Ha! I agree-perhaps a video for the "intermediate" or "advanced" synth lover? I'd love to hear your opinions on the mid to high range synthesizers (those that cost around $1,000 and those that are up in the upper stratosphere in the $2,000+ range)
After MANY MANY reviews, opinions, etc. I went with the minilogue XD and haven't looked back. I'm a classically trained pianist and love my Roland RD-800 (for very different reasons). However, I've also been a synth music fan for at least 30 of my 40+ years of life. The XD brings me right back to my youth. Simply amazing. I'm learning so much about creating patches and haven't had this much musical fun in a very long time.
For a beginner and a first synth, definitely the Minilogue XD. You'll learn about sequencing, polyphony, effects, wavetables, plus it has stereo AND a sustain pedal input for your expressive keyboard playing desires. I don't see it worth however upgrading to an XD if you already have the Minilogue. While the XD has its bonuses, the original still has its own character and direct access features.
That was my thinking so picked one up last month. It immediately inspired my songwriting to shift direction (which was precisely the purpose), and I'm really impressed with the sounds it offers as well as the many features and versatility.
I've had a Minilogue for around 3 years now and it's definitely worth all the $500 I paid for it. But I really want the xd honestly. Might sell my original and buy an xd one day.
embazle I have the minilogue xd and it was actually my first synth. Totally agree, but now I’m having trouble deciding on my next purchase. Is a drum machine worth it or do I deal with abletons drums and buy something like an OP-1 to allow me to make music portably.
Colin Kohlbeck before getting my Minilogue, I picked up a Roland Tr-8 drum machine. Since then I’ve acquired a few mini beat machines like a volca Beats, bass, kick, and keys. I had a Novation circuit but then sold it and went for an Elektron Digitakt. I wanted to get to a place where i was simplifying my performance and my workflow. While the Digitakt has its initial complexities, I’m finding it to be the most enjoyable and most powerful arsenal in my electronic gear. I went all in with a digitakt and have no regrets. Since you have a poly synth, having a great sampling/drum box groove machine like a digitakt will get you ahead of the musical circumference. The rest of the gear has its small parts and purpose which I’m glad for but the digitakt is core, Roland tr-8 is solid analog sound but it’s simple. Really depends how you approach it, that’s my story anyway:-)
My first synth was a Wasp. Found it in a skip in the 80s. Followed by an OSCar. DX7, Roland D50 and finally the M1. Loved them all for totally different reasons
My first synth, which I got just a few months ago was the Korg Monologue which I love. It was a good first synth to learn on and I'm kind of glad I didn't get anything more complicated for my first. Since then, apart from my midi controllers, I got a Korg Sample as unlike the others in the Volca family it had a very unusual collection of sounds which could even be swapped out. Also I'm repeating what I said in reply to someone else who had a Monologue as a starter, I recently saw a live show where the person on synths in the band had 4 very different synths including a rather pricey moog, but she still had her monologue up there. When I talked to her after the show she loves it so much she still takes it on tour and is vital to several of the bands tracks.
I already had a lot of experience with software synths so I wanted something that would give me something that I couldn't get with software. I went with a Behringer Neutron (used for $200) and have really enjoyed it. Definitely makes me understand the Eurorack itch.
my list: 1. arturia mini brute 2. roland jx-03 - 4 note poly 3. roland jd-xi - 2 synth engines - digital and analogue, drum,s section 4 part sequencer 4. roland jp-08 - jupiter 8 boutique 5. korg volca keys 6. MFB nanowerg 7. korg electribe SD (metal; case one not the 'new' one) 8. roland system 1 - with sh2 plugout 9. roland FA-06 - 16 track seq - great sounds. 10. blofeld desktop around £300 - roland jx-03 below £500 - i'd go for the roland jd-xi below £1000 - roland fa-06 there are ones i have...one's i'm looking at on day - roland tb-3, roland sh-01a, behringer odessey
Thank you, Bo, for some interesting suggestions and mini-demos. This is good not only for beginners but also for those who have some synthesizers already and are looking to fill in a few gaps in their growing hardware synth collection or to add a bit of spice to their sonic palette.
Bo - You make some wonderful recommendations. Many of these synths are great because they can still have a UNIQUE place in one's setup even after adding other gear. However, there is something to be said for an instrument that may function more as a jack of all trades. For example, I will recommend an instrument that I do not have, but I think it is an EXCELLENT instrument for a beginner. I think that the Roland JD-Xi is an excellent beginner synth and here's why: 1) It has a 4-track pattern sequencer. This means that a beginner can create entire songs with this one synth. 2) One of those tracks is dedicated to drums - and it has some great drum sounds. 3) One track has an actual analog monophonic synth engine with some great streamlined control for experimenting and programming analog sounds. 4) The other two tracks utilize a polyphonic digital "supernatural" Roland engine for wonderful pads and instruments that benefit from polyphony. 5) This instrument has decent effects that allow this to be more than a scratchpad for ideas. As a beginner the JD-Xi can allow you to flesh out your tracks significantly and even allow you to perform them. 6) Unlike the Digitone, the JD-Xi includes a keyboard that encourages the user to play. 7) The JD-Xi even has a microphone and a vocoder. In 1989 I bought a Korg M1. It is not as versatile or capable as the JD-Xi, but it had a sequencer, drums, good patches, and effects. It enabled me to write entire compositions. As time went on, I supplemented the M1 with other instruments that diversified my sonic palette. But as a beginner, having a workstation meant that I could create entire songs instead of just playing a cool synth. I offer the Roland JD-Xi as an option for those beginners who wish to hit the ground with a whole mini studio in a box. It may not be the best drum machine or the best analog monosynth or the best digital polyphonic out there. However, for the price, it actually does all of these really well with a pattern sequencer and effects. For a beginner, I would seriously suggest this as a great starting point. Peace.
Ted Stahl, I agree, I spent a fortune on a Yamaha PSR4600 thirty odd years ago! But you could make your own drum patterns, Baselines and leads. It even had chord progression. Recently returned to keyboards and bought a Roland GoKeys (fun and cool sounds) but not editable just presets. Dabbled with the TR8 and got a TB3, sold the GoKeys and TR8, (kept TB3) got Volca keys, FM and Sample. (Sample was my fave). Sold the Volca and finally got the JDXI after nearly buying a MicroKorg and MiniNova! Got gear lust again and bought a Circuit (thanks to Bo!). Now at peace with my setup! Until an FA06 becomes affordable!!
Another great video Bo! As I started buying synths, it was your enthusiasm for the Circuit that eventually led me to the Circuit Monostation and I love it! Paraphonic analog goodness, multimode filter, mod matrix, distortion. Plays so well with other gear thru note out and clock plus you get the groovebox genius format of the Circuit. And now you can buy them for $330?!? Like woa!
My first synth is the Deluge, just got it in March. It's more jambox than synthesizer, I guess, and I know Bo hasn't had a chance to review it yet, but I'm very happy with it. It doesn't have "limits", just whatever the CPU can handle. It also feels like it will continue to meet my needs as I learn more, so I won't need to replace or augment it later with more hardware. Definitely recommend a MIDI keyboard to go with it, but it's totally usable without one.
I'd add to your list. Couple of VA synths with a great interface - Roland Gaia ($650), Studiologic Sledge ($900). Also the Behringer Model D ($300) is a no brainer, 3 oscillators with an LFO, and the possibility of the 3rd oscillator doubling up as a second LFO... sigh... it's bloody delicious
i blame the heat: the mother 32 ofc has 1 oscillator and not 2. You can create a second one using the LFO (I think I have a video on that somewhere! And hey, you can create a sub osc for the Minibrute 2 also! So much flexibility with those patch bays). Also if you like to point out all small errors I make be sure to join our community: community.bobeats.tv
just bought my first bit of hardware, the Circuit. Did a lot of research first and this just ticked most of my boxes in the end. Truly portable, samples, and they just keep making improvements to it. a great little jamming machine
When I jumped into synths, I bought a used Ultranova for $300. Great keybed, super deep engine, bus powered and doubles as an audio interface with multiple inputs. I still use it all the time. I paired it with a JU06 for the warm sounds, it would also go well with a Volca Bass
My first synth was a brand new Roland SH1000, well it was my father’s. After being in music for the last 40 years, I come back to standalone synths. Got a Microfreak and a Uno to have fun. They‘re two good buddies for travelling.
@@MattiasHolmgren the only downside would be that many say that the knobs feel too small and closely spaced. I have no problems with it. And I got quite bit hands
@@onkelberra3166 oh yeah I've seen it looks tiny but I really don't want to clutter up space in the studio. So it's probably OK. Hey, when I'm making YT vids I'm using this really small Keystation Mini 32 and it works...decently. You tend to glide between the keys but at least it's small. =)
Omfg my eyes opened wide when I heard the sound of the Bass Station. That’s exactly what I LOVE it sound so good I wish I could design sounds like this
I learned so much about analogue subtractive synthesises and the beginnings of mod routing on a little microbrute. Not everyone's cup of tea I know but I think a very good starter synth. I loved those little orange patch cables.
i debated myself for weeks between the deepmind 12 and the novation mininova, finally choosing the mininova, i think most likely deepmnd 12 will be next. i agree with your assesment.
I'm fairly drawn to the deepmind 12 just for the shear bang for the buck. And I need/want a polysynth in my setup. However... there are other very compelling options too, such as some of the polys mentioned in this video, or maybe a second hand synth like the Elektron Analog 4.
I remember people complaining about menu-diving on the Deepmind. This is the one issue I have with some of the initial reviewers - so many complained about the menu-diving and the sound from the fans. These are both non-issues.
