BEST SYNTH TO BUY IN 2023
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- Опубліковано 7 чер 2024
- What's the best synthesizer for you to buy in 2023? Whether you're looking for analog, digital, hybrid, monophonic, polyphonic, semi-modular or polyphonic aftertouch, these are my picks for the strongest contenders in the market this year!
►SYNTH PLAYLIST: • SYNTHESIZERS - Vintage...
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Please click that SYNTH PLAYLIST link above ⬆️ it's the best way to help me with that pesky algorithm! I have videos covering all of my favorite vintage synths like the Chroma Polaris, Roland SH-2, D-50, JD-800, JP-8000 and JX-3P, Korg MS-20, DW-8000, MS-2000, DSS-1 and Wavestation, Oberheim Matrix 6, Kawai K1 and Kawai K3, and Ensoniq Mirage and SQ-80. I also cover new hard and soft synthesizers like the Korg Prologue, Spectrasonics Omnisphere and Serum.
NOTE:
I misspoke when I said the Trigon, OB and Prophet 6's all have the same voice card. The voice cards are all different, it's the motherboards and remaining hardware / software that's the same.
In this video we'll be discussing the Moog Minimoog Model D Reissue, Matriarch and Mavis, the Arturia Minifreak, the Waldorf Iridium Keys, the Oberheim OB-X8, the Sequential Trigon 6 and Take 5, the Hydrasynth Deluxe and Explorer, the Dreadbox Typhon and Nymphes, the Cre8audio East Beast and West Pest, the Korg MS-20 mini, Minilogue XD and Volca Keys, the Novation Summit, and finally the Behringer Model D.
0:00 Intro
0:36 Best Gift For Beginners
1:43 Best Value / Budget Analog Monosynth
2:36 Best Analog Monosynth
3:46 Best Value / Budget Semi-Modular Synth
5:00 Best Small Semi-Modular Analog Synth
6:28 Best High-End Semi-Modular Analog Synth
7:25 Best Value / Budget Digital Synth
8:38 Best Value Hybrid Synth (Synth of the Year IMHO)
9:30 Best High-End Hybrid Synth
10:19 Best Value / Small Poly-Aftertouch Synth
11:12 Best Value / Big Poly-Aftertouch Synth
11:28 Best High-End Poly-Aftertouch Synth
12:18 Best Value / Budget Analog Polysynth
13:59 Best Small Analog Polysynth
15:15 Best Value Big Analog Polysynth
16:21 Best High-End Analog Polysynth
17:58 Most Overpriced Synth of the Year Award 🏆
19:01 Most IDGAF Synth of the Year Award 🏆 - Навчання та стиль
I misspoke when I said the Trigon, OB and Prophet 6's all have the same voice card. The voice cards are all different, it's the motherboards and remaining hardware / software that's the same.
Not subscribing until you upload the video kittens playing with the gators shove them in.
I guess you haven't used the expressive e osmose
I have not had the opportunity - the synth was just coming out when I made this video
You’re STILL wrong. The filters are different, too. An OB and Prophet have the same ladder filter that the Trigon has? Is that your belief? Seems you totally shat on the incredible Trigon-6, all while not knowing a single accurate thing about it. IMO a disphit take on probably the most useable Sequential Synth ever made. Unsubbed.
Considering you also thanked Korg for making Moog synths TWICE in this video, that is not such a big mistake
@aoterou what do you mean?
Just bumped and discovered your channel while looking for some info on Omnisphere, been binging to your videos since! Great great stuff, good job man looking forward to more in 2023!
I really appreciate you saying that, it means a helluvah lot 🙏
Thanks for the video! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Dave 🍾🥂
This is the first video I've seen by you. You've got a fantastic voice for stuff like this and the aesthetic of someone I'd totally expect to talk about hardware synths (in the most complimentary way)
Thank you! Welcome to the channel!
It was even worse when I had a handlebar moustache 😂
Thank you!!
Glad you found the video helpful! 🙏
Happy New Year bud!
Happy New Year Greg! 🍾🥂
Glad you mentioned the Minifreak. I'm a guitarist wanting to add nice low end synth tracks, and the Microfreak seems to be a great budget synth with an unusual keyless aftertouch keyboard. I'm limited with the EHX Synth9 pedal.
Incredible value!
You’ve done a great here in your best of year synth video. You’ve hit the lion’s share of what synth’s that have caught my attention, and while I will always find a compilation video like this, super exciting to check out and learn from, it will give me even more of a pleasure to share it with a friend who is now in the market for a new compact synth for doing the show’s he travels to Europe for, and so, he will get a great start at seeing what’s currently available. One of your guest commenter’s mentions the Modal cobalt series, and he has an 8x and I have the 5s. I like this synth a lot, as it’s set up for creativity, covering a lot of bases with the algorithm choices+. It’s not as vibrant as the Minilogue or the Volca FM2, but it is a workhorse of versatility that’s great for experimentation or composing with. I hope you will review the new Pittsburg Modular Tiaga Synth. They have pretty much thrown in the kitchen sink for 800.
The Modal stuff is awesome but a little hard to put into the categories I have setup. Because they're digital they're going head to head with synths like the Hydra or ModWave, which really are a different type of digital synthesis.
