The most popular brands for Synthesizer Includes Roland, Korg, Yamaha, DOEPFER, Behringer, MOOG, Arturia, WMD, Alesis, Novation among many others.
Roland has a long history of music industry innovation. It creates and manufactures electronic keyboards, synthesizers, and digital pianos with outstanding sound quality and unique features as one of the world's top makers of electronic musical instruments. The company's goods are offered through authorized dealers in over 100 countries. It specializes in the production of keyboards, synthesizers, and a variety of other electronic musical instruments. Its product lines include audio production and sound reinforcement equipment, electronics, and software.
For nearly 50 years, Korg has been meeting the demands of musicians and music fans worldwide. Their products have evolved alongside music technology, from analog synthesizers and rhythm machines to digital workstations. Their most recent inventions, including a whole line of portable keyboards, touch pianos, and electronic instruments, will open up new realms of creative expression for musicians of all skill levels. Professionals worldwide utilize their products for everything from composing and studio recording to live performance. They are known for their commitment to grade, enactment, and creation.
Yamaha Corporation is an all-time famous Japanese conglomerate that offers various services and products. While it is mainly known for its musical instruments, it also had a line of motorcycles operating under Yamaha Motors. The motorcycle line was established in 1955 and later separated to become an independent company. The parent company was established in 1887 as a manufacturer of reed organs before growing into the powerhouse it is today.
German manufacturer, Doepfer produces quality electrical instruments for better sound and audio. Doepfer audio instruments are well made and manufactured under professional guidance to deliver the best results for your work. Doepfer mainly manufactures synthesizers, analogue modular systems, maser keyboards, accessories, and spare parts. Doepfer also has a Midi OEM/DIY kit. Doepfer wants to produce the best electrical instruments all over the world with its technology
Since 1989, Behringer has been engaged in the production of professional audio equipment like Microphones and Amplifiers. They make portable sound systems used in DJ and EDM, and their equipment can also be found in major studios worldwide. They are a German company and are considered one of the leaders in manufacturing music equipment. The brand offers performance and quality, and some highly renowned musicians and DJs use its products.
MOOG began way back in 1951. Founders Bill and Art Moog, and Lou Geyer started the company with limited resources. The company had grown a lot with time. Now, MOOG is focused on developing and manufacturing advanced motion control products. They are involved in aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors. The company believes in using the highest grade products to create motion control products. MOOG has always believed in innovation. They keep moving forward to a brighter future.
Arturia will help you discover music with its curated instruments that enrich the sound your instruments produce. Their community embraces diversity and credits it to play an important role in the evolution of music. Their newsletters deliver expert sound tips and keep you updated regarding everything you need to know to create the sound of tomorrow. Moreover, their website involves inspiring articles of artists and their quest of unraveling the depths of music. Arturia also supports music education by supplying equipment to music instructors. They also believe in sustainability for the future and continue to work on environmental projects.
For musicians by musicians. WMD seeks to provide every musician out there with the technical aspects of musical instruments such...
Alesis is involved in the music industry. The company was established in 1980 by a music lover. They have been...
If making electronic music is your passion, you're looking at the right place. Novation is a global music and audio...
teenage engineering creates high quality, well designed, electronic products for all people who love sound and music.
The Waldorf Wave is a wavetable synthesizer with a sophisticated modulation architecture and an additive engine. It is the outcome...
In today's world of seamless digital connections and professional audio quality, sound products are constantly being innovated and perfected with...
Sequential is a renowned synthesizer manufacturing company making portable and innovative models of synthesizers loved by musicians across countries. The...
Malekko is a Portland-based company making Synthesizers and Speciality guitar pedals and is founded by a group of musicians. The...
Akai Professional is a firm that creates unique, intuitive, and creative goods. The firm invented the first professional MPC workstation...
Kurzweil Music Systems was founded in 1982. It aimed to connect the sounds of acoustic instruments, like the piano, with...
Nord Keyboards offer award-winning piano sets. The flagship instrument Nord Stage 3, provides an enhanced musical experience with exceptional performance....
Studio Electronics started with the demand for proper sound systems. They have created brilliant analog sound systems for users. The...
Dave Smith Instruments (now known as Sequential) is an online store with all synth-related products and various musical instruments and...
Casio is a global brand primarily famous for making timeless pieces of watches. They are experts in watchmaking because they...
When constructing a new high-performance engine, you know which direction to go on the big purchases. The topping list includes...
Vermona, known for its creative energy and unique ideas, is the manufacturer of analog synthesizers and effects. There are many...
Rhodes Chroma: resources for the vintage analog synthesizer. Over 300 pages of historical and technical information.
Dreadbox, a shop firm in Athens, Greece, was established in 2012 by Yiannis and Dimitra. As broke novice performers, they...
Make Noise is a company that specializes in making synthesizers. These synthesizers are of the best quality. They have spectacular...
Headquartered in Bristol, UK, Modal Electronics is a brand founded in 2013 that manufactured synthesizers as they felt that the...
It is guaranteed that you will achieve the desired results with studio equipment from Radikal Technologies, built to the highest...
Crumar is the maker of strong power keyboards, with a diverse product line that caters to every need and want,...
