Choosing Your First Hardware Synthesizer for Under $1000
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- Опубліковано 16 чер 2024
- We’re checking out several hardware models that make great first hardware synthesizers; so you can decide which features are important to you.
Shop at B&H:
Waldorf Blofeld
bit.ly/BlofeldSynth
Roland/Studio Electronics SE-02
bit.ly/Roland_SE-02-Synth
Arturia MicroBrute
bit.ly/ArturiaMicrobrute
Korg Monologue
bit.ly/Korg-Monologue-Synth
Korg Minilogue
bit.ly/KorgMinilogue_BH
Korg ARP Odyssey
bit.ly/Korg_Arp_Odyssey
Novation Bass Station II
bit.ly/NovationBassStation_II
Moog Sub Phatty
bit.ly/Moog_Sub_Phatty
Roland AIRA SYSTEM-1
bit.ly/Roland_AIRA_System-1
Behringer Deep Mind 6 and 12
bit.ly/BehringerDeepMindSeries...
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For anyone looking into the Korg Minilogue, check out the Minilogue XD as well. It's only 150$ more, has basically all the features of the Minilogue + another digital voicing and a few effects, the exact things that a first-time buyer might miss in the Minilogue.
The Blofeld also has a keyboard version and it's pretty decent: 49 weighted keys with aftertouch.
Ultranova is still the most versatile with tons of modulation directly available from the top knobs and cheap as dirt. 16x3 OSCs with 5x effects and audio interface. Perfect addition to any MacBook or PC Laptop DAW or anything else with USB or MIDI!
I went for the arp odyssey and I was not disappointed, it has a great sound, well maybe it's a little bit limited, there are not many features but the sound is really authentic
Very nice video, thank you!
I.m.o. you have truly succeeded picking out the cherries of the synths in this price range (there are many more of course amongst which the Make Noise 0-coast might be considered). Good information to help starters on their way.
Some remarks on the filters from my side: The filter from the analog Roland / SE-02 is a ladder filter, very similar to that of the Moog sub-phatty. Various of these synths, amongst which at least the Roland / SE-02 and the Arturias have audio inputs, that you can have processed by the filters in these synths.
Thanks so much man, I really appreciated hearing about the deepmind6 especially, really great video, lots of content, great information, short and to the point, and communicated well. Good on you and thanks!
If you're gonna get the Deepmind get the 12, is just a couple of bucks more and 12 voices makes the difference.
Really good roundup of the budget synth maket
I played the deep mind the other day, was amazing. I love the microbrute too. Definitely want one!
Ok, I'm convinced. Now convince my wife!
It’s under $1k. If you can afford it, buy it. You’re a grown man. If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it. You don’t need her to tell you that. And you know what? She’s not your mother and she doesn’t really want to be.
If your wife doesn't approve/support your hobbies, she's not the one.
Clearly Incels have taken over the response to this question...
Lmao. Same here please!!
She's not the one period if she doesn't allow you to have your hobbies.
Thank you for this very helpful video!
Great Job Rob!
Very informative video, thanks!
Thanks. Very professional and insightful
Bass Station 2 is a killer synth, especially for it's crazy low price.
Great comments here. Nice review. However, the coverage of the System-1 was very brief, and focused on its "plug-out" feature. System-1 has a lot of positives, including the many hands-on knobs controlling many features (no menu diving) as well as sync-able two oscillators; mentioning only the plug-out aspect is short-selling this synth. The intro says if you are looking at real synths after having messed around with virtual - why go back to all of that virtual hassle when you go for a hands-on synth? Registering, downloading, etc.
Fantastic video thank you so much for your help
Excellent video thanks for this.
Got the Korg Monologue and i do NOT regret
Great Video! … I think the best option nowadays is the Behringer Model D, which is an incredible sounding Moog model D clone at a crazy low price of $300… Of course it’s on backorder everywhere (as it has been for months), but at least they’re showing up on eBay here and there (at a premium of course).
I love Roland instruments, use them for a long time. Nice to see the Roland with all parameter knobs being real analog modelling. These are the mini synths under $1000. My budget is a bit tighter at the moment, so what can you recommend for a price range from $500 or lower? I would appreciate it very much if you (or someone else) can give me some advice. Although I love analog, digital synths are fine for me, and it doesn't have to be a Roland synthesizer ;) I'm flexible nowadays! Greetings, Emiel.