@@VultureCulture it’s tough to cover everything, and we all have our own particular inclinations towards gear, so, much respect here, and I really appreciate your reply. I’m really happy that Hydra synth now has that lower priced model that you covered. (Which reminds me of one of my favorite parts of your comp video here, and that is a constant focus on the relative value of these synths, and This is something I really appreciate and believe in because I tend to need to go to these more modest price points, as many other’s do, to gain entry to such products. It’s taken me quite a while to appreciate that Hydra synth in a more personal, sound oriented way, but, that synth has really caught my attention, because I know it’s deep, and yet, it’s supposed to have an easy work flow. I agree with how you’ve categorized the gear here, and I think There is a place where digital synth’s are cutting edge sound wise, and the Hydra seems to fit into that category. Which is to say, that, yes there are definitely different categories, and I’d find it difficult myself to not cover the more vibrant sounding synths that also aren’t trying to fit into the virtual analog category.
great video, thanks and respect
Glad you enjoyed 🙏🙏🙏
Totally with you on the Volca Keys! That was my first one when I started a couple years ago. :) Often overlooked but it sounds great and is a great first analog synth.
Really incredible features and sound for the money!
I love the Quadra-Strata Mellilux 2000 with the Laser Harp add-on
Sequential Pro 3 is one of the best mono synths for patch design. It just brings so much to the table, it's now my favorite synthesizer.
Pro 3 is a helluvah synthesizer
Amazing info vid..
That Dred box Typhon looks a superb machine...maybe the synth ive been looking for as a next move from the microfreak which I sold on..
Thank you! 🙏 and yes the Typhon is an excellent synth!
I absolutely love my Modal Cobalt 8X. It sounds fantastic, especially with recent firmware updates, it has a premium Fatar keybed, it's built like a tank, and on top of it, it looks beautiful. I'm selling a lot of gear after purchasing it, since it's now fully covering all my "analog synth sound" needs.
The Modal stuff is absolutely awesome - I should have had em in this year's roundup
Wow. What are you selling that the Cobalt blows away?
I have Modal Skulpt and love it! Modal makes great synths for affordable price.
I absolutely should include more Modal stuff in the future
@@VultureCulture neat thing about the ui´s - lots of endless encoders - for me its still kinda confusing why there are so many synths out there with presets that dont have them (kinda annoying to set the pots back in position for new patches and for live playing with switching presets)
I'm very satisfied with the Hydrasynth Explorer, which is also a tremendous MIDI/CV keyboard/controller.
Do you feel it has any limitations vs the full size?
Happy MS-20 mini user here, looking to get West Pest synth into the setup! :)
Great overview!
My mind melts at the idea of patching between the two of those synths.
Great list!
Thank you 🙏
Love your work! I bought a used Typhon for $400 based on your earlier reviews. Fantastic sounds! Also a Rev2 after the great Prologue/Rev2 debate. Appreciate your insights!
I also saved some kittens from being gator snacks although I am a dog person.
Hahahaha awesome! So glad you've found my videos helpful 🙏
Awesome video. I’m still trying to figure out the right workstation I guess I’d say abd whether or not to go with a groove box or keyboard style. I don’t play any instruments but have melodies and ideas in my head that I want to transform into a groove. I like the idea of a vocoder so I can sing with my brutal voice but maybe it can help build my track, something easy to work with , that can sequence, and had preset loops and maybe chord progressions idk.
Something like the Novation Circuit series might work well for you - check em out!
@@VultureCulture This device looks pretty much what I’m looking for. Gonna looking into this more. Definitely want a beginner learning curve and something that could make someone who doesn’t play an instrument sound more polished lol.
It's always great to see any video you make! Not that I'm buying (ATM), but just cool to see what's out there! A couple of your suggestions I missed! Thanks and Happy New Year!
Thank you! And same! I always like to give my thoughts once a year on the market even though I'm firmly stuck in nostalgia land lol
@@VultureCulture Are you doing a VST-version too?
I don't think so.
Last year I put a section in at the end of the video but I wasn't happy with it.
My recommendations are pretty simple and I'm not well versed with the abundance of new plugins. Omnisphere is amazing and the best product on the market if you can afford it and Serum sounds amazing and everyone uses it.
Do you have any thoughts about VST's in 2023?
@@VultureCulture Well to be fair, 2022 was the year I spent so little money on anything, VST-wise, because I do think the market is becoming a little oversaturated.
That being said, I love what Arturia did with Pigments 4. I also like their Augmented series. And I think the released their CS80-V 4 in 2022, which is an improvement to V 3. Other than that, I'm mostly sticking to what's been there for years, like Diva, TAL-U-NO-LX, N.I. plugins, Korg plugins and Cubase's own Retrologue (just to name a few).
I really need to check out Pigments, everyone really loves it. And Diva sounds absolutely amazing.
Great channel my man. Looking into the OBERHEIM. I was wondering i was offered a Motif ES8 and a Korg Triton LE 61 key for $4500 bucks . I understand both have the sampler options in them but is that too much for them??????( BTW i sold a Korg Radius for $500 to a friend i am now regretting)
FWIR, the Trigon can key track the lfo, so setting the speed to double every octave and tying it to PWM gives a consistent sound of two detuned oscillators, that don't fall apart in too low or high of notes.
That's pretty neat!
Great video man! You're voice settings on your mic are spot on! What are your thought on the Sonicware LIVEN Texture Lab? It seems to be up and coming. Thank you.
It seems super cool! But I don't know enough about the product to really speculate on it. I would love to find someone who has one to give me their opinions on it.
