MicroBrute for beginner a million times over. Very affordable, especially used. Also it really TEACHES the user the basic of synthesis with its hands-on, knob per function, no preset layout.
I got a Microbrute about 3 years ago. It has been fun, and I use it in almost every song, but I should have gotten a Bass Station II instead. It's much more flexible... and more importantly, I severely underestimated the importance of being able to load and save patches. Now though, after using "beginner" synths for a few years, I think it's finally time to get myself something nice. If things go well, I'm hoping to get a Pro 3. Pair it with a DAW, and it's basically all I need to make complete songs.
@@ToyKeeper BSII as a second synth 100%, still think MicroBrute as a first/beginner synth though. I would've been overwhelmed with all the shift functions of BSII, not to mention because it's a patch synth, the knob settings don't always reflect what is going on.
Patches are a good thing. It only took about a day before I ran into situations where the no-patches approach got in my way. Literally the first hour of making my first song with it, I needed that feature... and it hasn't stopped being an issue in the years since then. I know some people prefer things that way, and that's fine. People love products like the Moog Matriarch. But I discovered very quickly that it's not for me. I want to be able to make the same sounds more than once, and to switch easily between parts as I work on a song. One upside though... The Microbrute was a relatively cheap and fun way to learn that I should never get into modular, or the entire category of pure analog synths. Digital controls are important, even when the audio path is analog.
@@ToyKeeper I guess my final point is an annoyance of any digitally controlled synth with patches... ready? I hope all manufacturer's are listening... INCLUDE A PANEL BUTTON/SWITCH (ala Arturia MicroFreak) that allows me to toggle whether I want all the knobs/sliders to conform to the patch or to immediately switch to where they are positions.
I doubt any manufacturers are listening to a random 2-year-old youtube thread. :) Anyway, the Microfreak is pretty awesome. Everyone I know who has one loves it. One of its creators went on to make the Hydrasynth, which I'm also really interested in. Have been very tempted to replace my Blofeld with a Hydrasynth, because it does almost everything better and, in particular, the interface is fantastic. It could even be a contender for best beginner synth, because the interface is so easy to learn. Unlike most beginner synths though, it's incredibly powerful. But a Hydrasynth is mostly just an idea for later. For now, the main thing which would help me is replacing my Microbrute with something nicer.
Yep nice, simple effective videos. For beginner Synths, I got the Roland SH-201 49 key, 😢with its great 1 knob per function for learning subtractive systhesis. The nice edm strings, pads, overdrive, and real Supersaw also are nice! Another is the Roland Aira System-1 Plug out 25 key with ACB. 1 knob per function to learn on and a fun Scatter arpeggiator.
Dude! Ive been playing guitars and bass my entire life but recently got into synths. You are making me feel like a noob. Im diggin your channel. subbed
Hi, Dawless. Just want to show you my whole gratitude. You encouraged me through this video to make my decision. I just purchased a Minilogue, and I am hugely excited about my first analogue synth ever. I want to work on it with all I have and look forward to make it be worth all the sacrifice I made to get it. I am discovering that your suggestions were right. Thank you one more time. 💗
I always find it weird when people call things that cost half the money I make per month "affordable." Like, I would love to get any of these, but I need to eat and pay rent.
Affordable for a synthesizer. These aren't things meant to be bought and consumed; many people keep their instruments their entire lives after buying it. Save up. Sell something you aren't using. Work a second job for a bit.
@@joemonroe1106 Most synths or other equipment for that matter aren't offered for 48 month 0% interest. It's rarely offered. And the things that are usually need to be more than $1000 USD.
@@IRIDEHARLEYS yes your right, that financing isn't always available, but it does happen for lower priced gear. I recently bought twice from SW... last May, and again in June, both for 48mths zero interest. First item cost me $500 and the second was just over $300. Pretty easy to afford at around $10 or less a month.
@@joemonroe1106 as noted, 48 month financing for most items is rare. Look around on SW website and see for yourself. I've been shopping there for years. Even 24 month is sometimes hard to come by.
I have a Roland JDXI for my beginner synth. It is great for a beginner for a number of reasons. It has 2 digital 1 analog and a drums synth. It has a step sequencer with real time record. I can make a whole tune on it and when you plug it into a daw its great. I use Reaper with it as it is free and very easy to set up and use. Im still learning but for around £300ish its a steal. I got mine for £250 which was an absolute bargain and I have tons of fun with it. My next purchase is gonna be a Roland MX1. A Boss 202 looper then hopefully another synth. I suggest watching a few JDXI vids to see it in action.
I just bought a reface CS as my first synth and i'm very impressed. great sound, intuitive and logical control panel, and no presets does kinda force you to learn how to make sounds, and the mini keys are excellent
I use a BS2, 101, Vermona PF2, Behringer Model D and I've used a Sub37 and MS20 in the studio. Out of those synths, the BS2 offers the most sound design potential and flexibility for the price. It's also light but built like a tank, which makes it good for live work.
Same here. The filter is superior to the one on the minilogue, and the sound is great. The motion sequencing makes it ultra powerful. People have said a lot of nice things about it, and I STILL think it's underrated. Only downside is you can't have your windows open lest a breeze blow it off of the table.
The Monologue has a old Vintage Moog feel to it sounds like the Sonic 6 vintage synth. The sonic 6 was underrated in its day back in the early 70s ,done a lot of research on this synth. Love my Monologue its a great space saver on my desk top. its great for Guitar players wanting to cross over to synths because it uses and E_-E range instead of a C-c like most keyboards!
The best synth for beginner: Imho it´s the microkorg. Good build quality, easy to understand but you can dig really deep, good sounding, it´s small but not to small like the volcas and very affordable.
The MS2000 which has the same synth engine as the microkorg is one of my favorite synths of all time if I'm being honest. I've used several different synths but something about the sound and usability of the MS is incredible.
i learned it with cubase sx and it´s stock plugins long ago but i think it would be a great start. the only downsize is the controlmatrix. You have to twist the two big knobs a lot if you want to build your sounds from scratch - but after a while you will be able to be very fast. It´s easier to learn it with the TAL U-NO, which is a free vst plugin that emulates the Roland Juno 60. You have 2 Waveforms (Square and Saw), a sub osc and Noise, a lfo and 2 different filter. It´s very clean and clear and good sounding. If you wanna have a hardware synth go with the microkorg or get a used ms 2000.
WiredAl I recently took the plunge on modular getting a big enough case that I wouldn't need to expand... it's already full xD but no future plans of expanding so that's the good news :D
I suggest the Roland Jx-03. Its incredibly affordable, simple and small, and although its a recreation of a vintage Roland synth, it has a very nice sound that I love.
Agreed, it's completely portable (runs off AAAs, built in speaker, mini keyboard) with no menus, presets included and ability to save presets has taught me heaps. Plus it has MIDI in so you can use a full size keyboard.
How about a list of beginner synths for 500$ or less? I would say the OP-1 does not belong here. Instead, it should have been the TE pocket operators. They are fun, cheap and simple to use. Just because of the price; both the Pocket Operators and the OP-1 have similar functions. The Roland SH-201 is a good pick because it is versatile, has 49 full size keys, polyphonic and you can even find some for under 300$ if you try hard enough. People seem to diss the filter on this synth though because it is an analog modeling synth and it sounds "cold and digital". I don't care personally. Also, if this video was made in the mid 1970s, the ARP odyssey would still be there because, well, it was made for educational purposes along with EMS's Synthi.
Comparison between the op-1 and the pocket operators is ignorant. The op-1 is basically a full DAW in and of itself, the pocket operators are incredibly limited
Great list. Wished i had this selection options in 1983, when i started with synths. IMHO I would add a Mopho Keyboard and a Roland System 1. Both are great for beginners, and sound awesome. I also recommend a small mixer with an effect section, because synth without delay or reverb tend to sound exhausting over the time …
w0mbles Ok, Shut the hell up. Female producers are EXTREMELY rare in the music industry, and very rarely are they ever taken seriously. It's important to have more people from different backgrounds to bring new ideas and create a stronger community. It's important because female producers are discriminated against and whenever they feel like speaking about it, some dipshit like you comes along and says bullshit like "it doesn't matter." Bitch, PEOPLE LIKE YOU are the reason why it matters. Do you not see how ironic that is?