I’m a big fan of the Novation Ultranova! It is feature-rich, has a built in vocoder, touch encoders with assignable parameters, an extremely flexible modulation section, multiple filters, oscillators, envelopes, a crap ton of waveforms (over 30), and a built-in effects section. The keybed is nice, and it has assignable aftertouch, and 18 voice polyphony! It can be had new for around $500 USD but I’ve seen them used for $250. The only drawback, for me, and it’s minor, is that it’s mostly menu-driven. Also, the Mininova is built on the same engine as the Ultranova, and retains much of its functionality, for a less price (it has smaller keys, though)
To day I have the Novation Peak, it's expansif but the sound are realy nice ! If you like novation it's for you ! (Nova and novation product, I bought a lot, and evry time I sell for buy another synth... Miss, and buy again. The liste of another novation I've had ( Nova dextup, Super Nova rack, Bass station 1& 2 et super nova keybord.) To day I have only the Peak... It's realy good synth, but i prefer my DSI rev² :p sorry Novation It's a realy top synth, a Mininova in (second hand) are sold aboat 200$. But also for this price you can look The Waldorf Blofeld and the MicroMonsta of Audiothingies
Many options are available these days , a good MIDI controller will open another world of possibilities if you are up to use software . If not , do your research ; since all the synths on Bob’s video are great , but each one has a unique sound palette and a particular way to be programed and manipulated . I owned a M32 , and while it sounded pretty cool it was dead horse when interacting with my Novation , my Minibrute or my Elektrons , on the other hand my Minitaur works magic with any other synths or VSTs. If you come from old school ( like me ) make sure also to feel comfortable with the keys , a lot of keyboards these days feels like a toy. My check list for a synth : - Sound palette - Polyphony - Editing and programing capabilities - # of Oscillators and Filters - Ports : USB - Audio in and CV's are a powerful tool - VST integration - Keys : make sure to played and tested before you buy it - Material : longevity is a thing you also want to look for , cheap material won't last - And of course, $$$
My first synth was a Deepmind 12 and I'm still using and learning new things about it. Recently I got a ASM Hydrasynth which is also great to just fiddle with and come up with sounds. It really depends on what you want to do and the options Bo mentions are all great. First decide what you want to do (i.e.: what sounds you want to create) and then determine your budget and if possible - go to a local music shop and see if they have it so you can have a try. If you have a good budget I would also recommend you see what other things you 'might' like to get into as sometimes spending just 100-200 £/€/$ extra will get you for example another synth with a sequencer or other feature/s. Do a lot of features and look at a lot of videos like this one! Also, find out if you want it to be portable (battery capable) and what size keys you want (portable and small vs big and 49 - 88 keys). In your setup you might want one synth to act as a controller for the others. I have my Deepmind controlling my MC-707 as well. My Hydrasynth has a smaller keyboard and can run on batteries (specifically bought it for this) you can get other synths like the boutique roland ones with the mini keyboard which is also super-portable.
@@TechnoStrannik Yes, There is a lot to learn at first but the synth has so many features. Between this and the Hydrasynth, I guess it depends what you are looking for. Both in my eyes are good first synth choices, but it really depends on what you are looking for and what sound you are looking for. I don't regret buying either. Hydrasynth will be more of a learning curve than the Deepmind, but still a good option too.
@@ten70four24 I'm still in search of my sound. But when I heard Deep Mind, I realized that in addition to searching for myself in different genres, I also want to do ambient music.
@@TechnoStrannik Yes I think this is a great choice for ambient - this is exactly the sound I am going for. Dreamy ambient type sounds but experimenting a lot :D
My first synth was the Novation X-Station, it was a synthesizer with about 300 sounds, I later discovered I could download more sounds, it was great timing as when I was tired of hearing the presets, it really gave the synth a new life. What I liked ,loads of dials to shape the sound, latch mode which was great for Arp sounds and looping any chords you played. Extra bonuses where the fact that I could use the synth as an Audio Interface and connect microphones, or other audio gear...beyond all this I could also use the synth as a midi controller all this for $750 was so supreme and I kept this synth until it no longer worked.
I liek the Arturia Microbrute as a first synth. Super cheap and having no presets forces you to create and understand synthesis. And it has a tiny modular system to introduce you to modular.
DODO LFE my microbrute was $187 new on Amazon. It came with a free VST, Analog collection as well. I use it to add brute factor to other equipment. I put that shit on everything.
Great video, thanks for the overview. I would also strongly recommend the Novation Circuit for a beginner. There are essentially 2(!!) Novation Mini Nova synths on board + a very good groove box with constant free support. It is less than 300 EUR and really a lot of bang for your buck. The only drawback is that it does not have a classical synth routing, but if you connect it to a Tablet or a Phone you can use all of the Mini Nova features, which makes this little groove box become a real beast!
Thanks Bo! I picked up the original minilouge in 2022 for 350 us, no regrets. I'm learning slot and am very surprised at how much I can do with it. Thanks
I got the dx reface. I have nearly zero experience with a physical synth. It's really cool and easy to program. It's kinda like op-1 because of its good screen. The keys are amazing on it too.
Bo, best wishes for your health and well being. Thank you for your informative videos, professionalism, and earnestness. Nice combination. Today I bought a new-to-me Minilogue for ~$400 US, as my first synthesizer. It seems like a good value.
My 1st Synth after a LOT of research was the JDXi(£373 new in the UK). As a beginner it’s so easy to get a groove going and has so much in one box. I then got a Circuit to complement it. Wow! the sounds from it are amazing plus it’s so well supported with updates and new patches to download. You can also use samples on it! I also have a TB3 when I need an aciid fix!
Another solution is to take a Super nova (second-hand) and a Behringer Pro 1 (new) for 600€ it's a bit more expensive, but the level of sound and the possibility of modulation is much better. Novation is virus level, and the Pro one, it's the big analog sound of DSI, the analogical way of JDXI is (almost ridiculous) in comparison. If you want even more fat or another type of alalogue sound than those of DSI (there is the model D or the K20 at the same price (300 €) at behringer)
Mine was the Alesis Ion. I love it so much that I haven't found another hardware synth necessary... i have tons of VSTs, though. Thanks for the great video!
Recently bought a used novation mininova and volca beats... Both alot of fun. Mininova is a powerful piece of kit for the money with vocoder built in plus arpeggiator and multi genre settings adsr etc. I love it. Complements the Volca beats perfectly. The Volca was customized by previous owner with ports in the back to attach leads for different sounds much like an analog synth... Fun times! Great videos.. Keep em coming 🎹 🎶 👍 😁
I went for a behringer neutron with a arturia keystep keyboard. Perfect for starting. The neutron is a great sounding synth and the patchbay makes for some interesting options. The keystep sequencer and arp are great and really add to the experience. a great, and inexpensive, way of getting into hardware.
I got the volca fm for my first real synth. Absolutely zero regrets. Has a lot of the same sounds that the Yamaha DX had. It can pull off everything from ambient sounds, to some really rough grinding sounds with a lot of punch to it. Love it, even if it is all digital, it's still a powerful little machine.
2 Behringer Neutrons for the price of 1 Moog Mother 32. Each Neutron has 2 amazing analog oscillators, plus more patching options than the Mother. They also have a sturdy build quality, despite some antiquated prejudices to the contrary. Of course, in an ideal world, you'd have both. After all, the Neutron and the Mother have distinctively unique overall sounds. That said, throw in an Arturia Keystep with 1 Neutron and you have a semimodular synth with an even more powerful sequencer than the Mother for $200 less.
Great Video BO! and also all of them are great synths! I think one of the first synth to buy is the Roland JD-XI ... for beginners it's pretty much a all in one synth. you got a drum section , a vocoder, arpeggiator, a mic 1 analoge Synthsection for leads and bass and it's really easy to use! :) I think it's a good synthesizer for beginners.
Great list. It's always a good thing to remember, that quite many synths practically need good effects to go with them in order to get most out of them. And a decent keyboard won't hurt either, if the device itself doesn't have its own keyboard. Those can easily even double the amount of cash you need, on top of your actual synth purchase. If you want to absolutely skip the effects part in the start of your gearing up the studio, I'd go for Reface DX, CS, Digitone or Minilogue Xd from Bo's list. All of those have decent built in effects and you can run more than one of them at the same time. Then again, an another good thing to remember is, that with external physical effects you can use them with all your future synth purchases as well, so there's that. :) PS. huge props for giving love for Reface DX. Such an underrated device. Same could be said about CS, I guess.
Great recommendations Bo, I personally went with the Roland JD-Xi for my first synth because of its versatility and medium price range. A lot of people dislike it because of the mini keys but at least it has keys.
The first generation 'wood side' micro Korg has the same engine as it's bigger brother the MS2000, it is a great sounding synth for the price, I've owned seven of them over the years and I finally decided to keep one over how incredibly easy they are to program, not to mention they act as a direct midi controller front end for the Korg Legacy Vst collection and control it seamlessly, including patch bank changing.
They feel and sound really cheap imo, and a lot of changing parameters requires menu diving, at least that's what I've noticed from my short time playing with different friends' microkorgs.
Thanks for the excellent video. As always, I gained some great insights. I spent about three months gathering information, watching videos, etc., including your content, and finally ordered a Korg Monologue which came three weeks ago. My idea was to get into this with good equipment, but not dive in too deep financially in case I don’t go further (my music involves playing my horns). So I was happy to see the Monologue is on your list. So far I’ve been enjoying it and am already making plans to integrate it into some of what I do. You confirmed my plans for later which would most likely be a Minilogue XD if I hang in with this. Although you mentioned a few others that got me thinking..... might end up going in a different direction. Thanks again!
@@nathanbrutocao6078 This was my first one too and I just spotted one being used at a live show here. They had 4 synths total including an impressive moog but she still had her monologue in her mix while she worked her magic.
Personally I've found the 4 voice virtual analog 'Modal Skulpt' synth to be pretty much an ideal first hardware synth for me. Although it's virtual analog many have commented that it sounds truly analog. Technically it's not very my first harware synth as I've owned an Alesis QS7 since the 90s, but it's the first one that has made sound design truly accessible and intuitive for me - and it's even more intuitive still if you use it with the accompanying 'Modal App' which allows you to visualise what you're doing. The App runs on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS so you have a bunch of options here. At first I thought the Skulpt didn't have that much character to its sound, but it really does, it's just a bit more subtle than some other synths and something you have to take a bit of time to tune into. Another thing that makes it great for beginners is that although it's mostly about virtual analog subtractive synthesis and has all the usual features of a typical analog synth, it also gives you a little taste of FM by allowing you to modulate oscillator 1 with the output of oscillator 2. It even gives you a tiny hint of the possibilities of wavetables due to it's morphable basic waveforms, which allow you to sweep smoothly through the different variants using an envelope, LFO, or other modulation source. These 'little tasters' integrated into its synth engine are great because as well as making it more versatile, it can really help to give you a sense of which other synthesis possibilities you might want to explore next.