Dubreq has created one of the market's most unique musical instruments and production machines, the Stylophone. The company was founded...
Synthesizers have come a long way since their inception in the 1960s. With the advancement of technology and digital communication, today’s synthesizers have morphed into powerful tools that can create any sound imaginable. Whether you’re new to the world of electronic music or a seasoned player, choosing the right synthesizer can be overwhelming. In this guide, we will cover the essentials of buying a synthesizer, diving into the important features and considerations that will lead to your perfect match.
There are three primary types of synthesizers to choose from: analog, digital, and hybrid. Understanding the type of synthesizer you want can greatly influence the features and functionalities you will need.
Analog Synthesizers
Analog synthesizers are the original and purist form of synthesis. They have been used since the 1960s and are known for their warm, full-bodied sound. They create sound by using circuits, resistors, and capacitors to manipulate the signal. Analog synths offer a tactile, hands-on approach to creating sounds, that many musicians appreciate, they generally have knobs and sliders that allow for on-the-fly sound creation.
Analog synths can be expensive, but they are worth the investment if you want to create unique, vintage sounds. They are also known for their ability to produce rich harmonies and other-worldly timbres that you just can't replicate with digital instruments.
Digital Synthesizers
Digital synthesizers use digital signal processing (DSP) to create sound, but many of them also have analog components. They began to gain popularity in the 1980s due to the increasing affordability of computer chips. The advantages to digital synthesizers are that they are versatile and can offer a wide range of sound options, and they can be more affordable than analog synths. You can find a digital synth that meets almost any budget and skill level, but there is often a tradeoff with quality of sound.
Hybrid Synthesizers
Hybrid synthesizers combine both analog and digital components into a single instrument. This allows for the organic feel of analog synthesis, with the flexibility of digital processing. Hybrid synthesizers can be a great option if you want the best of both worlds, but they might be pricier than pure digital synths.
Once you have established which type of synthesizer you want, it is important to consider the features you’ll need to achieve your musical goals. Here are the key features to look for:
Polyphony
Polyphony refers to how many notes can be played at the same time. Synthesizers can come in three main types: monophonic, duophonic, and polyphonic. Monophonic synths can only play one note at a time, which makes them great for basslines, leads, and other simple melodies. Duophonic and paraphonic synths allow two notes to be played simultaneously. Polyphonic synths allow three or more notes to be played at once, making them ideal for creating complex chords and harmonies. The more polyphony a synthesizer has, the more versatile it will be.
Oscillators
Oscillators are the heart of a synthesizer. They generate the tones and waveforms that create your sound. Single oscillator synths are rare these days, but many synths offer two, three, or even four oscillators for creating rich, layered sounds. When buying a synth, look for a variety of waveform options such as sine, square, sawtooth, and triangle. This will give you a wider range of sounds to work with.
Filters
Filters shape the frequency response of a sound, adding character and flavor. Most synthesizers come with filters that allow players to manipulate the tone and texture of their sound. The type of filter can make a big difference in the sound produced. There are typically 3 filter types found on synths:
Modulation Controls
Modulation is the process of changing a parameter of the sound over time. Synthesizers offer several ways of modulating sounds, such as using envelopes and LFOs (low-frequency oscillators) to create rhythmic effects or other variations. Look for a synth that offers an ADSR (attack, decay, sustain, release) envelope generator, which can be adjusted to shape the sound. Matrixes and patchbays can also be a useful tool for controlling modulation.
Keyboard Action
The keyboard action is the mechanism that determines how keys respond to touch. Synthesizers come in a variety of key actions: some have spring-loaded keys (like those found on most digital pianos), while others feature weighted keys or aftertouch (where the player can manipulate sound by applying varying levels of pressure to the keys after they have been struck). Consider the key action as it directly affects how you interact with the instrument.
MIDI Connectivity
To connect a synthesizer to other MIDI-capable instruments, you need to look for a synth with MIDI I/O. MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a communication protocol between devices and is widely used in music production. Synthesizers now use MIDI for everything from syncing with other instruments to controlling visual displays. MIDI also allows control of parameters in music software, expanding the synth’s capability even further.
Interface and Controls
The interface and the layout of the controls will have an impact on your workflow and how you interact with the synthesizer. Synthesizers commonly use various types of knobs, sliders, and buttons for control. Layout and workflow need to be taken into consideration, as they will affect how quickly you can manipulate the sounds you are creating. Consider the user interface of the synthesizer to best match the way you work creatively, some models feature touch screens or shift layers to access deeper options or sound design tools.
Synthesizers can range from under $100 to thousands of dollars. More expensive synthesizers typically offer more features, better quality sound, and more durability. However, budget synths are also capable of producing quality sounds, and some models even have presets and other advanced features. The key is to determine what you need, and find an option that fits your budget. Keep in mind that a synth is an investment, and choosing one that is well-made can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs or replacement due to durability issues.
A synthesizer can be an integral part of a musician's creative process, providing them with a versatile and dynamic tool that can produce unique sounds. When choosing a synthesizer, it is important to consider both the type of synth and the features you need. Understanding what you need, and shopping around for the best option within your budget, will ensure that you make the most out of your investment. With so many options available, there is a synthesizer out there for every musician, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.
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