“Really” old school here. Started with a mini moog d. Learning analog, ie: programming from scratch, will not only teach you basic analog synthesis but also you become very valuable because not many people know how to do that anymore. Combine that with your musical skills and you’re Way ahead. Low budget 1. Behringer d 2. korg minilogue.... Bigger budget 1. Yamaha CS-80 lol
Dreadbox Erebus is a great first synth and the new v3 looks amazing. 3 osc's, high/low pass filter, noise, S&H, ring mod, FM, echo and 35 patch points for semi modular stuff. That's my choice!
I'd recommend an Alesis Micron as a beginner synth. (I would say Akai Miniak, which is supposed to be a remake of it - with a built in microphone so the vocoder is less of a hidden feature than it was on the original .. but I haven't played a Miniak so I can only talk about the Micron) 3 octaves, full size keys, digital analog modeling with 3 oscillators and models of every synthesis method ever devised, plus an entire sequencing/performance mode .. full MIDI functionality .. the Micron can do absolutely anything in a briefcase-sized package and it sounds great.
I started with the Korg Volca Bass, which gives you a fat crunchy analog sound you'll never outgrow. I got tired of my Beats and I use the Keys on occasion, but for a cheap 3 oscillator mono it's hard to beat the Volca Bass 😃
I would recommend the Roland JP8000 or the Roland SH201 for beginner. Both have a similar layout. The 201 has no presets any teaches how a common hard patch signal flow works. I believe they both have the same layout. Both have great sounds, especially when tweaked. The 8000 has a nice ribbon controller that can be used simultaneously with the pitch and mod stick. Both have split key and upper and lower manuals. The 8000 also has a great feeling synth action keybed. They also both have the super saw osc sound which originated with the 8000. The last time I looked I think you could purchase an 8000 for between 250 and 500 dollars.
I'd have to add the Roland Gaia pretty high on this list. It has three analog-style voices, and all the standard sculpting tools you'd expect for each. For a beginner, the Gaia has all the basic strait forward elements for learning subtractive synthesis. In a complex rig, it becomes a workhorse simple analog sounds, strings, pads, risers, sweetening, etc. Plus it supports a full bank of General MIDI sounds. With a sequencing program and a MIDI interface, you can build complete songs with it including drums, bass, and all General MIDI sounds.
Awesome educational video for newbies like me! I’d like to get an analog synth but somehow find the whole thing overwhelming. I want to keep things at a minimum. I just want to be able to play de instrument and listen to the sound I’m playing by tweaking the sliders, knobs, etc…. and have no intention to record the result. I once had ableton on my laptop, a midi controller keyboard and lots of vst plugins installed, but found the experience of playing and recording frustrating.. So I’d be glad with just something like the following: 1- The analog synth (one with a keyboard) 2- The cable to power the synth 3- Headphones Ideally, I’d like the synth to offer the possibility to record a pattern/sequence, make the synth play back that sequence, and play a lead on top of that? Don’t want: A pc, ableton or similar, mixers, audio interfaces, tangles of wires…. and the like The kind of sound and music experience I’m into is drone, would love to have an instrument offering a sound like Eliane Radigue’s works (meditative single notes morphing on her ARP 2500) so the question is, would I be able to get this sound and playing experience with the synth+headphones basic set up? Thanks guys…
She pronounced 'Moog' correctly! Subbed! My first synth was a Jen SX1000, then I moved up to a Roland SH101, now got a Korg Minilogue and am eyeing up a Korg Kross 2 sampling workstation.
I am really enjoying my Yamaha MX49. I'm a beginner and have had it for a couple of months. I haven't even read the manual yet. Just enjoying making noise. I was also looking at the Roland JD-Xi-RD synth at the same time, but went with the Yamaha for a first synth. Maybe the Roland will come home with me next year.
I'm going to break a lance for the good old Yamaha AN1x here, since it was the first hardware synthesizer I bought (more than ten years ago). Reasons I loved the AN1x from day one, and still do: 1. Classic subtractive synth architecture with just a couple of well-chosen modern touches. If you want to learn to make sounds using subtractive synthesis, this is a very good starting place. 2. Great sound you don't "outgrow" as you progress. 3. Nice keyboard with velocity and aftertouch, pitchbend and modwheel, ribbon controller and 8 assignable knobs. Has a great sideline being quite a fully featured MIDI controller. 4. "Scenes". Each patch basically contains 2 separate patches or "scenes", which can be used together by splitting them across the keyboard, layering them on top of each other, or morphing between them using the modwheel. Or you could just have the 2 separate scenes and switch between them when you're performing live. 5. Fx sound lovely. Delay and reverb are available simultaneously at all times, on top of a selection of various Mod Fx, Compressions, Distortions and Overdrives. Oh, and you also get a 3 band parametric EQ on top of all that. Nice bass sound. Add some low EQ... now watch it quake the neighbourhood. 6. Sequencer, arpeggiator, and last but not least Free EG (motion recording of 4 individual parameters over a maximum of 16 seconds). If you get the PC editor, you can even draw your own complex envelopes for the Free EG. With all of these features, 10 voice polyphony and the quality of the sound, I challenge you to find a more complete "entry-level" synthesizer. These currently go for around 350-400 euros secondhand. I urge people to buy them and play them. I bought mine for even less than that, and it's the best bang I've ever had for my buck. People moan about its interface because there aren't any dedicated controls, and the matrix looks intimidating. In practice every synth parameter is a single button press away, and if you take a little time to set up your patch, you can have 8 controllers, plus a modwheel, ribbon controller and aftertouch to do with what you please. There are so many synths that use "shift" functions, or weird keypress combinations to get to "hidden features", and yet they're still so limited. The An1x has a very logically laid out interface, that offers all the soundsculpting tools any aspiring synthesist should need.
My first synth was a Yamaha DX7 II FD and I later added the E sequencer engine. I haven't bought a keyboard since then so I sort of feel like a synth beginner, again. Love your video!
I am a non musician..but I find it bit odd when people are speaking about great or bad sounds of the synthesiser. I mean you pretty much create the sound from the wave forms and other programming. So the sound is pretty much ear dependable. Also it seems that there are few sounds that dominate namely the certain lead sounds that stems from the early days of prog rock and Minimoogs and ARP Odyssey. Synthesiser should offer more than electric guitar and yet the talk around them is pretty much the same, original components vs. the newly built, analog vs. digital. Yet especially in the live performance those things don't matter if you can deliver the goods. It is unimportant to the audience whether you drag the original synth to the stage or keep it safe in the studio, bringing the sounds to the stage in a modern synth.
Definitly agree with you on the monologue and odyssey. Some good advice here. I think it doesnt matter if its ana or digi if its the case thats you want to learn basic synthesis.
While not cheap, my Moog Sub 37 has been amazing and I really love the duo mode. The best part is having a knob for just about everything and the two LFOs.
If you're really, really broke the korg monotron duo is really the best beginner analog synth on a low budget. Its 8th inch audio jack makes it easy to record from the monotron into your phone and there are plenty of free osciliscope apps for android so its easy to plug into your phone and see the waveform. It takes almost no space to store yet you can make samples on it that you can sequence with prepaid android phone with the stagelight or fruityloops apps.
Another great starter synth is the Behringer Neutron paired up with a Keystep. It may look a bit intimidating at first but its very intuitive with the standard left to right layout. It's also a lot more versatile than a single oscillator synth so you won't get bored quickly. My 11 year old son picked up the basics in a few hours and after having it a few weeks is now patching stuff.
so after some mental wrestling with myself i went ahead and bought a used ultranova. i actually like it. takes about a week to figure out the menus, and the manual is just great for those who read.