I picked the Behringer DeepMind12 as my first synth and I‘m very happy with it. And not found any need to buy another one. 12 voices poly, 2 OSC, 2 LFO, Arp, Effects, Stereo Output, WiFi & iPad App to program with the tablet. 1024 places to save your patches. Well build quality. I recommend to give it a try.
Such an excellent compilation that I have acquired 7 Korg Volcas, IK Uno, Arturia Microfreak, 4x Yamaha Reface CS CP DX YC, Roland SE-02, Arturia Minibrute 2 w/ Rackbrute 6U and Korg Minilogue XD Module. I have to stop watching or I will run out of room.
I never really had a 'first synth' as such; I was always around synths from a young age, my brother had a SH101, MS10, TB303 and accompanying TR606 back in the '80s which I'd play around with. At the end of the '80s a friend loaned me his Casio CZ3000 which i later purchased along with an Alpha Juno 2. It wasn't so much about choosing a synth , but more about what was available at the time, considering the internet wasn't a thing for the home user. Prices for these beasts were ridiculously low in the late '80s as the trend was moving towards digital gear (M1, D50, etc.). I do miss those days and wish I didn't pass up on all those analogue bargains when I was working in a music store in the '80s.
I'll chime in . as a child I experienced an upright piano , a classical guitar , and a drum practice pad . I got an accoustic electric , a keyboard arranger workstation with synth voices , and a midi drum pad . This got me started . Several iterations later , I have learned more instruments (many). My current set up is as follows : :Casio CTK 611 For composing , and midi controller (pawnshop $40) :rc20 loop pedal (For multi instrument live play) :Korg Monologue (Monosynth) For sequencing , and leads :Korg Mikrokorg XL For pads and atmosphere :Korg Monotron Delay For one shot effects , and dramatic accents :Teenage Engineering PO 33 KO For sound design :Regal Resonator guitar with humbucker for all kinds of string arrangements. :korg AX1G multi effect pedal :ZOOM G5 multi effect pedal . :Alesis Control Pad (midi drum pad. No sounds, just midi controller controls the 12 different kits on the Casio)
A good hardware synth for beginners, in my opinion, is still the Roland SH-01 Gaia. It's already on the market for a while now, but I think it's advantages are, that the Gaia is very easy to understand and excellent for learning subtractive synthesis. It's a virtual analog synth and sports 64 voice polyphony (!) and three complete sets (called Tones) of LFO, OSC, Filter and AMP, as well as an effects section. There is no display, but a knob, slider or button for almost every parameter you can tweak. There is also a software editor available, which is however, not free. The Synth has a 37 full sized keyboard, own presets can be stored on an USB stick, and you can run it on batteries, if you wish it do so. The Roland SH-01 Gaia is available for around EUR 500.-, which is a very good value for the price! Much recommended for synthesizer beginners who are looking for an easy-to-learn, full-sized, fully tweakable polyphonic synth, which is good for playing pads and sounds more on the softer side.
It was a Monologue for me! Super affordable, nice and knobby, and sounds super decent when adding a cheap effects pedal for reverb/delay (now I finally have a use for the zoom multi-effect that I got for my birthday, over a decade ago!).
I have just bought a Modal 8x. I chose it for 8 note polyphony, full size quality keyboard and awesome build quality. It's a bit messy to get to the options and too many controls needs the shift button and the manual but it makes great noises and I'm hooked. Just need to keep working on the options setups. I also followed the Yamaha reface suggestion and discovered the cp (compact piano variant) which sounds brilliant.
My first hardware synth was a Kurzweil k2500. Got it for 500 dollars, and let me tell ya, that thing is crazy hard to program, but it sounds good and it’s synthesis is pretty deep. Wouldn’t recommend it for a beginner! Wish I would have gotten something like you mentioned when I first started out, but it remains a little gem in my studio. I’ve since gotten a wavestate, micro korg, and a minilogue for other textures/ timbres and they rock! Very easy to program and fun to use.
Hmm, for a polyphonic digital in this price range, the Waldorf Blofeld (or Blofeld Keyboard) is a great choice. It is flexible, powerful and sounds great. There is a big learning curve, but there are also lots of presets to get you started. For an analog, I love the new Behrenger Model-D and Poly-D. These are basically updates of the classic MniMoog, and sound spot-on. The build quality is good and the price is amazing. And no other synth is so intuitive and easy to learn with.
Hi Bo, it's all your fault.....3 months ago, my only keyboard was a Yamaha PSR S770. Loved it but since I watched some of your videos, synth sounds were all I played on it. Fast forward to today, I now have a Monologue XD, Volca Drum, Volca FM, Arturia Microfreak and a Teenage Engineering P.O. 33 sampler. Oh and a Behringer audio interface and Ableton Live Lite. It's been an expensive few months but so worth it. Going to trade the PSR in for a MODX 6 soon.....thanks for the inspiration :)
Korg Volca, the sound are nice, but the box are same a fuking cheap game... For 100€ more, you can have a Behringer clone like Moog Model D or The DSI Pro one... And real button and potentiometer... No match !!! It does not play in the same category (4 leagues of difference)
My top 5 list of picking your first analog drum machines or percussion synthesizers. 1.Moog Dfam 2. Arturia Drumbrute impact. 3. Korg volca drum. 4. Roland tr-09 or 08. 5. Korg volca beats.
Those are all good choices! You could probably break this up into Synths < 500 and Synths < 1000. My recommendation for beginners would be the SH-01A with a Keystep (have these), but the MS-101 looks interesting also.
Probably the best learning synth is the Yamaha Reface CS(have one, and it sounds amazing) - the position of the sliders reveal the current sound. It is frustrating not to save a nice sound (you can online) but having to build your sound every time you use it is a great learning experience - it forces you to concentrate on the sound path and how synthesis works. And it is cheap now < $300!
My first synth was a Korg Delta I bought new. Not very feature packed compared to synths today (or then really) but run it through fx and you can get pretty creative with it. And it was used by some popular artists in the 80s. I've got a few newer synths now.
Please no more cables on the keyboard :-) I would recommend (beginners like me) to get something with actual keys, or getting a midi keyboard to connect to it. This opens a world of expansiveness. Currently I an using a Novation Circuit a midi keyboard an iPad and a laptop
AE modular system 2. Perhaps not for a beginner to synthesisers but definitely a great choice for someone knew to modular, particularly if they are on a budget.
Thanks Bo vid was great, as I'm just starting out and has gave me a lot to think about, I bought a microkorg a few weeks a ago from reverb and it's awsome didn't know about reverb until I saw u rcomend them on ur channel, so thanks again and keep up the good work, awesom channel.
To me it always seemed less like a synth and more like a rompler, I think it's called, where you don't really adjust all the parameters and make new sounds, but rather go through presets and change certain pre-assigned macros. Maybe I'll look at it again.
@@mikeexits I started off with presets, but soon realized that most were just not really a good demonstration of how good the synth can sound with a little work. I got mine a few weeks ago and have just been working through the presets, initializing and writing over since then. BTW, the digital oscillators and delay are pretty fun to mess with.
@@Joe-po4mj Cool, sounds interesting! Glad you like it. :) I love my Minilogue, can't wait for my Korg Volca Sample, FM, Modular, and Novation Circuit, personally.
Time to sip the coffee lol. You forgot the Behringer Deepmind 6 and 12 analog synths. Both are under a thousand Euro and are analog power houses they are very close sounding to the Roland Juno.106 but have a 4 part multi effects processor and have 2 oscilators and over a thousand editable patch memory. These synths are packed with goodies and sound great.
As a piano player: buy a second hand nord lead. 16 voices (honestly 8 because of unison) makes playing large chords possible. And seeing it models analog, you learn enough to understand the basics of any 2 osc synth. (Mine was a rack model to connect to my keyboard with actual nice keys.) Works well and the modulation is great. Not as fancy as modular, but it does come close.
I wrote the same type of comment about the Nord Lead but for people that do deep house and that aren't trained keyboard players.. I can't believe I never considered a Nord as a first synth before. and the 2x, it's 20 voices. and for a 1000$ cad(with taxes), same price here as a brand new Minilogue XD.
I'd say the Circuit has an awesome built in digital synth as well as the drums and sequencing capabilities. Polyphonic as well and while you can create patches on the Circuit, the software looks fairly user friendly
I think the microbrute is a great synth for beginners, no menus, simple design, tiny patchbay, easy to learn the basics on, and pretty cheap used now. Kind of regret selling mine now I think of it...
Digitakt has become my synth of choice. While sold as a sampler, built-in collection or single cycle waveforms and noise make this a really immediate choice for a mono synth and allows for just as much sonic variety as the digitone once you start to resample.
Nice list. I’d add the Korg MS-20 Mini ($450 New). Good for beginners because: (1) It’s very tactile - no menu dives whatsoever, only knobs, so you’re not going to get lost figuring out its quirks. (2) It’s semi-modular, so if you’re interested in patching and modular stuff it offers a helpful, low-stakes place to start. (3) It’s super raw, so it takes well to whatever effects you run it through. And those filters are amazing.
If you are into keyboards, strings and pads, I'd recommend to look at Waldorf Streichfett. It sounds really great, easy to tweak, quite inexpensive and it takes not much space on the table. It has a limitation though that it can produce only pads/strings and some quite basic plucked string sounds. And you need a MIDI keyboard to use it. I like my Waldorf Rocket too but not sure if it is a good buy comparing to Volcas (need to play with Volcas to figure that out), most likely it is not as cost effective.
I really like the sound of the Roland Boutique series. Good value for money. And for example the SH-01A is 4 voice poly. Also good synths are the Novas from Novation including the Circuit. Only disadvantage on Circuit is that to modify the the Synth deeper, you have to connect to a PC. But Novation gear is so nice to work with and the support is great. Would love to also recommend the Modal Skulpt, it sounds huge, but the build quality is just so bad, i just can't.
