PICKING YOUR FIRST HARDWARE SYNTHESIZER UNDER $1000
Vložit
- čas přidán 19. 06. 2024
- Looking for that first hardware synthesizer? In this video I go over 10 synths that are great under $1000. Sponsored by Storyblocks Audio. Check them out here: storyblocks.com/BoBeats
If you want to buy a synth use these links (affiliate)
YOUR FIRST HARDWARE SYNTHESIZER
Volca Keys
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/312865?offid=...
US: imp.i114863.net/ZknM0
Uno Synth
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/439249?offid=...
US: imp.i114863.net/knDnV
Microfreak
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/457192?offid=...
US: imp.i114863.net/ZknZK
Yamaha Reface CS
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/368212?offid=...
US: imp.i114863.net/PLJLR
Bass Station 2:
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/312714?offid=...
US: imp.i114863.net/PLJMM
Roland SE-02
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/416590?offid=...
US: imp.i114863.net/QqZq6
Mother 32
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/372745?offid=...
US: imp.i114863.net/5e2e1
Minibrute 2
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/535509?offid=...
US: imp.i114863.net/Ao9yMN
Elektron Digitone // 4 track FM synth + 4 track sequencer
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/431568?offid=...
US: imp.i114863.net/4kOXL
Original Minilogue
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/379052?offid=...
US: imp.i114863.net/2PbZM
Korg Minilogue XD (showed in video)
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/465932?offid=...
US: imp.i114863.net/Rxg72
SOME NEW SYNTHS NOT IN LIST TO CONSIDER
Argon8
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/473936?offid=...
US: imp.i114863.net/0bKWL
Korg Wavestate
EU: www.thomann.de/se/korg_wavest...
US: imp.i114863.net/6a3mE
My stuff
►Patreon: bit.ly/bobeatspatreon
►Join our community here (we use Discord): community.bobeats.tv
►Merch: merch.bobeats.tv
►Patches & samples bit.ly/storebobeats
►Music: bobeatsmusic.bandcamp.com
►Circuit Patches: bit.ly/bobeatsXisotoniks
BUSINESS INQUIRY
►bonurmimusic ( at ) gmail.com
#synthesizer #bestsynthunder1000 #bobeats
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:-)
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.
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.
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!
Instead of screwing around, I said fukk it and went all-in for a Montage... Best gear purchase I ever made...
Great rundown of all the synths I’m looking at right now. Thanks :)
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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
@ 12:30 that sound is insaaaane, I don't even know where to begin sound-designing that lovely, rich, morphing audio goodness
Digging the glitchy beat around 8:15 a lot. There's really a ton of great beats in these 16 minutes of videos. Subscribed.
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.
Thanks for this awesome and super useful video guide!
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!
Nice list. I so want to try Eleketron
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'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
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
Thank you for this great list! :) It would be great with a similar list of first hardware sequencers! :)
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.
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.
My first one was a Korg Electribe 2. Very nice little Box!
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. ;-)
Great video and great recommendations, thank you!
Hopefully getting the microfreak soon :>
Very much looking forward to trying it out!
Thos was really helpfull, some of the mentions where defintily not on my gear radar. Thanks
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
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.
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!
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 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.
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
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!!
Started with the Roland JDXi, still there.. :)
250€ used and you're good to go, as a drummer i really love it.
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.
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
Nice. That Microfreak sounds fine.
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.
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!!
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)
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!).
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, $$$
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 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?
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 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
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. =)
Another great show.
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.
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.
Amazing video, good work :D
Love my Elektron Analog 4 that thing is fantastic!
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.
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 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.
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
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. :)
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¡
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!
I definitely can concur with many of your selections, especially things like the Digitone and the Arturia MiniBrute 2s. While neither was my first HW synth (strangely, that was an Arturia Matrix Brute after having done a ton of SW synth), I love both of them. A couple of others I think deserve consideration are the Behringer Deep Mind 12 and the Novation Mininova.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Leapt straight in with a Wavestate and hoo boy, that's a learning curve!
Yepp! Its intense!
Solid recommendations.
I’ve been messing with synths for like twelve years and still consider myself a beginner!
Same here
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.
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.
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
The ReFace CS looks like something I should have gotten instead of the Ultranova two years ago, but Kawehi on CZcams was so inspiring ... blinded by the GAS! :D
I have a Reface CP and it sounds amazing, the keys are a bit clicky and tiny but the sound is great. I am looking for a bit more of a synthy sounding synth so I might pick up the Reface CS too. Thought about a Roland JU-06, but cannot find one anywhere.
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.
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 $40)
:rc20 loop pedal
(For multi instrument live play)
:Korg Monologue
(Monosynth)
For sequencing , and leads
:Korg Mikrokorg XL
For pads and atmosphere
:Korg Monotron Delay
For one shot effects , and dramatic accents
:Teenage Engineering PO 33 KO
For sound design
:Regal Resonator guitar with humbucker for all kinds of string arrangements.
:korg AX1G multi effect pedal
:ZOOM G5 multi effect pedal .
:Alesis Control Pad
(midi drum pad. No sounds, just midi controller controls the 12 different kits on the Casio)
My first synth was a Deepmind 12 and I'm still using and learning new things about it. Recently I got a ASM Hydrasynth which is also great to just fiddle with and come up with sounds. It really depends on what you want to do and the options Bo mentions are all great. First decide what you want to do (i.e.: what sounds you want to create) and then determine your budget and if possible - go to a local music shop and see if they have it so you can have a try. If you have a good budget I would also recommend you see what other things you 'might' like to get into as sometimes spending just 100-200 £/€/$ 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
thanks great video! maybe saving up for the minilogue xd
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...
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.
I personally use the Roland Mobile Studio Canvas SD-50, it's a nice wavetable synth rompler that is used for programming General MIDI, GS and GM2 files with.
Analogue solutions Nyborg-12 deserves a mention I would say, fantastic sounding synth, really
I need to check them out
Great video, thanks.
my thumbs up is working!
btw i got my first synths last week and they show in this list. the mini brute s2 and the micro freak, i also bought the drumbrute impact but i am not quite sure it was a good idea, seems poor in sound design.
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
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.
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!
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
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.
Hey Bo! Big fan here from Brazil! I watch all your videos, and you are the reason I have my minilogue which I love a lot and also got one of your patch packages and I've been making some really cool sounds with them. Thanks you so much!.. but I have a question for you. I've been meaning to get a second synth for a little while now, a cheap one, and there are so many models and I hear good and bad things about them all, and this video you just did was quite interesting.. cause you brought some different equipment like the Yamaha, the Arturias and the Rolland.. I will definitely look into it. But here is the question, would the Behringer Crave or the Rolland Ju 06a be good options as synths? Thinking that you would put one those two to do sequencing and arpeggios while you have the minilogue to do whatever you want...if none of those two.. which one of the 10 do you recommend? I apologize for the long text and once again love your videos! 😃
Bob Ross sesion on synthesizers 😃 ty for this vid
Had the minilogue xd for about a month, I’m in love with it!
Love your videos, 1k can get a really full featured synth. I honestly think the behrenger deepmind 12 is the best deal and sound for a main board start. I’ve added a deepmind 6d giving it 18 and by far with a H9 max and boss gt 1000, also my other modules are the craftsynth 2,0, Waldorf Strienfect < close enough, rocket . The best in digital, analog and the best effect all midi plus my old school boss dr 770, still works great! Just saying my best money spent? Lol, that’s not all of them, but under 1k only when a person gets comfortable I went with a Kronos and a PSR 770 . Darn nice set up! Sure it is a pricey one along with every IOS app ever!
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.