The Blofeld is the best bit of kit I’ve ever bought.
The Blofeld is awesome. I almost got the minilogue. Once I found the Blofeld I sent my minilogue back.
Great video! Thanks a lot.
My favourites:
-Deepmind 6
-Minilogue
-Bass Station 2
Bass Station 2 is now paraphonic
Couldn't be happier with my Deepmind 12D. Killer analog synth.
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Very helpful, thanks
Just saw your excellent video. I am only wondering why you didn‘t address the Korg Minilogue XD which is a very powerful synthesizer.
BTW: I am currently writing articles on the assembly kits Moog Werkstatt-01 and Korg NTS-1. Both are cheap, minimalistic and help understanding the inner workings of synthesizers.
You explained this in a way a beginner can understand it. Great video and review.
Nice video!
1st synth: Roland JDXI. 2nd: Korg Minilogue. 3rd: Novation Bass Station II. 4th: Korg MS-20 Mini. Wishlist: Behringer Deepmind 6, Arturia (Micro and/or Mini) -Brute, Moog Sub Phatty, Arturia DrumBrute, and the Roland SE-02. Just another analogue synth lover here.
I went for the Roland jd xi that was a good choice
Behringer’s Model D, Dreadbox Erebus, Moog Mother 32 would all be worthy contenders also here.
Waldorf Rocket is cool too and the Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms SV-1.
I’d recommend a Minilogue. Everything sounds beautiful from it
It really has everything you need as a beginner. The fact that it has options for poly, mono, unison, chord, apreggiator, and more PLUS a sequencer makes it a no brainer. It does what 2-3 more specific synths can do all together. Maybe doesn't sound quite as good as those individually, but it's amazing for getting your feet wet and seeing what you like. Not many $500 analog synths that you could make an entire song with. Not even the more expensive prologue has a sequencer.
@@Baghdadbatterymusic I was going to buy the korg ms-20 but with all the features of the minilogue XD I'm definitely buying the minlogue XD now.
I think the ms20 mini is a great first mono synth. Especially for people who really wanna dive into learning synthesis!
it isn't easy to find an original vintage ms-20 that's in excellent condition and will last, while also being inexpensive. the mini really isn't much different and is much cheaper brand new.
Hmm yes and no..... If you are familiar with how synthesis even works, like modulators oscillators etc, you can ms20. Otherwise, you will end up not knowing what you did.
@@michaelwiggler511 if you're looking for a beginner synth, you want one with 1 to 1 control and no menu diving or hidden features with a versitile toolset you won't outgrow easily. Ms-20 mini hits all of those for under $500.
Yes defo the synth for learning basic sound creation and still my fav.. so versatile . 2 osc and overdrive on the filter gives you the meat and potatoes..
second this big time
My first synth was an Arp 2600. Dived right in at the deep end.
You sleept well i bet!
Deepmind 12 was my first. Glad to be a part of the synth community.
It’s my first too! I got it about a month ago and I’m absolutely loving it so far
I am wondering why the Roland JD-Xi was left out? I am in the market and that's the one I'm leaning towards because it seems to me to have a lot of features for the price... Analog, digital, and MANY drum kits. To get all that separate, even just the drum machines, would cost an exponential amount. (And I am not really a software kinda guy.)
Buy a second-hand Ultranova:
37 full keys with aftertouch
3 osc, 2 filters, 3 lfos, onboard fx and deep mod engine
built in USB audio interface (killer for a beginner)
Best 400 bucks I ever spent. Still use it all the time live and in the studio
How was the Studiologic Sledge not included?
The best synth for those who wants to learn synthesys as it was in the beginning of modular synth in early XXth century, is Arturia Microbrute.
You know what's a cool beginner synth that's really cheap? I have a Novation X station. It's old enough to be cheap but it's not old enough to be vintage. But it's actually pretty advanced. I paid $200 for mine. It has after touch and all kinds of great features. Word of caution though. They tend to have a problem with the mod/pitch joystick. Mine will get stuck and make all pitches a 1/2 step down and I don't even know it until you hit the stick or play with something else that's in key. So, that's not an issue you want to deal with as a beginner. Just test it before you buy it and if you do have that issue, you can control it with a controller and avoid it alright but that's kind of a jerry rig of a fix.
But what about sound quality and templates with a current daw?
Behringer model D. Best deal and sound quality. Perfect first synth.