@Maochan81 Don't have a circuit, but I believe that all the synth params are adjustable via midi CC - so you could use a bank of dials on Midi keyboard (for example) to control them.
I've found the built quality of my Skulpt to be perfectly okay. Obviously, it's plastic, not metal, but it seems about as well built as any other average plastic thing. It was a Kickstarter project so there may be some pre-production models kicking around that have poorer build quality (just speculating here).
@@marktaylor7162 I ordered one around a month ago, it came with the latest firmware, should be a pretty new batch. I knew it's from plastic and light..no problem with that. But mine was totally scratched out of the box from the bottom, there were dirty fingerprints even though it was wrapped in original plastic wrap. Encoders were not straight, a lot of them were like small Pisa towers :). Led caps were falling off. Also the encoders had this really cheap scratchy feel, not the nice oily one (if you know what i mean). So if a Volca is 7/10 build quality, this was like 2/10. I wish i could pay more and get it in a decent enclosure.
@@Maochan81 Wow, that sounds really bad. Mine was in perfect condition when it arrived and still is. With the condition yours was in I would return it if at all possible (should be if you got it new - no-one would consider that kind of condition acceptable).
@@marktaylor7162 Returned it right away of course and asked for a refund. Quality seem hit or miss, so didn't bother with a new one. Bought a used Sh01-A and now thinking about Microfreak :)
For 100 USD you can get the tiny Korg NTS-1, which uses their basic synth engine that allows you import custom oscillators. It has a good number of features and decent connectivity, although the MIDI adapter cable is tricky to find at the moment (USB MIDI works fine however). Some of the deeper features require you to hold a button and turn a separate knob, so you have to use the arpeggiator to play notes in those cases, but the arp is incredibly easy to use so that's not a big deal. I would say the only real drawback is that the ribbon keyboard is barely functional, so you pretty much need an external keyboard or even your computer keyboard to play reliably, but other than that this deserves consideration for a first synth, especially for that price. Korg is always pushing the envelope between toys and true synth-like devices, this is no exception.
I've only just begun messing around with synths and bought my first about a year ago, a Behringer Crave and I think it deserves a mention. If I understand things correctly it's pretty much a clone of the Moog Mother 32 with the biggest differences being the lower pricetag, its looks/layout, and the keys (which unfortunately suck). I respect recommending the original over a clone, but when talking first synths price becomes more important and for $200 I'd say the Crave is the better option. Regarding the bad keys (or rather buttons) the Crave actually ends up being a better alternative in that regard as well since you can afford getting a midi keyboard as well and still end up paying less, and although the buttons on the Mother 32 are better than those of the Crave they can't compete with a midi keyboard.
I agree with the Uno Synth to be honest with you mate, I only wish I picked it up sooner, but for us here in Australia it's only just dropped from $400.00 to $200.00 which is great, Microfreak is my next pick up. my first two synths and I guess all in one was the Korg Monologue and the Zoom Arq-96
In four years, I've gone from a volca keys (beats, bass, sample, fm), to a minilogue, an original pro one, and lately a Synthstrom Audible Deluge... and experiments with everything from dub, to synthwave to musique concrete, orchestral xcores and drone doom metal.
I think you way undersold the microfreak. I actually solde my minilogue XD when I bought the freak. You didnt mention the modulation patch bay its a huge feature at a small price I am a piano player and took me a little while to get use to the keyboard but it has poly after touch routable and it can play super fast plus i can plug in an other midi board if i want. The 4 voice paraphony is not an issue bacause of the envelope and other mod options which do the same thing to your ear. Took me a while to get to grips with, its super deep. The gorgeous SEM filter, and Ive made a ton of fat 80s synth sounds on it too. Lots oscillatiors same as from Plaits the modular people so thats a biggy and now a vocoder as well. Such alot of synth for a small price.I dont miss my minilogue XD at all I can get so much more sounds out of the freak and I did install a ton of User oscillators on the XD they are good
@@BoBeats It took me a long time to find what this synth did, I'm no big synth guy played in bands for 30 years had synths like CS60 but mainly used basic presets with little tweaks the Freak blew my mind and still does that matrix lol I know you like matrix in synths. I just ordered a Circuit that'll be a new one for me. I own a Wavestate and a stage piano as I love electric piano sounds . Appreciate your work you feel like one of us a normal person who loves the stuff we all do plus coffee
In this current market you can easily have a poly and a mono with full size keys for under 1000.00 easily. On any given day you can pick from several great poly synths to choose from and add a 300 dollar mono and another full size controller, (all for under 1000.00)
I have a PortaTone from the '80s. It's not competitive, but it has more octaves and is dirt cheap. Some PortaTones have sliders and directional pads if you look hard enough. I think mine has a polyphony of 8+1; the extra voice works monophonically. It's a confusing instrument, but it's a valid entry point into synthesis. I personally lean more towards high polyphony, so it's been the right synth for me.
@@theeltea True, but it is about what you want, not about what else you can get, it is the start of my synth journey :) later on I want to get the OB6, sub37, ms20, maybe a juno-6. But only time will tell :D
The Reface CS is an awesome beginner synth if you're on a budget. It's a lot more versatile than you might think. I agree though that a lack of internal patch memory is a little disappointing. A built-in arpeggiator would be nice too...
For keyboard players, I'd have to say the Studiologic Sledge v2. $900 US gets you a 5 octave fatar keybed hooked into a VA synth with involvement from Waldorf (if I'm not mistaken). I mention the keybed specifically because I have a prophet rev 2 and my favorite thing about that synth coming from cheaper stuff is how great and playable the keys are. Even if I didn't like the sound or enjoy making patches, writing music on the rev 2 keyboard is awesome, and I assume the Sledge would also be good.
Both Korg Minilogues are awesome synths. The XD is a better synth overall, I love it. But it is a tradeoff, you gain some features XD and lose some as well. The original Minilogue is abigger bang for your buck these days. You can find it for under $500 brand new. You can get it for $350-$400 used. Just be aware for both of them you will need a separate amp. It's a great time to be into synthesizers. Add to that the huge array DAW plugin VSTi synths and you have so much sound available for so little money.
The Yamaha Reface line offers some very nice features and a decent price point, but the minikeys continuously kick my butt when I use my reface DX. So it mostly pulls duty as an excellent sound module when I hook it up to my Roland FP-4. Not particulay portable as I'm using a digital piano, true. But, man, sounds oh so sweet. :) As for the Mother-32, it's a sweet consolidated setup on its own. The single oscillator can be a no-sale, but you can do a lot with it. Also, if you're willing to spend more money, the DFAM is the perfect companion to it. Of course, you can always grab the low (for Moog) cost and remarkably robust Werkstatt-01 with the patch adapter to add another Oscillator and LFO. Oh. And then there's the Behringer Model-D. It's a mini and semi-modular clone of the Moog Model D, but with no keyboard and a price point of $250-300 US.
Bo is a slippery fellow. He knows he should have started and ended this video with the Arturia Microfreak and thanked everybody for watching! P.S. Bo Beats should be kidnapped and have his head shaven for not mentioning the Korg ARP Odyssey. :p
My favorite synths under 1000... (affiliate links)
Volca Keys
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/312865?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/ZknM0
Uno Synth
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/439249?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/knDnV
Microfreak
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/457192?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/ZknZK
Yamaha Reface CS
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/368212?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/PLJLR
Bass Station 2:
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/312714?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/PLJMM
Roland SE-02
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/416590?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/QqZq6
Mother 32
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/372745?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/5e2e1
Minibrute 2
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/535509?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/Ao9yMN
Elektron Digitone // 4 track FM synth + 4 track sequencer
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/431568?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/4kOXL
Original Minilogue
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/379052?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/2PbZM
Korg Minilogue XD (showed in video)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/465932?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/Rxg72
SOME NEW SYNTHS NOT IN LIST TO CONSIDER
Argon8
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/473936?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/0bKWL
Korg Wavestate
EU: www.thomann.de/se/korg_wavestate.htm?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/6a3mE
Thoughts on the poly-D?
No love for the ASM Hydrasynth eh?
And how about Colbalt 8?
@@kinnectar820 If 1000 is the limit then there are too many under 500,
i'd have to decide between Blofeld, Opsix and .....Hydrasynth
I want a Grandmother! You can sometimes find them on Reverb for under $1000.
Look forward to the "picking your 10th synth" video ;)
Ha! I agree-perhaps a video for the "intermediate" or "advanced" synth lover? I'd love to hear your opinions on the mid to high range synthesizers (those that cost around $1,000 and those that are up in the upper stratosphere in the $2,000+ range)
After MANY MANY reviews, opinions, etc. I went with the minilogue XD and haven't looked back. I'm a classically trained pianist and love my Roland RD-800 (for very different reasons). However, I've also been a synth music fan for at least 30 of my 40+ years of life. The XD brings me right back to my youth. Simply amazing. I'm learning so much about creating patches and haven't had this much musical fun in a very long time.
For a beginner and a first synth, definitely the Minilogue XD. You'll learn about sequencing, polyphony, effects, wavetables, plus it has stereo AND a sustain pedal input for your expressive keyboard playing desires. I don't see it worth however upgrading to an XD if you already have the Minilogue. While the XD has its bonuses, the original still has its own character and direct access features.
That was my thinking so picked one up last month. It immediately inspired my songwriting to shift direction (which was precisely the purpose), and I'm really impressed with the sounds it offers as well as the many features and versatility.
I’ve been loving my Xd I’m super new to synths, but I also want the MicroFreak as well. 😬
I've had a Minilogue for around 3 years now and it's definitely worth all the $500 I paid for it. But I really want the xd honestly. Might sell my original and buy an xd one day.
embazle I have the minilogue xd and it was actually my first synth. Totally agree, but now I’m having trouble deciding on my next purchase. Is a drum machine worth it or do I deal with abletons drums and buy something like an OP-1 to allow me to make music portably.
