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The Synthesizer - All about the history and the application of the synthesizer
The Synthesizer


  • Kronos 3
    Korg
    Japan, 2025
    Flagship music workstation with nine synthesis engines, TouchView UI, KARMA and 16-track audio/MIDI sequencing—Korg’s next-gen all-in-one synth platform.
    $3399
    Digital
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • Osmose
    Expressive E
    France, 2023
    The Osmose is a modern synthesizer featuring an MPE keyboard and the EaganMatrix engine co-developed with Haken Audio. It senses press, tilt, and shake per key for highly expressive control.
    $1799
    Digital
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • MiniFreak
    Arturia
    France, 2022
    The MiniFreak is a six-voice hybrid synthesizer released by Arturia in 2022. It pairs dual digital sound engines (wavetable, FM, granular, virtual analog and more) with an analog multimode filter, an extensive modulation matrix, and a 37-note keybed with polyphonic aftertouch. Bundled with the MiniFreak V plugin, it lets producers move seamlessly between hardware and software versions of the same synth architecture.
    $599
    Hybrid
    Polyphonic
    Hardware - Plugin
  • OB-X8
    Oberheim
    USA, 2022
    Modern analog polysynth combining the OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 designs, co-created by Tom Oberheim and Sequential.
    $4999
    Analog
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • Pigments 4
    Arturia
    France, 2022
    Pigments 4 blends wavetable, virtual analog, sample/granular, and additive synthesis in a software instrument with deep modulation capabilities and a user-friendly workflow. Get this synth!!
    $199
    Digital
    Polyphonic
    Plugin
  • Argon8
    Modal Electronics
    UK, 2021
    Wavetable synthesizer with 120 wavetables, morphing, and extensive modulation, available in multiple key sizes.
    $749
    Digital (Wavetable)
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • Wavestate
    Korg
    Japan, 2020
    Modern reboot of the Wavestation with advanced wave sequencing 2.0, gigabytes of samples, and deep modulation.
    $799
    Digital
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • Vital
    Vital Audio
    USA, 2020
    Free wavetable synthesizer with spectral warping, advanced modulation, and visual feedback for sound design. Get this synth!!!
    $0
    Digital (Wavetable)
    Polyphonic
    Plugin
  • Pro 3
    Sequential
    USA, 2020
    Hybrid paraphonic synthesizer with three oscillators (two analog, one wavetable) and three classic filter types.
    $1599
    Hybrid
    Paraphonic
    Hardware
  • Hydrasynth
    Ashun Sound Machines
    USA, 2019
    Wavemorphing polysynth with poly-aftertouch keybed, mutator modules, deep mod matrix, and effects.
    $1299
    Digital
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • Phase Plant
    Kilohearts
    Sweden, 2019
    Modular software synth with freely routable oscillators, samplers, and modulators plus snap-in effects. Get this synth!!!
    $199
    Digital
    Polyphonic
    Plugin
  • Summit
    Novation
    UK, 2019
    Bi-timbral 16-voice hybrid synthesizer based on Peak architecture with extended controls and keyboard.
    $2299
    Hybrid
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • Moog One
    Moog Music
    USA, 2018
    Flagship analog polysynth (8- or 16-voice) with three VCOs per voice, dual filters, deep modulation, and effects.
    $7999
    Analog
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • Quantum
    Waldorf
    Germany, 2018
    {"Hybrid powerhouse"=>"wavetable, VA, granular, and resonator digital oscillators through analog filters."}
    $4200
    Hybrid
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • DeepMind 12
    Behringer
    Germany, 2016
    Affordable 12-voice analog polysynth inspired by the Juno-106 with built-in effects and modulation matrix.
    $999
    Analog
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • Minilogue
    Korg
    Japan, 2016
    4-voice analog polysynth with oscilloscope display, versatile voice modes, and classic Korg tone.
    $499
    Analog
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • System-8
    Roland
    Japan, 2016
    Plug-Out synth hosting ACB models of Jupiter-8, Juno-106, and JX-3P alongside its own powerful engine.
    $1499
    Digital (ACB)
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • MicroBrute
    Arturia
    France, 2013
    Compact monophonic analog synth with Steiner-Parker filter, sequencer, and aggressive Brute Factor.
    $329
    Analog
    Monophonic
    Hardware
  • Sub 37
    Moog Music
    USA, 2014
    Duophonic/mono analog synth; two VCOs plus sub, ladder filter, and hands-on control.
    $1499
    Analog
    Paraphonic
    Hardware
  • Bass Station II
    Novation
    UK, 2013
    Monophonic analog synth with two oscillators, sub-oscillator, and classic/acid filter types.
    $499
    Analog
    Monophonic
    Hardware
  • Volca Keys
    Korg
    Japan, 2013
    Compact battery-powered analog polyphonic lead synth with sequencer.
    $149
    Analog
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • OP-1
    Teenage Engineering
    Sweden, 2011
    Portable synth/workstation with multiple engines, tape recorder, sequencers, and built-in mic/speaker.