I have a Waldorf Iridium (the original "desktop" module, not the new keyboard version) and I have to say it's honestly one of my biggest go-to synths when I'm sound designing. It's such a joy to work with. I have a rack of vintage gear that I love and can only get certain sounds out of. The Iridium is like, yeah when you see the price tag you're like 😬. I was the same way but I decided to try it out to see if I liked it and if I didn't, I would return it. After a while of messing with it, the price tag is a lot easier to justify once you see just how deep you can go with it. I think Waldorf really did something great in the Iridium to where you can have what seems like an option paralysis inducing nightmare of parameters and features, but yet it feels very inviting when you're actually using it. It's very inspiring and most of the time, I find myself making absolutely INSANE patches and I've barely used but maybe 10% of what it's fully capable of. Loved the list btw but really wanted to comment on the Iridium since you brought it up and I know not many people own one. 😀👍
Thank you for your endorsement of the Iridium! Without a doubt I think Quantum/Iridium are such a huge shift in the market and I'm glad to hear from a happy customer ☺️
I have the desktop Iridium sitting in a box next to me, alongside an Arturia Polybrute. I CANNOT wait to get them setup but my eldest sons have moved out and my daughter is swapping rooms, so that means i finally get my own room for a studio….just need to paint it and get a desk in there!! Honestly though, i have been salivating over the Polybrute for quite some time and was a bit butthurt when it didn’t appear on this list, but glad the Iridium did and i know for sure I’m gonna have a ton of fun with them both. I also have a Roli Seaboard RISE 2 pre-ordered - due the end of March, which I’m going to pair with the Iridium as i heard it’s amazing for MPE controllers.
That sounds like a helluvah combo!
I can only imagine the glory lol
Hey, really great video and comparisons here. May I ask you for some advice? Currently thinking about getting my first real synth (right now I just have a drumbrute impact and an uno). Im considering the minilogue xd vs hydrasynth Explorer. I would like to make some live techno with it, but also use it as a songwriting and sound design tool. What would you think suets best here?
Greetings from Germany :)
Hey there! 🇩🇪
There are many types of techno - I would consider if the artists you want to sound like sound very 'analog' (whether they are using analog gear or not) or 'wavetabley' (complex, morphing pads or bass sounds).
If the former go Minilogue XD and if the latter go Hydra.
Does that help?
Really great rundown on these fine synths. Save the Kittens!
Thank you 🙏
Love your videos! Got a quick question:
I’ve been saving up for a synth for a while. Im about ready to pull the trigger. I have enough for a polybrute, and I was just curious. If you were buying a flagship synth right now, $3k USD or less, and it was the only synth you could buy for like 5 years, what would you get? I’ve only got the Korg Minilogue XD so my arsenal is very thin.
The Minilogue XD is nothing to laugh at, especially with the logue sdk user oscillators!
I think 3k or less PolyBrute is pretty phenomenal if you want all analog. Also consider an OB-6 desktop if that form factor appeals to you. All analog but with that glorious morphing filter (notch pads baby!)
And if you're into digital the Hydrasynth deluxe for $1,800 seems hard to beat with its 76-keys of polyphonic after touch.
Hopefully that helps! Happy synthing!
happy new year Bro love your content ! keep it up ! lets see what to get i think i ll get the JU-06A or the Dreadbox Typhon since i dont have a monophonic synth and i am Greek so i can go buy it directly :P I Have Minilogue XD and Circuit Tracks at the moment.
Ah! To be from Vangelis-land. You must be able to smell the CS-80 on the wind! 🇬🇷
dude u r awesome !
Thank you - you're awesome too! 🙏
Not only does the Minimoog have so many clones but the Grandmother gets you most the way there for something around 1/5 the price with more features
That's a perfect way to say it - I'd take a Matriarch any day over a Model D
Great video ! I currently own a hydrasynth but looking for a vintage style poly synth such as juno x or the behringer UB-xa don’t kill me but for the price I’m thinking about it but in this vid u mention the summit & I’d like to know your thoughts on those & maybe some other options $2500 and under is the spot for me thanks in advance
Behringer UB could be one of the greatest synths IF everything goes off without a hitch and sounds authentic (jury's still out on that one)
My current recommendations are the Minifreak ($600) or Take 5 ($1,350 on Sweet water) if you want all analog. I'm not into the Juno-X (doesn't sound *that* close to a Juno)
If you really want that Juno sound you can usually find vintage Alpha Juno 2's for about $600
My Favorite of the year is the Dreadbox Typhon! Its full of so many surprises and sound great. Oh the reverb is killer to...
Sinevibes makes killer fx!
Truly great times. Out of my collection, I’d have to keep my Polybrute & Juno-X. That’s 6 synths + drums there. I’d miss my OB though
Poly brute seems like a tour de force!
is the consensus that the waldorf iridium quality control issues with the initial release run have all been worked out at this point?
I don't know unfortunately. I didn't even hear there were initial quality control issues lol
Pro 3 my fav synth for transparency, musicality, flexibility of sound... Sure it's mono but it sounds like an instrument and can sound polyphonic.
The Pro 3 is an incredible instrument for sure!
UDO SUPER 6 might be one of the greatest modern classic synths you can get today, And I have a moog one 16 voice. They are outstanding together. George Hearn has really created something special.
I agree - their stuff might be the classics we hold up as the best of our era in 20 years ✨
It doesen't give me kicks from UA-cam. Good synths do. So i'd not recommend UDO.
