What is the best synthesizer?

Question

3

Options
Considered

5

User
Recs.

Aug 3, 2017

Last
Updated

Here’s the Deal

3 Options Considered

Best synthesizer	Price	Last Updated
-- Korg Minilogue	$499.99	Aug 3, 2017
-- Korg Microkorg	$399.99	May 4, 2017
-- Moog Sub 37	$1,499	May 3, 2017

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score 3 · Answer 1

Korg Minilogue

Top Pro

Amazing quality for its price

Minilogue's features are comparable to those of high-end synthesizer, but this device's price tag is much lower. See More

Top Con

Oscillators can go out of tune

There have been reports of oscillators going out of tune, especially with extended use of the Minilogue. If you are planning to keep the synthesizer on for long periods then a different model could be a better option. See More

Top Pro

Offers a lot of flexibility in creating unique sounds as this synthesizer has 4 voices

Users of the Minilogue have a lot of leeway as to the sound combinations that they can come up with as this keyboard can play 4 different notes at the same time. See More

Top Con

The 16 step sequencer can be limiting for some users

Advanced synthesists may find the step sequencer to be quite limiting. If you are one of those who does a lot of very complicated audio sequences then the sequencer can be a bottle-neck. See More

Top Pro

Easy to program sequences with

The Minilogue is very easy to use when it comes to programming sequences. The sequencer is very intuitively designed that even beginners will not find it to be too daunting. See More

Top Con

Keys can feel small for some users

Users who have larger hands may find the key design used in the Minilogue to be quite small. It features Korg's slim key design to achieve its compact form factor, but with the drawback of also being too cramped for some users' hands. See More

Top Pro

Easy to bring on gigs or events thanks to its compact size

The Minilogue is much easier to bring to gigs compared to most other synthesizers. The Minilogue is much more compact and so it should help to ease the gear transport hassles that a user may have. See More

Top Pro

Lightweight due to the combination of wood, plastic and aluminum materials in its construction

This synthesizer looks and feels premium without compromising on weight. The product's face plate is made out of aluminum which is a light metal, the chassis itself is made out of durable plastic and is finished off with an elegant-looking wood trim. See More

Top Pro

Comfortable and ergonomic to use

This synthesizer is really easy to use as all the knobs and buttons are laid out in a very logical way. See More

See All

score 1 · Answer 2

Korg Microkorg

Top Pro

Produces sound that is very close to analog synths

The sound quality that the Korg Microkorg has a warm quality to it. This helps to reduce the digital feel and gives it a more natural sound. Some even consider this to be quite comparable to analog synths. See More

Top Con

Some may find this uncomfortable due to the mini keys used

In order to achieve the compact footprint, Korg has decided to use mini keys in the Microkorg's design. While this definitely has its advantages in terms of portability, the flatter and slimmer surface of the keys and the reduced key travel can make it hard for traditional piano/keyboard players to play, at least at the start. See More

Top Pro

Offers a lot of amazing features for the price

Despite being quite affordable for a synthesizer, the Microkorg offers a rich feature set and great sound which makes it a good option for beginners or for those who want to bring their synth skills to the next level. See More

Top Con

Being a digital synthesizer may be a no for some

Being a digital synthesizer means that this may not be a great option for those who want a pure analogue sound. However, there are some who think that this can sound very close to an analogue synth. See More

Top Pro

Easy to transport to gigs because it is very compact

The Microkorg, as the name goes, is very easy to bring to events. It features mini keys and a compact chassis so it doesn't take up a lot of space and isn't too bulky to bring on the go. See More

Top Pro

Can be used as a MIDI controller

See All

score 1 · Answer 3

Moog Sub 37

Top Pro

Provides more options in possible sounds that it can produce thanks to Moog's inclusion of an arpeggiator

The Sub 37 features full-on arpegiattor along with a number of options like rate adjustment, different pattern choices and the like. This should allow users to create more unique sounds with this synthesizer. See More

Top Con

Can be difficult to find due to its limited numbers

Moog designates the Sub 37 as a Tribute Limited Edition product which means that it will not stay in production for very long. See More

Top Pro

Users can create complex sequences with this synthesizer due to the 64 step sequencer

Users of the Sub 37 will have a lot of leeway as to the patterns that they can create thanks to the powerful and easy to set up sequencer. See More

Top Pro

Unique sounds are easier to achieve as there are 5 waveform modulators available to choose from

Users can tweak the keyboards' sound using the triangle, square, saw tooth, ram, plus sample and hold waveform options. See More

Top Pro

Looks and feel solid

The Moog Sub 37 has a nice heft to it and feels really solid. it gives the impression that it will last a long time. This is achieved by the use of steel and aluminum materials for its chassis. The wood trim finishes off the overall premium look and feel. See More

See All

What is the best synthesizer?

3 Options Considered

Korg Minilogue

My Recommendation for Korg Minilogue

My Recommendation for Korg Minilogue

Amazing quality for its price

Oscillators can go out of tune

Offers a lot of flexibility in creating unique sounds as this synthesizer has 4 voices

The 16 step sequencer can be limiting for some users

Easy to program sequences with

Keys can feel small for some users

Easy to bring on gigs or events thanks to its compact size

Lightweight due to the combination of wood, plastic and aluminum materials in its construction

Comfortable and ergonomic to use

Korg Microkorg

My Recommendation for Korg Microkorg

My Recommendation for Korg Microkorg

Produces sound that is very close to analog synths

Some may find this uncomfortable due to the mini keys used

Offers a lot of amazing features for the price

Being a digital synthesizer may be a no for some

Easy to transport to gigs because it is very compact

Can be used as a MIDI controller

Moog Sub 37

My Recommendation for Moog Sub 37

My Recommendation for Moog Sub 37

Provides more options in possible sounds that it can produce thanks to Moog's inclusion of an arpeggiator

Can be difficult to find due to its limited numbers

Users can create complex sequences with this synthesizer due to the 64 step sequencer

Unique sounds are easier to achieve as there are 5 waveform modulators available to choose from

Looks and feel solid

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