Best Synthesizers for a Beginner Under $300
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- Опубликовано: 22 июл 2024
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Wow, 2 refaces! Didn’t expect that. Didn’t know you were into FM, it’s my new jam as well! Cheers
Yeah you were killing it with that reface the other day. My favorite reface is the CP. There is a secrete preset inbetween two others on that model. Reface CP into octatrack pickup machines is really cool. The midi adapter for the reface works really good.
love the videos! very informative! thanks for sharing! :)
Great list, Jade! Useful for those who are curious or have to work to a budget. The only change I'd make if it was my list (and I know it isn't!) is the Behringer Neutron would be #1.
The Reface DX is outstanding, so small and unassuming looking, but it will blow your speakers out if you aren't careful.
Also, for me it's sinth-eh-siss but I'm British.
I freaking love FM, awesome the DX made it on the list! 🤓
Nice to see the CS and DX top of your list. I have both and I’m totally smitten with them.
Always informative, I may consider that model D. And I like the volca fm too, I’m just avoiding GAS right now.👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
Nice to see a woman synth geek! Keep it comming! For the price of the DX you can get a used SY77, which I bought. Had only to repair the floppy belt and have to change the display for a new one, because the backlight is old and dimm.
I love my Reface DX. Forgot to mention the 3.5mm audio in which is useful if you have 2 synths or a pocket operator, you don’t have to pull out the mixer.
Bryan Rollins True!
I purchased a reface dx 3 years ago due to your perfect and simple reviews.
Reface in full-size, yes please! That would be soooo kickass!
Thanks for the great advice and good video!
The microtunings and patch memory on the Monologue help put it above the Arturia 'brutes (I say this as a MiniBrute owner). Either way, good stuff!
I have a Roland MC 303...ok not Analogue, but it has a wide range when you start digging into it. As a drum machine is it awesome.
good call keeping the reface DX. It is the best of the series, has patch memory, is portable, looks good, and best minikeys I have played!
Like many I'm surprised there was no place for the Behringer Neutron, but I'm glad you posted the vlog cos it's great to compare and contrast notes with another synth fan. My interest has been piqued in the reface series since they've dropped the prices because the launch price of the gear I think redfaces would have been a more appropriate moniker. I certainly would consider the CS as an owner of the beautiful little CS-01 mk I, not so sure about the DX as I already own a volca FM, DX7 S, TX7, DX100, DX200, TX81Z so I have plenty of FM options, but for someone starting out it would be a choice of DX v volca FM (or even two FMs). I recently bought the monologue for £206 and it may well be worth investing the additional £15/$15 on the power supply as I did, to avoid grumbling about forever having to change the batteries. Another keyboard worth a shout is the novation minimova tho' this is not a new keyboard it introduces vocoders to new synth players as well as possessing some killer presets. There's never been so much choice at the bargain basement end for newbies, so go explore and you don't have to buy the same popular synths as everyone else, consider other options just to sound different from the crowd. Above all enjoy, go make some noise!
Great list and very well presented I must say. I love my Reface DX, as someone who started out in the 80s with a DX 21 I have always loved FM sounds and Yamaha really nailed it with this lovely little synth, that just sounds so big!. And I agree the mini-keys are the best I’ve ever played. The CS is excellent too and has a truly massive sound and it’s really easy to dial in some great fat analogue sounds. But if I had to have just one ‘desert island’ synth it would be the Reface DX.
The DX Reface is remarkable. It looks so unassuming but is a real speaker botherer.
Nigel Partridge Yes!
Hey great video Dawless. The Reface series look great. Though I think Yamaha missed an opportunity there. They should build a Keytar dock for the series. I'm sure I'm not the only one that thinks that would be cool. Cheers from Australia mate.
Nice review. Love it
Love FM! I think it's going to be the next "big" thing even, lol, kinda like how that 80s/synthwave analogue sound have been the last few years.
Hi ! Great video. I have a reface Dx and I agree with you, the sound is juste amazing..... But Im searching a way to save my loops on a hardware as Digitakt or Analog Rytm, to turn in into a multi timbral synth. What do you thing I should do ? I don't want to use a Daw..
Good list! I would also recommend checking out the Behringer Neutron, which is a really good semi-modular for just $299.
Neutron is a good introduction to modular synthesis. Just enough stuff to get somebody in trouble!
Love that Dr. Slump poster on the wall 😂🤣
This was an excellent video especially because its close to the holidays. Can you make a video with drum machines/ samplers similar to this video?
