There are different models and types of synthesizers on the current market that music enthusiasts can choose from. Some of the essential factors that you must put into consideration when purchasing a synthesizer include sound quality, volume, consistency, ease of use, portability, budget, reliability, available features, and user-friendliness.
Any musician who wants to enjoy recording and performing his/her favorite music should pick the best synthesizer. Let’s have a look at the best synth under 500 that you should consider buying.
What is the Best Synth Under 500?
- Sound Generation Method: Analog Modeling Synthesis System
- Synthesizer Program: Multi Timbral=2 (max, Split/Dual Mode)
- Voices: 4 voices. Power Supply- DC 9 V (AC adapter), or six AA alkaline batteries (sold separately)
- Arpeggiator: 6 types. Outputs: L/MONO, R, Headphones
- Compatibility : Windows - 98 Second Edition, Me, 2000 SP2, XP. Mac OS - OSX10.6.8 or later
Factors to Consider When Buying a Synthesizer Under 500
The current market has different brands and models of synthesizers that once can choose from. One can get the best value for his money by purchasing a synth that meets your budget and needs. Outlined here below are the crucial factors that you must consider when shopping around for a synth under $500.
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Digital or Analog
One can either pick a digital, analog, or hybrid synth, depending on his needs and preference. Analog synths have a unique sound design and sound warmer as compared to digital ones. Most people prefer using analog synths because of their great sound and performance. In addition to this, these instruments are easier to use and navigate, making them an excellent option for beginners and inexperienced guys.
On the other hand, digital synthesizers are more complicated than analog ones. Hover, they come with advanced control panels features. Hybrid synths combine digital and analog modeling technology and are easy to operate and navigate.
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Portability
Most of the modern synthesizers are lightweight and portable. Portable synths are convenient for carrying anywhere.
Additionally, people should choose devices that fit their needs. For instance, anyone who is looking for a synth for live or studio use should look for an instrument with a built-in speaker and a battery power.
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Price
Pricing is an essential factor that must be considered when purchasing any musical instrument. All the products discussed in this article are under $500, but their prices are different. Knowing some chords and scales can help you in finding an affordable synth.
One can save a significant amount of money by reading the available reviews and comparing the prices of different musical instruments.
8 Best Synth Under 500 On the Market
Top 8 Best Synth Under $500 Reviews
Those are the best models and types of music synthesizers under $500 that you can choose for recording and performing music. These products are portable, affordable, and have unique features and design.
Among the primary factors that you should consider when buying a synthesizer include purchasing a synthesizer include sound quality, volume, consistency, ease of use, portability, pricing, reliability, features, and user-friendliness.
1. Best Recommended -Korg MicroKorg 37 Key Analog Synth
Brilliant features
- Produces cool patterns
- Easy to adjust the resolution and length of its notes
- Stunning presets for beginners
- Extremely versatile
- Easy to set up and carry
Watch out for
- Its key action has a slight complaint
The Korg Microkorg Synthesizer is one of the best analog synthesizers for beginners and other musicians. It is known for its analog modeling synthesis sound system.
This instrument is compatible with the following windows: XP, 200 SP2, Me, Mac OS-oSX10.6.8, and windows 98. It has four unique voices. In addition to this, this instrument has a multi-timbral synthesizer program; Dual/split, max modes.
The Korg Microkorg Synthesizer combines a simple user interface, mini-keys, phenomenon sound, an attractive price, and battery power, making it an excellent option for beginners. It comes with dedicated knobs that allow the player to create different sounds.
It is designed with a built-ion selectable-step arpeggiator and a vocoder that adds a new level to recording and performing. This means that musicians can use this instrument to record and perform their favorite music even if they have not mastered new technologies.
2. Best Small -Arturia MicroFreak Hybrid Synth
Brilliant features
- Great sounding quality
- Fantastic sequencer
- Comes with an expressive touch plate
- Responsive piano keys
Watch out for
- It can take some time before you get used to it
Arturia Hybrid Synth is an affordable synthesizer that comes with high-quality features. It is a hybrid synthesizer with a lovely, futuristic look. Hybrid synthesizers are designed with analog filters and digital oscillators. This synthesizer comes with digital oscillators that are extremely powerful and easy to navigate. These oscillators feature unique modes like Harmonic OSC, KarplusStrong, and superwave that enables experienced and newbies synthesists to explore various sonic frontiers.
It is a versatile instrument that can sound volcanic, deep, chaotic, hypnotic, and sweet. This means that one can use it to play and produce sounds that he/she dreams up.
In addition to this, it has advanced features such as randomization and real-time sequence creation will allow you to work fast. Its touch plate is very impressive, thanks to its polyphonic touch. Plus, its two-octave touch late is one of the striking features that make it one of the best, user-friendly, and cheap synthesizers in the market.