One weird habit of mine turned out to be useful over the years: do judge synths by youtube impression, but listen to your inner feeling rather than explanations or specific sound features. Look for a synth that gives you shivers when it plays on youtube demos. It's what matters most if your intention is to make music with it (and not working as sound designer or using it as side kick for specific function in a rig).
That's important! So much of it is the emotional connection you make with the gear!
@@VultureCulture No. It's not about emotional connection with gear. It's about listening outside the box.
It's more than the well known features of sound that make your music appealing. Engeneers make explanations, youtubers analyze with oscilloscopes, but there's just so much that these words bring across about how one set of silicon chips sounds. There's more to it that you can find out by reading those words, and there's more to it than you can deduce by looking at it's front panel. But you don't realize it, you may be hearing a good sound and then a crap sound, and not realizing why this difference, and then those stereotypes conseal your impression.
You gotta break this consealing by listening to the raw sound which is good enough in a youtube video. On top of that, you know for yourself, which way you're going to use the synth for, and which qualities will never come forward for you.
If you listen and you love the sound, this is a good instrument for you, no matter how cheap or out of fashion it is. Your gut testifies: you will be squeezing real music out of this.
If you listen, and you hear a loud nothing, than no matter the hype around the instrument, it will be a waste of money.
Bass Station 2 is my favorite "modern" monosynth. Personal opinion, but its just so versatile and fun to use. Its not perfect by any means, I just love it.
I definitely need to check it out!
KMFDM uses it live that means a lot given how awesome that band is and how many albums they have released with record fans.
I didn't know that! Now I really have to get one!
I'm stuck between Minifreak and the MinilogueXD -- Experienced pianist, beginner synthesist, into a wide range of music (mainly hiphop and 80s inspired rock). Also want to use keyboard as a midi controller & live keyboard. (Bonus) I also briefly checked out the Nord Lead and MicroKorg and now Im overwhelmed. 😩 Any thoughts?
You can't go wrong with either the Minilogue XD or the Minifreak but as a beginner I would consider the XD simply because it can be an entirely analog synthesizer and that's a really cool path to go down first with no menu diving. Then you can add user oscillators like from dirtboxsynth or sinevibes and really dig deep into digital synth stuff like on the Microfreak (FM, Wave table, Physical Modeling)
Just my 2 cents at 4 in the morning.
Do you have a video on the Prophet X with your opinions of it?
I do not because I can't afford one lol
I can echo a few things I've heard from Jamie of GEOSynths. It seems like the synth was a bit abandoned by Sequential and 8dio because of differences between the companies. So there weren't as many expansions it sounds like as there were planned to be.
Stereo analog filters for samples are awesome. But Jamie spent a lot of time importing analog synth waveform into his because the digital oscillators are kind of thin. I don't think I'd want to spend that kind of money on oscillators that don't sound as good as some of the other sequential synths.
What do you think?
Volca Keys Was my first synth, love it.
Awesome!
DeepMind 12 desktop is just great. Continually impressed by the sounds esp for the price.
Absolutely!
Micromonsta 2 is easily the best digital synth on its category. Bitimbral, 12 voices, and sounds great.
I hadn't even heard of it - thank you for telling me!
Would love to try one of these puppies out
Good choices.
Any you think I missed? 🙏
I have a hydrasynth explorer and am contemplating getting a MiniFreak. Do you think that's redundant?
I love my HS, but I feel like the sounds coming out of the MF tend to be different and 'cleaner' in some ways. Is this GAS tricking my brain?
I think it may be worth waiting a little bit and seeing if there's any more demos you can listen to of the MF and other synths.
It's kind of like getting a tattoo. You get wrapped up in the excitement of it. The proverbial wisdom is to carry a picture of the tattoo in your purse/wallet for 6 months to see if you still want it then.
So I'm not advising a 6 month waiting period, but I do think those synths are similar enough to warrant a little more time considering.
@@VultureCulture that's sage advice and much appreciated brother!
I have analog and digital synths yet I prize my samplers to set the tone for diversity..i do like the Hydrasynth Deluxe.Quantum,Polybrute, Summit,etc..
Samplers are critical for varying up the sound. Analog only gets you so far
I really like my Virus TI2 given how powerful it is with 16 part multi-timbral, tons of filter, oscillator, fx and synth models and dozens of voices. A real powerhouse.
No doubt the Virus Ti is the king of VA's
@@VultureCulture Waldorf Q : COUGH COUGH:
Hahahaha fair
Well articulated arguments. I don't necessarily agree with the entire list, but you backed up your claims, so that was pretty cool. 😀 👍 IMO 'PWM Malevolent' should've been the best Value Analogue Mono - that thing thunders, rumbles, growls, bellows and gnarly gargles, all of which makes grown up men giggle with joy like little schoolgirls 😄 (make that a category 🤪). It was good to see the Pittsburgh twins there (Cre8Audio).
For the next year's list please: since you've created separate "poly-aftertouch" classification, can we have a full split between Best Digital, Best Hybrid and Best Analogue with their appropriate three sub-divisions of price, value, and high end. I thought maybe the "best revival of a synth" could be a thing, but OB-X8 pretty much wiped the floor in that respect and I don't think we have much more to revive now with the Sequentials, Oberheims, and Moogs already doing their thing, and Korg was pretty accurate with the official copy of ARP 2600 and the suitcase, even though IMHO Roland Juno X is the most friendly iteration of the classic of the past (and yeah yeah yeah, I know it's not analogue... 😜). Happy New Year and looking forward to your MS20 vid 👍
PWM Malevolent is a great choice - a few people have said the same thing!