Cool list, and thanks for sharing :) Two years ago I got my first and it was the Korg Krome workstation, mainly because I didn't knew much about the tweaking and creating sounds and I thought it sound really good. I still like it very much and use it as my bread and butter. But I later got my first analog, the Minibrute SE version and it's really great :) Now days I've grown a little bit tired of its sound but it's still a very good and usable synth, pretty much like the Microbrute but I prefer the Mini :)
The Bass Station is a classic, but my recommendation for a first synth would be a Novation X-Station (if you can still find one). Loads of knobs to play with - it's a real hands-on piece of kit, which encourages experimentation and is capable of generating a wide range of sounds. It's also a great little MIDI controller and has an audio interface which you can run through the FX section. The build quality is a bit plastic-ky, but fine for home use - treat it with respect and it will last.
So, I'm a guitarist primarily. I've been getting into synths more and more and I'm becoming more and more of a keyboardist all the time but basically, I'm really more of a guitarist. So, I'd like to recommend a budget instrument for maybe a beginner or a guitarist who'd like to have a few synth and organ sounds but doesn't have a lot of money. Or maybe like an organ player or pianist who's used to a bigger keyboard. It's the Yamaha cs1x. It doesn't sound super fat but it's just so damn versatile. It can do drums and it has a million presets and functions and when it's time to upgrade to something better or you want to start using other electronics, well now you have a really nice 61 key controller. I think it's 61. A nice big keyboard. I have some more expensive synths now but I still use it as a controller. I love the big keyboard. I just love that instrument for the price. It's just such a great thing to have around. It always comes in handy. And for the price, you can't beat it. They're really inexpensive. So, I hope that helps someone.
I guess it is. I always just figured it had the presets and you could manipulate those sounds. I always kind of thought of it as a sort of glorified Casio type thing. Can you actually start with a primary tone and program it like an analog synth?
Great Synth Video. One quick note though, the Korg Monologue is not merely a one voice version of the Minilogue. I've owned both, but kept the Monologue in the end. It actually has a faster and more flexible LFO, as well as a completely different filter. The Filter is more akin to an MS range synth, really beefy. It doesn't lose bass frequencies when using resonance or sweeping. Both of those have a pretty substantial impact on the sound. Also, the keybed is E to E on the Monologue, which for a guitarist or bassist is a joy. It doesn't include a charger, which is crappy (but does include batteries). I also find the sequencer to be laid out better on the Monologue. I use it do sequence my ARP FS. Definitely agree with a lot of this list though. Solid video, keep up the awesome work!
Sledge 2.0 First, if you intend to play and not just chords and whole-note basslines, forget mini-keys. Get a decent keybed, as this affects your perceived quality of the sound, and your ability to play well. If you are learning subtractive synthesis, favor something with all the standard analog controls, as big as possible. No-presets is kind of hipster, but not very satisfying if you are learning to make sounds and might want to save your work. At least have the option of saving presets. A short range synth is useful, but I would prefer as a first/only keyboard, a 4-5 octave, for versatility, along with 5+ voice polyphony. Onboard effects are not a must, and can overcomplicate things when trying to get to the heart of the sound, but good to have delay and chorus. I don’t own one, but the Sledge looks like the most versatile synth with giant traditional analog controls, for a low price. My past includes the Akai AX-60, which is also dead-simple to learn analog synthesis on, but much cheaper now than a Juno 106.
My first synth was the Realistic Concert-Mate MG1 from Radio Shack by Moog. Since then, I have everything on your list and more! Great vid!! Oh- and still have the MG1- it works great.
I don't know why it gets a bad rap, but I HIGHLY recommend the Roland Gaia for a beginner. It's purposely laid out to be completely intuitive. No menu diving, each button, dial and slider does its own thing and the manual is actually helpful, not confusing. Granted, the presets more or less suck, but I've programmed some absolutely killer patches on mine that I use live.
I picked up a MicroKorg today, to accompany my Casio CTK-6200. I love the Casio, is great for straight up playing (and learning in my case), wanted to get a synth to make some 'noises' (i am a big Nine Inch Nails fan so those are the kind of sounds i am after, beefy industrial stuff with the option to load/save patches as playing live is what i am wanting to do). Am going to be returning the MicroKorg as i cannot deal with the tiny toy like keys on it. They just feel so horrible to play (just my opinion and guess i must be in the minority as so many people love theirs). Still unsure as what to get with my low budget but this video has certainly helped. Thank you for taking the time to record and upload. Keep up the good work :)
My first synthesizer was the Dreadbox Erebus, very basic and straight to the point. Nothing beats it's low end and should you venture off into the euro-rack world it's still gotcha covered.
My choice would be the Monologue. Affordable with loads of presets. A well named brand also. I am a big fan of Korg . Always have been. My favourite at the moment though, has to be the Modal Skulpt. An amazing synth but not really for beginners. I am truly amazed at the sound that keyboard makes and another affordable one is the Modal Craft. Put those 2 together for loads of fun for well under £400.
It seems that while buying hardware is addictive I think it's also a good investment. It seems like most good gear jumps in price when they stop manufacturing it kinda like the Moog you were talking about. I bought a TR-707 back in 2004 for $150 & now they are going for up to a $1000.
My first synth was the Korg X5D, but programming that takes some time. And since I was eight when I got it I preferred to skip through the presets. The synth that I think has a great interface is the Roland JP-8000. I don't like the sound too much but it has a very decent interface.
Roland GAIA. Great for beginners. While not an analogue synth, the digital analogue lets you learn with sliders and knobs. Great little machine. Not the most powerful sounding but great learning tool. Maybe better than the rest.
Good choices alhough I`d defo add a Nord Lead 2x ( or varient, Rack 2x, Lead 2, A1 ) as they are more or less knob per function, logically laid out and multutimbral too. ...... oh and they do sound good if people attach some kind of FX
I actually have an Ultranova as my first synth, a new one. Lovin' it after using basically only Serum. Its easy to understand stuff if u were playing with the vst synths like massive or serum :p
heyyyy female producer. i'm a self-taught aspiring producer myself. still got a lot to learn since i don't know anything about music theory or anything like that. but i've managed to create a song by using this website with an online DAW. they're really awesome
The minilouge is great. It sound tinny when you dont add resonance/effects. With tweaking you really can get rich sounds that are unique to the minilouge
For out of production used synths I suggest the Yamaha CS01. Basic 1 oscillator synth that teaches the basics. It was my first analog synth and I passed it down to my daughter. She plays it every day. Unfortunately they are going for $250 USD on the used market. I suppose a CS Reface would be a substitute although it's not quite the same.
Bass station 2 was my first investment. I love the phat bass lines that I am able to get out of it. Specially recording into my daw set up with a midi in and out to then really be able to understand on how to open up the sound and adjust a lot of the parameters.
I've been making music in daws for over 20 years, and finally decided to go dawless, mostly because of instability and alot or clutter. I ended up with the Digitakt and Digitone, loving them both so far! But they're maybe not the best pick for newcomers in synthesis...
Well, before I got those, I've actually had a Korg Electribe 2 for a few years, I could definitely see that as an entry-level workstation. I think the OP-1 sounds better tho, plus it appears to have better sequencing capabilities... EDIT: Actually, scratch that. The Electribe doesn't really teach you much with regards to synthesis, as its synth is rather limited. It's a nice groovebox tho...
Awesome! Wish I had seen this video earlier - just got me my first synth two weeks ago! I decided for a DSI Prophet Rev2, as I play piano I definetely had wanted a polyphone analog. But having it, I find there is so much to learn and maybe my decision wasn't the smartest (apart from being able to afford it anyway, obviously). Subscribed your channel!
