Historic keyboard wizards like Keith Emerson and Vangelis made the operation of their instruments look easy. That said, even the legends had to start from the beginning, and taming the beasts of manual synthesis is challenging. As a beginner, coming face to face with a full-scale synthesizer can be daunting, and with so many models available, choosing the instrument that best caters to your skill level may be challenging. To curb this, we gave Sweetwater synth experts the task of finding the most suitable keys for budding musicians — taking into account interfacing, playability, versatility, and sound — to ensure you start your musical journey on the right foot. This comprehensive list offers multiple avenues, from simple analog bass stations to explorative polyphonic modules, so don’t be afraid to branch out and experiment! In the world of synthesizers, it pays to analyze every aspect of your sound. Who knows? Given enough time — and creativity — you may find yourself sitting among the greats.
Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!
- Arturia MiniFreak 37-key Hybrid Synthesizer
- Behringer Pro-800 8-voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer
- Roland AIRA Compact S-1 Tweak Synth
- Korg microKORG Synthesizer with Vocoder
- Novation MiniNova 37-key Synthesizer with Vocoder
- Novation Bass Station II Analog Synthesizer
- Yamaha Reface CS Virtual Analog Synthesizer
- Cre8audio East Beast Semi-modular Analog Synthesizer
- Korg minilogue XD 4-voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer
- AMS Hydrasynth Explorer Portable Polyphonic Wave Morphing Synthesizer
- Moog Mavis Semi-modular Analog Synthesizer Kit and Eurorack Module
Arturia MiniFreak 37-key Hybrid Synthesizer
Which qualities make the 37-key Arturia MiniFreak hybrid synthesizer so great? Sweetwater synth experts consistently cite three: a beginner-friendly interface, portability, and exceptional sonics. Within this power-packed 37-key beast lies two sound engines powered by 6-voice polyphony, carrying tones from rich analog-inspired bass chugs to ethereal pads. Every sound is adjustable via simple knob controls, allowing you to morph the MiniFreak’s digital oscillators to your liking before running them through a series of true analog filters, effects, and more. Courtesy of its compact design, the MiniFreak is exceptionally lightweight and easily fits into any backpack or carry-on. However, suppose you find yourself stuck to the screen. In that case, Arturia includes an additional copy of MiniFreak V, so you can experience this synth’s formidable power through your favorite DAW or other audio editing software.
Behringer Pro-800 8-voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer
The timeless sound of early ’80s synthesizers is highly coveted among contemporary synth musicians. For beginners, the 8-voice Berhringer Pro-800 polyphonic analog synthesizer is an excellent way to bring these vintage sounds to your next mix. It features two dedicated VCOs with 8-voice polyphony, three switchable waveforms, a PWM control, and level adjustment options for sculpting your sound in a straightforward interface. The built-in 2-track sequencer enables even more energetic tones, especially when paired with its 3-1/2mm TS inputs for exclusive sync and filter CV control. Like the original, the Pro-800 features a set of filters, an ADSR amplifier section, and even an onboard noise generator (exclusive to the 1982 model’s Japanese-built units). Best of all, you’ll have access to 400 slots of patch storage for convenient preset recall and endless sound exploration.
Roland AIRA Compact S-1 Tweak Synth
Despite its small form, the Roland AIRA Compact S-1 tweak synth packs a powerful sonic punch. Multiple oscillators with 4-voice polyphony are available immediately, featuring tools such as overtone and comb for multiple harmonic possibilities. The onboard effects, including reverb and delay, will ensure you’ve got ample choice for experimentation and sound polishing. However, the most beginner-friendly feature lies in the AIRA Compact S-1’s gyroscopic controls, which allow you to phase in and out of two separate effects by simply rotating the device on its axis! Consequently, this also makes it an excellent option for performance scenarios and impromptu jam sessions. Topped off with a multimode arpeggiator and 64-step sequencing feature, the AIRA Compact S-1 features all the functionality of an excellent starter synth within a convenient, micro-sized package
Korg microKORG Synthesizer with Vocoder
As a ripe synth contender for almost two decades, it’s only natural that the Korg microKORG synthesizer with vocoder made it to our list. The microKORG is fit with two powerful oscillators and more than 100 sound programs and is an extremely powerful tool for the beginning musician. Its interface is straightforward to navigate, providing five parameter controls for each sound, allowing you to experiment with state-of-the-art Korg sounds while discovering your unique taste. Best of all, it comes fully loaded with a dedicated 8-band vocoder mode and microphone to let you dip your toes in vocal synthesis! If you want to cover as many bases as possible, then the microKORG is the synth for you. in vocal synthesis! If you want to cover as many bases as possible, then the microKORG is the synth for you.
Novation MiniNova 37-key Synthesizer with Vocoder
With more than 250 amazing, tweakable onboard presets, the Novation MiniNova 37-key synthesizer with vocoder can find the exact sound you need. This micro beast is jam-packed with the same full-scale functionality as the renowned UltraNova synthesizer, complete with a 20-slot modulation matrix, arpeggiator, and effects bay for the utmost in sonic creativity. Like the previous synth on our list, the MiniNova even features a vocoder and built-in mic. What makes it such a great beginner synth? The MiniNova’s mini size and super-navigable interface make it easy for emerging synth enthusiasts to take full advantage of its features in little to no time — without being intimidated by a full-scale synthesizer panel. Are you looking for a professional-sounding device with the right speed for a beginner? If you answered yes, then you need the Novation MiniNova.
