 64-step sequencer
• Multiple connection ports included
• Comes with a few presets

What are the flaws?

• Not many negatives are associated with the device apart from its high price

If the editor’s choice isn’t your preferred option, you can pick the Sequential Prophet X 61-Key Synthesizer instead. This is also another impressive tool hence why it is one of our top two recommended purchases. Of course, it is easy to notice the keyboard since it stands out with the 61 semi-weighted keys. These keys also have the added attribute of being aftertouch and velocity-sensitive, which might come in handy. Also notable is the hybrid engine. This means that the device will incorporate both the analog synth and a few properties associated with digital synths as well.

If polyphony is what you use to gauge the suitability of the tool for your needs, then you are in luck. The first option you get with this tool is the 8-voice stereo mode, which is interchangeable with the 16-voice mono or the 32-voice paraphonic option. You will thus find this tool a versatile purchase if you decide to order it from respective vendor sites. Other aspects that may help sway your opinion in favor of this hardware synth are the oscillators, which are an impressive attribute as well. As it stands, the tool comes with two high-resolution digital oscillators for each voice.

Also, if you look through the features listed above, you are bound to notice the sequencer. In comparison to other options in the synth market, this component is top-notch. Add the fact that you can squeeze in up to six notes per step, and you have with you a quality piece of equipment.

What stands out?

• Full-size keyboard with high-quality keys
• Up to 8 voices polyphonic output
• The oscillators for the device are as well high quality
• Multiple connectivity options
• 64-step sequencer is impressive
• Well-built

What cons did we manage to find?

• Given that it needs a lot of funds to purchase not many people have used and shared their experiences hence most of its downsides remain unknown

As well, this tool is likely to be the first pick for many users in the market who appreciate its attributes. You will find this product similar to the Sequential Prophet X 61-Key Synthesizer in the key count. Currently, both options are velocity-sensitive. Nevertheless, you are bound to find some differentiating attributes in these two options as well, with the oscillators being the first example. This device possesses three oscillators per voice.

The wide variety of effects also makes it possible to tweak and manipulate output to desired standards. They include phaser, chorus, delay, reverb, and distortion options. A review of the Korg Prologue 61-Key Analog Synthesizer would be incomplete without including the 16-voice polyphony you get with its purchase. This means you can produce all 16 voices availed by this device at the same time. Of course, most people consider this to be better than a mono synth since it provides you with more options regarding output.

You could also list the sequencer under the pros section of your pros and cons list for the device. This is because it allows you to put together an impressive 64-step sequence, which is not something that most tools can brag about. Although not noted above, the program or preset selection is also awe-inspiring with 500 easily accessible and easy to sort through options. This makes the tool even more of an attractive purchase if you add the multiple connectivity ports as well that allow you to couple this tool with pedals and other musical instruments.

What are our favorite features?

• Full-size keyboard
• Comes with presets as well as slots for you to create your own
• 16-voice polyphonic capabilities are some of the most impressive on our list

What could be better?

• Keys are not aftertouch sensitive
• No MIDI through option

With regards to analog synthesizers, the Dave Smith Instruments OB-6 Analog Synthesizer is right up there with the best of them. After all, if you pay attention to the details, you will realize this is still one of the best purchases that you can make. The body is mainly made from aluminum with a few wooden accents.

Apart from the controls and keys that are visible from the top of the synth, you also find an extensive array of connection ports at the back of the device. These serve to make sure that the music you create can be played back on other devices such as speakers and headphones. They also ensure you can incorporate input from other devices as well. Speaking of input, the tool comes with a set of presets of its own so you can then build your sounds and music sequences from a ready-made base. This is not to take away from the fact that you can also make your own presets using the controls and keys available to you.

Noteworthy is that this is a polyphonic device with the capacity to produce six voices. For this to happen, the two oscillators dedicated to each voice have to work together. Also, you cannot forget the 64-step sequencer while mentioning the advantages of the device. Concerning the keyboard, 49 may not be the optimum number as compared to other full-size options. However, the keys themselves are high-quality comfortable to use, and good enough to get your desired music results.

What makes it stand out?

• MIDI through is included
• Keys are aftertouch and velocity-sensitive
• Effects selection is impressive

Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?

• The availed display does not show program names hence cycling through the various options might be a tall task

Budget-friendly options aren’t that many when it comes to hardware synths. However, this mini device is an exception that is within reach for most of the population. For that reason, this is one of the starter tools that you can use to start practicing before you think about purchasing more advanced equipment. The analog engine synthesizer also has other advantages to its name. Among them is that the device is portable. If you have a bag big enough to fit this device, you can pack it in and put it over your shoulder as you move from studio to stage and back.