I probably will split hybrid into its own category next year.
I actually did do "best revival" in a video last year - and wasn't exactly happy with the category. It felt a little arbitrary and like you said, OB-X8 would be the winner this year but also the high end analog poly.
Thank you for your comment! 🙏
Great video and some excellent choices. I knew that the Minifreak was going to be in there, haha! For a budget analog poly, I think that the Deepmind is damn near impossible to beat. It really is capable of some incredible sounds and covers a lot of ground. The presets are just a little to drenched in FX and many are not really usable in the real world. Making your own or buying pre-made packs, though, and it can really shine.
The DM12 is a great synth - however I get comments on my videos complaining about the build quality and the price has gone up quite a bit since last year. For that reason I elected not to mention it but that doesn't mean it's not a great synth
i got a bit lost by all the categories. So what's your recommend? Minifreak or Hydrasynth?
Overall - Minifreak's value can't be beat!
Another Great vid I wanted the Trigon 6 but already had the PRO 3 so I decided to get the Take 5. Next up OBX8 and then I'm done I'll have more than enough tools to make great music looking forward to 2024 Hopefully you'll do a Best Drum synth vid
I am no expert in drum synths. I would have recommended Perkins but a good friend of mine got one and had so many issues with it. So I'm actually at a loss there.
@@VultureCulture I like my arturia DrumBrute not parting with that
Everyone likes those!
I'm interested in the Drumlogue - but don't have an opinion yet on it
What would you say is the best synth to use as a master midi controller?
A Hydrasynth Deluxe might be the most plush 76 key poly aftertouch keyboard possible for sub 2 k.
Interesting list. The mavis and cre8audio gear hit those prices with least cost possible BOM and build - IMHO Behringer Cat and Crave are worth comparing and also considering with those. Same for the MS-20 where a 2600 and MiniBrute 2 are worthy options depending on wants/needs. Matriarch is definitely a masterpiece, especially with the $500 price drop since this. Definitely a tough choice between minifreak and small hydrasynth. Summit is criminally underrated and underappreciated synth - especially if willing to buy used where it is a MUCH better value than a Take5. While there is a lot to love on the OB-X8 the king of analog polys remains the P10rev4. For a top end digital the mk2 Quantum, especially if buying from Thomann. Finally, for that mini magic at $1700 less the SE MidiMini. Same ultra quality BOM and build level to get the best monosynth workflow/layout ever and THAT sound dead on plus a bit more patching flexibility.
All really great points!
Behringer Deepmind and Monopoly and Korg Monologue and Prologue aren't in this video. I sugest a new category: synths with keys (mini keys and full size keys). Korg Volca Keys has not arpeggiator. It has not VCOs choice too. I know it is not expensive but...
The Prologue is discontinued.
I've recommended DM12 in the past but I've gotten so many comments complaining about build quality so I don't feel like I can recommend it anymore.
Monopoly is cool. Monologue isn't very competitive anymore IMHO.
Thank you for your comment 🙏
@@VultureCulture well you know very well Behringer synths are good but it have nothing real to do with good for the hate commentary people.They don’t like the brand.
I'm looking for my first synth with a keyboard would you recommend the Minifreak or the Hydrasynth Explorer?
If I had to buy one it would be the minifreak for the analog filters - but you really can't go wrong with either.
@@VultureCulture Thank you very much for the response I'm definitely going with the Minifreak. I appreciate your help very much. I watched a ton of demos of both and I noticed you don't have to menu dive so much with the minifreak to make your sounds. Just seems much more inviting to me though I do love the sounds of the Hydrasynth Explorer just as much as the MiniFreak. Now I am a subscriber looking forward to future content from you.
Awesome! Let me know how it goes 🙏
GS E7 is a dope analog poly synth that is Mace in Argentina. looks like a Moog front panel. for the price they sound amazing!
Definitely should have mentioned that one!
@@VultureCulture your video kinda sold me on one. I was looking at an ob-6 mod and as much as I love the sound knowing the voice chips are the same, I’d much rather have something more unique. Deluge, jomox, norand and e7! :) thanks for the video.
I love unique! I'm always on the hunt for underrated and strange vintage synths. I do a live stream every Wednesday at 9 pm est if you want to come hang out 🙏
ua-cam.com/video/nu56lqaBDYA/v-deo.html
Great to know that I have in owns some of the best synths hot :)
Yes sir! 🫡
A-men! I couldn't agree more with you about the Trigon..
I couldn't be the only one
I own the prophet rev II and the Moog sub 37 tribute, am looking for synth number 3 then my arsenal is complete, just cant deciede, Virus TI2 Novation Summit or the new Behringer OB-Xa mmm
Interesting to me that you picked a digital, a hybrid and then an analog synth.
Let me know what you end up deciding!
Any advice on a hardware synth that is great for pads, Bladerunner stuff?
Roland jd-08 sounds cool
JD-08 is great but very digital sounding (I have the original JD-800)
Best bets on a budget would be Modal Cobalt5, Dreadbox Nymphes, or the Korg Minilogue XD. Nice analog sounds with boatloads of reverb.
