Analog synthesizers are some of the most popular music instruments nowadays, and despite their looks, they are easy to master and use in any genre of music that you might wish to experiment in. Furthermore, the best analog synths are pretty affordable, user friendly, and they provide a lot of features that will help you in your musical endeavors.
Before buying an analog synth, you should know what makes or breaks one, the differences between a digital synth and an analog one, and of course, what to look for based on your needs. So let's get straight into it and see which is the best analog synth for you.
What is an Analog Synthesizer?
An analog synthesizer is an electronic musical instrument that uses analog circuits and signals to generate sound.
They use various circuits that combine different electronic components such as resistors, transistors, or capacitors to modify or create sound. They may look similar in appearance to keyboards.
The sound is created through continual fluctuating electrical voltages which reside inside the synthesizer.
The voltages come from the VCO - controllable voltage oscillator - or a noise generator. They also provide core timbres that are then altered by the analog circuits, such as a VCF - voltage-controllable filter or VCA- voltage-controllable amplifiers. These devices change the tone, color, or loudness of the sound according to the user's needs.
Analog Synth vs Digital Synth
Many may believe that the analog synths heydays were back in the 60s, 70s, or 80s; however, they are back in force in recent years, competing alongside their digital synth counterparts. So are analog synths any good in comparison with digital ones?
Analog synths have a warm sound with infinite resolution, which means that there are no limitations regarding sampling rate or bit depth.
Their controls also have this feature that negates noise and has a quick tactile response. When you want to modify the sound, you can do so through their one-knob per function control, which is very user-friendly.
On the downside, analog synths usually focus on a particular tonal palette, and when it comes to older variants, tuning can be tough. They are also sometimes more expensive than their digital counterparts, and some don't have a present memory unless a digital control is implemented.
Digital synths, on the other hand, have preset memory, are sometimes cheaper, have a wider range of sonic techniques, and some smaller variants can be quite good; however, they lack that classic analog sound.
Apart from this, digital synths have limited resolution, are harder to repair, and in the end, it all comes down to the sought-after sound.
Some plug-ins give the user a digital synth type of sound that can be controlled by MIDI controllers for both expression and timbre.
How to Choose the Right Analog Synths
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When it comes to the best synths for your needs, there are a couple of factors that you need to take into consideration before purchasing one.
The USB midi connection is a must for our day and age, and oscillators are very important as well for sound quality. Here is what you need to know regarding analog synths!
Monophonic & Polyphonic Synths
First and foremost, we need to differentiate between a multi-voiced analog synth and a monophonic one. This is because a monophonic synthesizer can only play one note simultaneously, while with a polyphonic variant, you can play multiple notes at once. Due to this big disadvantage, monophonic synths are much cheaper.
The polyphonic synthesizer, or polysynth, was first built in the 30s, but the concept didn't experience its boom until the 1970s.
The Warbo Formant Orgel, made in 1937, is the prime example for a voice allocation polyphonic synthesizer and creates said polyphony by using octave divider technology and thus needs only a dozen oscillators, one per voice/note in a musical scale.
Oscillators produce the original sound you hear when used in your patches, which are fed through the signal path. The oscillation is a production of a waveform type made by the oscillators.
Additional notes are generated by dividing down the analog oscillators' output and dividing the oscillators' frequency by 2; we get that note in a lower octave.
The first notable 5-voice polysynth was the Prophet-5, released in 1978. Other notable multiple voice polyphonic synths are the Yamaha CS-80 with 8-voice polyphony and the Yamaha GX-1 with a 16 voice to a total of 18 voice polyphony, released in 1973.
Some analog synth instruments would use one or two oscillators per voice, but that would depend on the polyphonic traits of the synth.
An example of a signal path when using an analog synth comes from the fact that a MOOG Prodigy only had one of two oscillators working. That gave the synth a sweeter high-quality tone while combining both oscillators per voice gave it a harsher, more brash quality.
Sequencer
A sequencer is a device that can record, edit, or playback music by handling note and performance info such as MIDI, CV/Gate, or OSC and quite possibly audio and automation data for digital audio workstations and plug-ins.