Christof R nah don't doubt your decision! Thats an amazing Synth, I just didn't want to mention anything over a grand for beginners cause a lot of musicians are still young and don't have those type of funds. Take your time with the rev2, awesome sounding synth
Thank you! Yes, back in the 80s when I lusted after a DX7 there was no way I could affort one. I borrowed one once from a friend for a few weeks, which was great. But then somehow, I stuck with piano and learned accordion later. But now I'm back!
I have an Ultranova in my rig and, while I love it, I wouldn't recommend it to a beginner. To play it? Yeah. To program it, it's kind of difficult. You need a really good grasp of synthesis, especially since it offers so many wavetables on top of the standard waveforms.
well my best synth in my opinion that i started,is a multitimbral synthesizer Alesis QS6 till this day i still use and the sound so beautiful and finally got to midi with my akai s950 now i can trigger samples etc, i dont know if ill be ready to purchase a new keyboard an=d if i do, it will probably be a roland juno series-paz
I had a QS8 my Ex-wife took when we split up, loved it except it didn't have resonant filters so I got an Electrix Filter Factory. That thing is great for running anything through!
I'd say it would be best to start of using a synthesizer VST such as Massive or Serum to start off. They are far cheaper than most analogue synths. If you like using synths digitally, i would then recommend moving on to an analogue synth.
Nice job! Would also suggest the Studiologic Sledge, for its single-function knobs and nice 61-key Fatar keybed, I've seen these used as low as around $700, lot of bang for the buck
My very first synth was the Roland sh 101 then I got the Juno 106. I would include the Juno 106 as a good beginner synthesizer or the boutique version of it.
while I can agree with some of the recommendations in some aspects I'd say it's really not to specific to budgets, i.e. 100.00 to 200.00, less than, and more than. But there is also a lot out there. And I couldn't recommend a 700.00 OP-1 to a beginner, sure maybe it's not hard to learn, but that's a huge purchase. I'd just say start with free software synths and just learn how to use one that way and if your ready to step into using a hardware synth then figure out budget. There are a lot of cheap synths out there that pack the serious bang for the buck. BSii is a good starter so long as you understand that you want a single note playback....mono or poly VST's sound great, maybe you would want a synth/controller? Roland System 1 is a 4 note poly that has about 40+ knobs and sliders you can assign to your VST synth and control it with. A lot to consider before buying, analog or digital? Start free VST
Call me crazy but at 16 my first real synth was the ensoniq ESQ1. Never have I encountered a synthesizer like that that before. Everything had a button, and everything could be modulated by everything. If you know what you're doing, you can make some insane sounds on that thing. I ended up grabbing an SQ80 when I had the chance so now I have double the power. It looks like the Sub Phatties are still around 700 bucks, I'm gonna nab one before it goes up like the lil phatty
Really enjoyed your video. Phenomenal content. I’m very curious why you didn’t mention the Roland Gaia. I feel like it’s the most intuitive instrument to learn subtractive synthesis.
Jade, I'm done with computers. About ten years ago the software was easy and useful. Now even the trial versions are complex and destroy workflow. I like your channel. My studio is computer free.
I have to disagree that the BS2 is a remake of an SH101. It's an update to a synth that was inspired by monophonic bass synths, but it's not a remake anymore than any other monosynth is.
True. The SH-101 has a digital oscillator and different underlying philosophy than the BSII. The BSII is capable of making most SH-101 sounds but also many sounds that the SH-101 could never do.
I should of phrased it more like "inspired by the SH-101" in the way Intellijel Atlantis is. Sorry for the confusion guys! Don't nail a sista pon cross 8)
I have the Reface DX and CS. I like them both they very sturdy. the only downsides to me are they don't have Modulation wheels and the both have useless looper that can't save your loops. but can take most anywhere. the sound very good.
I know that this helpful channel is all about going DAWless, but for a beginner I'd actually recommend downloading the free demo of Ableton Live Suite. Have them study the synth Analog first, then the very basics of Operator and Wavetable. Once they get the concept of VCO > VCF > VCA ( and EG/LFO) down, and have formed some preferences on the type of synthesis they like the sound of (subtractive, FM, etc.), then they can go look for hardware synth for the tactile experience. With so many options out there, I think it's best to do research that's not based solely on RUclips reviews. And how many times can you go to the local music store and try out all of the synths before you feel pressured to buy something? DAW research >>> DAWless jamming. From the list: Monologue for its ease of use in the beginning, crazy motion sequencing for intermediate use, and its custom scales/microtuning abilities for the advanced user. A good synth to grow with. Plus, AFX patches to study.
I would include the boutiques in here - especially the JX-03 for a beginner because the layout is pretty simple kind of like the BS but you also have 4 voices of polyphony on it
Some really good suggestions here, well done! Each of the synths you mention is different. Best suggestion of the ones you mention, I think, is the Arturia - for a mono synth, and the Korg Minilogue for a poly although every synth you mention here is worth having.
I think price is one big factor for most beginners. OP-1?
MicroBrute for beginner a million times over. Very affordable, especially used. Also it really TEACHES the user the basic of synthesis with its hands-on, knob per function, no preset layout.
I got a Microbrute about 3 years ago. It has been fun, and I use it in almost every song, but I should have gotten a Bass Station II instead. It's much more flexible... and more importantly, I severely underestimated the importance of being able to load and save patches.
Now though, after using "beginner" synths for a few years, I think it's finally time to get myself something nice. If things go well, I'm hoping to get a Pro 3. Pair it with a DAW, and it's basically all I need to make complete songs.
@@ToyKeeper BSII as a second synth 100%, still think MicroBrute as a first/beginner synth though. I would've been overwhelmed with all the shift functions of BSII, not to mention because it's a patch synth, the knob settings don't always reflect what is going on.
Patches are a good thing. It only took about a day before I ran into situations where the no-patches approach got in my way. Literally the first hour of making my first song with it, I needed that feature... and it hasn't stopped being an issue in the years since then.
I know some people prefer things that way, and that's fine. People love products like the Moog Matriarch. But I discovered very quickly that it's not for me. I want to be able to make the same sounds more than once, and to switch easily between parts as I work on a song.
One upside though... The Microbrute was a relatively cheap and fun way to learn that I should never get into modular, or the entire category of pure analog synths. Digital controls are important, even when the audio path is analog.
@@ToyKeeper I guess my final point is an annoyance of any digitally controlled synth with patches... ready? I hope all manufacturer's are listening... INCLUDE A PANEL BUTTON/SWITCH (ala Arturia MicroFreak) that allows me to toggle whether I want all the knobs/sliders to conform to the patch or to immediately switch to where they are positions.
I doubt any manufacturers are listening to a random 2-year-old youtube thread. :)
Anyway, the Microfreak is pretty awesome. Everyone I know who has one loves it.
One of its creators went on to make the Hydrasynth, which I'm also really interested in. Have been very tempted to replace my Blofeld with a Hydrasynth, because it does almost everything better and, in particular, the interface is fantastic. It could even be a contender for best beginner synth, because the interface is so easy to learn. Unlike most beginner synths though, it's incredibly powerful.
But a Hydrasynth is mostly just an idea for later. For now, the main thing which would help me is replacing my Microbrute with something nicer.
What's great about this video is how concise and flowing it is. The right information in a time-span where people won't get distracted. Awesome.
Yep nice, simple effective videos. For beginner Synths, I got the Roland SH-201 49 key, 😢with its great 1 knob per function for learning subtractive systhesis. The nice edm strings, pads, overdrive, and real Supersaw also are nice!
Another is the Roland Aira System-1 Plug out 25 key with ACB. 1 knob per function to learn on and a fun Scatter arpeggiator.