Colin Kohlbeck before getting my Minilogue, I picked up a Roland Tr-8 drum machine. Since then I’ve acquired a few mini beat machines like a volca Beats, bass, kick, and keys. I had a Novation circuit but then sold it and went for an Elektron Digitakt. I wanted to get to a place where i was simplifying my performance and my workflow. While the Digitakt has its initial complexities, I’m finding it to be the most enjoyable and most powerful arsenal in my electronic gear. I went all in with a digitakt and have no regrets. Since you have a poly synth, having a great sampling/drum box groove machine like a digitakt will get you ahead of the musical circumference. The rest of the gear has its small parts and purpose which I’m glad for but the digitakt is core, Roland tr-8 is solid analog sound but it’s simple. Really depends how you approach it, that’s my story anyway:-)
My first synth was a Wasp. Found it in a skip in the 80s. Followed by an OSCar. DX7, Roland D50 and finally the M1. Loved them all for totally different reasons
My first synth, which I got just a few months ago was the Korg Monologue which I love. It was a good first synth to learn on and I'm kind of glad I didn't get anything more complicated for my first. Since then, apart from my midi controllers, I got a Korg Sample as unlike the others in the Volca family it had a very unusual collection of sounds which could even be swapped out. Also I'm repeating what I said in reply to someone else who had a Monologue as a starter, I recently saw a live show where the person on synths in the band had 4 very different synths including a rather pricey moog, but she still had her monologue up there. When I talked to her after the show she loves it so much she still takes it on tour and is vital to several of the bands tracks.
I already had a lot of experience with software synths so I wanted something that would give me something that I couldn't get with software. I went with a Behringer Neutron (used for $200) and have really enjoyed it. Definitely makes me understand the Eurorack itch.
my list:
1. arturia mini brute
2. roland jx-03 - 4 note poly
3. roland jd-xi - 2 synth engines - digital and analogue, drum,s section 4 part sequencer
4. roland jp-08 - jupiter 8 boutique
5. korg volca keys
6. MFB nanowerg
7. korg electribe SD (metal; case one not the 'new' one)
8. roland system 1 - with sh2 plugout
9. roland FA-06 - 16 track seq - great sounds.
10. blofeld desktop
around £300 - roland jx-03
below £500 - i'd go for the roland jd-xi
below £1000 - roland fa-06
there are ones i have...one's i'm looking at on day - roland tb-3, roland sh-01a, behringer odessey
Thank you, Bo, for some interesting suggestions and mini-demos. This is good not only for beginners but also for those who have some synthesizers already and are looking to fill in a few gaps in their growing hardware synth collection or to add a bit of spice to their sonic palette.
Bo - You make some wonderful recommendations. Many of these synths are great because they can still have a UNIQUE place in one's setup even after adding other gear. However, there is something to be said for an instrument that may function more as a jack of all trades. For example, I will recommend an instrument that I do not have, but I think it is an EXCELLENT instrument for a beginner. I think that the Roland JD-Xi is an excellent beginner synth and here's why:
1) It has a 4-track pattern sequencer. This means that a beginner can create entire songs with this one synth.
2) One of those tracks is dedicated to drums - and it has some great drum sounds.
3) One track has an actual analog monophonic synth engine with some great streamlined control for experimenting and programming analog sounds.
4) The other two tracks utilize a polyphonic digital "supernatural" Roland engine for wonderful pads and instruments that benefit from polyphony.
5) This instrument has decent effects that allow this to be more than a scratchpad for ideas. As a beginner the JD-Xi can allow you to flesh out your tracks significantly and even allow you to perform them.
6) Unlike the Digitone, the JD-Xi includes a keyboard that encourages the user to play.
7) The JD-Xi even has a microphone and a vocoder.
In 1989 I bought a Korg M1. It is not as versatile or capable as the JD-Xi, but it had a sequencer, drums, good patches, and effects. It enabled me to write entire compositions. As time went on, I supplemented the M1 with other instruments that diversified my sonic palette. But as a beginner, having a workstation meant that I could create entire songs instead of just playing a cool synth.
I offer the Roland JD-Xi as an option for those beginners who wish to hit the ground with a whole mini studio in a box. It may not be the best drum machine or the best analog monosynth or the best digital polyphonic out there. However, for the price, it actually does all of these really well with a pattern sequencer and effects. For a beginner, I would seriously suggest this as a great starting point.
Peace.
Ted Stahl, I agree, I spent a fortune on a Yamaha PSR4600 thirty odd years ago! But you could make your own drum patterns, Baselines and leads. It even had chord progression. Recently returned to keyboards and bought a Roland GoKeys (fun and cool sounds) but not editable just presets. Dabbled with the TR8 and got a TB3, sold the GoKeys and TR8, (kept TB3) got Volca keys, FM and Sample. (Sample was my fave). Sold the Volca and finally got the JDXI after nearly buying a MicroKorg and MiniNova! Got gear lust again and bought a Circuit (thanks to Bo!). Now at peace with my setup! Until an FA06 becomes affordable!!
Another great video Bo! As I started buying synths, it was your enthusiasm for the Circuit that eventually led me to the Circuit Monostation and I love it! Paraphonic analog goodness, multimode filter, mod matrix, distortion. Plays so well with other gear thru note out and clock plus you get the groovebox genius format of the Circuit. And now you can buy them for $330?!? Like woa!
My first synth is the Deluge, just got it in March. It's more jambox than synthesizer, I guess, and I know Bo hasn't had a chance to review it yet, but I'm very happy with it. It doesn't have "limits", just whatever the CPU can handle. It also feels like it will continue to meet my needs as I learn more, so I won't need to replace or augment it later with more hardware. Definitely recommend a MIDI keyboard to go with it, but it's totally usable without one.
I'd add to your list. Couple of VA synths with a great interface - Roland Gaia ($650), Studiologic Sledge ($900).
Also the Behringer Model D ($300) is a no brainer, 3 oscillators with an LFO, and the possibility of the 3rd oscillator doubling up as a second LFO... sigh... it's bloody delicious
@ 12:30 that sound is insaaaane, I don't even know where to begin sound-designing that lovely, rich, morphing audio goodness
i blame the heat: the mother 32 ofc has 1 oscillator and not 2. You can create a second one using the LFO (I think I have a video on that somewhere! And hey, you can create a sub osc for the Minibrute 2 also! So much flexibility with those patch bays). Also if you like to point out all small errors I make be sure to join our community: community.bobeats.tv
BoBeats minibtute! is a very adorable option, as well as the roland boutique series.
Thanks for adding this note, I was about to reconsider the Moog Mother 32 over my Roland SE-02. Hence I'm keeping the SE-02 :)
BoBeats What do You think about Modal Electronics SKULPT?
just bought my first bit of hardware, the Circuit. Did a lot of research first and this just ticked most of my boxes in the end. Truly portable, samples, and they just keep making improvements to it. a great little jamming machine
Circuit was my first, just a few months back. I added a Neutron, because the Crave is not available yet. ;-)
When I jumped into synths, I bought a used Ultranova for $300. Great keybed, super deep engine, bus powered and doubles as an audio interface with multiple inputs. I still use it all the time. I paired it with a JU06 for the warm sounds, it would also go well with a Volca Bass
My first synth was a brand new Roland SH1000, well it was my father’s. After being in music for the last 40 years, I come back to standalone synths. Got a Microfreak and a Uno to have fun. They‘re two good buddies for travelling.
Awesome video Bo, splendid introduction into some cool synths. Roland SE-02 looks / sounds fun. Minibrute 2 really screams, love it! Thanks!
Try the 'feedback' Knob on the SE-02. Howling synth!
@@onkelberra3166 need to take that one for a spin someday. Looks promising, perfect desktop synth. Not too clumsy.
@@MattiasHolmgren the only downside would be that many say that the knobs feel too small and closely spaced. I have no problems with it. And I got quite bit hands
@@onkelberra3166 oh yeah I've seen it looks tiny but I really don't want to clutter up space in the studio. So it's probably OK. Hey, when I'm making YT vids I'm using this really small Keystation Mini 32 and it works...decently. You tend to glide between the keys but at least it's small. =)
Omfg my eyes opened wide when I heard the sound of the Bass Station. That’s exactly what I LOVE it sound so good I wish I could design sounds like this
Hey, I THINK its the effects
I learned so much about analogue subtractive synthesises and the beginnings of mod routing on a little microbrute. Not everyone's cup of tea I know but I think a very good starter synth. I loved those little orange patch cables.
I would like to add Roland SH-01a. It's a boutique like the SE-02 but has 4 voices, excellent sound and ease of use. My favorite for sure!
I've been thinking about grabbing the SH-01, to use it with Omnisphere 2. 😀
Im getting one too as my first synth.
Deepmind12 is still an excellent synthesiser, a fully 12 voice analogue sound with a ton of lovely effects. It’s just great to program.
i debated myself for weeks between the deepmind 12 and the novation mininova, finally choosing the mininova, i think most likely deepmnd 12 will be next. i agree with your assesment.
I'm fairly drawn to the deepmind 12 just for the shear bang for the buck. And I need/want a polysynth in my setup. However... there are other very compelling options too, such as some of the polys mentioned in this video, or maybe a second hand synth like the Elektron Analog 4.
I remember people complaining about menu-diving on the Deepmind. This is the one issue I have with some of the initial reviewers - so many complained about the menu-diving and the sound from the fans. These are both non-issues.
I’m a big fan of the Novation Ultranova! It is feature-rich, has a built in vocoder, touch encoders with assignable parameters, an extremely flexible modulation section, multiple filters, oscillators, envelopes, a crap ton of waveforms (over 30), and a built-in effects section. The keybed is nice, and it has assignable aftertouch, and 18 voice polyphony!
It can be had new for around $500 USD but I’ve seen them used for $250.
The only drawback, for me, and it’s minor, is that it’s mostly menu-driven.
Also, the Mininova is built on the same engine as the Ultranova, and retains much of its functionality, for a less price (it has smaller keys, though)
To day I have the Novation Peak, it's expansif but the sound are realy nice ! If you like novation it's for you !
(Nova and novation product, I bought a lot, and evry time I sell for buy another synth... Miss, and buy again.
The liste of another novation I've had ( Nova dextup, Super Nova rack, Bass station 1& 2 et super nova keybord.) To day I have only the Peak... It's realy good synth, but i prefer my DSI rev² :p sorry
Novation It's a realy top synth, a Mininova in (second hand) are sold aboat 200$.