The impressive array of 18 voices is one that you will not even find in some of the pricier and bigger models. Nevertheless, the tool size is only possible if it incorporates mini keys instead of the full-size ones. They are as well more limited in number as compared to the 61-key and 49-key options.

VocalTune is one of this device’s most unique and impressive features. It allows you to sing or talk into the microphone of the device and get that incorporated and tuned to keyboard notes that you are currently playing. Onboard sounds that total 256 in number are another reason for you to consider this purchase. This is without including the 128 slots that you can fill up with your own presets made from scratch.

What stands out?

• The device can produce up to 18 voices
• Compact and portable
• Keys are velocity-sensitive

What cons did we manage to find?

• No aftertouch
• Keys are mini-sized
• Keys are limited in number as compared to other options

The Elektron Analog Keys 4-Voice Synthesizer gives away some of its attributes in the name since it provides for four voices in total. Given the fact that this is a polyphonic device, you can produce all four of these voices at the same time if you make this purchase. This tool also brags of having 37 velocity and aftertouch receptive keys. This is almost half of the Korg Prologue 61-Key Analog Synthesizer. Nevertheless, they should be enough to get the job done if you know what you are doing

With a 64-step sequencer, you can put together long strings of notes and sounds as you see fit. Also, you are probably going to appreciate the joystick located on the bottom left corner of the device. It doesn’t have any set duties, and hence you can assign it to the functions you see fit.

The effects provided for by this device are also on par with those of other high-end tools in the market. This is in addition to the three-year warranty that may serve to sway a skeptic’s opinion. All in all, this is still a dependable piece of equipment and one which other people, including professionals, have purchased before.

Why did it make our list?

• 4-voice polyphony
• Through MIDI connections are available
• Effects available are also impressive
• Relatively inexpensive as compared to other options

What is not ideal about it?

• 37 keys is a limited number
• The display is not impressive

If the goal is to find a digital hardware synth, then the Nord Lead A1 49-Key Analog Modeling Synthesizer may be the right piece of equipment to purchase. As such, the device’s polyphony is impressive, to say the least, given that it can produce a maximum of 26 voices. This number is higher than what you will find in most analog engine hardware synths, but is it enough for you to make the switch? Well, this all depends on the needs of the user in question, and most people will have varying opinions on the same.

The oscillator setup is as well something we haven’t seen before on our list. It is more complicated since it offers eight configurations in total. Of these, some of them are capable of traditional analog waveforms while the rest are digital. The keyboard is almost the same as that of the Dave Smith Instruments OB-6 Analog Synthesizer. There is, however, the difference that one of these has aftertouch capabilities while the other does not. The Nord Lead A1 49-Key Analog Modeling Synthesizer is the latter. Nevertheless, there are still other quality features as well, such as the effects available. Also, to have this as part of your studio setup, you might need to part with almost $1800.

What stands out?

• 26 voices polyphony
• 49 keys on the keyboard all of which are velocity-sensitive
• Has a few unique effects

What cons did we manage to find?

• No sequencer
• No MIDI through
• No aftertouch

The manufacturers of the device have elected not to include a keyboard in the machine. However, you can attach a keyboard using the dedicated ports available.

A copy of Ableton live lite software is included in the purchase of this device. This makes it easier to couple this tool with your computer. Also, you should note that the 26 voices on the device are made possible by the inclusion of three oscillators per voice. Other things to note and consider are the voice modes. They are five in total, and some of them even allow for an 8-voice polyphony, which is an impressive statistic. Additionally, the ADSR envelopes are also something that should fall on the pros side of your pros and cons list.

What makes it special?

• 8-voices polyphony
• Three oscillators per voice for quality sound output
• Through MIDI option is available
• Compact and easy to carry

What cons did we find?

• No keyboard
• For a tool with no keyboard, most people expect it to be cheaper

The engine for this particular device is unique. With regard to a lack of keyboards, they share this feature with the Novation Peak 8-Voice Desktop Polyphonic Synthesizer. As to the features, the 8-voice polyphony is of benefit to most people and hence should be noted as a positive. Given the device doesn’t have a keyboard, you can expect the tool to be small in stature. This thus makes the movement of the appliance easier.

You will, of course, have to couple this tool with a few of your other music-making tools if you are to make the best use of it. As such, it comes with various ports that allow you this freedom. Let’s not forget the factory presets that come pre-ingrained in the setup of the machine.

Why did it make our list?

• High-quality display
• Compact
• 8-voice polyphony
• MIDI through
• Sturdy body

What is not ideal about it?

• No keyboard