    $1199
    Digital
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • Monotron
    Korg
    Japan, 2010
    Palm-sized analog ribbon synth with MS-20 filter, battery-powered fun. Get one if you never had one.
    $59
    Analog
    Monophonic
    Hardware
  • SH-01 GAIA
    Roland
    Japan, 2010
    Virtual analog synthesizer with three layers, simple controls, and hands-on editing.
    $749
    Virtual Analog
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • Omnisphere 2
    Spectrasonics
    USA, 2015
    Flagship sample-based and synth hybrid plugin with massive library and deep synthesis engines.
    $499
    Hybrid
    Polyphonic
    Plugin
  • Massive X
    Native Instruments
    Germany, 2019
    Successor to Massive with advanced wavetable engine, routing, and sound design capabilities. Get this synth!!
    $199
    Digital (Wavetable)
    Polyphonic
    Plugin
  • Serum
    Xfer Records
    USA, 2014
    Influential wavetable plugin synth known for pristine oscillators and intuitive editor. Get this synth!!!
    $189
    Digital (Wavetable)
    Polyphonic
    Plugin
  • Diva
    u-he
    Germany, 2012
    Diva (Dinosaur Impersonating Virtual Analogue) is a software synthesizer that painstakingly models the oscillators, filters, and envelopes of classic analog instruments—Minimoog, Jupiter-8, Juno-60, MS-20, and more—letting users swap modules to build hybrid “dream synths.” Celebrated for its authentic warmth and punch (at the cost of high CPU), Diva has become a studio staple for producers seeking vintage analog tone in a modern plugin.
    $179
    Digital
    Polyphonic
    Plugin
  • Prophet '08
    Dave Smith Instruments
    USA, 2008
    Modern 8-voice analog polysynth reviving the Prophet legacy with DCOs and Curtis filters.
    $2099
    Analog
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • Sylenth1
    LennarDigital
    Netherlands, 2007
    Virtual analog VST synth prized for lush sound, low CPU, and EDM staple status.
    $139
    Virtual Analog
    Polyphonic
    Plugin
  • Massive
    Native Instruments
    Germany, 2007
    Influential wavetable soft synth, cornerstone of dubstep and EDM sound design.
    $149
    Digital (Wavetable)
    Polyphonic
    Plugin
  • Zebra2
    u-he
    Germany, 2007
    Zebra2 is a versatile modular software synthesizer that blends virtual analog, wavetable, additive, FM, and spectral effects within a cable-free patching interface. Get this synth!!!
    $110;
    Digital
    Polyphonic
    Plugin
  • MicroKorg
    Korg
    Japan, 2002
    Compact VA synth/vocoder with mini keys, battery power, and versatile sound.
    $399
    Virtual Analog
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • Minimoog Voyager
    Moog Music
    USA, 2002
    Updated Minimoog with patch memory, MIDI, and modern reliability.
    $2995
    Analog
    Monophonic
    Hardware
  • Andromeda A6
    Alesis
    USA, 2000
    16-voice analog polysynth with deep modulation and analog VCO/VCF design.
    $2999
    Analog
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • Absynth
    Native Instruments
    Germany, 2000
    Semi-modular soft synth famed for evolving pads and soundscapes.
    $199
    Digital
    Polyphonic
    Plugin
  • Reason
    Propellerhead
    Sweden, 2000
    Virtual rack studio with multiple synths, samplers, and effects.
    $399
    Digital
    Polyphonic
    Plugin
  • Triton
    Korg
    Japan, 1999
    The Korg Triton is a PCM-based music workstation synthesizer introduced in 1999 as the successor to the Trinity. Its HI synthesis engine, touchscreen interface, dual polyphonic arpeggiators, and optional sampling/MOSS expansion boards made it a go-to production powerhouse for pop, R&B, and film scoring in the 2000s. Get this synth !!!
    $2999
    Digital
    Polyphonic
    Hardware - Plugin
  • Reaktor
    Native Instruments
    Germany, 1999
    Modular DSP environment for building custom synths, samplers, and effects.
    $399
    Digital
    Polyphonic
    Plugin
  • Virus A
    Access Music
    Germany, 1997
    Iconic VA hardware synth series with lush pads and aggressive leads.
    $1499
    Virtual Analog
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • JP-8000
    Roland
    Japan, 1997
    VA polysynth introducing the Supersaw waveform for trance music.
    $1295
    Virtual Analog
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • ReBirth RB-338
    Propellerhead
    Sweden, 1997
    Software emulation of TB-303, TR-808, and TR-909 for acid and house production.
    $179
    Digital
    Monophonic
    Plugin
  • Prophecy
    Korg
    Japan, 1995
    Monophonic physical-modeling synthesizer employing Korg’s MOSS engine for expressive, diverse sound creation.
    $2199
    Digital
    Monophonic
    Hardware - Plugin
  • Wavestation
    Korg
    Japan, 1990
    Vector synthesis and wave sequencing for evolving textures.