But also for this price you can look The Waldorf Blofeld and the MicroMonsta of Audiothingies
Many options are available these days , a good MIDI controller will open another world of possibilities if you are up to use software . If not , do your research ; since all the synths on Bob’s video are great , but each one has a unique sound palette and a particular way to be programed and manipulated . I owned a M32 , and while it sounded pretty cool it was dead horse when interacting with my Novation , my Minibrute or my Elektrons , on the other hand my Minitaur works magic with any other synths or VSTs. If you come from old school ( like me ) make sure also to feel comfortable with the keys , a lot of keyboards these days feels like a toy.
My check list for a synth :
- Sound palette
- Polyphony
- Editing and programing capabilities
- # of Oscillators and Filters
- Ports : USB - Audio in and CV's are a powerful tool
- VST integration
- Keys : make sure to played and tested before you buy it
- Material : longevity is a thing you also want to look for , cheap material won't last
- And of course, $$$
My first synth was a Deepmind 12 and I'm still using and learning new things about it. Recently I got a ASM Hydrasynth which is also great to just fiddle with and come up with sounds. It really depends on what you want to do and the options Bo mentions are all great. First decide what you want to do (i.e.: what sounds you want to create) and then determine your budget and if possible - go to a local music shop and see if they have it so you can have a try. If you have a good budget I would also recommend you see what other things you 'might' like to get into as sometimes spending just 100-200 £/€/$ extra will get you for example another synth with a sequencer or other feature/s. Do a lot of features and look at a lot of videos like this one! Also, find out if you want it to be portable (battery capable) and what size keys you want (portable and small vs big and 49 - 88 keys). In your setup you might want one synth to act as a controller for the others. I have my Deepmind controlling my MC-707 as well. My Hydrasynth has a smaller keyboard and can run on batteries (specifically bought it for this) you can get other synths like the boutique roland ones with the mini keyboard which is also super-portable.
Cool! I also want a Deepmind 12! Do you think it's a good choice for a first synthesizer?
@@TechnoStrannik Yes, There is a lot to learn at first but the synth has so many features. Between this and the Hydrasynth, I guess it depends what you are looking for. Both in my eyes are good first synth choices, but it really depends on what you are looking for and what sound you are looking for. I don't regret buying either. Hydrasynth will be more of a learning curve than the Deepmind, but still a good option too.
@@ten70four24 I'm still in search of my sound. But when I heard Deep Mind, I realized that in addition to searching for myself in different genres, I also want to do ambient music.
@@TechnoStrannik Yes I think this is a great choice for ambient - this is exactly the sound I am going for. Dreamy ambient type sounds but experimenting a lot :D
My first synth was the Novation X-Station, it was a synthesizer with about 300 sounds, I later discovered I could download more sounds, it was great timing as when I was tired of hearing the presets, it really gave the synth a new life.
What I liked ,loads of dials to shape the sound, latch mode which was great for Arp sounds and looping any chords you played.
Extra bonuses where the fact that I could use the synth as an Audio Interface and connect microphones, or other audio gear...beyond all this I could also use the synth as a midi controller all this for $750 was so supreme and I kept this synth until it no longer worked.
I will follow that up as I have one too. More sounds = more fun¡
I liek the Arturia Microbrute as a first synth. Super cheap and having no presets forces you to create and understand synthesis. And it has a tiny modular system to introduce you to modular.
The Waldorf Puls 2 are also seld 500$ and the possibilitis are lot of superior.
DODO LFE the MicroBrute is $200, not $500.
@@kgreggbruce1552 Hum yes, I think the minibrute, but the micro
is aboat 300, no ?
DODO LFE my microbrute was $187 new on Amazon. It came with a free VST, Analog collection as well. I use it to add brute factor to other equipment. I put that shit on everything.
@@kgreggbruce1552 hutccc Is realy good oportunity ! in europ they sell 269- 299 euro
Great video, thanks for the overview. I would also strongly recommend the Novation Circuit for a beginner. There are essentially 2(!!) Novation Mini Nova synths on board + a very good groove box with constant free support. It is less than 300 EUR and really a lot of bang for your buck. The only drawback is that it does not have a classical synth routing, but if you connect it to a Tablet or a Phone you can use all of the Mini Nova features, which makes this little groove box become a real beast!
Thanks Bo! I picked up the original minilouge in 2022 for 350 us, no regrets. I'm learning slot and am very surprised at how much I can do with it. Thanks
I got the dx reface. I have nearly zero experience with a physical synth. It's really cool and easy to program. It's kinda like op-1 because of its good screen. The keys are amazing on it too.
Digging the glitchy beat around 8:15 a lot. There's really a ton of great beats in these 16 minutes of videos. Subscribed.
Bo, best wishes for your health and well being. Thank you for your informative videos, professionalism, and earnestness. Nice combination.
Today I bought a new-to-me Minilogue for ~$400 US, as my first synthesizer. It seems like a good value.
Have fun!!
My 1st Synth after a LOT of research was the JDXi(£373 new in the UK). As a beginner it’s so easy to get a groove going and has so much in one box. I then got a Circuit to complement it. Wow! the sounds from it are amazing plus it’s so well supported with updates and new patches to download. You can also use samples on it! I also have a TB3 when I need an aciid fix!
Another solution is to take a Super nova (second-hand) and a Behringer Pro 1 (new) for 600€
it's a bit more expensive, but the level of sound and the possibility of modulation is much better.
Novation is virus level, and the Pro one, it's the big analog sound of DSI, the analogical way of JDXI is (almost ridiculous) in comparison.
If you want even more fat or another type of alalogue sound than those of DSI (there is the model D or the K20 at the same price (300 €) at behringer)
The perfect set up~
The Korg Monologue & The Korg Minilogue.
Plus you can buy both together for under $1000!
It’s a win/win!
Mine was the Alesis Ion. I love it so much that I haven't found another hardware synth necessary... i have tons of VSTs, though. Thanks for the great video!
Recently bought a used novation mininova and volca beats... Both alot of fun. Mininova is a powerful piece of kit for the money with vocoder built in plus arpeggiator and multi genre settings adsr etc. I love it. Complements the Volca beats perfectly. The Volca was customized by previous owner with ports in the back to attach leads for different sounds much like an analog synth... Fun times! Great videos.. Keep em coming 🎹 🎶 👍 😁
I went for a behringer neutron with a arturia keystep keyboard. Perfect for starting. The neutron is a great sounding synth and the patchbay makes for some interesting options.
The keystep sequencer and arp are great and really add to the experience. a great, and inexpensive, way of getting into hardware.
Nice list. I so want to try Eleketron
I got the volca fm for my first real synth. Absolutely zero regrets. Has a lot of the same sounds that the Yamaha DX had. It can pull off everything from ambient sounds, to some really rough grinding sounds with a lot of punch to it. Love it, even if it is all digital, it's still a powerful little machine.
2 Behringer Neutrons for the price of 1 Moog Mother 32. Each Neutron has 2 amazing analog oscillators, plus more patching options than the Mother. They also have a sturdy build quality, despite some antiquated prejudices to the contrary.
Of course, in an ideal world, you'd have both. After all, the Neutron and the Mother have distinctively unique overall sounds.
That said, throw in an Arturia Keystep with 1 Neutron and you have a semimodular synth with an even more powerful sequencer than the Mother for $200 less.
Great Video BO!
and also all of them are great synths!
I think one of the first synth to buy is the Roland JD-XI ... for beginners it's pretty much
a all in one synth.
you got a drum section , a vocoder, arpeggiator, a mic
1 analoge Synthsection for leads and bass and it's really easy to use! :)
I think it's a good synthesizer for beginners.
Great list.
It's always a good thing to remember, that quite many synths practically need good effects to go with them in order to get most out of them. And a decent keyboard won't hurt either, if the device itself doesn't have its own keyboard. Those can easily even double the amount of cash you need, on top of your actual synth purchase. If you want to absolutely skip the effects part in the start of your gearing up the studio, I'd go for Reface DX, CS, Digitone or Minilogue Xd from Bo's list. All of those have decent built in effects and you can run more than one of them at the same time. Then again, an another good thing to remember is, that with external physical effects you can use them with all your future synth purchases as well, so there's that. :)
PS. huge props for giving love for Reface DX. Such an underrated device. Same could be said about CS, I guess.
And the other 2 Refaces: The CP and YC. :)
Great recommendations Bo, I personally went with the Roland JD-Xi for my first synth because of its versatility and medium price range. A lot of people dislike it because of the mini keys but at least it has keys.
microKORG. It sounds great and it has lots of great presets to start with. No sequencer unfortunately but you do get a vocoder.
great presets? on the microkorg? you on the crack orr.....?
The first generation 'wood side' micro Korg has the same engine as it's bigger brother the MS2000, it is a great sounding synth for the price, I've owned seven of them over the years and I finally decided to keep one over how incredibly easy they are to program, not to mention they act as a direct midi controller front end for the Korg Legacy Vst collection and control it seamlessly, including patch bank changing.
They feel and sound really cheap imo, and a lot of changing parameters requires menu diving, at least that's what I've noticed from my short time playing with different friends' microkorgs.
@@StrayMedicine The MicroKorg gets really good when you map the CC parameters with Midi Designer.
Thanks for the excellent video. As always, I gained some great insights. I spent about three months gathering information, watching videos, etc., including your content, and finally ordered a Korg Monologue which came three weeks ago. My idea was to get into this with good equipment, but not dive in too deep financially in case I don’t go further (my music involves playing my horns). So I was happy to see the Monologue is on your list. So far I’ve been enjoying it and am already making plans to integrate it into some of what I do.
You confirmed my plans for later which would most likely be a Minilogue XD if I hang in with this. Although you mentioned a few others that got me thinking..... might end up going in a different direction.
Thanks again!
my first synth was korg monologue, and i think it's a good choice !
same
@@nathanbrutocao6078 This was my first one too and I just spotted one being used at a live show here. They had 4 synths total including an impressive moog but she still had her monologue in her mix while she worked her magic.
