New synthesizers in 2018 contributed an amazing ascension of analog, digital, and hybrid technology. Did it make 2018 the Year of the Synth? Here are just a handful of the highlights from 2018.
IK Multimedia Uno Analog Synthesizer
I had to start with the IK Multimedia Uno Synth, as it is both inexpensive and surprisingly powerful and musical. This 2-oscillator, true-analog synth generously packs a cornucopia of features onto a smooth slab with lots of switchless sensors as well as seven knobs, two octaves of keys, and a full-featured arpeggio and 16-step sequencer with multiple-parameter automation for each step! Add a built-in delay, a Mac/PC editor, and MIDI in/out, and you have a modern analog miracle that can run on batteries or USB.
Behringer Model D Analog Synthesizer
You can argue all day about whether the Behringer Model D sounds exactly like the famous ’70s synth that inspired it. The point is, it’s close enough that you can respectably argue for either side. Once you see the price, you can stop worrying about it altogether, get one, and start enjoying its analog goodness. Like the original, it has three analog oscillators, noise, external audio in, an analog lowpass filter, a pair of 3-stage envelopes, and MIDI and Control Voltage ins and outs. As an added bonus, the Model D can run standalone in its enclosure or be removed to make it a standard Eurorack module.
Moog DFAM (Drummer From Another Mother)
The Moog DFAM is very interesting, as it can take on several different roles. It can be a standalone unit that sits on your desk waiting to be tweaked, or it can be removed from its housing and used as a Eurorack module. DFAM has two analog oscillators, an analog lowpass filter, audio-rate frequency modulation, and separate decay knobs for the VCO, VCF, and VCA. And there are lots of Control Voltage in and out jacks that let you explore your own unique paths. But the feature that ties them all together is the built-in analog knob-based sequencer. Two rows of eight steps allow you to set the frequency and velocity of each step and can be used to make melodic sequences, percussion sequences, or out-of-this-world sonic landscapes.
Moog Grandmother Analog Synthesizer and Step Sequencer
Sure, it’s got a crazy name and a color scheme that takes you back more than a few decades. But within minutes, you’ll begin to realize the massive sonic power and unexpected flexibility of the semi-modular Moog Grandmother. Two historical Moog Oscillators firing into the legendary Moog ladder filter, plus a 1-pole highpass filter and real spring reverb show you why the full-sized Moog modular synths still sell for top dollar today. This semi-modular configuration allows you to make music right away, without patching, and create elaborate sequences (up to 256 notes for each of the three sequences). Then, when you’re ready, you can rewire the entire synth to create sounds that match your dreams.
Korg Prologue Analog Synthesizer
The 49-key 8-voice or 61-key 16-voice Korg Prologue is the perfect synth for those who want to dial in beautiful analog, digital, and hybrid polyphonic textures without a lot of menu diving. It’s the perfect blend of sonic simplicity and deeper, more powerful features that are ready when you are. Three oscillators (two analog and one digital with FM and wavetable synthesis) blend to make sounds that are easy to love, easy to create, and easy to modify. Add the ability to split, layer, and crossfade sounds, then run them through modern effects, and you’re ready to take advantage of the Prologue’s powerful arpeggiator.
Roland AX-Edge Keytar Synthesizer
Here’s a late entry for 2018: the AX-Edge 49-key Keytar is a ridiculously powerful synth that just happens to also be wearable. The built-in soundset is filled with everything you’d expect from a lead/rhythm synth, with many additional sonic surprises. Its ability to run on eight rechargeable batteries makes this the most powerful synth ever made for running around the stage or just jamming with friends at the local club. In the studio, the AX-Edge can receive MIDI from a 61- or 88-key controller, or your DAW, to take full advantage of its remarkable sonic offerings.
Yamaha MODX Synthesizer
The Yamaha Montage is, without question, a stunning flagship synthesizer. Now, the MODX offers much the same power, sonic engines, effects, and features — with a surprising reduction in size, weight, and price. Whether you choose the 61-, 76-, 88-key version, if you need a world-famous ROMpler, combined with an FM synth that goes far beyond the legendary DX7, along with the ability to store and play back 1GB of your own samples, then the MODX is what you’ve been waiting for.
Sequential Prophet X and XL Synthesizers
Never before has a keyboard sampler been released with this much power to bend, mangle, and re-synthesize audio samples. The 61-key Sequential Prophet X‘s or the 76-key XL‘s built-in 150GB (!) sample library is filled with acoustic and electronic instruments, plus cinematic and ambient effects. Plus, there’s another 50GB of flash waiting for your own samples! Eight true-stereo voices are available (each with its own filters!) that can also be used as 16 monaural voices. Four envelopes and four LFOs are ready to modulate your samples into “never heard before” sounds that will push your songs beyond your imagination.
Moog One Analog Synthesizer
I’ve gone on and on about this “one” already. When you’re ready to have the most powerful set of programming and performance tools ever offered on an all-analog keyboard, then either the 8-voice Moog One or 16-voice Moog One is it. Three entirely separate synths — each with three variable all-analog oscillators, two flexible filters, five envelopes, four LFOs, a sequencer, an arpeggiator, and an individual effect, all routed to a master effects section — provide for unbelievable possibilities. The Moog One, all by itself, helps to make the argument that 2018 was indeed the Year of the Synth.
Waldorf Quantum 8-voice Hybrid Synth
We’ve been hearing breathless rumors about the Waldorf Quantum synth for quite some time. I even had the opportunity to review an early prototype this past spring. But now it’s real and finally shipping. Three true-stereo digital oscillators for each of the eight voices can use wavetable synthesis, speech synthesis, waveform synthesis, granular synthesis, a resonator, and sampling to re-create past synthesizers as well as invent entirely new genres of sound manipulation. Keep your eyes (and ears) on this one; it’s going to change the sound of modern electronic music forever.
There you have it. I hope you’ll see why I think that 2018 was truly the Year of the Synth. And there are so many more 2018 synths that I didn’t have room for. But don’t worry — your Sweetwater Sales Engineer can share all the facts and features of these synths and more to help make 2019 the Year You Made Those Amazing Sounds! Call us at (800) 222-4700.
