Synthesizers have become an essential part of modern music production. They give you the power to create sounds, textures, and melodies that are entirely unique.
As a beginner, you might feel overwhelmed by the vast array of synthesizers available. Don’t worry; we’re here to help you find the perfect one. In this article, we focus on the best synthesizers for beginners. These versatile but easy-to-use tools will have you making music in no time.
When choosing a synthesizer, it’s important to consider the type, size, and features. You’ll want something that suits your style and needs, as well as fits within your budget. Whether you’re a musician, producer, or just starting out, we understand that you want a synthesizer that will grow with you.
We’ve put in countless hours researching and testing many beginner synthesizers to help you find the one that’s just right for you. Let’s explore the world of synthesizers and make some music together.
Understanding Synthesizers
Synthesizers are a key tool in music production. Let’s dig into them to better understand their magic.
A synthesizer is an electronic device that creates sound. They come in three main types:
- Analog
- Digital
- Hybrid
- Modular
We’ll now break down some basic terms and concepts.
Analog synths use analog circuits to shape raw waveforms. They’re known for their warm, organic sounds.
Digital synths use digital signal processing (DSP) to make sound. They can recreate analog sounds and create new ones too.
Hybrid synths blend both analog and digital tech for unique, versatile sounds.
Modular synths are like audio Legos. You build your setup by connecting different sound modules. Be ready to experiment!
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Beginner Synthesizer
So, you want to buy your first synthesizer? Let’s dive into some key factors to consider.
Budget Considerations for Beginners
We all know that money plays a big role in our gear choices. For a beginner synthesizer, look for a balance between price and features. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get started.
Size and Portability: Finding the Right Fit
Size matters, especially if you plan on jamming with friends or traveling. Think about whether you want a desktop module or a keyboard-style synth. Keep in mind your available space and transportation needs.
Key Features to Look For: Polyphony, Keys, Modulation Options
Polyphony: This is the number of simultaneous voices a synthesizer can produce – the more, the better. Aim for at least four-voice polyphony for versatility.
Keys: Do you want a full-sized keyboard or something more portable? Consider the number of keys and their size, along with your playing style.
Modulation Options: Modulation is the heart of synthesis. Look for synths with LFOs, envelopes, and filters for a wide range of sound-shaping possibilities.
By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect beginner synthesizer for your musical journey.
Best Synthesizers for Beginners
Ready to dive into synthesis? We’ve curated the top beginner-friendly synthesizers just for you.
Korg microKORG XL+ 37-Key Synthesizer
We’d definitely recommend this synth for beginners who want versatile, vintage sounds.
Pros
- Expanded vintage sound options
- 16-band vocoder
- Kaoss effects engine
Cons
- Small keys
- Learning curve
- Build quality concerns
The Korg microKORG XL+ is a fantastic option for beginners. It offers a wide array of vintage sounds, including the KORG SGproX piano, M1 and VOX organs, and Tape instruments. This makes it ideal for those who want to experiment with different styles.
What sets this synthesizer apart is its 16-band vocoder. We’ve had a blast experimenting with the included XLR gooseneck mic. The Formant Hold and Formant Shift features make it unique, providing even more creativity options for users.
One aspect that might put some users off is the small keys. We found them to be quite playable, but those with larger hands may struggle. There’s also a learning curve when it comes to navigating the interface, so be prepared to put in some practice time.
Lastly, some users have reported concerns about the build quality. We haven’t experienced any issues, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Overall, the Korg microKORG XL+ is a fantastic choice for aspiring musicians branching into the world of synthesis. The impressive sound library and powerful vocoder make it an essential addition to any beginner’s toolkit.
Yamaha YPT270 61-Key Portable Keyboard
This keyboard definitely sparks beginner’s enthusiasm and creativity.