Jagoff PhD The Model D forces a player to learn and understand what they are doing. You can’t make it musical without bothering to learn the signal path and with no presetting, you need to understand synthesis to replicate anything. That’s big reasons for a first-timer to embrace it. When dialed in, it sounds like heaven
Studiologic Sledge 2 is another great synth under 1000. Beautiful keybed on it too.
Isn't the Sledge basically a Blofeld?
Ask anyone with both - they don't sound the same. Sledge is capable of a fatter sound.
@Plavski: Your right! Really forgot about that one! It is a great synth.
Full size keyboard, 24 Voices, Wavetable, Sampling....
They have similar engines. Blofeld has deeper sound design options but many of the options require menu diving. Sledge is a little less flexible sound design wise but is basically knob for function, almost everything is right on the front panel, no menu diving required.
7:22 Control. I'm here. Nice.
Were do you find them a pawn shop?
Get the Bass Station II + Spectrasonic Omnisphere 2.6 software synthetizer
Any musician may encounter a number of decisions to make before buying such a synth.
- live or studio? These are two fundamentally different uses
- keyboard or desktop? If kb, how many octaves? Mini or large keys? Aftertouch?
- recall function/DAW plugin needed? Most analogues don’t have preset storage
- factory presets wanted? = want to create your own presets or just tweak existing ones?
- connectivity: do you want cv/gate so you can connect it with your other gear?
Went to a "music production school" to learn synthesis.. in this video i've learned more than thoose 20 days of waiste of time and money. Thanks for sharing, what a way to be clear and teach.
aren't all those produtcion schools are about wasting money? :D
I got two synths for under a $1000, a Deepmind 12 ($698) and the UNO Synth ($199) and I'm happy with both.
Most interesting. Thx.
Good video! 🤩
Great Info!! God Bless!! :)
go for a second hand electribe emx , a couple of volcas and some pedals.
a new one that deserves consideration is the behringer neutron.....mind you the patchbay learning curve might be intimidating for beginners . amazing sound potential though
What about the Model D?
I'll give it a like. Pretty good info that makes some sense for a buyer. People still need to do their homework, but there are so many good choices right now. I would easily make do with any one of these if that was all that was available. Well, maybe not the blofield...not enough hands-on control.
@eyeprod: Agree with you on the Blofeld. But then again, for that price you could still remain below $1000 while adding a nice midi controller keyboard with lots of knobs and sliders ....
Lol, the subtitles render "ladder filter" as "bladder filter".
Now i have to go “make water” as they say in Africa!
not bladder fitter?
Why are you watching with subs?
Can't believe the Roland Gaia isn't in this conversation.
This video is awesome
Moog Mother 32? I love that thing!
Yeti crab
Me too. Was my first analog synth and I still love it to bits.
the se02 has ladder filter too
I got a Korg Minilogue due to my lack of understanding of how synths usually work. Still sounds fine, but a bit metallic for my liking. I may get a DM or Prologue in the future. In the far future, I may consider getting a Prophet 6. Any comparisons between the 3?
If you’re not happy with the sound of the Minilogue, I’d suggest skipping the Prologue as they are based off the same sound engine. Curious as to what aspect of the synth sounds metallic? Is it just a general “metallic” sheen to all of the patches? Have you experimented with the different voice modes? My biggest gripe with the minilogue was the really noisy analog filter.
Behringer Deep Mind is a great synth, but expect some deep programming. You’ll need an iPad to access it’s deep editing. It’s a very Roland Jupiter sounding synth and quite capable.
Out of all of the latest DSI synthesizers, I really like the Prophet 6 the best. It has a wonderful sound. I didn’t find it overly complicated and it generated a wide breadth of sounds. Out of the three you mentioned, the Prophet 6 is my favorite.
I’d also look at the Moog One, which might be what you are looking for in regards to “non-metallic”. Moogs are smooth, deep, and warm, plus easy to program. (We get 40% off of list)
It would be worth checking out the Novation Summit, which is a hybrid Digital/Analog synthesizer based on the Peak sound engine. I demoed the Peak and found the digital oscillators to be quite unique. The standard analog waveforms sounded very “analog” sound as they are generated by a high-resolution engine that’s capable or a wide frequency range with no artifacts in the high-frequency range. That, coupled with the analog filter, made for a superb analog sound. The added benefit of the digital oscillators is they can produce lots of different waveforms not possible with true analog.
