The analog synthesizer is a powerful tool for creating complex and unique sounds. It has been used in recording studios, stage shows, and live performances since the late 1960s, and it continues to be a mainstay in modern music production. With its simple design, intuitive controls, and wide range of tones, analog synthesizers are a great choice for any musician looking to explore the world of sound design. In this article, we’ll discuss the best analog synthesizers on the market today, from budget-friendly options to high-end, feature-packed models. Read on to find out more about the best analog synthesizers for any budget, and get ready to unlock the power of analog synthesis!
Best Analog Synthesizers
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Moog Grandmother Semi-Modular
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Moog Subsequent 37
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Novation Bass Station II
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Moog Mother-32 Semi-Modular
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Korg Monologue
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Roland SE-02
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Arturia MatrixBrute
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
Dave Smith Instruments Prophet Rev2
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
Korg Prologue 61
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Dave Smith Sequential Prophet 6
|
7. 2
|
1. Moog Grandmother Semi-Modular
I recently purchased the Moog Grandmother Semi-Modular Synth and I am in love with it! This synth is incredibly easy to use, intelligent, and intuitive. The sound quality is amazing and the variety of sounds you can create is seemingly infinite. It has plenty of features and controls, so you can tweak it to get exactly the sound you want in no time. The build quality is also excellent, with a sturdy metal frame and wooden paneling. If you’re looking for a great semi-modular synth, then the Moog Grandmother is a great choice. Highly recommended!
- Semi-Modular Design: Features separate audio and control pathways, with patchable connections that can be used to expand the instrument’s sonic capabilities.
- Analog Sound Engine: Delivers warm and punchy sound, with three classic Moog oscillators, a noise generator, and a voltage-controlled multi-mode filter.
- Arpeggiator/Sequencer: Allows users to capture and sequence patterns with up to 32 steps.
- Keyboard: Has 32 semi-weighted keys with velocity and aftertouch, allowing for expressive and dynamic performance.
- Patchbay: Allows users to patch external audio and CV signals into the instrument and expand its capabilities.
- Additional Connectivity: Includes a stereo headphone output, stereo main outputs, and a USB port for audio and MIDI connectivity.
2. Moog Subsequent 37
The Moog Subsequent 37 is an exceptional synthesizer, providing users with a wide range of sounds and capabilities. It features 37 keys, with the latest analog sound engine from Moog. The Subsequent 37 features the same controls as the classic Moog Synthesizers, but with the added capability to edit and store patches for greater flexibility. The keyboard also features an integrated arpeggiator, as well as a host of modulation and dynamic controls. The sound quality of the Moog Subsequent 37 is top notch, and it can easily be used to create a variety of sounds, from vintage analog warmth to modern digital sounds. It is a great choice for musicians looking for an expressive and powerful synthesizer. Highly recommended!
- 37-note velocity-sensitive keyboard with aftertouch
- Two modulation busses with assignable sources and destinations
- Piano, organ and synth sound engine with over 500 hand-selected presets
- Three analog oscillators with selectable waveforms and hard sync
- Five analog filters with selectable types
- Four independent envelope generators with assignable destinations
- Sixteen onboard CV/Gate connections
- CV/Gate and USB/MIDI connection for modular and software integration
- Four assignable CV outputs with selectable ranges
3. Novation Bass Station II
The Novation Bass Station II is an absolute powerhouse of a synthesizer. With a classic analogue sound and a diverse range of features, it’s easy to see why so many musicians have made it their go-to synth. The Bass Station II has two oscillators, a sub-oscillator, a multimode filter and two envelopes. This allows for a huge range of sound possibilities, from sharp, punchy basslines to soaring lead lines. The modulation options are also impressive, with two LFOs and an additional envelope. The arpeggiator is a great feature and allows for complex sequences to be created quickly. As well as providing powerful sound design capabilities, the Bass Station II also has a range of excellent effects. These include chorus, delay and reverb, which help to give your sound a professional sheen. Overall, the Novation Bass Station II is a great synth for both experienced and novice producers. Whether it’s creating intricate sonic textures or beefing up your basslines, this synth will do the job with ease. Highly recommended.
- Analog synthesis with two oscillators, a sub oscillator and noise generator.
- Filter section with encoders for real-time control of envelope, cutoff and resonance.
- Waveshaping and distortion, plus overload and fuzz effects.
- Modulation section with two ADSR envelopes and two LFOs.
- 32-step sequencer with automation and MIDI sync.
- External audio input for processing external audio signals.
- USB and MIDI connectivity.
4. Moog Mother-32 Semi-Modular
I recently purchased the Moog Mother-32 Semi-Modular and it has been a great addition to my studio. The sound quality is top-notch and it’s incredibly easy to use. I love that it is semi-modular, which means I can customize it to fit my needs. I also appreciate how compact it is, making it easy to transport and take up less space in my studio. The price is also very reasonable considering the quality of the product. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase and would definitely recommend this to other producers or synthesizer enthusiasts looking for something unique and versatile.
:
- 62HP Eurorack-compatible semi-modular synthesizer
- 2 voltage-controlled oscillators with pulse wave and triangle wave outputs
- Voltage-controlled 32-step sequencer with 64 sequence locations
- One voltage-controlled low-pass filter with resonance
- Voltage-controlled amplifier
- External audio input
- MIDI in/out with DIN sync out
5. Korg Monologue
I recently purchased the Korg Monologue and it has been a great addition to my studio setup. The synth comes with a great range of sounds, with a wide variety of preset sounds as well as the ability to create your own unique sounds. The controls are easy to use and the LCD display makes navigating through the menus and settings a breeze. I also like the fact that it has a MIDI input which allows you to use it with other MIDI devices. The built-in sequencer is also a great feature, allowing you to create complex patterns and sequences with ease. Overall, I’m very happy with the Korg Monologue and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great sounding and versatile synth!