Dude! Ive been playing guitars and bass my entire life but recently got into synths. You are making me feel like a noob. Im diggin your channel. subbed
Andres Natalino Welcome! it feels like a foreign language at first but since you already know music you will catch up quickly
Hi, Dawless. Just want to show you my whole gratitude. You encouraged me through this video to make my decision. I just purchased a Minilogue, and I am hugely excited about my first analogue synth ever. I want to work on it with all I have and look forward to make it be worth all the sacrifice I made to get it. I am discovering that your suggestions were right. Thank you one more time. 💗
I always find it weird when people call things that cost half the money I make per month "affordable." Like, I would love to get any of these, but I need to eat and pay rent.
Affordable for a synthesizer. These aren't things meant to be bought and consumed; many people keep their instruments their entire lives after buying it. Save up. Sell something you aren't using. Work a second job for a bit.
Sweetwater...48 months 0% interest.
@@joemonroe1106 Most synths or other equipment for that matter aren't offered for 48 month 0% interest. It's rarely offered. And the things that are usually need to be more than $1000 USD.
@@IRIDEHARLEYS yes your right, that financing isn't always available, but it does happen for lower priced gear.
I recently bought twice from SW... last May, and again in June, both for 48mths zero interest. First item cost me $500 and the second was just over $300. Pretty easy to afford at around $10 or less a month.
@@joemonroe1106 as noted, 48 month financing for most items is rare. Look around on SW website and see for yourself. I've been shopping there for years. Even 24 month is sometimes hard to come by.
I have a Roland JDXI for my beginner synth. It is great for a beginner for a number of reasons. It has 2 digital 1 analog and a drums synth. It has a step sequencer with real time record. I can make a whole tune on it and when you plug it into a daw its great. I use Reaper with it as it is free and very easy to set up and use. Im still learning but for around £300ish its a steal. I got mine for £250 which was an absolute bargain and I have tons of fun with it. My next purchase is gonna be a Roland MX1. A Boss 202 looper then hopefully another synth. I suggest watching a few JDXI vids to see it in action.
I just bought a reface CS as my first synth and i'm very impressed. great sound, intuitive and logical control panel, and no presets does kinda force you to learn how to make sounds, and the mini keys are excellent
It sounds great too !
What is the price for it?
Do you find soundmondo web app useful for learning the synth?
omg the monologue is the best synth ever, even when I'm intermediate with synthesizers. It has infinite posibilities
B4D-W0LF haha, if only it had full size keys. I might get a chopped one some day
I use a BS2, 101, Vermona PF2, Behringer Model D and I've used a Sub37 and MS20 in the studio. Out of those synths, the BS2 offers the most sound design potential and flexibility for the price. It's also light but built like a tank, which makes it good for live work.
I love my Monologue to Death , pushes you to focus on the limitations and think outside box. User friendly as well.
Same here. The filter is superior to the one on the minilogue, and the sound is great. The motion sequencing makes it ultra powerful.
People have said a lot of nice things about it, and I STILL think it's underrated. Only downside is you can't have your windows open lest a breeze blow it off of the table.
@@cutwell9394 you could stick some Velcro on the table , and under the Monologue. I am thinking of doing it myself.
@@cutwell9394 i wouldnt say its THAT light !
The Monologue has a old Vintage Moog feel to it sounds like the Sonic 6 vintage synth. The sonic 6 was underrated in its day back in the early 70s ,done a lot of research on this synth. Love my Monologue its a great space saver on my desk top. its great for Guitar players wanting to cross over to synths because it uses and E_-E range instead of a C-c like most keyboards!
The best synth for beginner: Imho it´s the microkorg. Good build quality, easy to understand but you can dig really deep, good sounding, it´s small but not to small like the volcas and very affordable.
The menus are a pain in the ass though, they can be off putting for someone trying learn synthesis. I do love my MK though
The MS2000 which has the same synth engine as the microkorg is one of my favorite synths of all time if I'm being honest. I've used several different synths but something about the sound and usability of the MS is incredible.
agreed, microkorg was my first synth :) hooked since
Did you have trouble learning synthesis with it?
i learned it with cubase sx and it´s stock plugins long ago but i think it would be a great start. the only downsize is the controlmatrix. You have to twist the two big knobs a lot if you want to build your sounds from scratch - but after a while you will be able to be very fast. It´s easier to learn it with the TAL U-NO, which is a free vst plugin that emulates the Roland Juno 60. You have 2 Waveforms (Square and Saw), a sub osc and Noise, a lfo and 2 different filter. It´s very clean and clear and good sounding. If you wanna have a hardware synth go with the microkorg or get a used ms 2000.
The day I discovered I loved modular gear was the day I became a penniless hermit.
Great explanations of each device, by the way!
WiredAl I recently took the plunge on modular getting a big enough case that I wouldn't need to expand... it's already full xD but no future plans of expanding so that's the good news :D
I suggest the Roland Jx-03. Its incredibly affordable, simple and small, and although its a recreation of a vintage Roland synth, it has a very nice sound that I love.
Yeah, i like the boutique series if im using them with a master sequencer
Dawless Jammin' Which master sequencers do you recommend?
Agreed, it's completely portable (runs off AAAs, built in speaker, mini keyboard) with no menus, presets included and ability to save presets has taught me heaps. Plus it has MIDI in so you can use a full size keyboard.
How about a list of beginner synths for 500$ or less?
I would say the OP-1 does not belong here. Instead, it should have been the TE pocket operators. They are fun, cheap and simple to use. Just because of the price; both the Pocket Operators and the OP-1 have similar functions.
The Roland SH-201 is a good pick because it is versatile, has 49 full size keys, polyphonic and you can even find some for under 300$ if you try hard enough.
People seem to diss the filter on this synth though because it is an analog modeling synth and it sounds "cold and digital".
I don't care personally.
Also, if this video was made in the mid 1970s, the ARP odyssey would still be there because, well, it was made for educational purposes along with EMS's Synthi.
agree with you fully except comparing the op 1 to the teenage engineering pocket operators is a bit of a stretch I think
Comparison between the op-1 and the pocket operators is ignorant. The op-1 is basically a full DAW in and of itself, the pocket operators are incredibly limited
a lot of the suggested synths don't belong onto this list. Suggesting a freaking Moog Little Phatty already made me snort like "yeah, right..."
Great list. Wished i had this selection options in 1983, when i started with synths. IMHO I would add a Mopho Keyboard and a Roland System 1. Both are great for beginners, and sound awesome. I also recommend a small mixer with an effect section, because synth without delay or reverb tend to sound exhausting over the time …
Yes, i totally forgot the Mopho keyboard~ Such a great synth!
There is only one in my opinion: Volca Keys. Extremely affordable, analog, polyphonic capabilities, simple layout, incredibly fun and inspirational.
So comforting and inspiring when I see other awesome female producers. Nice job!
w0mbles
Ok,
Shut the hell up.
Female producers are EXTREMELY rare in the music industry, and very rarely are they ever taken seriously. It's important to have more people from different backgrounds to bring new ideas and create a stronger community. It's important because female producers are discriminated against and whenever they feel like speaking about it, some dipshit like you comes along and says bullshit like "it doesn't matter."
Bitch, PEOPLE LIKE YOU are the reason why it matters. Do you not see how ironic that is?
w0mbles if you do music the same way you refer to others, then, your music is shit...
"They see me trollin'..."
Lol Wombles...Found the incel.
Literally irrelevant but okay.
“Really” old school here. Started with a mini moog d. Learning analog, ie: programming from scratch, will not only teach you basic analog synthesis but also you become very valuable because not many people know how to do that anymore. Combine that with your musical skills and you’re Way ahead. Low budget 1. Behringer d 2. korg minilogue.... Bigger budget 1. Yamaha CS-80 lol
My first synth was an Alesis Quadrasynth in 1993. I just bought a Roland SYSTEM-8 yesterday. Love your channel!
Dreadbox Erebus is a great first synth and the new v3 looks amazing. 3 osc's, high/low pass filter, noise, S&H, ring mod, FM, echo and 35 patch points for semi modular stuff. That's my choice!