Very useful review as usual
I am but a lowly bassist, but I've been considering getting a synth for keyboard bass parts. Bought an Arturia MiniLab MkII - I love the sounds (even with Analog Lab Lite; also, I am forbidden to say the "V word" here!)...but I ran into some latency issues with my tablet, so it might not be a great live setup. However, I've narrowed it down to the Korg Monologue and the Yamaha Reface CS...and I think I might go with the CS (and later buy the CP and YC, too!).
Hey you are a great, get to the point, speaker that it's a pleasure hearing someone very focused on their topic. If you don't have a career you would be great in upper management of some big company. Having said that I can't find one single video that seriously reviews the sound capabilities of these synthesizers. They may play s bit of a song but it would be more helpful to just hear 10 seconds of like 20-30 sounds each one can make.... Just a suggestion 🤩
You are very informative Thank You.
Ooh, you missed the neutron. I love the model d but if I had to keep one I would absolutely keep the neutron. In fact I plan to get another, they are so cheap. Really lovely synth.
thank you had no idea about those refaces. Ive been trying to decide between minilogue, system1, deepmind, and blofeld(with decent midi key) but thats I guess another price range. Can you recommend anything in the 400-600ish price range.
Thank you always for your insights
Super cool video!
I love my monologue to death (though I'd wish it were a little snappier) so I'm biased, but I prefer it over the microbrute because of the preset saving, I work on a song then another and then I want to go back to the first one without having to redial everything. About the yamaha reface ones, I wanted a CP so much but sadly they're WAY! more expensive here (argentina), they're all around usd 1000, however Arturia and specially Korg have more similar prices to the US, that's why volca FM is more popular here than reface DX. Model D sounds amazing! but how about the Neutron? that one is incredible!
Lovely. Where you got those colorful knobs for the monologue?
Also with the reface as well as the montage you can download the app SOUNDMONDO and connect it using a camera kit adapter and have presets of any of the reface and can load and use others made by other people. I use it with my YC for live show and it a dream
The uno synth is really coming strong. I just got one and it’s nice. Once you get the app for it it’s really fun and functional. I was wondering after trying the uno, would it have made the grade when you made this video since they cost 199$ ?
I dont know which one to get the cs or the dx?
DX,CS and CP are on number one place.I have the three of them.Killer boards.
Double whammy with the refaces! I love my CP. The minikeys are great and after a while I found I got used to them (which helped when I got a Keystep). I went with the Digitone for FM as the Volca and reface had too many problems for me. Cost a lot more of course but it's great.
Local Technique Digitone is soo great👌
That model D loooks dope. Super awesome with the chick flashes... I’ve been using Moog’s model D app with the Korg plugkey.... it sounds damn good for a digital recreation. And I love fm synthesis too! That’s 80’s sega’s fault!
it was like listening to a horse racing commentary ...!! Im none the wiser except these are amazing great super
Hi, just found your channel today. I love how your videos are short and straight on point !
In your opinion, are the Reface built-in speakers loud enough for a bedroom ? Thanks and have a nice day :)
Yes! I would also look into some old casios, some hidden gems and the speakers on those are really loud !
Dawless Jammin’
Thanks for all the info
I’m curious to know How you feel about the Neutron ?
I thought you were Lauren Babic
Hey Rudy
I love you bro
Hi Rudy
Hey bro do know if synth can Smock on Winter? Ok cheers bro.
Volca bass. Crazy cheap, great sounds, three different lines of sequencing, it’s my number one under $300.
nice use of the factory presets on the reface dx in the background music lol XD legend EP, dynalead, wood EP etc. heh
What about the Arturia Microfreak or the Uno Synth, they're good and on the budget.
Update vid? Or should I still hunt these models? You're top all around synth for live co op? Hard question? Haha
Agree with your positioning of the Monologue and Microbrute. I do have both and while I spend more time on the Monologue (that damn battery convenience) the Microbrute being a WYSIWYG type synth if you dial in a patch that you saw on youtube (for example) you can tweak it and make it your own and your more likely to learn how to make patches on the little brute because of this.
ed rosa - I've got both too, if I had to keep just one it'd be the Monologue. Two oscillators allowing sync and ring mod, four lanes of motion control on the sequencer, patch memory, midi cc, Volca sync. The limited envelope control doesn't bother me for monosynth type sounds.
The Microbrute does have that patchbay though, perfect for connecting to modular or semi-modular. I really like this feature, maybe I'd keep that instead....!
Either way they'd be 1 and 2 on my list, or perhaps more fairly, equal first. The Neutron would be up there too considering it's half the price of an SV-1 or Mother 32. No FM synths on my list, I had a DX7 back in the day and was glad to get rid! But that's just my personal preference.
Menu-diving-less jamming? 😀
If I could only keep one it would also be the Monologue. In my collection it's the perfect "pick up and play" synth. Between the presets and battery power it's my perfect "anytime/anywhere" synth.