@@Dea_Decay cool
Personally I've found the 4 voice virtual analog 'Modal Skulpt' synth to be pretty much an ideal first hardware synth for me. Although it's virtual analog many have commented that it sounds truly analog. Technically it's not very my first harware synth as I've owned an Alesis QS7 since the 90s, but it's the first one that has made sound design truly accessible and intuitive for me - and it's even more intuitive still if you use it with the accompanying 'Modal App' which allows you to visualise what you're doing. The App runs on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS so you have a bunch of options here. At first I thought the Skulpt didn't have that much character to its sound, but it really does, it's just a bit more subtle than some other synths and something you have to take a bit of time to tune into. Another thing that makes it great for beginners is that although it's mostly about virtual analog subtractive synthesis and has all the usual features of a typical analog synth, it also gives you a little taste of FM by allowing you to modulate oscillator 1 with the output of oscillator 2. It even gives you a tiny hint of the possibilities of wavetables due to it's morphable basic waveforms, which allow you to sweep smoothly through the different variants using an envelope, LFO, or other modulation source. These 'little tasters' integrated into its synth engine are great because as well as making it more versatile, it can really help to give you a sense of which other synthesis possibilities you might want to explore next.
Totally agree. I bought one and use the section effect of the dreadbox typhon. Impressive result
I picked the Behringer DeepMind12 as my first synth and I‘m very happy with it. And not found any need to buy another one. 12 voices poly, 2 OSC, 2 LFO, Arp, Effects, Stereo Output, WiFi & iPad App to program with the tablet. 1024 places to save your patches. Well build quality. I recommend to give it a try.
Instead of screwing around, I said fukk it and went all-in for a Montage... Best gear purchase I ever made...
Such an excellent compilation that I have acquired 7 Korg Volcas, IK Uno, Arturia Microfreak, 4x Yamaha Reface CS CP DX YC, Roland SE-02, Arturia Minibrute 2 w/ Rackbrute 6U and Korg Minilogue XD Module. I have to stop watching or I will run out of room.
I never really had a 'first synth' as such; I was always around synths from a young age, my brother had a SH101, MS10, TB303 and accompanying TR606 back in the '80s which I'd play around with. At the end of the '80s a friend loaned me his Casio CZ3000 which i later purchased along with an Alpha Juno 2. It wasn't so much about choosing a synth , but more about what was available at the time, considering the internet wasn't a thing for the home user. Prices for these beasts were ridiculously low in the late '80s as the trend was moving towards digital gear (M1, D50, etc.). I do miss those days and wish I didn't pass up on all those analogue bargains when I was working in a music store in the '80s.
I'll chime in .
as a child I experienced an upright piano , a classical guitar , and a drum practice pad .
I got an accoustic electric , a keyboard arranger workstation with synth voices , and a midi drum pad .
This got me started .
Several iterations later , I have learned more instruments (many).
My current set up is as follows :
:Casio CTK 611
For composing , and midi controller
(pawnshop $40)
:rc20 loop pedal
(For multi instrument live play)
:Korg Monologue
(Monosynth)
For sequencing , and leads
:Korg Mikrokorg XL
For pads and atmosphere
:Korg Monotron Delay
For one shot effects , and dramatic accents
:Teenage Engineering PO 33 KO
For sound design
:Regal Resonator guitar with humbucker for all kinds of string arrangements.
:korg AX1G multi effect pedal
:ZOOM G5 multi effect pedal .
:Alesis Control Pad
(midi drum pad. No sounds, just midi controller controls the 12 different kits on the Casio)
A good hardware synth for beginners, in my opinion, is still the Roland SH-01 Gaia. It's already on the market for a while now, but I think it's advantages are, that the Gaia is very easy to understand and excellent for learning subtractive synthesis. It's a virtual analog synth and sports 64 voice polyphony (!) and three complete sets (called Tones) of LFO, OSC, Filter and AMP, as well as an effects section. There is no display, but a knob, slider or button for almost every parameter you can tweak. There is also a software editor available, which is however, not free. The Synth has a 37 full sized keyboard, own presets can be stored on an USB stick, and you can run it on batteries, if you wish it do so. The Roland SH-01 Gaia is available for around EUR 500.-, which is a very good value for the price! Much recommended for synthesizer beginners who are looking for an easy-to-learn, full-sized, fully tweakable polyphonic synth, which is good for playing pads and sounds more on the softer side.
My first synth was Yamaha CS-15 back in 1981. Sadly sold it in 1983. Found one in mint condition a couple of years ago. I'll never sell it.
It was a Monologue for me! Super affordable, nice and knobby, and sounds super decent when adding a cheap effects pedal for reverb/delay (now I finally have a use for the zoom multi-effect that I got for my birthday, over a decade ago!).
Just recently got a Korg Minilogue, my 13 year old daughter has taken an interest in it, so may already be looking at getting a 2nd ;)
GREAT to get your daughter interested--good job!
I have just bought a Modal 8x. I chose it for 8 note polyphony, full size quality keyboard and awesome build quality. It's a bit messy to get to the options and too many controls needs the shift button and the manual but it makes great noises and I'm hooked. Just need to keep working on the options setups. I also followed the Yamaha reface suggestion and discovered the cp (compact piano variant) which sounds brilliant.
My first hardware synth was a Kurzweil k2500. Got it for 500 dollars, and let me tell ya, that thing is crazy hard to program, but it sounds good and it’s synthesis is pretty deep. Wouldn’t recommend it for a beginner! Wish I would have gotten something like you mentioned when I first started out, but it remains a little gem in my studio. I’ve since gotten a wavestate, micro korg, and a minilogue for other textures/ timbres and they rock! Very easy to program and fun to use.
Hmm, for a polyphonic digital in this price range, the Waldorf Blofeld (or Blofeld Keyboard) is a great choice. It is flexible, powerful and sounds great. There is a big learning curve, but there are also lots of presets to get you started.
For an analog, I love the new Behrenger Model-D and Poly-D. These are basically updates of the classic MniMoog, and sound spot-on. The build quality is good and the price is amazing. And no other synth is so intuitive and easy to learn with.
Hi Bo, it's all your fault.....3 months ago, my only keyboard was a Yamaha PSR S770. Loved it but since I watched some of your videos, synth sounds were all I played on it. Fast forward to today, I now have a Monologue XD, Volca Drum, Volca FM, Arturia Microfreak and a Teenage Engineering P.O. 33 sampler. Oh and a Behringer audio interface and Ableton Live Lite. It's been an expensive few months but so worth it. Going to trade the PSR in for a MODX 6 soon.....thanks for the inspiration :)
Hey Marcus! Glad you are having fun man!!
Korg Volca, the sound are nice, but the box are same a fuking cheap game... For 100€ more, you can have a Behringer clone like Moog Model D or The DSI Pro one... And real button and potentiometer... No match !!!
It does not play in the same category
(4 leagues of difference)
Nice. That Microfreak sounds fine.
I’ve been messing with synths for like twelve years and still consider myself a beginner!
Same here
i love the portability and sound of the monologue even if it's not mentioned here (of course in favor of the minilogue which is way more complete)
My top 5 list of picking your first analog drum machines or percussion synthesizers.
1.Moog Dfam
2. Arturia Drumbrute impact.
3. Korg volca drum.
4. Roland tr-09 or 08.
5. Korg volca beats.
those are pretty much all drum machines. dfam definitely isnt for beginners
Those are all good choices! You could probably break this up into Synths < 500 and Synths < 1000.
My recommendation for beginners would be the SH-01A with a Keystep (have these), but the MS-101 looks interesting also.
Probably the best learning synth is the Yamaha Reface CS(have one, and it sounds amazing) - the position of the sliders reveal the current sound. It is frustrating not to save a nice sound (you can online) but having to build your sound every time you use it is a great learning experience - it forces you to concentrate on the sound path and how synthesis works. And it is cheap now < $300!
My first synth was a Korg Delta I bought new. Not very feature packed compared to synths today (or then really) but run it through fx and you can get pretty creative with it. And it was used by some popular artists in the 80s. I've got a few newer synths now.
Quick unsolicited correction. The Mother 32 has one oscillator, although you can use the LFO as a second one..kinda.
thanks buddy! ofc correct, dunno what i was thinking there
Great rundown of all the synths I’m looking at right now. Thanks :)
Please no more cables on the keyboard :-)
I would recommend (beginners like me) to get something with actual keys, or getting a midi keyboard to connect to it. This opens a world of expansiveness.
Currently I an using a Novation Circuit a midi keyboard an iPad and a laptop
AE modular system 2. Perhaps not for a beginner to synthesisers but definitely a great choice for someone knew to modular, particularly if they are on a budget.
Thanks Bo vid was great, as I'm just starting out and has gave me a lot to think about, I bought a microkorg a few weeks a ago from reverb and it's awsome didn't know about reverb until I saw u rcomend them on ur channel, so thanks again and keep up the good work, awesom channel.
Started with the Roland JDXi, still there.. :)
250€ used and you're good to go, as a drummer i really love it.
Even after 17 years, the Korg Microkorg is still one of the most versatile synths out there for the money
To me it always seemed less like a synth and more like a rompler, I think it's called, where you don't really adjust all the parameters and make new sounds, but rather go through presets and change certain pre-assigned macros. Maybe I'll look at it again.
@@mikeexits I started off with presets, but soon realized that most were just not really a good demonstration of how good the synth can sound with a little work. I got mine a few weeks ago and have just been working through the presets, initializing and writing over since then. BTW, the digital oscillators and delay are pretty fun to mess with.
@@Joe-po4mj Cool, sounds interesting! Glad you like it. :) I love my Minilogue, can't wait for my Korg Volca Sample, FM, Modular, and Novation Circuit, personally.
Time to sip the coffee lol. You forgot the Behringer Deepmind 6 and 12 analog synths. Both are under a thousand Euro and are analog power houses they are very close sounding to the Roland Juno.106 but have a 4 part multi effects processor and have 2 oscilators and over a thousand editable patch memory. These synths are packed with goodies and sound great.
Amen. Plus the build is high enough quality to far exceed what one might expect for the price.
As a piano player: buy a second hand nord lead. 16 voices (honestly 8 because of unison) makes playing large chords possible. And seeing it models analog, you learn enough to understand the basics of any 2 osc synth. (Mine was a rack model to connect to my keyboard with actual nice keys.) Works well and the modulation is great. Not as fancy as modular, but it does come close.