There’s a ton of choices available. It all depends on the type of sound you are looking for.
Polyphonic, Monophonic, Paraphonic. Analog vs Digital vs Hybrids.
-Andrew, B&H
@@BandH
Thank you for the in-depth analysis of each instrument! It definitely helped me decide on my next synth (Prophet 6)! I'll definitely wait, because I'm not _super_ experienced with music production yet, but it'll probably be very interesting and fun to use in the long run.
As for the metallic sound of the minilogue, it just gives off this sort of cold, lifeless feel with a lot of the presets, and it's hard to get a nice sounding pad or lead from it. I see it as more of a retro video game sounding synth than a high quality, immersive one; so yes, it probably is the metallic sheen you mentioned.
behringer have basically flipped this whole list on its head
you can still find great vintage synths for less than 1k like the Yamaha dx7 or the Korg Poly 61
I think they're targeting the younger buyer here, not the dinosaur stuff (don't be insulted, I have a Dx7 too)
analog 4 mk1 elektron? what u think
Awesome. I still have a Korg Poly-800. 👍
One glaring omission: Korg MS-20 Mini, :)
@mk win: Agreed. But maybe they were thinking about the Korg MS-20 Mini kit, which is more expensive than the assembled Mini and outside the $1000 range, but you have the fun of assembling it yourself.
best budget synth got to a roland juno range eg juno ds @ less then £500, [ 61 note ] & its multi-timbral.
You forgot the Behringer model D. It is great and cheap!
Nice roundup. I'm a big fan of Behringer, and they often don't get the attention they deserve, seeming to win customers almost entirely by word of mouth and through open reviews like this one.
i never hear anything positive about Behringer but every product of theirs i've used, i liked a lot.
The combination of Behringers business model steeling designs and re making them along with them being so unreliable in there pro audio range that its been long running joke between sound engineers is what keeps them out of the lime light.
Im not going to comment on any of there synths because I've never heard them but if the quality is anything like there other products it won't make it very far past the limited warranty.
I love the Minilogue but I'm tempted to buy a used Nord Lead! :D
Cue Zephyr dawg. you won't be disappointed. i owin the lead 4. one of the best synths i ever played.
Novation mininova??
With the Analogue stuff - how does programmes work? As in, when I store a voice and recall a different one - the knobs will not be in the right places so I guess the sound jumps to the 'new' position of the on the dial as soon as you move it?
As these are analog devices, the modes are changed/selected via the switches/dials. >Mark
@@BandH Yep hence the question, how do you store and recall patches / sounds when the dials are physically linked to the VCO, Filters etc?
@@jld9444 Some of them have digital memories which will recall settings, and the knobs will be in the wrong position. The knobs are then infinitely-turning digital things and don't really have a dial mark. On the more analog units (which have the knobs physically driving some circuits) the answer is you don't save configurations. You learn to sculpt sound from scratch every time. It's great fun that way, but not efficient if you're playing on stage.
I have a Roland GAIA, and I have to say, it has the best price to quality ratio I've ever seen... It gets a lot of shit but I made some INCREDIBLE sounds with it, 3 independent OSCs, nice filters, arpeggiator, 64 voices, I mean of course a Prophet 8 would be better, but if you learn how to tweak it the GAIA is one little underestimated beast!
If so would recommend sh32 - basically a Gaia Desktop - 4 Part Multitimbral, more effects, Drum section, 2 Subs and 2 Lfo´s
DeepMind has a fan that is noisy and overtime will only get louder. Also Behringer’s quality control is somewhat lacking. The Monologue is fun, sounds great, has a good sequencer and is only $300. The Sub Phatty sounds amazing!
I would take the Minilogue any day. The fact that it has 4 voices, costs 500$ and can replicate a Yamaha CS-80 is a steal in my case
@Vladimir Ussachevsky: You won't be recording the fan, will you? Actually some of the DSI synths have a fan too, but considerably smaller.
I have a DeepMind. The fan is barely noticeable once you start playing. Numerous vintage analog synths had fans.
Bass station 2. No other words needed.
Sound, features, price, futureproofing ... the Bass Station II is the ultimate first synth available today. #fightme
Good to start with xp 30 by roland...
As someone who is completely in the dark about this, the video - where pretty much 90% of what was said was total gibber-jargon - was actually really enjoyable to watch. Nicely presented, good job!
