Whether you are a beginner or a professional looking for ways of upping your game, getting the best mini synth is a great idea. Synthesizer does not have to look big before it can deliver.
In this review, we are going explore some of the best mini synthesizers that you can buy with money and can at the same time offer the best in terms of sound. Keep reading to find out more about these products!
There are lots of mini synthesizers in the market today. The numbers could be overwhelming for a beginner to make a choice.
If you are looking for one here are some of the most important factors that can guide you.
Sound
When it comes to this kind of product, the sound is the most important factor to consider and it is indeed the king. You must ensure that it delivers the kind of sound you desire.
Talking of the sound, consider it is style specific. If you are interested in a particular sound, then you must ensure that you get it.
Features
You must also think of the available features when you are making a choice. The features have to do with the performance, how you are going to control it, the kind of filters, oscillators, and different kinds of effects.
Moreover, consider the way you are going to program it and other things. The features determine how you are going to use the product and the kind of effects it is going to bring.
Interface
This aspect is also very important. It varies from one model to the other. The interface is a great influence because it determines how you are going to use it and this can affect the kind of sound that comes out of the system.
While looking at the interface, you must consider the issue of usability. It must easy to access all the components. Moreover, it must look very attractive to the eyes.
Digital Or Analog
Do you determine whether you are looking for a digital or an analog synth? Before you can talk of that you must the differences between the two.
Digital products seem to be more advanced and most of them are user friendly compared to the analog counterparts. If you want to use digital products, you must be sure that you can program it and you can get the best results from the performance.
Quality
This is perhaps the most important aspect of the search. The range of sound is very important if you are talking about quality. Another thing is the synth capability.
Moreover, try to find out how it works by programming patches from scratch. You should be enjoying the quality that comes from the system during this process.
Cost
You must compare the various models in the market and choose those that are affordable. While considering the cost, you do not compromise the quality in any way. Ensure that you get value for your money.
Which Mini Synthesizer is Best for Beginners?
If you are a beginner then you can start with a mini synthesizer because they are easier to use. There are lots of them that come with entry-level features. You need something that can assist you to accomplish the task fast and well. some mini synthesizers are designed for beginners and you can compare them and make a choice.
The best choice for beginners is the Korg Monotron duo. It is highly portable as it is just pocket-sized. The design is classic and it uses a membrane keyboard. It comes in a dull blue color and this adds to the beauty. The peak is great and it comes with an inbuilt speaker that is powered by a battery. This makes it different from several other models out there that do not depend on the battery.
Two analog Oscillators (vco) with individual tunings
Vcf with cutoff and peak control
Built-in speaker and battery power for go anywhere analog sound
There are lots of features that make the product different from other models out there and they include the membrane keyboard, as well as ergonomic and smooth design. The speaker is battery powered and throwback design makes it better than the contemporaries out there. The model is highly portable as it is just palm size. You can easily pocket and go about your business.
Six types of arpeggio patterns for adjusting the length and resolution of notes
Easy and simple to use
Highly affordable
Portable and compact design
Watch out for
Limited voices
The model is an analog product and it comes with 37 keys as well as a vocoder. The sound generation method as said before is analog and the performance is far above most other models. It is not surprising it tops the list here.
The synthesizer program involves Multitimbral. Furthermore, the model comes with four voices and the power supply is DC 9V and it can use an AC adapter as well. Most importantly this model relies on six AA alkaline batteries. So, you can take and play it wherever you want.
The model is compatible withdifferent operating systems such as the Windows 98 model particularly the edition of the model. In the same way, it is compatible with another operating system such as Mac and so on. Besides, this model relies on six arpeggiator types. It is also compatible with later models of operating systems.
Novation Mini Synth is also very powerful and the Nova sound engine is the most remarkable attribute of this product. The sound system is always great because of the vocoder which has a unique Vocal tune. You can tweak with the sound in real-time.
Besides, it comes with 256 awesome onboard sound as well as an additional free sound pack and this you can easily download after registration. The layers are also up to five times for the voice.
