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7 Deadly Synths

Date:2020/2/12 17:16:56 Hits:

When you’re searching for the next synthesizer to add to your sonic toolkit, it can be challenging to identify a synth’s strong points. Between the number of oscillators, types of filters, number of modulation patch points, and so on, you may be left wondering, “but where does this instrument truly shine?” Lucky for you, the synth gurus here at Sweetwater have spent long hours with countless synthesizers to find out where each excels. Read on to learn about seven synthesizers that absolutely dominate their competition in various applications.

Korg minilogue

Why it’s cool: eight different voice modes

The Korg minilogue was an instant hit with synth fans worldwide, being one of only a handful of modern polyphonic analog synths available at the time of its release. Where the minilogue stands out is its eight different voice modes, which offer a ton of creative options when it comes to playing the synth in real time. Chord mode, for example, allows you to generate 4-note chords with a single key. And the unique Delay mode allows voices 2 through 4 to sound consecutively with a delay following voice 1. When you’re looking for creative inspiration, playing with different voice modes on the minilogue is sure to produce some interesting ideas before long.

Bonus points for:
Onboard 16-step polyphonic note and motion sequencer, arpeggiator, tape-style delay effect, and Audio Sync connectivity for syncing with other Korg synths

Novation Peak
Why it’s cool: combines analog richness with digital wavetables
Novation’s innovative New Oxford Numerically Controlled Oscillators and multimode analog filters combine in the Peak polyphonic synth module to create a vibrant-sounding hybrid synthesizer. Where the Peak module really stands out is with its inclusion of 17 digital wavetables in addition to the typical waveform shapes, giving you access to sounds normally only available on more digitally focused synths. And with three oscillators, polyphonic aftertouch, and extensive modulation capabilities, you have a lot of opportunities to make seriously huge and animated soundscapes and pads. With relatively simple programming, you can create a patch that can morph from a simple yet fat ’70s lead sound to a psychedelic soundscape and back again.

Bonus points for:
16-slot modulation matrix, three envelopes and two LFOs per voice, reverb/delay/chorus effects, and CV modulation input

Arturia MicroBrute

Why it’s cool: all-analog signal path and CV connectivity in a compact keyboard
Arturia’s MiniBrute was an instant hit, packing an all-analog audio path into a compact 25-key instrument. Then Arturia scaled it down even further with the MicroBrute, and it’s one of the most capable compact synths available. With Arturia’s “Brute” oscillators, a Steiner Parker filter, and a smart collection of hands-on controls, the MicroBrute is perfect for adding vivacious analog synthesis to space-challenged music rigs. And its built-in Mod Matrix with CV connectivity has made it a hit with modular synth fans too. Don’t call it a toy — the Arturia MicroBrute packs huge sonic potential.

Bonus points for:
Onboard sequencer, analog and digital audio connectivity, CV Gate/Pitch inputs and Mod matrix, and external audio input

Moog Subsequent 37

Why it’s cool: tons of hands-on performance controls
First things first — the Subsequent 37 delivers classic Moog tone, capable of gut-churning basses and searing leads that slice through any mix. Yet one of our favorite things about the Subsequent 37 is its comprehensive control set. It features a staggering array of 40 high-quality knobs and 74 switches. You can make an envelope loop at the press of a switch, adjust your oscillator mix, toggle keyboard modes, and even change presets on the fly. Simply put, it’s one of the most playable and performance-friendly Moog synths ever made — and it sounds awesome too.

Bonus points for:
Huge, dimensional low end, Multidrive distortion effect, two DAHDSR looping envelopes, and higher headroom for crystal-clear fidelity

Roland SE-02
Why it’s cool: amazingly powerful and deep onboard sequencer
Designed in collaboration with the masters of analog at Studio Electronics, the Roland SE-02 monosynth brings discrete analog circuitry and a knob-per-function interface to Roland’s Boutique series. There’s so much sonic potential here that it’s easy to miss the ultra-powerful sequencer at first glance. This 16-step sequencer offers per-step gate time, adjustable glide, tempo, and patch number. Read that again: you can assign a completely different synth patch to each step of a sequence. And you can set shuffle, scale, direction, and first/last step on the fly during a performance. Best of all, you can save up to 128 sequence patterns, and you can construct up to 16 songs with up to 16 parts in each, all saved for instant recall.

Bonus points for:
Ultra-smooth 24dB lowpass filter, three types of cross modulation, analog and digital audio connectivity, and chain mode to link multiple SE-02 modules for polyphonic operation

Yamaha Montage 6
Why it’s cool: two outstanding synth engines and Super Knob
While it may look similar to a keyboard workstation, the Montage 6 is a dual-engine synthesizer with ample expressive control. Its AWM2 engine offers high-fidelity sample- and waveform-based synthesis, while the FM-X engine is the most advanced iteration of Yamaha’s acclaimed frequency modulation synthesis yet. These two engines can be zoned or layered across eight parts in a single Montage Performance patch. Eight knobs and eight sliders allow for real-time control over whatever parameters you want. And best of all, the Super Knob can be used to tweak all those parameters simultaneously, allowing you to seriously morph your patches with a single knob while you play — or with a single automation lane in your DAW.

Bonus points for:
Highly programmable control matrix, onboard Motion Sequencer, Envelope Follower (controls synth parameters via external audio input), 128-note stereo polyphony via AWM2 sound engine/128-note polyphony via FM-X sound engine, 1.75GB flash storage for user samples, and extensive effects capabilities

Dave Smith Instruments Prophet Rev2
Why it’s cool: big, fat polyphonic patches and extensive animation
Designed to reimagine his Prophet ’08 synth, the Prophet Rev2 basically gives you a double serving of everything that players love about the original. It boasts 16 voices of polyphony, a double-sized modulation matrix, waveshape modulation for all waveforms, a polyphonic step sequencer per layer, and much more. With two digitally controlled analog oscillators per voice, the Rev2 is ready to generate some of the most expansive synth chords you’ve ever heard. In other words, if you’ve dreamed of an analog polysynth with modern performance capabilities, it’s hard to beat the Prophet Rev2.

Bonus points for:
Per-voice Curtis lowpass filter with 2- and 4-pole modes, mod matrix with 20 mod sources and 43 mod destinations, programmable arpeggiator with re-latching option, 256 fully editable patch locations, and comprehensive hands-on control with 52 knobs and 20 buttons

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