Novation Bass Station II Analog Synthesizer
When it comes to bass lines and ferocious leads, the powerful 25-key Novation Bass Station II analog synthesizer is hands down the best synthesizer for beginners. Two main oscillators provide the perfect foundation for rich bottom-end tones and are completely manipulable by a recognizable Novation knob and slider interface. Onboard the Bass Station II is an arpeggiator and step sequencer, so you can perfectly sync bass lines and administer changes to your sound in real time! Likewise, 32 built-in rhythmic patterns can help kick-start your creativity if you have difficulty finding the right bass line shape. If you fancy the art of low-end beat construction, then the Novation Bass Station II should be your first consideration.
Yamaha Reface CS Virtual Analog Synthesizer
Musicians that know anything about keys have heard of the iconic Yamaha CS-80 polyphonic analog synthesizer. While the actual unit is fitting for more experienced players, the Yamaha Reface CS virtual analog synthesizer brings the CS-80’s powerful sonics and playability to a more beginner-friendly palette. Ringing true to its ancestor, the Reface CS provides an expansive set of texture and modulation sliders for each of the five onboard synthesis types. You’ll discover sounds that range from ambient, dark soundscapes to high-frequency leads and everywhere in between. The Reface CS operates on six AA batteries so that you can practice your skills virtually anywhere. Best of all, a USB-to-Host port provides MIDI connectivity to your favorite DAW or audio editing software, so you can take its premium-quality keybed directly to your favorite soft-synth instruments!
Cre8audio East Beast Semi-modular Analog Synthesizer
By name, the Cre8audio East Beast semi-modular analog synthesizer may seem complex. However, Sweetwater musicians find this device incredibly easy to navigate, courtesy of its East Coast–style controls interface. The East Beast utilizes Cre8audio’s decade-designed oscillator, ensuring the utmost in sine, triangle, saw, and square wave sonics. Likewise, the proprietary multimode filter delivers ultimate sound shaping while resisting dead-spot interferences. Just when you thought the deal couldn’t get sweeter, the East Beast includes a power supply and a collection of patch cables to ensure you can hit the road of synthesis exploration as soon as it arrives. It easily fits into pre-existing modular setups, should you ever need to upgrade to a larger rig!
Korg minilogue 4-voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer
The Korg minilogue is a prestigious 4-voice analog synthesizer. The minilogue is built with 300 presets (100 preloaded and 200 user presets), an arpeggiator, and a 16-step sequencer and is jam-packed with sounds ranging from booming bass lines to soft low-end leads and almost anywhere in between. Onboard modulation also allows you to shape your sound to your liking, which offers expansive sound opportunities when paired with the synth’s eight separate voicing modes. We’ve always known the standard minilogue model to be a great beginner synth for its portability and user-friendly controls panel.
ASM Hydrasynth Explorer Portable Polyphonic Wave Morphing Synthesizer
This ASM Hydrasynth Explorer polyphonic wave morphing synthesizer is a portable version of the company’s 49-key, 8-voice Hydrasynth polyphonic wave morphing synthesizer, delivering the same polyphonic, WaveScan potential for epic sonic constructions. After choosing your preferred tone from the 219 given waveforms, you can shape your sound with ADSR envelopes, filters, and more. You’ll notice there are fewer knobs on this synth. The Explorer’s button-heavy interface and large, easy-to-read screen offer a super-beginner-friendly playing surface on which it’s easy to design sounds and perform. Topped with a unique 32-slot mod matrix and eight effects, including chorus, flanger, rotary, phaser, lo-fi, and more, the inside of this mighty beast provides limitless bounds to explore.uding chorus, flanger, rotary, phaser, lo-fi, and more, the inside of this mighty beast provides limitless bounds to explore.
Moog Mavis Semi-modular Analog Synthesizer Kit and Eurorack Module
You don’t have to be involved with synths for long to understand just how important Moog is to the game. In terms of beginner instruments, the company has climbed to the highest rung with the Moog Mavis semi-modular analog synthesizer kit and Eurorack module. It all starts with a proprietary Moog VCO, which can easily be adjusted by pitch, waveform, pulse width, and more. After building your foundation, the easy-to-spot utility, VCF, ADSR, and LFO controls will give you the tools to provide your final sound with an energetic twist. The Mavis’s sectioned interface and legible graphics make it a fantastic beginner synth. Not to mention a 24-point patch bay and 13-note keypad for even more room to branch out and experiment! The Moog Mavis is the way to go if you’re looking for a 100% authentic way to build your sounds from scratch
For Best Results, Experiment!
Learning the ins and outs of synthesis can take time, and each instrument performs differently. Therefore, it’s a good idea to branch out and explore every option to get a wider field of knowledge. Hopefully, our list will help you find your optimal instrument. If this is the case, then go ahead and give it a whirl! Should you need any other advice or expertise, or if you want to talk gear, then call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700 — they’re always happy to help!