- 25-key monophonic analog synth engine
- Compact and portable design
- 200 preset programs with 16-step sequencer
- Vocoder functionality with built-in microphone
- 5-voice polyphony and 2 oscillator waveforms
6. Roland SE-02
I recently purchased the Roland SE-02 and I am absolutely in love with it! It is an analog synthesizer that is capable of creating a vast range of sounds. It has a great-sounding oscillator and built-in effects to create unique, dynamic textures. The user interface is easy to navigate and you can save your settings for quick recall. The sound quality is really impressive and the overall construction is very solid. I highly recommend this synth for anyone looking for a powerful, yet inexpensive, analogue synthesizer.
- Authentic warm sound of vintage analog synthesizers
- Powerful 4-part analog voicing based on discrete circuits from the classic Roland System-100M
- Flexible oscillator and filter sections for creating unique sounds
- Seamless DAW integration with USB MIDI and CV/Gate outputs
- Compact size and USB bus power for mobile music production
- Built-in arpeggiator and step sequencer for creating complex patterns
7. Arturia MatrixBrute
I recently purchased the Arturia MatrixBrute and have been absolutely blown away by its power and potential. This synthesizer is a true powerhouse, with an array of features and capabilities that can create a wide range of sounds. The sound quality is unparalleled and the user interface is extremely intuitive. The matrix-style sequencer makes it easy to create complex sequenced patterns and the modulation options are extensive. I’m also impressed with the built-in effects, which can add a great deal of depth and texture to the sound. Overall, the MatrixBrute is a great choice for both producers and live performers alike. It’s an incredibly versatile instrument that offers limitless possibilities and is sure to serve as the foundation of any great track.
- Analog Synthesizer with 3 oscillators, 2 filters, 2 LFOs, and a Steiner-Parker filter.
- Matrix Modulation panel with 48 patch points of modulation capabilities.
- 256 preset memory locations, and 64 user memory locations.
- 64-step sequencer and Arpeggiator.
- External analog audio inputs for processing external audio signals.
- CV/Gate inputs for controlling the MatrixBrute from a modular system.
- MIDI I/O and USB connectivity.
8. Dave Smith Instruments Prophet Rev2
I recently purchased the Dave Smith Instruments Prophet Rev2 and I couldn’t be happier! This is a great synthesizer that offers a wide range of sound possibilities. The build quality is excellent and I love all the features it has. It has a wide range of oscillators, filters, and envelopes, as well as options for modulation and effects. I find it very easy to use and the sounds I can create are awesome. The Prophet Rev2 is definitely a great choice for an experienced synth user or someone who is just starting out. Highly recommended!
- 16-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer
- 4-pole Curtis low-pass filter with resonance
- Two analog oscillators with continuously variable waveshapes
- Two digital wavetable oscillators with over 500 waveforms
- Four independent LFOs with unique curves and destinations
- Mod Matrix with 16 sources and 85 destinations
- Integrated performance controls and arpeggiator
- Four separate stereo audio outputs
- MIDI, USB, and CV/Gate connectivity
9. Korg Prologue 61
The Korg Prologue 61 is an excellent synthesizer with a great range of rich, vibrant sounds and a wide variety of features. The 61-key version is perfect for both live performance and studio production. It has a nicely-weighted keybed which is comfortable and expressive to play on. The sound engine is powerful and well-rounded, with a lot of potential for creating interesting textures and soundscapes. The built-in effects are great for adding an extra layer of polish to your tones. The user interface is intuitive and easy to use; even a beginner can get started creating sounds and making music quickly. In short, if you’re looking for a synthesizer with a great range of sounds and features, the Korg Prologue 61 is a great choice.
The Korg Prologue 61 is a 61-key polyphonic analog synthesizer featuring a full-size semi-weighted keybed, an easy-to-use multi-engine, and a 16-voice structure. It is equipped with three oscillators per voice, two multi-mode filters, four envelope generators, three LFOs, and a comprehensive modulation matrix. Additionally, it is capable of producing a variety of sounds including traditional subtractive synthesis, wavetable, and FM synthesis. It also has two effects slots with over 20 effects available. It has a built-in arpeggiator and step sequencer, as well as a range of onboard controllers including pitch and mod wheels, ribbon controller, and joystick. Finally, it supports both hardware and MIDI control.
10. Dave Smith Sequential Prophet 6
I recently got my hands on the Dave Smith Sequential Prophet 6 and I am honestly blown away. It is an extremely powerful and versatile analog synthesizer that covers both vintage and modern sounds. The tone is rich and full, and the design is sleek and intuitive. The sequencer is incredibly easy to use and you can create some incredibly complex and interesting patterns with it. The effects are top notch and they really help add an extra layer of depth and complexity to your sound. The ability to save and recall patches is also a great feature that makes it easy to keep track of your progress. Overall, I’m very impressed with the Dave Smith Sequential Prophet 6 and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an amazing analog synthesizer.
- 6-voice polyphony with true analog signal path
- Two analog oscillators per voice with continuously variable waveshapes
- Four Low-frequency oscillators with 5 waveshapes
- Full-featured analog Curtis low-pass filter with resonance and keytracking
- Four loopable envelope generators per voice with a wide range of times and shapes
- Four-tap stereo delay line with external side-chain input
- Arpeggiator with multiple play modes and adjustable resolution, range, and patterns
- MIDI and USB ports, including MPE support
- High-resolution OLED display with comprehensive control over all parameters
- Over 500 onboard presets and unlimited patch storage via computer
