Let’s be real:
Analog Synthesizers are awesome, and over the last few years they’ve gotten really advanced.
Today, you can get your hands on anything from a palm-sized synth to a classic synthesizer without breaking the bank.
But here’s the deal:
There has been a lot of debate about digital synthesizers versus analog synthesizers.
Digital synths are great if you want a completely polyphonic device, but personally, I have always preferred analog synths because of the following reasons:
- The sound is more natural and easy on the ears.
- The ‘hands-on’ feeling that you get cannot be replaced by codes or graphics.
- Complex navigation systems can get a bit confusing at times.
I know not everyone agrees with these points, but they’re just my personal thoughts.
In order to help you out in choosing the best option for you, I went that extra mile and compiled a list of the 4 best synths available today.
The Top 4 Analog Synthesizers
Rank | Analog Synthesizer |
---|---|
1. | Korg Minilogue |
2. | Korg MicroKorg |
3. | Novation miniNova |
4. | Korg Pocket Synth |
Korg Minilogue 4-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synth
- 4 voice fully programmable polyphonic analog synth
- Comes with 200 editable presets
- Extremely versatile set up for custom sounds
- 16 step polyphonic note and motion sequencer
- Equipped with a voice mode
- Looks awesome
The Korg Minilogue 4-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synth is my top recommendation because it's really the best option available for everyone.
Yes it's slightly more expensive than the other suggestions listed here, but at the end of the day it's a better synth.
Bottom line:
If you're familiar with Korg synthesizers and you need an upgrade this is for you.
If you're a total beginner, this is also recommended because it's so easy to use.
Again, it's great for any analog enthusiast because it's the best of both worlds: Awesome advanced features, yet easy to use and get familiar with.
Read Customer Reviews and Full Product Specs >> Click Here
Korg microKorg 37 key
- Easy to set-up and carry around
- Dual-oscillator synth engine
- 8 band vocoder
- 6 types of arpeggio patterns
- Fully programmable
- Can run on AA batteries
The keys on the Korg MicroKORG may be toy-sized, but this synth is no toy.
It is packed with a large number of presets and once you know your way around, you will see amazing results. The factory patches are wonderful and the programming is quite flexible too.
Korg is known to produce quality products (like the top pick above) and this is another one of those examples. It's a great syth, and slightly cheaper than the top recommendation (save around $100).
This syth does a great job and packing in a ton of features into a small frame. It has enough features to suit almost any type of music producer, and it's priced so well that it's a great choice for beginners.
It has been on the market for quite some time, however it's still a top recommendation. There are hundreds of positive reviews and people are still buying this unit in 2017.
The video below does a nice job at giving a full overview.
I would also recommend you check out the positive customer reviews listed in the link below.
Read Customer Reviews and Full Product Specs >> Click Here
Novation miniNova
- 37 key controller
- 256 Sounds, space to save 128 more sounds
- Fully editable synth engine with 3 oscillators
- 8 back-lit animated buttons
- Mini-size keys
- 14 traditional and 20 digital waveforms
- Can add 5 effects to each voice
- VocalTune effect
- USB port and MIDI I/O
The Novation MiniNova's compact size, amazing bass and easy controls make it a perfect choice for anyone who wants to create music with the help of these devices.
It can sit right in front of your computer while you edit sounds.
There are 14 types of filters with 6 envelope generators and 20 slots for modulation. The ‘Perform’ section is particularly helpful in switching positions, giving access to all the sound parameters.
The touch knobs make it very easy to get variation in the sound, and the vocoder and the arpeggiator work very well.
It comes with a great editing software which is always a plus.
There are a ton of video tutorials on how to use all the different features which you can find along side real customer reviews through the link below:
Check out the video here and see this synth in action!
Read Customer Reviews and Full Product Specs >> Click Here
Korg Monotron Duo Dual Pocket Synthesizer
- Battery powered
- 5 knobs, 1 switch
- Ribbon controller keyboard
- Aux input jack and headphone jack
- Dual Oscillator Monotron
This is a palm-sized synth and the most affordable one on this list by far.
You will be surprised to hear the variety of sounds that can be produced from this little device (since there are only five knobs). It's best for sliding notes and also for droning sounds.
The way this monotron can channel sound through the audio jack is truly remarkable. I have to say it filters the voice quite efficiently.
It's really a "go anywhere analog" which Korg labels it as.
If you're a little confused about the terminology, this is a palm sized synthesizer which Korg has called the monotron. It's certainly on a different level than the 3 choices above, however it has its own unique benefits.
Sounds won't be precise and perfect and it can't do what the above synths can, but that's not why people buy this.
It's fun, cheap and simple to use.
Read Customer Reviews and Full Product Specs >> Click Here
Quick Recap and Final Thoughts
The top 3 picks are great for beginners to professionals.
Sure there are some more advanced options out there, however the majority of people can do everything they need with these recommendations.
And they're priced so well!
These are compact synthesizers so they may not have every single feature found in studio sized synths, but they will surprise you big time once you get your hands on one.
How to get sales prices:
Check out the table listed above.
I have analyzed all the prices across the most reputable online music stores.
You will find the best sales price online through the recommended retailers in the table above.