Pros
- High quality voices and styles
- Smart Chord feature for easy chords
- Fun Quiz mode to learn while playing
Cons
- Learning features are limited
- May not be suitable for advanced players
- Requires additional purchase for a sustain pedal
The Yamaha YPT270 is perfect for any aspiring musician. With hundreds of voices and styles, you can truly personalize the sound and feel of your music. Trust us, you will love playing around with the Drum kits and Special FX kits.
Smart Chord is fantastic for those who want to play complex chords easily. With just a single finger, you can produce professional-sounding chords, ranging from simple pop triads to jazzy 7th chords.
While the keyboard is great for beginners, some might find its learning features a bit limited. The Quiz mode is a fun game that helps with learning, but if you want a more comprehensive learning experience, you might want to consider other models like Yamaha’s EZ300.
In conclusion, the Yamaha YPT270 is a great investment for those starting their musical journey. Its mix of high-quality sound, interactive features, and ease of use make it an enjoyable learning experience. So, if you’re looking for the best synthesizer for beginners, give the Yamaha YPT270 a try.
Roland SE-02 Boutique Designer Series Analog Synthesizer
The Roland SE-02 is a top pick for beginners seeking an authentic analog sound with hands-on control.
Pros
- Authentic discrete analog circuitry
- Lots of programming options
- Creative onboard sequencer
Cons
- Small knobs
- No battery power option
- Better with additional Boutique keyboard
As music enthusiasts, we understand the struggle of finding the perfect gear. But when it comes to synthesizers for newbies, the Roland SE-02 is a solid choice. This synth is a result of a collaboration between Roland and Studio Electronics, making it debut as part of the Roland Boutique Designer Series.
The highlight of the SE-02 is its true discrete analog circuitry, which delivers a vintage sound that’s hard to come by nowadays. It also features three temperature-stabilized oscillators with six waveforms, a 24 dB low-pass filter, a dual gain-stage amplifier, and cross-modulation options. If you’re looking to experiment with sounds, this is the right place to start.
The onboard sequencer is both musical and intuitive, making it more enjoyable for beginners to dive into the world of synthesis. You can save, recall, and even connect several SE-02s together via MIDI, unlocking a whole new level of creativity. It must be noted that small knobs can be a bit fiddly to use, and the synth doesn’t support battery power.
In conclusion, we highly recommend the Roland SE-02 for its exceptional sound quality, array of features, and ease of use for beginners. Make sure to grab one here and let your musical journey begin!
Korg Volca Beats Analog Drum Machine
Discover your inner beatsmith with this beginner-friendly, powerful drum machine.
Pros
- Easy to use 16-step sequencer
- Portable with battery power option
- Sync with other Volca instruments
Cons
- Weak snare sound
- Some hiss reported by users
- Limited sound editing options
We recently tried the Korg Volca Beats and had a blast. Its Electribe-style 16-step sequencer is a treat for both beginners and seasoned producers. You’ll find creating your own drum patterns a breeze as you dive in.
A great feature of this little beast is its portability. With the built-in speaker and optional battery power, you can create beats anywhere inspiration strikes! Plus, you can sync it with other Volca series instruments for a more complete setup.
However, we have to mention a few drawbacks. The snare isn’t as strong as we hoped, and there’s some hiss reported by users. Also, sound editing options are a bit limited. But let’s be honest, at this price, it’s still an incredible tool to get started and have fun making music! Get your hands on the Korg Volca Beats and let your beat-making journey begin.
Korg Volca Beats Analog Drum Machine
This drum machine is perfect for beginners craving analog beats and an easy-to-use interface.
Pros
- 16-step sequencer and memory patches
- Sync options with multiple instruments
- Built-in speaker for play anywhere
Cons
- Limited sound variety
- Snare sounds weak
- Needs better product manual
As a beginner, you’ll love this Korg gem. It’s portable and has a built-in speaker, making it perfect for on-the-go creativity. Its 16-step sequencer lets you generate rad beats with high-quality sounds. Trust us, this little machine packs a punch.
We appreciated the sync feature allowing for seamless integration with other Volca series instruments. Keep rocking out while having multiple instruments function in harmony.