I wrote the same type of comment about the Nord Lead but for people that do deep house and that aren't trained keyboard players.. I can't believe I never considered a Nord as a first synth before. and the 2x, it's 20 voices. and for a 1000$ cad(with taxes), same price here as a brand new Minilogue XD.
I'd say the Circuit has an awesome built in digital synth as well as the drums and sequencing capabilities. Polyphonic as well and while you can create patches on the Circuit, the software looks fairly user friendly
I think the microbrute is a great synth for beginners, no menus, simple design, tiny patchbay, easy to learn the basics on, and pretty cheap used now. Kind of regret selling mine now I think of it...
Digitakt has become my synth of choice. While sold as a sampler, built-in collection or single cycle waveforms and noise make this a really immediate choice for a mono synth and allows for just as much sonic variety as the digitone once you start to resample.
Nice list. I’d add the Korg MS-20 Mini ($450 New). Good for beginners because:
(1) It’s very tactile - no menu dives whatsoever, only knobs, so you’re not going to get lost figuring out its quirks.
(2) It’s semi-modular, so if you’re interested in patching and modular stuff it offers a helpful, low-stakes place to start.
(3) It’s super raw, so it takes well to whatever effects you run it through. And those filters are amazing.
If you are into keyboards, strings and pads, I'd recommend to look at Waldorf Streichfett. It sounds really great, easy to tweak, quite inexpensive and it takes not much space on the table.
It has a limitation though that it can produce only pads/strings and some quite basic plucked string sounds.
And you need a MIDI keyboard to use it.
I like my Waldorf Rocket too but not sure if it is a good buy comparing to Volcas (need to play with Volcas to figure that out), most likely it is not as cost effective.
I really like the sound of the Roland Boutique series. Good value for money. And for example the SH-01A is 4 voice poly. Also good synths are the Novas from Novation including the Circuit. Only disadvantage on Circuit is that to modify the the Synth deeper, you have to connect to a PC. But Novation gear is so nice to work with and the support is great. Would love to also recommend the Modal Skulpt, it sounds huge, but the build quality is just so bad, i just can't.
@Maochan81 Don't have a circuit, but I believe that all the synth params are adjustable via midi CC - so you could use a bank of dials on Midi keyboard (for example) to control them.
I've found the built quality of my Skulpt to be perfectly okay. Obviously, it's plastic, not metal, but it seems about as well built as any other average plastic thing. It was a Kickstarter project so there may be some pre-production models kicking around that have poorer build quality (just speculating here).
@@marktaylor7162 I ordered one around a month ago, it came with the latest firmware, should be a pretty new batch. I knew it's from plastic and light..no problem with that. But mine was totally scratched out of the box from the bottom, there were dirty fingerprints even though it was wrapped in original plastic wrap. Encoders were not straight, a lot of them were like small Pisa towers :). Led caps were falling off. Also the encoders had this really cheap scratchy feel, not the nice oily one (if you know what i mean). So if a Volca is 7/10 build quality, this was like 2/10. I wish i could pay more and get it in a decent enclosure.
@@Maochan81 Wow, that sounds really bad. Mine was in perfect condition when it arrived and still is. With the condition yours was in I would return it if at all possible (should be if you got it new - no-one would consider that kind of condition acceptable).
@@marktaylor7162 Returned it right away of course and asked for a refund. Quality seem hit or miss, so didn't bother with a new one. Bought a used Sh01-A and now thinking about Microfreak :)
For 100 USD you can get the tiny Korg NTS-1, which uses their basic synth engine that allows you import custom oscillators. It has a good number of features and decent connectivity, although the MIDI adapter cable is tricky to find at the moment (USB MIDI works fine however). Some of the deeper features require you to hold a button and turn a separate knob, so you have to use the arpeggiator to play notes in those cases, but the arp is incredibly easy to use so that's not a big deal. I would say the only real drawback is that the ribbon keyboard is barely functional, so you pretty much need an external keyboard or even your computer keyboard to play reliably, but other than that this deserves consideration for a first synth, especially for that price. Korg is always pushing the envelope between toys and true synth-like devices, this is no exception.
Leapt straight in with a Wavestate and hoo boy, that's a learning curve!
Yepp! Its intense!
I've only just begun messing around with synths and bought my first about a year ago, a Behringer Crave and I think it deserves a mention. If I understand things correctly it's pretty much a clone of the Moog Mother 32 with the biggest differences being the lower pricetag, its looks/layout, and the keys (which unfortunately suck).
I respect recommending the original over a clone, but when talking first synths price becomes more important and for $200 I'd say the Crave is the better option.
Regarding the bad keys (or rather buttons) the Crave actually ends up being a better alternative in that regard as well since you can afford getting a midi keyboard as well and still end up paying less, and although the buttons on the Mother 32 are better than those of the Crave they can't compete with a midi keyboard.
More bang for your buck on the cheap end definitely UNO Synth. More bang on the splurge end def def the Digitone. Nice vid Bo.
I agree with the Uno Synth to be honest with you mate, I only wish I picked it up sooner, but for us here in Australia it's only just dropped from $400.00 to $200.00 which is great, Microfreak is my next pick up.
my first two synths and I guess all in one was the Korg Monologue and the Zoom Arq-96
In four years, I've gone from a volca keys (beats, bass, sample, fm), to a minilogue, an original pro one, and lately a Synthstrom Audible Deluge... and experiments with everything from dub, to synthwave to musique concrete, orchestral xcores and drone doom metal.
I think you way undersold the microfreak. I actually solde my minilogue XD when I bought the freak. You didnt mention the modulation patch bay its a huge feature at a small price I am a piano player and took me a little while to get use to the keyboard but it has poly after touch routable and it can play super fast plus i can plug in an other midi board if i want. The 4 voice paraphony is not an issue bacause of the envelope and other mod options which do the same thing to your ear. Took me a while to get to grips with, its super deep. The gorgeous SEM filter, and Ive made a ton of fat 80s synth sounds on it too. Lots oscillatiors same as from Plaits the modular people so thats a biggy and now a vocoder as well. Such alot of synth for a small price.I dont miss my minilogue XD at all I can get so much more sounds out of the freak and I did install a ton of User oscillators on the XD they are good
first time someone accused me of underselling :D good thing you made a great pitch for it. Its a lovely synth
@@BoBeats It took me a long time to find what this synth did, I'm no big synth guy played in bands for 30 years had synths like CS60 but mainly used basic presets with little tweaks the Freak blew my mind and still does that matrix lol I know you like matrix in synths. I just ordered a Circuit that'll be a new one for me. I own a Wavestate and a stage piano as I love electric piano sounds . Appreciate your work you feel like one of us a normal person who loves the stuff we all do plus coffee
Thanks buddy! I really dont plan on putting on shades and becoming some cool artist in a leather jacket anytime soon. Your average synth dad ☑️
@@BoBeats that's not you at all No 😁 that's why people follow you. Now where's the coffee . Thanks for everything you do.
In this current market you can easily have a poly and a mono with full size keys for under 1000.00 easily. On any given day you can pick from several great poly synths to choose from and add a 300 dollar mono and another full size controller, (all for under 1000.00)
I have a PortaTone from the '80s. It's not competitive, but it has more octaves and is dirt cheap. Some PortaTones have sliders and directional pads if you look hard enough. I think mine has a polyphony of 8+1; the extra voice works monophonically.
It's a confusing instrument, but it's a valid entry point into synthesis. I personally lean more towards high polyphony, so it's been the right synth for me.
Sequential TAKE5, I would recommend this one!
Nice sounding synths here, but I keep saving for the Moog One... :)
but why tho?
@@theeltea It is hard to explain, it is a feeling from the inside.
@@Jehudi For the money you can get two vintage polyphonics...
@@theeltea True, but it is about what you want, not about what else you can get, it is the start of my synth journey :) later on I want to get the OB6, sub37, ms20, maybe a juno-6. But only time will tell :D
@@Jehudi It's about what sonic pallete you can get for the money invested.
The Reface CS is an awesome beginner synth if you're on a budget. It's a lot more versatile than you might think. I agree though that a lack of internal patch memory is a little disappointing. A built-in arpeggiator would be nice too...
For keyboard players, I'd have to say the Studiologic Sledge v2. $900 US gets you a 5 octave fatar keybed hooked into a VA synth with involvement from Waldorf (if I'm not mistaken). I mention the keybed specifically because I have a prophet rev 2 and my favorite thing about that synth coming from cheaper stuff is how great and playable the keys are. Even if I didn't like the sound or enjoy making patches, writing music on the rev 2 keyboard is awesome, and I assume the Sledge would also be good.
Both Korg Minilogues are awesome synths. The XD is a better synth overall, I love it. But it is a tradeoff, you gain some features XD and lose some as well. The original Minilogue is abigger bang for your buck these days. You can find it for under $500 brand new. You can get it for $350-$400 used. Just be aware for both of them you will need a separate amp. It's a great time to be into synthesizers. Add to that the huge array DAW plugin VSTi synths and you have so much sound available for so little money.
what's the original have that the xd doesn't?
The Yamaha Reface line offers some very nice features and a decent price point, but the minikeys continuously kick my butt when I use my reface DX. So it mostly pulls duty as an excellent sound module when I hook it up to my Roland FP-4. Not particulay portable as I'm using a digital piano, true. But, man, sounds oh so sweet. :)
As for the Mother-32, it's a sweet consolidated setup on its own. The single oscillator can be a no-sale, but you can do a lot with it. Also, if you're willing to spend more money, the DFAM is the perfect companion to it. Of course, you can always grab the low (for Moog) cost and remarkably robust Werkstatt-01 with the patch adapter to add another Oscillator and LFO.
Oh. And then there's the Behringer Model-D. It's a mini and semi-modular clone of the Moog Model D, but with no keyboard and a price point of $250-300 US.
Bo is a slippery fellow. He knows he should have started and ended this video with the Arturia Microfreak and thanked everybody for watching!
P.S. Bo Beats should be kidnapped and have his head shaven for not mentioning the Korg ARP Odyssey. :p
Thank you for this great list! :) It would be great with a similar list of first hardware sequencers! :)
Thos was really helpfull, some of the mentions where defintily not on my gear radar. Thanks