When you’re looking for a new synthesizer to add to your studio, it’s easy to get caught up in the specs — what type of filters does it have? Does the keybed support aftertouch? But these things don’t give you any indication of possibly the most important factor — how fun is it to play? Synthesists at Sweetwater know how important the technical details are, and we also know they don’t always add up to much if the synth itself isn’t enjoyable to interact with. We got our heads together to choose five of our favorite synthesizers, purely based on how fun they are to play.
Moog Matriarch
Right from the start, the Moog Matriarch semi-modular analog synthesizer’s colorful layout and dedicated knobs for each function invite you to play. Moog practically wrote the book on analog synthesis, and the Matriarch would serve any beginning synthesist well by making subtractive synthesis intuitive and approachable. What makes the Matriarch especially fun to play is its semi-modular design — you don’t have to mess with patch cables to make great sounds; but, with 90 modular patch points to play with, you’ll quickly be making advanced sounds in the spirit of experimentation. Also notable are the Matriarch’s built-in stereo analog delay, arpeggiator, and 256-step sequencer — from analog drum and bass sounds to complex pads and soundscapes, the Moog Matriarch has plenty of sonic delights to discover.
Learn more about the Moog Matriarch
Korg Wavestate
Moving right along to the other end of the spectrum, the Korg Wavestate wave sequencing synthesizer builds on the legacy of the original ’90s Wavestation synth with updated sonics that will fit right in with modern productions. While wave sequencing is a unique type of synthesis, all you need to do to understand what makes it special is to hold a note on the Wavestate’s keybed — the sound is rich, evocative, rhythmic, animated, and compelling. Playing around with the Wavestate’s factory patches encourages you to slow down and really listen to the subtle textures and shades it’s generating — it’s musical meditation in a box, and you’ll likely spend hours just holding down chords while tweaking parameters. If you’re looking for a synth that inspires you from the first note you hit, then you’ll likely have a lot of fun with the Korg Wavestate.
Learn more about the Korg Wavestate
Dave Smith Instruments OB-6
Created by two legendary synth pioneers — Dave Smith and Tom Oberheim — the Dave Smith Instruments OB-6 polyphonic analog synthesizer manages to capture the essence of all those classic synth sounds we’ve heard over the decades. Two things make the OB-6 amazingly accessible and enjoyable — its 6-voice polyphonic operation and its dedicated knob-per-function interface. Just hit a chord, and you’re rewarded with a huge, rich sound — then start tweaking knobs, and you’re off to the races. Its aftertouch-enabled keybed allows for ultra-expressive patches. And, with its 64-step polyphonic step sequencer and dual digital-effects engines, it’s easy to lose track of the hours when you get your hands on the OB-6.
Learn more about the Dave Smith Instruments OB-6
Moog Subsequent 37
An informal survey around the office revealed that the Subsequent 37 analog synthesizer is one of the most-played synths in our showroom among Sweetwater employees. When asked why, the answer was practically universal — “it’s just so fun to play with!” Even among novice synthesists, there’s something alluring about the Sub 37’s compact frame and generous helping of dedicated parameter knobs. Its paraphonic mode encourages noodling over a bass drone note, and its extra-large frequency cutoff knob makes it easy to make tonal tweaks on the fly, even without looking for it. And with the ability to sync its arpeggiator and step sequencer, you can quickly expand on a moment of inspiration as you shape your sounds. Whether you’re looking to create classic Moog synth sounds or something entirely new, you’ll have a lot of fun with the Subsequent 37.
Learn more about the Moog Subsequent 37
Arturia MicroFreak Vocoder Edition
The original MicroFreak synthesizer earned acclaim for its wide sonic range and approachable interface. And, with the MicroFreak Vocoder Edition, this highly enjoyable synth becomes more fun than ever. Complete with a built-in microphone, the MicroFreak’s 16-band vocoder mode gives you all the classic vocoder effects you could ask for. Under the hood, you’ll find a ton of unique modes, including Karplus-Strong synthesis and sound engines developed by Mutable Instruments. But we’re focused on fun here, and the sheer joy of playing notes while you vocalize into the microphone simply can’t be overstated.
Learn more about the Arturia MicroFreak Vocoder Edition
We don’t like to play favorites, but these five synths stand out for the sheer number of smiles they generate in our showroom. If you’ve been less than inspired by your synth collection lately, it’s possible that fun is the missing factor. If you’re wondering whether one of these synths would fit into your specific workflow and musical style, then give your Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700 — we’re always happy to help players find inspiring music gear!