However, nothing’s perfect. The snare leaves much to be desired. It sounds weak compared to the powerful kicks this machine boasts. But hey, you win some, you lose some.
Additionally, the product manual isn’t your best friend here. Search for online tutorials to truly uncover your drum machine’s hidden talents.
In the end, we recommend the Korg Volca Beats Analog Drum Machine for beginners eager to explore analog beats. A few cons aside, this little powerhouse will get you started in creating your own unique tunes.
Korg minilogue XD 4-voice Analog Synthesizer
The Korg minilogue XD is a top choice for beginners looking for an intuitive and versatile synthesizer.
Pros
- 4-voice analog/digital hybrid
- 16-step sequencer
- Great variety of sound options
Cons
- Size may be too compact for some
- Limited polyphony
- Price may be high for beginners
The minilogue XD packs a punch with its 4-voice analog/digital hybrid engine. The digital multi-engine brings you diverse sound options, allowing for endless creativity.
Its easy-to-use interface makes it perfect for those starting their synthesizer journey. The 16-step sequencer and built-in effects provide endless possibilities for creating unique tracks.
Overall, the Korg minilogue XD is a fantastic investment for beginners looking to dive into the world of synthesizers. With its versatile sound options and user-friendly design, you’ll be inspired to create music like never before.
Arturia MiniBrute 2
We highly recommend the Arturia MiniBrute 2 for beginners due to its versatility and user-friendly design.
Pros
- 2 VCOs and 2 LFOs for diverse sound creation
- Steiner Parker filter with 4 modes
- 25-key keyboard with aftertouch and sequencer mode
Cons
- Weighs 13.72 pounds, slightly heavy
- Corded electric power source
- Requires some learning curve
As aspiring musicians, we know how important it is to find the right gear. The Arturia MiniBrute 2 is a fantastic choice for beginners who want to dive into the world of synthesis. It offers a powerful combination of analog sound and modular possibilities with its 2 VCOs, 2 LFOs, and Steiner Parker filter. These features make it easy to create a wide range of sounds and textures.
Despite being packed with features, the MiniBrute 2 remains beginner-friendly. The 25-key keyboard has aftertouch and sequencer mode to help you get started easily. Plus, the 48-point CV and gate patchbay allows you to experiment and explore new sounds as you refine your skills.
On the downside, the MiniBrute 2 does weigh 13.72 pounds, so it might be a bit heavy to move around. The device also requires a corded electric power source, which could limit portability. But overall, we believe the Arturia MiniBrute 2 provides an excellent starting point for anyone looking to get into synthesis and grow their musical abilities. Give it a try, and let your creativity soar.
Behringer DeepMind 12D Synthesizer
This Behringer synthesizer is perfect for beginners seeking fat, authentic sounds.
Pros
- 12-voice true analog
- Polyphonic capabilities
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Made by Behringer (some durability concerns)
- Audible hiss when recording
- Limited dedicated knobs for some parameters
We recently explored the Behringer DeepMind 12D, an excellent choice for beginners. This analog desktop synthesizer offers 12 true analog voices, allowing users to generate rich and powerful sounds.
Furthermore, it has polyphonic capabilities, which is an essential feature for those who wish to play multiple notes simultaneously. This feature will significantly expand your creative options when producing music.
Though some have reported a faint hiss when recording, and there might be concerns about durability, we found the overall experience to be delightful. This synthesizer stands out as a fantastic option for beginners looking for an authentic, warm, and powerful sound without breaking the bank. The Behringer DeepMind 12D provides great value with its numerous features and capabilities, all at a reasonable price.
Teenage Engineering OP-1 Portable Synthesizer
Discover endless creativity with the Teenage Engineering OP-1 synthesizer, perfect for beginners!
