Are you a synth nerd? Do you love synthesizers? If so, you’re in the right place. We’re going to talk about all things synths on our blog. We’ll cover different types of synths and what they do best, as well as fun ways to use your synthesizer in your music. We’ll also talk about how to pick out the right synth for you and your needs.
We’ll be covering all kinds of synths, from analog synthesizers to digital ones to modular machines. You may even read about hybrid models and virtual instruments here too. If it’s a synth, or related to a synth, we’ve probably got an article about it on our site!
I know I’m not the first person to write a blog like this, but there are so many different synthesizers out there, and they’re all unique. The sheer variety of different types of synths can be overwhelming for someone who is just getting started in electronic music production. Here I will go through the most common types of synthesizers and recommend some budget models for each type. This way you can get an idea of what synth is right for you.
Analog Synthesizers: An analog synth is a synth that produces sound with analog circuitry. Analog synths come in two varieties: monophonic and polyphonic (though these are sometimes referred to as paraphonic). Monophonic synths can only play one note at a time, while polyphonic synths can play more than one note at a time. Monophonic synths have a much simpler architecture, which means they are cheaper to make and easier to repair (though repairs on analog synths can still be expensive!). Polyphonic synths are more complex and expensive to make, but they have the advantage of being able to play chords or basslines. Analog synths also tend to be very simple in their design and interface, which makes them more intuitive.
Digital Synthesizers
How To Pick The Right Synth
The world of synthesizers is a vast and magical place, but sometimes it can be hard to traverse. With so many options and such little time, it’s hard to figure out the right synth for you. That said, I’ve decided to write this article towards those individuals who are looking for their first synth.
Synths are largely separated into two categories: analog and digital. Analog synths use oscillators to create raw waveforms, where as digital ones use samples and mathematical modeling to simulate these oscillators. Digital synths tend to be more powerful and flexible than their analog counterparts, but analog has a certain sound that is hard to mimic that is why most people will want to pick up an analog synth in addition to a digital one.
For your first synth, I recommend the Korg Minilogue. It’s a 4-voice analog polyphonic synthesizer with digital effects, sequencer, arpeggiator, and MIDI capabilities. This means that you’ll be able to sequence patterns on it using MIDI in addition to having access to a community of VSTs for whatever sound you may want (such as strings or brass).
If you are new to the world of synths and electronic music, the sheer number of instruments available can be overwhelming. This article is here to help guide you through the process of choosing your first synth
There are several things that you need to consider when buying your first synthesizer. These include:
Price – How much do you want to spend?
Features – Do you want a basic synth with limited features or do you want something with more features?
Size – Do you want something that will fit on a desktop? Or would a larger instrument better suit your needs?
Portability – Will this be for studio work only or will it also be used outside? If portable, then battery power may be important.
Functionality – Are there certain features that are important to you such as a sequencer or arpeggiator?
Once you have decided on these factors, then it is time to start looking at models! The best way is to go online and search for reviews on various models. You should also go into music stores and try out different models there as well. There are many different types of synthesizers out there so it’s important that you find one that suits your needs and budget!
If you’re thinking about getting a new synth, or if you’re starting your first synth collection, it can be hard to know where to start! There are tons of different types of synths, each with their own unique sound and character. We’ve put together a guide that categorizes synths by sound, so that you can find the right sound for what you’re looking for.
The most important thing when choosing a new synthesizer is to find something that inspires you. Your synth should fill you with awe and excitement every time you turn it on. If it doesn’t excite you and inspire you to create new music, then it’s not the right synth for you!
If you’re new to synthesizers and just looking to get your feet wet, or you’re a seasoned pro who’s looking for an affordable upgrade, the Novation MiniNova is one of the most versatile synthesizers on the market. The MiniNova has 37 keys and is small enough to fit into most gig bags, and it’s priced at about $400.
The MiniNova is essentially a smaller version of the popular Novation UltraNova. It features the same sound engine as its big brother and can create some super-fat basslines and leads. The synth includes 256 onboard sounds that you can tweak with 5 knobs, or you can use the free software editor for more detailed edits.
The “Animate” button lets you add variation to a sound in real time. The synth also features an onboard vocoder, so if you want to sound like a robot while playing live, this is perfect!