My first Synth was a Ensoniq Sq-80 never looked back
I second that
You just sold me on a deepmind 6
At 1:43 metroid prime flashbacks kicked in heavily
Samus Sound
Best off buying used synths. With the advent of DAW and plugins, used synth hardware's flooding the market. A musician sells a synth for only 2 reasons, they need to pay the rent or they need the cash to buy something else. Either way you can score amazing deals on the used market. Take for example the following deals just in 2019 alone:
MC307 - $150
MicroSampler - $140
ESX-1 - $185
Gaia SH-01 - $230
Triton LE Pro sampler - $275
MC909 - $185
SP606 - $180
FutureRetro 777 - $260
Behringer Poly D - $175
XoXBoX - $ 225
Ensoniq Mirage - $150
TC Fireworx - $180
Novation Bass STN Rack - $75
What about the OP-1 doesn't it deserve a space here, what opinion do you have about it? Great review...! Thanks
The teenage engineering OP-1 Portable Synthesizer B&H # TE002AS001 is a terrific little product and perfect for anyone who wants on-the-go creativity. I love it! bitly.com/ >Mark
Anyone looking for a hardware synth for under $1000, take my advice as GOSPEL.
Roland JX-3P!! Not only do you get a vintage Roland fully programable analog polyphonic synth with patch storage, But you can also purchase the programmer later (which is helpful, but you can still edit all parameters one at a time without it), but at a later date if you are feeling adventurous you can buy and install the mod from Kiwi Technics which adds more envelopes (snappier too!), LFOs, midi capabilities and an arpeggiator, which at that point (IMVHO) makes it better than the Juno series, and maybe even up there with a Jupiter.
Mino logue for me!
Korg minilogue and Korg volca bass together sound really good
Which one is good for bass tracks like the raw nasty bass lines from wu-tang
Down deep and very dirty? I like the Moog Sub Phatty Monophonic Analog Synthesizer B&H # MOSPH. bhpho.to/2Nfeiu7 >Mark
Funny thing is I habe never worked with virtual synths....well only a handful.
Can you use all of these without a computer? Also can you record your sounds with the synths sorry if these are dumb questions I’m new to synths
Yes, you can use all of these without a PC, but to record them you'll need additional hardware. Recording to PC is what most people do these days, but if you really want to stay away from them you can still buy nice and cheap digital multi-track recorders like a Tascam DP-008EX or Zoom R16 recorder.
Anonymous Muffin its not on here, but you can make entire songs on a Roland JDXI without a computer.
What about Korg Krome, Roland Fa, Yamaha MOXF or Kurzweil PC3LE..... Or Novation Ultravova..... Or Roland JP08 ---- Or Roland D05.....
@English Videos For You:
Hardware versions, and all at a beginners price range of $1000, which is the scope of this video? A band called Supertramp once made a hitsong about that: "Dreamer, you know you are a dreamer" ...
But pardon me when I got the intent or content of your question wrong.
The best synth for under $1000 is a Volca sample, Volca keys, Arturia Keystep, Korg Monologue, a mixer and some cables.
I have a question.
I don't need these if I have a DAW right? These are all good if I wanna play without a DAW correct?
You may use these synths for live performance or with a DAW. >Mark
There are now the Minibrute 2 and 2S. Plus they both are 650€
@Zwedgy: And, i.m.o., these are essential improvements over the original mini / microbrute
Novation MiniNova
ultranova is better
good one but the microkorg? the mininova? the jd-xi? all $400.
If I did it again...Sub phatty all day. No screens. Unmatched filter from moog and great build quality. I like the design of the Korg minilogue but sound quality is still not up to par with a moog.
Okay, I just really got into synths hard 24ish hours ago. I am in love with the tone of the filter knob from moog. I do not like that the grandmother is only a mono. The minilogue seems reasonable, but the tone is off center for me, I don't like the tone of the korg minilogue. I like the sub phatty, is that a polyphonic? I'm commenting so I can't just go back and look at it. Is there something under $1000 that I should be looking at? I just want to help out my stoner shoegaze shit with a synth. I would love to be able to plug in all my pedals to a synth when I do get one.
I don't think Moog makes many poly synths unfortunately
@@MichtersRyefan Check out the Moog Matriarch
Korg Minilouge Xd is well worth it.
korg volca keys is great and cheap too!