    $2199
    Digital
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • M1
    Korg
    Japan, 1988
    Best-selling workstation with PCM engine, sequencer, and iconic presets. Get this synth!!!
    $2166
    PCM Digital
    Polyphonic
    Hardware - Plugin
  • D-50
    Roland
    Japan, 1987
    LA synthesis combining PCM attacks with synthesized sustain waves.
    $1995
    Digital (LA)
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • Akai S612
    Akai
    Japan, 1985
    The Akai S612 was Akai’s first digital sampler, featuring 12-bit sampling, a single voice, and real-time control via an optional MD280 Quick Disk drive. Compact and affordable, it marked the beginning of Akai’s dominance in sampling, leading to later legends like the S900 and MPC series.
    $999 (original price)
    12-bit Sampling
    Monophonic
    Quick Disk Storage
    Hardware
  • Emulator II
    E-MU Systems
    USA, 1984
    The Emulator II was a professional 8-bit sampler with analog filters, used heavily in the 1980s by artists like Depeche Mode, New Order, and David Byrne. Its unique sound defined countless hits and film scores. It offered floppy-based sample loading, velocity sensitivity, and sequencing.
    $7,995 (original price)
    8-bit Sampling
    Analog Filters
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • Ensoniq Mirage
    Ensoniq
    USA, 1984
    The Ensoniq Mirage was one of the first affordable digital samplers, making sampling accessible to a wider audience. It featured gritty 8-bit sound, analog filters, and a built-in sequencer. Beloved for its lo-fi character and used by Skinny Puppy, Depeche Mode, and early hip-hop producers.
    $1,695 (original price)
    8-bit Sampling
    Analog Filters
    Monotimbral
    Hardware
  • DX7
    Yamaha
    Japan, 1983
    FM synth that defined the 80s with electric pianos, basses, and bells.
    $2000
    Digital (FM)
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • PPG Wave 2.2
    PPG (Palm Products GmbH)
    Germany, 1982
    The PPG Wave series, designed by Wolfgang Palm, pioneered wavetable synthesis. The Wave 2.2 combined digital oscillators with analog filters, offering a cold, digital tone that influenced countless electronic artists. Used by Tangerine Dream, Depeche Mode, and Thomas Dolby.
    $10,000+
    Digital Oscillators
    Analog Filters
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • Jupiter-8
    Roland
    Japan, 1981
    Flagship analog polysynth with lush pads and punchy bass.
    $5295
    Analog
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • Fairlight CMI
    Fairlight
    Australia, 1979
    The Fairlight CMI (Computer Musical Instrument) was a pioneering digital sampling workstation. It introduced the Page R sequencer and was one of the first instruments to allow musicians to sample, manipulate, and sequence audio. Used by Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, and Herbie Hancock.
    $25,000+
    Digital
    Polyphonic
    Sampling Workstation
    Hardware
  • Prophet-5
    Sequential Circuits
    USA, 1978
    First programmable polyphonic synth with analog VCOs and filters.
    $4495
    Analog
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • MS-20
    Korg
    Japan, 1978
    Semi-modular mono synth with dual filters and patch bay.
    $750
    Analog
    Monophonic
    Hardware
  • Synclavier
    New England Digital
    USA, 1977
    The Synclavier was one of the first digital synthesizers, samplers, and workstations. Used by artists like Frank Zappa, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson, it combined FM synthesis, additive synthesis, and sampling in one powerful (and expensive) system.
    $200,000+
    Digital
    Polyphonic
    FM + Additive + Sampling
    Hardware
  • CS-80
    Yamaha
    Japan, 1976
    Expressive polyphonic synth with poly-aftertouch and ribbon control.
    $6900
    Analog
    Polyphonic
    Hardware
  • Two Voice
    Oberheim
    USA, 1975
    Dual SEM-based analog synthesizer with a 37-key keyboard, built-in 8-step sequencer, and two-voice polyphony—one of the earliest commercially available polyphonic synths.
    $2000
    Analog
    Duophonic
    Hardware
  • 2600
    ARP
    USA, 1971
    Semi-modular analog synth famous for R2-D2 sounds.
    $6950
    Analog
    Monophonic
    Hardware
  • Minimoog Model D
    Moog Music
    USA, 1970
    Portable mono synth that set the standard for subtractive synthesis.
    $4999
    Analog
    Monophonic
    Hardware
  • VCS3
    EMS
    UK, 1969
    Portable analog synth with pin-matrix patching.
    $800
    Analog
    Monophonic
    Hardware
  • Moog Modular
    Moog Music
    USA, 1965
    First commercial modular synth, used by Wendy Carlos on Switched-On Bach.
    $11000
    Analog Modular
    Monophonic
    Hardware
  • Buchla Series 100
    Buchla
    USA, 1963
    Early modular system commissioned by the San Francisco Tape Music Center.
    $5000
    Analog Modular
    Monophonic
    Hardware
  • Teleharmonium
    Thaddeus Cahill
    USA, 1897
    Early Dynamophone, like an electric organ
    $?
    Additive
    Hardware

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