Early music synthesizers/sequencers were sound-producing devices such as music boxes, mechanical organs, player pianos, and so on.
These early automatic musical instruments have a long history, to as far back as the early 9th century Persia, where the Banu Musa brothers invented a water-powered organ by using cylinders with pins, exchangeable cylinders.
The step sequencer plays rigid patterns of notes using a grid of 16 buttons/steps, each being a sixteenth of a measure.
Drum machines and groove boxes are still built with a step sequencer, monophonic (one oscillator per voice) in nature, but can also be multi-timbral, meaning that they can control several sounds, BUT only play one note on each sound.
Nowadays, the synth, especially the step sequencer, is mainly used as a MIDI plug-in instrument, being controlled with either a USB midi controller such as the Nektar Impact LX61+ or by virtue of an electronic keyboard.
Portability
In 1971, most analog synthesizers, especially the ARP (USA) and EMS (UK), had an analog synthesizer that folded into a carrying case. This synth is called the ARP 2600. Almost every synthesizer has a carrying case specifically designed for it, and some have the case included when buying.
Speakers
Continuing on the discussion of the ARP 2600 and the ARP Odyssey, these analog synthesizers had built-in speakers. Unfortunately, most of the analog synthesizer(s) rarely have built-in speakers as they are almost exclusively connected to a sound system. If you find one that has a built-in speaker, it's a big plus!
Durability
These devices are quite durable, but the analog oscillators may have to be changed over time as they may burn out if used daily.
Also, you have to take extra care if you are drinking near a synthesizer or a step sequencer because if liquids invade the instrument, as with any instrument, it will cause damage to the cabling both inside and outside, especially if the synth uses patch cables for the variety of sounds.
MIDI
MIDI synthesizers have been in circulation since the 1990s. Reality by Seer Systems and ReBirth from Propellerhead Software were the first synthesizers that could play music in real-time via MIDI.
In 1999 Cubase allowed users to run software instruments such as synthesizer plug-ins, thus triggering a new era of software instruments. Propellerhead's Reason, which was released in Y2K, offers the user an array of virtual studio equipment.
Synthesizers can be controlled via USB cable MIDI controller keyboards if the synth is a plug-in inside of a DAW (digital audio workstation). These keyboards offer expression wheels such as the velocity and after-touch wheels, which allow even more control over the sound produced by the synthesizer.
Most MIDI keyboards and plug-ins have both a low pass and a high pass incorporated, perfect for creating sweeping synth lead to engrossing the listener. And if you have a studio that has both midi and an analog synth, you can combine the sounds into something new.
Analog Synth Accessories
The accessories which can be bought for the analog synthesizer are as follows:
Depending on the synthesizer you wish to purchase, some of these accessories may be included, however, always look for the MIDI feature for greater sound versatility.
Top 5 Best Analog Synths
Now that you know a couple of things about the analog synthesizer, oscillators, sequencers, it's time to dive deep into the 5 best analog synthesizers.
1. Korg Monotron Delay Analog Ribbon Synthesizer
The Korg Monotron Delay Analog Ribbon Synthesizer has a controllable voltage oscillator, Pitch control, voltage control filter, effects such as Delay with time and feedback controls, and even a built-in speaker.
This synthesizer is palm-sized and battery-powered for your convenience, with a ribbon controller keyboard, 5 knobs, and 1 switch, offering analog-style echoes with the Space Delay, LFO with selectable waveshape.
Its tiny shape makes it the perfect traveling companion for those studio musicians who are always on the go, and its battery life power, if you use alkaline, will last you up to 8 hours. The Korg Monotron, paired up with another instrument, will keep you addicted to delay and space sounds for hundreds of hours to come!
Pros
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Our next synth is a monophonic synthesizer that was released in 1978 and one which studios and musicians alike still covet, namely the Korg MS20, or at least, its mini semi-modular variant.
Having a robust sound and a powerful and very iconic analog filter, and versatile patching options, it is a sound known all over the world by non-musicians and musicians alike. It is also available as a plug-in synth and on the iMS-20 iPad app.