Given recent industry news, having a look at the companies health has to be part of the purchase process. Getting tech support from Moog or Modal, for example, might be a challenge going forward. For the same reason I would shy away from any hardware that relies on software, unless it's a megacorp like Behringer, Roland or Korg.
Which brands do you think are safe bets at this point?
@@VultureCulture I've been looking to get my first synth so have gone down a few brand rabbit holes. Of the smaller brands, for < $1000 , cre8audio because of the Pittsburg pedigree & value proposition, Erica seems to have a devout following, same for Make Noise (0-Coast). IK multimedia seems like good value for money, but the company has so many products that I wonder whether the company size is sustainable in an age of knockoffs.
Oberheim OB X8 is favorite poly analog synth today in spite of the price tag. Digital wise, agree the Waldorf is great but I would get the M over the Quantum. Already have granular and other synths in the Virus. I want that gritty analog filter from the PPG and Microwave in the new Waldorf M.
Fair point. And Quantum MKII is just announced!
@@VultureCulture indeed well I am not buying anymore synths for a while. Maybe in few years will pick up a Waldorf and the new Mini Moog.
Quantum is my fav
The mk ii is enticing
Another Synth party 🎉. Hey dude what about the Behringer Pro-800
Damn! First two hours and I'm already regretting missing a synth 🤣 yeah that would have been good in the analog poly small form factor section
😊
You can get an Iridium keyboard model for a good price from the place that starts with T. Don't know why. I bought one.
$2,400! Is great! www.thomannmusic.com/waldorf_iridium_keyboard.htm
@@VultureCulture I ended up buying quite a few things since the prices were so good. Even after shipping charges. A couple got an extra charge from UPS for customs. Most did not. Still good deals even after custom charges when they happened. No problem with delivery by UPS. Had to get US power receptacles for a couple. Just inexpensive power cords. All the power supplies handle all voltages for what I bought. The Iridium keyboard is an unusually good deal. Also got a Hydrasynth for the heck of it. Now I am trying to figure out a replacement floppy for a SQ-80 I bought off Reverb. Got a VP-330 a couple days ago. I like string machines.
That is a serious setup you have going!
G7 e. The only analog synthesizer with more than two multitimbral patches priced at $1,500... What do you think. Will the rhinos of the industry turn their attention to an almost empty market niche? Or are rhinos already in chocolate and they don't care ? :)
That's a really cool one I missed!
@@VultureCulture Gs7e, is only one problem. This is a surface assembly. At first I hurried with my wallet, but stopped when I found out. I decided to wait for the discussion of the exploitation
i love this guy great content and his charity to kittens is so admirable😸
Gotta save the pussy! 🐱
I cannot find a single demo of the minifreak that I like.. I wanted to like it because of the Daw integration but I just really dislike the sound.
I understand totally. These types of comparisons can only go off of specs, but although the Rev2 has superior specs I went with a Korg Prologue because I preferred the sound.
Great review. Maybe we'll see a modern synth sneaking in the Vulture Culture studio when nobody is looking.
Hahahahaha you never know!
Great overview of the synth market! You have a great voice and look like Jordan Rudess. And I think you have a future in sales! LOL! Ever watch Tefty and Meems on YT?
Tefty and Meems? I have not, what kind of stuff do they do?
And thank you very much! 🙏
@@VultureCulture They are into making music with synth hardware. Some of the stuff that you featured. Tefty plays KBs and Meems sings. They do some amazing stuff. Check out their channel! They are also on Bandcamp.
I definitely will! Sounds really cool
Roland Juno 6, Yamaha DX7 (coming out later this year), Roland JX-3P, Sequential Pro600, hang on this is 2023, not 1983! Time to pop back in my time machine to get some classics!
Hahahahaha
..you are missing out...the Opsix is better than a DX7.. the Black Corporation ISE-NINis better than a Juno 6, the JX-3P isn't worthy of mentioning because lack of knobs or sliders, the Behringer Pro-800 is compatible to the Pro 600 but I prefer my Prophet 08 rack from 2008.. because it can have 4 oscillators per note and 4 LFO's that's why I also bought 2 Morpho's and a Tetra..
I didn't mention ISE-NIN and I should have!
You've got a lot of sick gear!
@@normdurkin6425 Good points there, good points! I had a Prophet '08 module, why did I sell it?!
@@VultureCulture ..I had to go eurorack for analog after getting the Prophet 08 rack , Morpho's, Tetra and minilogue because the choices seemed overpriced.. the Dreadbox Hysteria is great I have 2.. the Behringer 2600 VCO's have great value I bought 2 but there is something magical about the Pittsburgh waveforms complex oscillator.. it's just so thick that it even makes my Dreadbox Hysteria's sound average in comparison.. as far as digital the Opsix is phenomenal but the Minifreak might take or share the number one slot for best digital value..? ..I have get one to find out..
Are you going to do a review in early 2024? I am on the market for a high-end synth for dark electronica. (I already have Undercurrent, by the way). Thanks!
Look for the video January 1st!
@@VultureCulture haha! And is it going to answer my question about dark electronics? Any suggestion would be appreciated. Fantastic channel by the way.
I don't break down the synths by genre but more by category and features.
I bet it'll answer your question but if not I can help you further in the comments of that video 😂
Friend we need a black bar at the bottom of your video, very hard to see the description on the timebar
Good idea! You can always check the description for timestamps
Just attained a Arturia micro log for 100 🇺🇸.. is that a good deal!