Pros
- 13 unique synth engines
- Built-in FM radio and sampler
- Highly portable with long battery life
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Limited to 4-track tape recording
- Could be overwhelming for absolute beginners
We can’t help but love the Teenage Engineering OP-1 for being such a creative and compact synthesizer. Its 13 different synth engines are impressive, enabling a whole range of sound creation. The built-in FM radio and sampler make it easy to grab inspiration from the world around you.
The OP-1 is highly portable, with an outstanding 16-hour battery life that lets you create music on the go. It even lasts for 2 years on standby mode – no more worrying about your device running out of power!
On the flip side, the price point might be a bit steep for some, but you’re definitely getting a powerful instrument in return. Its 4-track tape recording is a limitation, but as a beginner synthesizer, it offers plenty of value. While it might be a tad overwhelming for some at first, exploring its capabilities will become a fun, creative journey.
In conclusion, the Teenage Engineering OP-1 Portable Synthesizer is a powerhouse, offering an insane amount of variety and portable music-making experience. If you’re ready to invest in your musical journey, this intuitive synthesizer is the one for you.
Novation MiniNova Synthesizer
An ideal choice for beginners seeking a powerful and compact synthesizer.
Pros
- Powerful synth engine
- Compact and portable
- Versatile vocal effects
Cons
- Mini keys may be hard to use
- External speaker needed
- May be overwhelming for some
The Novation MiniNova is a fantastic synthesizer for beginners. Its compact design makes it perfect for producers, gigging musicians, and those making music with computers. A powerful synth engine gives you the freedom to create unique sounds, with 256 onboard and storage for another 128.
What sets this synthesizer apart are the impressive vocal effects. The Vocal Tune and vocoder enable you to recreate classic vocal effects as well as explore new possibilities. With an input for plugging in a guitar or other instrument, MiniNova lets you experiment with your sound.
One drawback is the mini keys, which might be challenging for some players. Additionally, an external speaker is required, and navigating the powerful synth engine can feel daunting. However, the MiniNova Editor simplifies editing and works as a plug-in within your DAW or music software.
For anyone looking for a compact synthesizer that packs a punch, the Novation MiniNova is an excellent option. With its powerful engine, vocal effects, and portability, it’s perfect for aspiring musicians and producers.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best synthesizer for beginners, we can focus on a few key aspects. These factors will make your learning journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Ease of use
Choose a synth that is user-friendly. A simple interface and a clear layout help new users grasp the process.
Budget
Decide on your price range before shopping. Synths come in various price points, so know what you can afford.
Built-in effects
The variety of built-in effects can add flavor to your music. Look for synths that offer a good selection to explore.
Tutorials
Some synths provide tutorials for new users. These can be a great starting point for understanding the instrument.
Portability
If you plan to create music on the go, find a synthesizer that easily fits in your bag or backpack.
To narrow down your options, use this table below:
| Feature | Importance | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | High | Enhance learning |
| Budget | Medium | Affordable options |
| Built-in FX | Low | Creative sound shaping |
| Tutorials | Medium | Educational support |
| Portability | Low | Music making on-the-go |
Stick to these criteria, and you’re on your way to finding the ideal beginner synth. Happy music-making!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which synth feature is a must-have for newbies?
When starting out, look for easy-to-use controls and presets. This helps you learn quicker and with less stress.
What is the Difference Between Analog and Digital Synthesizers?
Analog synths create sound with electrical circuits for warm tones. Digital synths use math to create sound – they’re more flexible.
Are digital or analog synths better for first-timers?
We recommend digital synths for beginners. They offer more versatility, easier interfacing, and often come with tutorials.
How Long Does It Take to Learn the Basics of Synthesizers?
It varies, but most people feel comfortable within a few weeks. Don’t worry, just stay patient and enjoy the journey.
What should I look for when choosing my first synthesizer?
Consider budget, ease of use, and built-in features. Look for synths with good presets and learning resources.
Is it better to get a synth with keys or use a MIDI controller?
Both options have pros and cons. Key-equipped synths are great for live gigs, while MIDI controllers allow more flexibility in the studio.