It has been reborn as the MS20 Mini for the modern age, with perfectly reproduced circuitry and shrunk with 86% in size vis-a-vis the original synth, and it's one of the best out there. Coming in with self-oscillating high and low pass filters (having distinct distortion), an ESP - external signal processor, a voltage control oscillator, USD MIDI, and a flexible patching system, the Korg MS20 is among the best synth for advanced players out there!
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The Novation MiniNova Analog Modeling Synthesizer has an extremely powerful sound engine and FX, offering more polyphony, filters, effects, and modulation. You can easily access the sound and create an almost limitless variation to it, all while just slightly tweaking the knobs, creating a more modern sound or a more vintage sound.
Musicians are given the choice of sound just by simply selecting what style of music they are looking for: Hip-hop, techno, trance, house, you name it. The Novation MiniNova comes with a unique vocal tune and pitch corrector. You can layer up to 5 effects per voice, and it comes with 256 onboard sounds and additional ones that are downloadable when you register.
Apart from this, the product comes with a three-year warranty, and you can purchase either the full-sized keys or mini-sized keys analog, depending on your needs. It also has MIDI I/O ports, comes with a microphone, and is relatively lightweight.
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With a high-quality pure analog voice path, advanced interconnectivity through MIDI, USB ports, CV & GATE, and a Steiner-Parker multimode filter, the Arturia Microbrute Analog Synthesizer is a beast that will satisfy all your musical aspirations and endeavors.
This synth has 25 keyboard keys, and it comes with multiple wave oscillators with wave-shapers. The sub-oscillator allows users to go an additional octave down, and you can also mix in a 5th up harmonic. The Matrix patch bay is another interesting feature that gives users the ability to route 3 modulations sources, namely ENV, LFO, and CV, to any of 6 modulation destinations.
Thus, the semi-modular capability of the Arturia Microbrute gives you a wide area of sound-making capabilities, that will serve you well regardless of the genre that you wish to sing. Though it is small, this analog synthesizer is rated as among the most powerful of its kind on the market!
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Another synth from Korg, the Minilogue, is a modern-day developed analog synth with full polyphony and programmability, that allows users to have greater versatility when playing. Having a powerful sound offered only by an analog synth, you have the option of shaping the sound with both filter and oscilloscopic display.
Don't let this small Korg fool you, as it comes with 200 program memories - 100 sounds included, while its voice mode allows users to configure up to four voices with great flexibility. Every oscilloscope function is seen as a waveform on its display, however, its true power shines through its 16-step automatable polyphonic note and motion sequencer.
This synth can be used as a MIDI controller, as it has an out port and USD connection. All these features are integrated into this small, easy-to-use synth, which can help you find the EXACT sound that you are looking for, for both sound design and music.
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FAQ
What is a synth in music?
A synth is an electronic musical instrument that generates an audio signal which is then converted into sound.
These instruments will imitate traditional instruments such as the piano and the flute or vocals. Still, they also can make natural sounds such as ocean waves, thunderclaps, making them useful instruments for sound design.
You can change the sound with either a high pass filter or a low pass filter (all depending on the slope, usually a 4 pole low pass filter), which will change the complete sound of the analog synth.
What category of instrument do synthesizers fall in?
Synthesizers are electronic music instruments that use electrical signals to make music or sounds of high quality. Basically, they create synthetic sounds, with some among them being able to actively reproduce high-quality musical instruments.
Electronic instruments generate audio signals through methods such as subtractive, additive, and frequency modulation synthesis, with the sounds being manipulated by oscillators, envelopes, or filters among other things.
These electronic instruments, most of the time, have keyboards on them and are thus played such as a classic keyboard. They can be controlled and have their sound shaped by sequencers, computer software, or other electronic instruments, connected through MIDI.
Conclusion
Whether you use an analog synth such as a step sequencer or a digital one such as the Vacuum plug-in in Pro Tools, the analog synths can be a key element in creating something new and exciting in all creative niches: music, video games, movies, or live performances.
We hope that our 5 best analog synths recommendations has helped you in your decision of picking the right one out. Enjoy the beautiful sound versatility of these beautiful machines!