The synth comes with focus rite MiniNova and the keys are the most powerful. The engine is also very great and it is probably the most powerful engine you can lay your hands on the market.
This is the best bass synth. The analog engine system comes with everything you desire from this kind of product. The version is one of the newest in the industry and it comes with a classic and original bass filter station.
The sequencer is pattern-based. It comes with two oscillators as well as an additional sub-oscillator. The layout is such that you are not going to find it hard to control the system. This system is simple and easy to use and it has an edge in all parameters that you can think of today.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, this model is great because it can serve your purpose very well. this is a highly versatile product.
Another wonderful product and comes from a Teenage engineering company. The product as you can see from the size is highly portable and it comes with a controller and an in-built FM radio station. You can use this model to create different kinds of music.
To make things easier, this model features 13 unique synth engines as well as 7 superior quality stereo effects. The frequency modulation as well as the modeled string synthesis makes it perfect for most people.
The system also provides for tape recording and it can produce up to 4 track videos and with this, you can record and create any beat of your choice. The model is also easy and simple to use since you can arrange notes without difficulties when you use this product.
This Yamaha model is one of the best in the market and it is popular because of its versatility. It is also highly portable because of its size. The system comes with a vintage keyboard sound engine and features six detailed keyboard types which this kind of vintage product is known for.
The other great attribute is the 128-note polyphony and this ensures that the performance is better than what you get elsewhere. Most importantly, it comes with an HQ mini keyboard and it has a total of 37 keys in all. The implication is that it makes for natural and fast performance. The feel is going to be better and the response is the best. The inbuilt speakers allow you to play at any place and anytime you like.
Moog Analog Synth is equipped with the best 25 keys and double oscillates. Furthermore, it comes with tools that can help you enhance your music creation. It features a very powerful headphone amp as well as a multidrive circuit.
One of the greatest software available in this device is the Edit and Librarian Software. The models come with the laurel which the brand is known for over the years. The product comes with great features that make it the best in the market today.
You are going to use it to produce different kinds of music. It is portable and compact in design. When it comes to usability, the model has an edge over others.
This is the best analog and digital creating system. It comes with everything you want. If you want it analog it has and if you want it digital, it is also possible.
When it comes to cost. The model is highly affordable and it the best when it comes to performance. When you use this model, you are going to like the supernatural sounds that come with it.
The model also comes with 37 mini-keys and the compact design ensures that you get the kind of result you want. Besides, this model comes with polyphonic PCM essentials such as strings, pads, brass, and several others. If you are looking for a system that can help create that incredible loops you have always desired, you can think of this. It is fast and highly reliable.
There are lots of benefits you can derive from a mini synthesizer and here are some of them:
Portable: the most important aspect of this product is that they are portable. This means that taking it from one place to another is not going to be a problem. Since it is small it is also going to be lightweight. When it comes to convenience of use, this kind of synth offers the best and that is one of the reasons people opt for it.
User friendly: the other great benefit is that this kind of product is easier and simpler to use than the complex and large ones. All the components are easily accessible. None of the components are located in a place where you will find it hard to access them. So, this model is more user friendly and it can lead to better performance.
Great interface: many components of the products are easy to get around. If there are things you want to plug or connect to the system it is easy. You do not need to be an expert before you can use some of the features. The interface is such that you can easily and comfortably use the product. The aux input is easy and simple to use.
Affordable: moreover, this kind of synthesizers are more affordable than large ones. To buy one, you do not need to empty your bank account. The reason is that it does not consume large expensive materials during the design process. Usually, it is good for beginners and some of them are meant for advanced users. This is not the kind of instrument you spend your whole earnings to get one. It is cost-effective. The components might not be difficult to replace when they are damaged or when they malfunction.
What is the Best Brand for A Mini Synth?
1. Roland
Roland has introduced a lot of products to the market. There are various products line in the famous Roland Boutique range where various models are introduced to the market.
The products are known for their great features such as their classic digital sounds, presets features are great and you can load more music. The quality sound is remarkable.