I'd recommend an Alesis Micron as a beginner synth. (I would say Akai Miniak, which is supposed to be a remake of it - with a built in microphone so the vocoder is less of a hidden feature than it was on the original .. but I haven't played a Miniak so I can only talk about the Micron) 3 octaves, full size keys, digital analog modeling with 3 oscillators and models of every synthesis method ever devised, plus an entire sequencing/performance mode .. full MIDI functionality .. the Micron can do absolutely anything in a briefcase-sized package and it sounds great.
Couldn't afford any of those so I got a korg volca keys as my first synth
I started with the Korg Volca Bass, which gives you a fat crunchy analog sound you'll never outgrow. I got tired of my Beats and I use the Keys on occasion, but for a cheap 3 oscillator mono it's hard to beat the Volca Bass 😃
Yeah Volca Bass is good! crazy how you can use it as 3 voices at once. So crunchy!
I would recommend the Roland JP8000 or the Roland SH201 for beginner. Both have a similar layout. The 201 has no presets any teaches how a common hard patch signal flow works. I believe they both have the same layout. Both have great sounds, especially when tweaked. The 8000 has a nice ribbon controller that can be used simultaneously with the pitch and mod stick. Both have split key and upper and lower manuals. The 8000 also has a great feeling synth action keybed. They also both have the super saw osc sound which originated with the 8000. The last time I looked I think you could purchase an 8000 for between 250 and 500 dollars.
I'd have to add the Roland Gaia pretty high on this list. It has three analog-style voices, and all the standard sculpting tools you'd expect for each. For a beginner, the Gaia has all the basic strait forward elements for learning subtractive synthesis. In a complex rig, it becomes a workhorse simple analog sounds, strings, pads, risers, sweetening, etc. Plus it supports a full bank of General MIDI sounds. With a sequencing program and a MIDI interface, you can build complete songs with it including drums, bass, and all General MIDI sounds.
Awesome educational video for newbies like me! I’d like to get an analog synth but somehow find the whole thing overwhelming. I want to keep things at a minimum. I just want to be able to play de instrument and listen to the sound I’m playing by tweaking the sliders, knobs, etc…. and have no intention to record the result. I once had ableton on my laptop, a midi controller keyboard and lots of vst plugins installed, but found the experience of playing and recording frustrating..
So I’d be glad with just something like the following:
1- The analog synth (one with a keyboard)
2- The cable to power the synth
3- Headphones
Ideally, I’d like the synth to offer the possibility to record a pattern/sequence, make the synth play back that sequence, and play a lead on top of that?
Don’t want:
A pc, ableton or similar, mixers, audio interfaces, tangles of wires…. and the like
The kind of sound and music experience I’m into is drone, would love to have an instrument offering a sound like Eliane Radigue’s works (meditative single notes morphing on her ARP 2500) so the question is, would I be able to get this sound and playing experience with the synth+headphones basic set up?
Thanks guys…
She pronounced 'Moog' correctly! Subbed! My first synth was a Jen SX1000, then I moved up to a Roland SH101, now got a Korg Minilogue and am eyeing up a Korg Kross 2 sampling workstation.
I am really enjoying my Yamaha MX49. I'm a beginner and have had it for a couple of months. I haven't even read the manual yet. Just enjoying making noise. I was also looking at the Roland JD-Xi-RD synth at the same time, but went with the Yamaha for a first synth. Maybe the Roland will come home with me next year.
Catgravy69 nice choice on the big keys!
Catgravy69 I have an MX49 in my rig and I adore it!
I'm going to break a lance for the good old Yamaha AN1x here, since it was the first hardware synthesizer I bought (more than ten years ago). Reasons I loved the AN1x from day one, and still do:
1. Classic subtractive synth architecture with just a couple of well-chosen modern touches. If you want to learn to make sounds using subtractive synthesis, this is a very good starting place.
2. Great sound you don't "outgrow" as you progress.
3. Nice keyboard with velocity and aftertouch, pitchbend and modwheel, ribbon controller and 8 assignable knobs. Has a great sideline being quite a fully featured MIDI controller.
4. "Scenes". Each patch basically contains 2 separate patches or "scenes", which can be used together by splitting them across the keyboard, layering them on top of each other, or
morphing between them using the modwheel. Or you could just have the 2 separate scenes and switch between them when you're performing live.
5. Fx sound lovely. Delay and reverb are available simultaneously at all times, on top of a selection of various Mod Fx, Compressions, Distortions and Overdrives. Oh, and you also get a 3 band parametric EQ on top of all that. Nice bass sound. Add some low EQ... now watch it quake the neighbourhood.
6. Sequencer, arpeggiator, and last but not least Free EG (motion recording of 4 individual parameters over a maximum of 16 seconds). If you get the PC editor, you can even draw your own complex envelopes for the Free EG.
With all of these features, 10 voice polyphony and the quality of the sound, I challenge you to find a more complete "entry-level" synthesizer. These currently go for around 350-400 euros secondhand. I urge people to buy them and play them. I bought mine for even less than that, and it's the best bang I've ever had for my buck.
People moan about its interface because there aren't any dedicated controls, and the matrix looks intimidating. In practice every synth parameter is a single button press away, and if you take a little time to set up your patch, you can have 8 controllers, plus a modwheel, ribbon controller and aftertouch to do with what you please. There are so many synths that use "shift" functions, or weird keypress combinations to get to "hidden features", and yet they're still so limited. The An1x has a very logically laid out interface, that offers all the soundsculpting tools any aspiring synthesist should need.
My first synth was a Yamaha DX7 II FD and I later added the E sequencer engine. I haven't bought a keyboard since then so I sort of feel like a synth beginner, again. Love your video!
I am a non musician..but I find it bit odd when people are speaking about great or bad sounds of the synthesiser. I mean you pretty much create the sound from the wave forms and other programming. So the sound is pretty much ear dependable. Also it seems that there are few sounds that dominate namely the certain lead sounds that stems from the early days of prog rock and Minimoogs and ARP Odyssey. Synthesiser should offer more than electric guitar and yet the talk around them is pretty much the same, original components vs. the newly built, analog vs. digital. Yet especially in the live performance those things don't matter if you can deliver the goods. It is unimportant to the audience whether you drag the original synth to the stage or keep it safe in the studio, bringing the sounds to the stage in a modern synth.
Definitly agree with you on the monologue and odyssey. Some good advice here. I think it doesnt matter if its ana or digi if its the case thats you want to learn basic synthesis.
I've never owned one but i would like the chopped version without the keys! some guy in Europe removes the keys
My first synthesizer was a korg X5. I miss it. I am looking for it again, cheaply priced one
Thanks for the cool video. Looking to get a synth and this was great information on where to start looking.
While not cheap, my Moog Sub 37 has been amazing and I really love the duo mode. The best part is having a knob for just about everything and the two LFOs.
So cool you put in links to look at best price scenarios. Thanks! Informative video on synths too!
If you're really, really broke the korg monotron duo is really the best beginner analog synth on a low budget. Its 8th inch audio jack makes it easy to record from the monotron into your phone and there are plenty of free osciliscope apps for android so its easy to plug into your phone and see the waveform. It takes almost no space to store yet you can make samples on it that you can sequence with prepaid android phone with the stagelight or fruityloops apps.
Another great starter synth is the Behringer Neutron paired up with a Keystep. It may look a bit intimidating at first but its very intuitive with the standard left to right layout. It's also a lot more versatile than a single oscillator synth so you won't get bored quickly. My 11 year old son picked up the basics in a few hours and after having it a few weeks is now patching stuff.
so after some mental wrestling with myself i went ahead and bought a used ultranova. i actually like it. takes about a week to figure out the menus, and the manual is just great for those who read.
Jade: these are all really great synths for begi...
Me: I wANt a Dx7!!!
Jerry edition i think its good if you can learn it well. Try a vst or something to learn it. Videos are also good for learning
Korg Volca FM
DX7 just roolz - I love 'em so much I built a teensy project that runs a version of Dexed.