Sometimes right before bed I power it up and play for a bit.
Other times if I want to spend time with the wife while she watches TV I power it up and plug in my Bose noise canceling headphones.
Many days I bring it to the office for a morale boost at lunch time.
No novation mininova? Very powerful synth and under 200 on the second hand market
I’m getting a volca Fm for Christmas 🤟🏼
Thanks Jade, I haven't played the rest, but I have a Model D and a Neutron, and the Neutron is way more fun than the D..I love the D, but the Neutron is a bit more zingy..I have an SE1 as well, and the D is bang on..so cheap! Can't wait for the Behringer Pro-1
Braincoral Yeah, would love to try that one!
Ya totally agree and came to the same conclusion Yamaha Reface DX best little inexpensive fun synth .
which one would be best for a beginner trying to make synthwave?
Or should I just get the Volca FM and Volca Beats so I can get a synth and drum machine for $300?
More than anything I just wanna mess around with making music. I don't need professional-level sound or features.
If I only had 300 bucks and need to get started, I would always pick up a Novation Circuit and nothing else. Great for synthwave.
Great video. I have 3 of those :) Not considering Arturia MicroBrute. Gonna get Neutron instead of Model D.
SferaMusicLive Lots of love for the Neutron on this thread!
Interesting list. Fairly slim pickings in that price range. I'd have thrown in a Volca or a Pocket Operator to show diversity. Technically the Reface synths are on sale :) I'm not a huge fan of the Monologue - but it does stack up in features in that price range. Just curious, why didn't the Neutron get a mention over the Model D clone?
Others have said it but it must be said again: Behringer Neutron. I'd pick it over anything else currently in the price range really, that I know of. I know Reface isn't supposed to sound like an actual DX7, but considering that with some patience you can score DX7 for little more than what the Reface DX is gong for right now, (I've seen it for slightly less) I'd go for the DX7 instead.
EnervatedSociety Dang, so much love for the Neutron, I’m gonna have to get my hands on one for the channel
Really glad to hear good thing about yamaha ; I just had a "bad" experience with one of their product ; a student of mine let me a moxf6 for a couple of day so I could figure out some issues she had ; the interface is so bad, it has lot's of hidden menus and weird functionnalities (which is a good thing but this synth is supposed to be for "average" people, not for technicians)
Anyway I must admitt it sounds pretty good and the build quality is sturdy ;
TheOrangepeak Yamahas have never been user friendly. It’s one of the quirks of their products.
Moxf6 is pretty old I think, so maybe that why? And yeah good quality from them
@@JAdeWii_ they are 5years old ; but yeah, things evolve pretty quickly nowadays :)
Good little round-up , im suprised the volcas never made it on your list, still i accept this is your chosen list. By the way loving the Micro's facelift, how did you acheive it ?
I believe that's a limited run "creator's edition" version
@@IncendexX Ahhh i see thank you :-)
I will be making a separate video on the Korg Volcas soon, and what he said :)
The Montage/Modx has a lovely fm engine as well, with 8 operators. I went to the shop to buy a Reface DX, but ended up getting the Modx instead. For 300 bucks, the Reface DX is a no-brainer though.
good boid congrats on the ModX, solid synth!
Nowadays the Microfreak is also a contender, mucho suono
You missed out the Behringer Neutron. I got mine for £265($344) but I saw it on sale in the States for $299. I've just bought it and it is kewl. The batchbay is massive too. It isn't a clone, it is an original sounding mono/paraphonic synth. I love FM synthesis also, but only have the volca (which is amazing for it's price).
What's the music? It sounds great, & thanks for educating me on dope synthesisers !
Oddsea thanks! Something that hasn’t made itself into an album yet, but soon! For now it’s just available on patreon
If you haven't checked out the IK multimedia UNO do yourself a favor take a look. It is my favorite synth under 300 bucks.
I need to get me one!
Kaladidescope is banging
A Yamaha Reface for only $286?! That's a good deal! The Arturia Microbrute looks amazing. I should check some synths out at a local store soon. Thanks for your opinion and thoughts about affordable mini synthesizers! Best, Emiel.
That's what I said! I wish they would all go down :'(
@@JAdeWii_ I hope so too
Synthé, sis'! XD I can't chose between a DX and a Volca FM+something like a Keystep. DX sounds great, seems easy to use, Volca seems to have more options? Anyway, great video like always and thank you for your thoughts on that :)
Emmanuel D I have all three and the immediacy of the DX is better than volca + keystep imo, but the latter is good for other setups!
@@JAdeWii_ Thanks for your reply! I feel like the Keystep is something to have anyway, to control a Circuit or something similar
Doesn't have a fully DSR? What do you mean by that, I'm still new to all the acronyms :)
The four stages of a "proper" envelope - Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release.