When you are looking for the best, you can consider any of the models from this producer. They have several products in the market which are the best by all standards.
Music Production and Beat Maker Essential – USB powered MIDI controller with 25 mini MIDI keyboard velocity-sensitive keys for studio production, virtual synthesizer control and beat production
Total Control of Your Production - Innovative 4-way thumbstick for dynamic pitch and modulation control, plus a built-in arpeggiator with adjustable resolution, range and modes
The MPC Experience - 8 backlit velocity-sensitive MPC-Style MIDI beat pads with Note Repeat and Full Level for programming drums, triggering samples and controlling virtual synthesizer/DAW controls
Complete Command of your Virtual Instruments and FX - 8 360-degree knobs assign to all your music studio plugins for mixing, tweaking synth controls and more
1500 plus Sounds and Everything You Need for Pro Production - Complete Music Production Starter Kit including MPC Beats, 6 Virtual Instruments and 2GB of sound content
2. Korg
Korg is another brand to look for when you are looking for this kind of product. The products are not only affordable, but they are also portable and this is what you should expect because of the mini design.
They are very flexible to use and you are not required to be a professional before you can even use this model. Most people rate the brand very high because of the great sound that comes from the system.
Compatibility : Windows - 98 Second Edition, Me, 2000 SP2, XP. Mac OS - OSX10.6.8 or later
3. Moog
This producer has a lot of products in the market today which are considered the best in their own right. The products are great because of their modular sound.
Moreover, they are more flexible and easier to use. Most people prefer this brand because they are more performance-based than other models out there. Some of the products are a versatile performer and the sound range is the best in the industry.
If you are looking for the best, you can always start from this model because they are the best in terms of features.
Sub 37 design - all the controls and features found on the sub 37 tribute Edition
Sound engine Evolution - richer low end and greater sonic Dimension. Oscillator Calibration Range- 22Hz-6.8KHz. Note range at 8’ = 18 - 116
MORE MULTIDRIVE - Wider range and dirtier than ever before
Room for two - more headroom means Duo Mode sounds even better
37 note key bed - lightweight with swift action and after touch
4. Yamaha
Yamaha is the clear leader in this kind of product. They have several products in the market and these are remarkable for their features. They are powerful, and they often create the best sound.
You can use them with other devices and that is because of their compatibility. Most importantly they are portable and they are very easy to use. If you are looking for performance, then you can always consider this model.
5. Novation
This is another brand worth recommending because of its great performance. They also have several products in the market and these are famous because of their performance.
The sound quality is one of the greatest aspects of the design. They are easier and simpler to use. Most importantly, these are affordable and user-friendly products.
Novation MiniNova 37-Mini-Key Analog Modeling Synthesizer - USB Cable - Power Supply - User Guide - Goosneck Microphone - Novation 1 Year Warranty
OS Compatibility: Mac Yosemite, Mac 10.9, Mac 10.8, Mac 10.7, Windows 8, Windows 7 and iOS
Bundle Software: MiniNova Software EditorMiniNova Patch LibrarianAbleton Live LiteNovation Bass Station softsynthLoopmasters sample pack (1GB)
Synth engine: Up to 18 note polyphony (dynamic voicing) Mono-Timbral
Per patch: 3x oscillatorsNoise generator2x ring modulatorsWaveforms include: Square, sine, tri, sawtooth, pulse, 9x saw:pulse combinations. 20x digital waveforms 36x wavetables
Conclusion
When you are looking for the best quality mini synthesizers that can take your music to the highest level the above-reviewed products should readily come to your mind. You have seen the utmost benefits you can derive from this kind of synthesizer.
Apart from the fact that they are portable and compact in design, most of them come with the most advanced features. Besides, they are highly affordable and user friendly.
If you are looking for an analog or digital mini synthesizer, you are not going to find it difficult to get one. These are the best you can buy with money. If you lay your hands on any of these products, you are going to value it because they are designed to serve your purpose very well.