Cool list, and thanks for sharing :)
Two years ago I got my first and it was the Korg Krome workstation, mainly because I didn't knew much about the tweaking and creating sounds and I thought it sound really good.
I still like it very much and use it as my bread and butter.
But I later got my first analog, the Minibrute SE version and it's really great :)
Now days I've grown a little bit tired of its sound but it's still a very good and usable synth, pretty much like the Microbrute but I prefer the Mini :)
really great video! I would have loved to hear what each one sounded like!
For the money the reface CS really is an amazing synth
The Bass Station is a classic, but my recommendation for a first synth would be a Novation X-Station (if you can still find one). Loads of knobs to play with - it's a real hands-on piece of kit, which encourages experimentation and is capable of generating a wide range of sounds. It's also a great little MIDI controller and has an audio interface which you can run through the FX section.
The build quality is a bit plastic-ky, but fine for home use - treat it with respect and it will last.
My first synth was the Roland Gaia. It is a great way to get introduced to the world of synths!
My first synth will be the aira system-1
This is the best video I've found on this topic!
The number of choices is overwhelming. I think I've narrowed it down to 5. 😃
So, I'm a guitarist primarily. I've been getting into synths more and more and I'm becoming more and more of a keyboardist all the time but basically, I'm really more of a guitarist. So, I'd like to recommend a budget instrument for maybe a beginner or a guitarist who'd like to have a few synth and organ sounds but doesn't have a lot of money. Or maybe like an organ player or pianist who's used to a bigger keyboard. It's the Yamaha cs1x. It doesn't sound super fat but it's just so damn versatile. It can do drums and it has a million presets and functions and when it's time to upgrade to something better or you want to start using other electronics, well now you have a really nice 61 key controller. I think it's 61. A nice big keyboard. I have some more expensive synths now but I still use it as a controller. I love the big keyboard. I just love that instrument for the price. It's just such a great thing to have around. It always comes in handy. And for the price, you can't beat it. They're really inexpensive. So, I hope that helps someone.
I've got one and I love the organ sounds on it. Kinda complicated to program though.
I guess it is. I always just figured it had the presets and you could manipulate those sounds. I always kind of thought of it as a sort of glorified Casio type thing. Can you actually start with a primary tone and program it like an analog synth?
"Glorified Casio-type thing." XD Another keyboardist is nodding in approval/amusement right now :)
Great Synth Video.
One quick note though, the Korg Monologue is not merely a one voice version of the Minilogue. I've owned both, but kept the Monologue in the end. It actually has a faster and more flexible LFO, as well as a completely different filter. The Filter is more akin to an MS range synth, really beefy. It doesn't lose bass frequencies when using resonance or sweeping. Both of those have a pretty substantial impact on the sound. Also, the keybed is E to E on the Monologue, which for a guitarist or bassist is a joy. It doesn't include a charger, which is crappy (but does include batteries). I also find the sequencer to be laid out better on the Monologue. I use it do sequence my ARP FS.
Definitely agree with a lot of this list though. Solid video, keep up the awesome work!
Sledge 2.0 First, if you intend to play and not just chords and whole-note basslines, forget mini-keys. Get a decent keybed, as this affects your perceived quality of the sound, and your ability to play well. If you are learning subtractive synthesis, favor something with all the standard analog controls, as big as possible. No-presets is kind of hipster, but not very satisfying if you are learning to make sounds and might want to save your work. At least have the option of saving presets. A short range synth is useful, but I would prefer as a first/only keyboard, a 4-5 octave, for versatility, along with 5+ voice polyphony. Onboard effects are not a must, and can overcomplicate things when trying to get to the heart of the sound, but good to have delay and chorus. I don’t own one, but the Sledge looks like the most versatile synth with giant traditional analog controls, for a low price. My past includes the Akai AX-60, which is also dead-simple to learn analog synthesis on, but much cheaper now than a Juno 106.
My first synth was the Realistic Concert-Mate MG1 from Radio Shack by Moog. Since then, I have everything on your list and more! Great vid!! Oh- and still have the MG1- it works great.
Good reviews! My vote for most affordable analogue with great features and sound is the Novation Bass Station 2.
I don't know why it gets a bad rap, but I HIGHLY recommend the Roland Gaia for a beginner. It's purposely laid out to be completely intuitive. No menu diving, each button, dial and slider does its own thing and the manual is actually helpful, not confusing. Granted, the presets more or less suck, but I've programmed some absolutely killer patches on mine that I use live.
I picked up a MicroKorg today, to accompany my Casio CTK-6200. I love the Casio, is great for straight up playing (and learning in my case), wanted to get a synth to make some 'noises' (i am a big Nine Inch Nails fan so those are the kind of sounds i am after, beefy industrial stuff with the option to load/save patches as playing live is what i am wanting to do). Am going to be returning the MicroKorg as i cannot deal with the tiny toy like keys on it. They just feel so horrible to play (just my opinion and guess i must be in the minority as so many people love theirs). Still unsure as what to get with my low budget but this video has certainly helped. Thank you for taking the time to record and upload. Keep up the good work :)
My first synthesizer was the Dreadbox Erebus, very basic and straight to the point. Nothing beats it's low end and should you venture off into the euro-rack world it's still gotcha covered.
Best beginner synth is a used blofeld, sledge II or korg king korg. The little phatty is great as well. Great upload.
My choice would be the Monologue. Affordable with loads of presets. A well named brand also. I am a big fan of Korg . Always have been. My favourite at the moment though, has to be the Modal Skulpt. An amazing synth but not really for beginners. I am truly amazed at the sound that keyboard makes and another affordable one is the Modal Craft. Put those 2 together for loads of fun for well under £400.
It seems that while buying hardware is addictive I think it's also a good investment. It seems like most good gear jumps in price when they stop manufacturing it kinda like the Moog you were talking about. I bought a TR-707 back in 2004 for $150 & now they are going for up to a $1000.
My first synth was the Korg X5D, but programming that takes some time. And since I was eight when I got it I preferred to skip through the presets. The synth that I think has a great interface is the Roland JP-8000. I don't like the sound too much but it has a very decent interface.
Roland GAIA. Great for beginners. While not an analogue synth, the digital analogue lets you learn with sliders and knobs. Great little machine. Not the most powerful sounding but great learning tool. Maybe better than the rest.
what do you think of casio xw p1 and xw g1 ? i think they are great entry level synths and affordable very versatile .
Awesome video, and congratulations on achieving 13,000 subs!
My first synthesizer was the iPhone apps I was playing on a midi controller
For got the Berhinger deep mind 12 I just got one and love it.
Roland SH-01 Gaia, Bass Station 2, Moog Miniatur and Moog Sub Phatty
Great demo straight to the point
Good choices alhough I`d defo add a Nord Lead 2x ( or varient, Rack 2x, Lead 2, A1 ) as they are more or less knob per function, logically laid out and multutimbral too. ...... oh and they do sound good if people attach some kind of FX
Noiselab Project I've never owned a nord but i definitely am gasing hard for that stage 3
I actually have an Ultranova as my first synth, a new one. Lovin' it after using basically only Serum. Its easy to understand stuff if u were playing with the vst synths like massive or serum :p
heyyyy female producer. i'm a self-taught aspiring producer myself. still got a lot to learn since i don't know anything about music theory or anything like that. but i've managed to create a song by using this website with an online DAW. they're really awesome
The minilouge is great. It sound tinny when you dont add resonance/effects. With tweaking you really can get rich sounds that are unique to the minilouge
For out of production used synths I suggest the Yamaha CS01. Basic 1 oscillator synth that teaches the basics. It was my first analog synth and I passed it down to my daughter. She plays it every day. Unfortunately they are going for $250 USD on the used market. I suppose a CS Reface would be a substitute although it's not quite the same.
The OP-1 isn't too good for your wallet tho...