Micro log?
man you have a very good radio voice
Thank you 🙏
Holy crap two years ago I paid 1400 for my asm hydrasynth..
But you know what the ASM synthesizer is a priceless badass synthesizer in fact I think it's the greatest synthesizer ever made... And to say something like that against some of the greats is pretty ballsy but I got my first moved in 1982 and worked my way through synthesizers my whole life...
The ASM is a mother beast.. if alien was a synthesizer this is it... The lush sounds the after touch on the keys is completely insane the freaking ribbon produces bends and glides, that will melt your face...
And then you get into the mutant functions !!!! Drool...
I hope to one day get the opportunity to own one. Certainly a modern classic!
would you pay $200 USD for a juno 2 - with one sticky key and one key that doesn't work?
If those are the only problems and you know a good synth tech - yes. If the repairs cost $100 or so that's still a good deal. Cheapest Juno 2 I've seen recently was $650
@@VultureCulture awesome, thanks, the other thing is, i just bought a berhinger poly d and haven't used it since i just got it, i feel guilty getting another one, but on the positive side, if i got it, i love that external box add on with all the knobs you can twist and turn for the juno 2, and there might be some ipad software or mac vst software too for it...
Super 6 is my favorite synth other than the classic roland synths (juno, jupiter etc).
Super 6 is an amazing hybrid synth!
Volca Keys? 3 oscilators?
Yeah, 3 voltage controlled oscillators for that price is unbeatable!
"They could have charged a lot more for it..cough Moog"...BWAHAHAHAHAHA...
Great video and content... thank you
Glad you enjoyed it 🙏
You have a great voice
Thank you 🙏🙏🙏
Great video! Although i wouldn’t recommend Volca Keys to a beginner. I find it pretty thin in its creativity. I got it for myself as a beginner and i sold it only some months after i got it.
I hear ya! Nothing wrong with upgrading - clearly you're into the hobby. Part of how I consider the "beginner's choice" every year is I want to make sure it's very reasonable so that if someone doesn't go into the hobby they didn't spend too much money.
What did you end up upgrading to?
@@VultureCulture Yes totally! A very good idea to get as many people into the hobby as possible!
I ended up getting a Korg Microkorg. But now after a year im soon done with my summerjob and im gonna end up with around 500$ to spend only on a synth. Im extremely glad that you answered my comment. I would be very happy if you, as a expert, could give your best recommendations for any synth, not more then 500$. Im not a US-citizen, so please have shipping in mind while recommending, if that not too much to ask already:). Shipping and tax from US to Europe seems to be getting higher and higher for each year haha.
Thankyou sir!
$500 is a tough price point. On Thomann music right now if you want to go analog the Behringer MonoPoly is $459 and is paraphonic so you can play 4 note chords. If you're okay with digital there seems to be a sale on Korg Opsix for $450 which is sick for such a great and flexible digital synth. Both synths have a lot of hands on control.
@@VultureCulture Thanks really! I was really hoping i could get tge asm hydrasynth explorer. Its been on my wishlist. But i couldnt find it second hand for less then 600$.
Yeah if you can save up a little more for a Hydrasynth explorer or Minifreak I think it might be worth it
I think the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave can replace about everything, I realized it might be the ultimate end game Synthesizer and if course the price is huge, but at that point I don't care about anything else. It can sound like about everything with way more features.
It's like the one synth to rule them all. It was hard to reach this conclusion, but after watching more about it, I'm really convinced.
No doubt it's an absolute monster!
hell yeah semi modular, this channel gives me a semi
Raging semi 🍆
I will dream for a Aturia Minifreak.I think,He ist a good Friend for my DX7FD and the Sound From my old repaired Kawai PH50 old Freak Mini ist very good old Sound Source in Keyboard Oldtimers.
Hmmm.......... Not one word about the GrooveSynthesis 3rd Wave? It's hard to decide between the Oberheim OB-X8 and rhe 3rd Wave. They both sound magnificent. Oh yes, they both cost about the same.
It wasn't available at the time of recording.
Might be the synth of the decade.
Yeah. It just might be.
what if you need an all rounder for piano, bass, organ, synth for deep house??
That is difficult because piano and organs fall outside the realm of synthesis and more into workstation territory. Akai MPC Keys or Korg Kross might be good.
If you're more into retro stuff, the Roland JD-08 has that famous JD-800 piano sound and can do the rest of that stuff but with a characteristic 90's sound.
I also found the Korg WaveState to be pretty full of great samples - ignoring the Wavesequencing you can use it as a great rompler.
@@VultureCulture ok cool, yes i was thinking maybe a rompler, i need a big all rounder go to library. I was looking at Korg Triton or omnishere 2, i need quality but a fair but of quantity
Omnisphere 2 is amazing. It's still my favorite synth. Just know it won't cover all conceivable territory - if you're into orchestral stuff you might still need some Kontakt libraries.
@@VultureCulture so check out wavestate? i just an all rounder workstation vst really
Definitely worth checking out
Moog are realy insane!
I mean - people will pay for em 😂
This would've been perfect with a bit of sound samples. But nice job anyways...great info.
Unfortunately there's no real way I could record some audio from these synths and to use someone else's would violate copyright 🤦♀️
Thank you 🙏
Take 5🖤amazing small synth
Just an incredible piece of gear! Any other favorites?
@@VultureCulture My favorite analog monosynths is Pro3 and Xenophone, poly is Take 5, GS e7 and hybrid Super6. Full digital poly adore Vector synth made in Czech Republic. These are my favorites at the moment!)