@@LousyFacelift word, thanks man!!!
What! No Neutron!! lol I'd throw that baby in at #2
Heard the Neutron two days ago and it was a dissapointment to me.
A Korg ARP Odyssey or Moog Subsequent is just in another league.
Save your pennies is my advice.
...and another price bracket above this budget. You may well be right @@mikehydropneumatic2583
@@mikehydropneumatic2583 i love my neutron
What do you think about the Roland jd xi as a beginner synth?
It’s good!
@@JAdeWii_ Yes, but I didn't seen the price before posting this comment 😂. Maybe I'll gonna check the microbrute or the volca fm/keys. It's more on my budget.
I’ve been really into old casios lately. More keys, battery powered, and cheap! Not much tweaking options, but they just sound GOOD. Try to pick up a Casio mt70, one of my favorites. No MIDI or usb on these old synths, but if you’re a good keyboard player you’ll do fine with just recording audio
@@JAdeWii_ Too bad. There isn't any of these synth on second hand website near my location. Thanks for the recommendations though! I appreciate.
Since the volca fm catch my interest maybe I'm gonna check some budget fm synth. I don't know if you've heard of this one, but the m-audio venom seems interesting too.
Look at the MPC 2.3 update. Its a new machine. You need to get it back.
Yeah I saw that! Ugh, I am tempted to get another to make some videos on but I just got an Ipad Pro so will probably make some music videos on that.
Get a used one...Update to 2.3. Brand new machine! Its soooooo amazing now! Its finally done! It should have been released like this. Auto sample is the best and the synths it comes with are GOOD! Its worth the $ now. And more updates are coming soon.
Dawless Jammin' Excited to see what you create with iOS apps. Check out Beatmaker 3 for MPC/DAW type app. I'm thinking of buying a newer iPad as mine won't run Beatmaker 3 nor the granular synths I want to try.
Dawless Jammin' Korg gadget is a great iPad app. The live is really improved with 2.3 amazing machine really.
Its insane now...AUTO SAMPLE! WTF! =)
Mini Keys are Standard for Accordions.
VCV Rack (still technically DAWless, and free)
Great review. I'm new and I know you hear this a lot but, and please everyone take it easy on me but Jade is it ? I'm in Love big time. Smart and beautiful makes it even more enjoyable to watch. Love your voice. I'm just a long time Guitarist that in the last year has just out of nowhere become obsessed with Synths. Also building a High Quality Desk Top Studio and just got a great 2nd interface for Guitar from IK Multimedia. I have everything, now I just have to organize the dungeon and pick up a longer deal at Walmart or Office depot. So yeah, Im ready for my first Synthesizer. It's just Infinite the sounds and beats and then mis with Bass and Metal Guitar Riffs, Nu-Metal, chords and Clean Jazz that's another thing, I have so many pedal that can double as Synth Pedals. I don't know anything yet or if I can even hook Pedal into any of these Synths. If anyone has any tips or cares to share knowledge or point e in the direction of other tutorials, by all means. Peace-
These just aren’t for me!
I got a waldorf pulse 2 second hand and the sound quality is unbeatable!
-around usd 250 (absolute bargain)
In terms of sound the second hand market can pack a hefty punch.
Yet saving your money up is much wiser!
My number one pick is the bass station 2 but by no means is it 2018!
Neutron! No1
Umm, no. The Monologue has a better sequencer than the Minilogue!
Hey I love you I don't care about synths but I wanna watch your face 💕💕😍😘❤️💖♥️💞
Would have been good if you showcased the sounds for each synth as you spoke. I’m to lazy to go to other videos to check each ones sound
What do you think to the Neutron?
It would be my #1 on this list with the Korg a close second. I would disqualify the Moog clone on principal.
I've never messed with one so can't really comment on it!
Neutron = 100!
po-16 should be #5
If only there were american women like you...Im in love 💘
You cannot imagine what I am doing to get into this world literally ridiculous under 100dollar stuff heheheh hehehehe oh these toys
Lol @1:48 you sound like my customers, its pronounced bear-in-jer
you've corrected me a million times too, it just wont stick xD
Nah, Behringer was founded by a Swiss guy who went to a German university so it is safe to say the company name (and his last name) are pronounced in German. I cannot think of a word to describe the „be“ sound but the „ringer“ is pronounced pretty much like the English ring with a hard „g“. You can listen to the correct pronunciation on forvo: forvo.com/word/behringer/
Yea ,,yer nuts korg kicks ass ,,, b( like your saying chair). Rinnjjjer … cool 😎!⚡️👀👀🤪
Model D for beginner, really?
If she is not on her father's room... I cannot understand spending so much money at her age....
First