OP-Z too
Fuckin great for your inspiration tho
Yeah deep hole but it's sooper guuud.
@101S Even more so now!
OP-1 has a hidden helicopter mini game... now if the keys were velocity sensitive, i would consider maybe investing for my pref imo
Bass station 2 was my first investment. I love the phat bass lines that I am able to get out of it. Specially recording into my daw set up with a midi in and out to then really be able to understand on how to open up the sound and adjust a lot of the parameters.
I've been making music in daws for over 20 years, and finally decided to go dawless, mostly because of instability and alot or clutter. I ended up with the Digitakt and Digitone, loving them both so far! But they're maybe not the best pick for newcomers in synthesis...
Well, before I got those, I've actually had a Korg Electribe 2 for a few years, I could definitely see that as an entry-level workstation. I think the OP-1 sounds better tho, plus it appears to have better sequencing capabilities...
EDIT: Actually, scratch that. The Electribe doesn't really teach you much with regards to synthesis, as its synth is rather limited. It's a nice groovebox tho...
For me the MS-20 Mini was the great synth to learn synthesis, amazing possibilities and you learn some modular tricks too.
Exactly, it also gave me a great start into modular stuff as well
Awesome! Wish I had seen this video earlier - just got me my first synth two weeks ago! I decided for a DSI Prophet Rev2, as I play piano I definetely had wanted a polyphone analog. But having it, I find there is so much to learn and maybe my decision wasn't the smartest (apart from being able to afford it anyway, obviously).
Subscribed your channel!
Christof R nah don't doubt your decision! Thats an amazing Synth, I just didn't want to mention anything over a grand for beginners cause a lot of musicians are still young and don't have those type of funds. Take your time with the rev2, awesome sounding synth
Thank you! Yes, back in the 80s when I lusted after a DX7 there was no way I could affort one. I borrowed one once from a friend for a few weeks, which was great. But then somehow, I stuck with piano and learned accordion later. But now I'm back!
Getting started again in synthesis. My first was a Crumar Stratus, second was a Korg Poly 800. Thanks for you list.
I have an Ultranova in my rig and, while I love it, I wouldn't recommend it to a beginner. To play it? Yeah. To program it, it's kind of difficult. You need a really good grasp of synthesis, especially since it offers so many wavetables on top of the standard waveforms.
well my best synth in my opinion that i started,is a multitimbral synthesizer Alesis QS6 till this day i still use and the sound so beautiful and finally got to midi with my akai s950 now i can trigger samples etc, i dont know if ill be ready to purchase a new keyboard an=d if i do, it will probably be a roland juno series-paz
abe ochoa I love multi timbral synths!
I had a QS8 my Ex-wife took when we split up, loved it except it didn't have resonant filters so I got an Electrix Filter Factory. That thing is great for running anything through!
I'd say it would be best to start of using a synthesizer VST such as Massive or Serum to start off. They are far cheaper than most analogue synths. If you like using synths digitally, i would then recommend moving on to an analogue synth.
Nice job! Would also suggest the Studiologic Sledge, for its single-function knobs and nice 61-key Fatar keybed, I've seen these used as low as around $700, lot of bang for the buck
I really liked this knowledge and pace of these reviews. You sound like you know your synths and some great info with a diverse selection. Thanks
Lovely video. Seeing approximate prices in the video and some amazon (referral) links in the description would make me a bunch of happy, I'm sure.
My very first synth was the Roland sh 101 then I got the Juno 106. I would include the Juno 106 as a good beginner synthesizer or the boutique version of it.
while I can agree with some of the recommendations in some aspects I'd say it's really not to specific to budgets, i.e. 100.00 to 200.00, less than, and more than. But there is also a lot out there. And I couldn't recommend a 700.00 OP-1 to a beginner, sure maybe it's not hard to learn, but that's a huge purchase.
I'd just say start with free software synths and just learn how to use one that way and if your ready to step into using a hardware synth then figure out budget. There are a lot of cheap synths out there that pack the serious bang for the buck. BSii is a good starter so long as you understand that you want a single note playback....mono or poly VST's sound great, maybe you would want a synth/controller? Roland System 1 is a 4 note poly that has about 40+ knobs and sliders you can assign to your VST synth and control it with. A lot to consider before buying, analog or digital? Start free VST
Call me crazy but at 16 my first real synth was the ensoniq ESQ1. Never have I encountered a synthesizer like that that before. Everything had a button, and everything could be modulated by everything. If you know what you're doing, you can make some insane sounds on that thing. I ended up grabbing an SQ80 when I had the chance so now I have double the power. It looks like the Sub Phatties are still around 700 bucks, I'm gonna nab one before it goes up like the lil phatty
Roland Gaia - but it's far more than a "beginner's synth" One of the most underrated Synths ever...
Beginner synthesizer are not exclusive to beginners. I am nowhere near a beginner, yet I like and use some of these.
Really enjoyed your video. Phenomenal content. I’m very curious why you didn’t mention the Roland Gaia. I feel like it’s the most intuitive instrument to learn subtractive synthesis.
True and the pads are amazing.
Jade, I'm done with computers. About ten years ago the software was easy and useful. Now even the trial versions are complex and destroy workflow. I like your channel. My studio is computer free.
my first try with Synth is Uno synth and i try to make it work with akai 49 midi but i think my best try is the 16 step sequencer
I have to disagree that the BS2 is a remake of an SH101. It's an update to a synth that was inspired by monophonic bass synths, but it's not a remake anymore than any other monosynth is.
True. The SH-101 has a digital oscillator and different underlying philosophy than the BSII. The BSII is capable of making most SH-101 sounds but also many sounds that the SH-101 could never do.
Me too...it's nothing like a 101 and doesn't sound like one... it has 2 oscillators for a start
I should of phrased it more like "inspired by the SH-101" in the way Intellijel Atlantis is. Sorry for the confusion guys! Don't nail a sista pon cross 8)
Dawless Jammin' you're good Jade, no nails here. It is inspired by the 101 because the original BS was inspired by the 101.
sh-101 has a vco man. It's sem (cem?) type synth-on-a-chip. clearly the sequencer and filter were inspired by sh-101 and tb-303 though
I have the Reface DX and CS. I like them both they very sturdy. the only downsides to me are they don't have Modulation wheels and the both have useless looper that can't save your loops. but can take most anywhere. the sound very good.
Great Video, very informative!...i was starting to think I was the only one who liked the UltraNova :) Going for the KORG Monologue next.
My first synth was a roland tr but forgot wich one it was, that was sooooo nice times!!!
I know that this helpful channel is all about going DAWless, but for a beginner I'd actually recommend downloading the free demo of Ableton Live Suite. Have them study the synth Analog first, then the very basics of Operator and Wavetable. Once they get the concept of VCO > VCF > VCA ( and EG/LFO) down, and have formed some preferences on the type of synthesis they like the sound of (subtractive, FM, etc.), then they can go look for hardware synth for the tactile experience. With so many options out there, I think it's best to do research that's not based solely on RUclips reviews. And how many times can you go to the local music store and try out all of the synths before you feel pressured to buy something?
DAW research >>> DAWless jamming.
From the list: Monologue for its ease of use in the beginning, crazy motion sequencing for intermediate use, and its custom scales/microtuning abilities for the advanced user. A good synth to grow with. Plus, AFX patches to study.
Patrick Cupo This channel is mainly for people that already have experience with the DAW and are looking for their first synthesizer
I would include the boutiques in here - especially the JX-03 for a beginner because the layout is pretty simple kind of like the BS but you also have 4 voices of polyphony on it
Some really good suggestions here, well done! Each of the synths you mention is different. Best suggestion of the ones you mention, I think, is the Arturia - for a mono synth, and the Korg Minilogue for a poly although every synth you mention here is worth having.
Excellent video!
I just bought a Korg Odyssey (The mini version) - Should be here in a week, very excited.