Never heard of Adore before, I'll have to check that out!
@@VultureCulture Yeah anyway😊Thank you so much for this content👍I will wait for the review on Vector synth!)
artuira minifreak or korg minilogue xd?
Depends on which matters more to you, analog or voice count. If you think 4-voices is going to be a limitation for you go for the Minifreak, if you really want an analog synth go Minilogue XD.
was hoping for some multitimbral suggestions
More of a workstation-type synth?
@@VultureCulture Not full blown work station. I'm looking for nice hands on multitimbral synths for dynamic performance over multiple parts. Not work station because the menu diving takes away from the spontaneity. I don't think the udo super 6 is multitimbral but the sound is so great i'm giving it serious consideration. Also the super gemini looks very exciting
The Gemini was immediately what I was thinking. Otherwise there's just not a lot right now that gives you knob per function for two layers
@@VultureCulture Yeah gemini looks fantastic. I wonder wouldn't it be good if you could do program changes per layer? So you could be playing pads on one layer and trigger lots of melodic percussive/stab sounds on another, each time with a program change so you can access a really broad pallet of sounds while retaining hands on control. That would be nice
I got a response back from UDO and yes the Gemini will support program change per layer. Thats pretty cool!
Although not new, I think roland se-02 should be on a best synth list
I have a video on the Moog Source, which was the 1982 "update" on the Minimoog, where I sing the praises of the Se-02. Definitely my choice for modern minimoog sounds 🤘
Yeah the SE-02 kick ass, good for bass too.
Absolutely monstrous
Great callouts in this video. While I also don't like to be negative, I couldn't agree more regarding the Moog reissue and the Trigon. In my view, Sequential / Oberheim have missed two very obvious modern recreations: a modern Prophet VS and a modern Matrix 12. The former (Prophet VS) would help meet the need of those who missed out on the Evolver and Poly Evolver. The Poly Evolver didn't have enough polyphony to be a serious poly, but I think that they have cracked the code on miniturization at this point and could reasonbly make an 8 voice Prophet VS / Poly Evolver type thing for under $3000. As for the Matrix 12, I don't think a single vendor has recreated the Matrix/Xpander filter in hardware. The legendary status and vintage prices of the Matrix 12 and Xpander also make it a perfect candidate for a knock off. Modern Prophet VS, Matrix 12 would be huge hits. If Sequential / Oberheim doesn't do it, Behringer will someday.
Totally agree with both points!
I very much suspect Oberheim will put out a Matrix 12 reissue. Marcus Ryle was there for the development and I'm guessing they're working on it now.
I do not care about the kittens, but I did subscribe for your epic voice and good video quality. Thanks.
Hahahahahahahha thank you - I'll feed em to the gators then 🐊🐊
@@VultureCulture I am a dog person, what can I say ;-)
I had to Subscribe, because you know the kitties...
Can't let them die for nothing 🤣
5:36 or get a Behringer K2 for about 300 dollars...It is virtually the same as OG MS20....I know because I own a K2 and an original MS20 (bought new in '78)...Hard pressed to hear the difference.
Thats pretty crazy that they sound that close!
It is an amazing time for beginners if you like analog sounds. You can buy new ones. When I was a 20 year old in the 90's they stopped making analogs. I couldn't buy one new. So I saved my money and bought a used Oberheim Xxpander, I still have it today.
They were selling analogs for peanuts, I got a Jupiter 6 for $700.
That's fucking insane 🤯
The Xpander is one of those legendary synths I hope I get the chance to play at some point
@@VultureCulture
You will. I worked in a killer musics synth store when iI was in my early 20's, I played it all, and bought the best ones, even some thy didn't have that the owner told me about.
.I agree with the best gift is the volca keys but the moog mavis is overpriced and the latter filter is boring.. the Dreadbox Hysteria is more flexible than the others you mentioned.. I am not a fan of the MS-20 filter.. there is quality control issues with moog and again overpriced and boring.. the Roland boutiques are junk.. the minifreak is a great digital option but the Opsix might still be the king of digita or runner up to the minifreak.. the real gift of the century from Dave Smith is the one you are sleeping on is the Prophet 08 or Prophet 08 rack from 2008.. it can have 4 oscillators per note voice and 4 LFO's and the choice of 2pole or 4 pole Curtis filters.. the minilogue XD is also lacking the 2 filter choices and a full ADSR which is why I and happy with my original Minilogue..
Awesome round up. I think I agreed with just about everything you said. I would also mention the Uno Synth Pro for a 3-voice paraphonic analog synth with a great sound and a good set of features.
I wasn't 100% sure what I should do with the Uno Synth Pro - I didn't know where to squeeze it in and I'm less familiar with it.
Are the oscillators analog too?
@@VultureCulture Yeah it’s got analog oscillators. Good feature set for what it costs now. Effects are quite good. I think it’s character is where it shines. Runs kinda hot and a bit wild, but nice.
Also worth mentioning the PWM Malevolent. Looks pretty good. People really seem to like it.
There's just a disconnect between me and the Malevolent. I must be missing something but I'm just not hearing sounds that I find captivating.
@@VultureCulture Yeah, I haven’t played it personally. I would need to listen to more demos. The Minifreak seems to be the best deal around right now. Those Dreadbox synths sound nice though.
The Mini is definitely my 🥇 synth of 2023