3. Korg 25 Key Synthesizer Under 500
Brilliant features
- Produces powerful sounds
- Faster real-time step edits by using 16 buttons
- Fully programmable
- 16 step sequencer for delivering complex rhythms
- Very portable and compact
Watch out for
- 25 Keys may not enough for some users
The Korg Synthesizer-Monologuebk is one of the most powerful, beautiful analog synthesizers in the market today. It comes with 25 keys or step buttons that make it easy for the user to edit his tones or music. This instrument is fully programmable, making it an excellent option for various types of players.
It has become very popular in the music industry because if its powerful new features and a completely new voice. Korg 25 Key Synth is designed to generate sharp leads, powerful basses, and create awesome mono sounds.
The Korg Synthesizer-Monologuek synthesizer comes with a sequencer that has been expanded to allow more complex and more intuitive editing. This, in turn, enhances the delivery of complex musical rhythms that can easily be edited, seen, and captured.
4. Behringer MS1BK Synthesizer
Brilliant features
- Great sound effects
- Allows combination of multiple synthesizers
- Ultra-east to use and operate
- Authentic 3340 filter
- Full-size, semi-weighted keys
- Really fast sound
Watch out for
- Not that lightweight compared with others
Behringer is one of the most popular manufacturers or synthesizers. The Behringer Synthesizer is another modern, amazing, and stunning synthesizer that has an analog circulatory for grove and bass sounds. It is designed with 33 full-sized, semi-weighted keys. Its 4-pole low pass resonant filter has an envelope, cut-off, resonance, accent, and decay controls.
This is a monophonic instrument, but it is designed with a ploy chain function that allows the user to combine several synthesizers. This means that it can be used to create different voices. The modern performance calls of Behringer Synthesizer make it a great option for classic analog sounds.
In addition to this, it has a versatile VCF that makes it easy for the user to experiment with resonance settings and low-pass cut off frequencies. With this synthesizer, one can play his sequences in step mode or keyboard mode.
This instrument is designed to produce pure analog signal paths based on VCA, VCF, and VCO designs. Its oscillator can run four different waveforms and thus create ridiculously fat sounds. It has fast connectivity, thanks to its CV/MIDI/USB ports and its external audio output.
5. Korg MS-20 Mini Analog Synthesizer
Brilliant features
- Comprehensive patch bay
- It has juicy and fat basses
- Flexible filter
- High-end features
- It produces incredible authentic sounds
- Its design is similar to that of a vintage synth
Watch out for
- It lacks some features of the new models
Korg MS-20 is a multicolored synthesizer that comes with an external processor. It also features a USB MINI plus. Its sound is produced by a voltage control oscillator.
In addition to this, this instrument has self-oscillating low-pass and high-pass filters that provide a distinct distortion. The Korg MS-20 Mini Analog Synthesizer is known for its incredible, analog authentic synth sound.
It is designed by a team of reputable engineers known as the fussiest design team. These are the same guys who invented the original MS-20.
However, this model is relatively small than the original one.
The Korg MS-20 Mini Analog Synthesizer has become very popular because of its juicy and fat basses, griping lead tones, and its warm pads and strings. In addition to this, this instrument has two VCAs, two VCFs, a noise generator, and other tweakable components. This instrument is ideal for individuals who like analog synthesis.
It is built with quality switches and a rugged metal top that makes it more durable. The Korg MS-20 is lightweight, making it easy to store and transport it. It is more than a typical analog synthesizer because it comes with 3V controlled oscillators and different types of waveforms.
Additionally, it has a chain mode that allows one to connect several SE-02 units and thus increase the polyphony. The external sounding system allows the user to use the volume or pitch or an external instrument or audio source. Plus, it is a stunning synthesizer to use with MIDI, DWA, and USB connectivity.
6. Roland SE-02 Designer Series Analog Synth
Brilliant features
- A dual gain-stage amplifier
- The oscillators have six different kinds of waveforms
- Portable and compact
- Super portable weighing about 4 pounds
- Has incredible power and vintage sounds
Watch out for
- Some knobs are hard to turn
The Roland SE-02 Analogue Synthesizer is another popular synthesizer that you should consider buying. It is known for creating a polyphonic synth. It comes with 3V controlled oscillators which have six waveforms.
This instrument includes a standard MIDI, USB-Audio, and a USB-MIDI. It also features a gate, CV, and VCF inputs. It also comes with a discreet analog circulatory system and a knob-per-function interface that enhances its performance. Its recalls and save sounds have 128 user locations, and 384 presets.
The Roland SE-02 Boutique Analogue Synthesizer is one of the premium analog musical instruments designed in the US. It has an array of quality switches and knobs and a unique onboard sequencer. Furthermore, it is known for delivering a massive texture and tome with expensive hands-on controls. This instrument is mainly used in music studios.
Plus, its vast programming options and distinct vintage sounds make it one of the best analog synthesizers for beginners and professional musicians.
7. Korg Digital FM Synth Under 500
Brilliant features
- It’s a polyphonic digital FM synthesizer
- Easy to use and edit
- 16-step sequencer
- Extremely portable and compact
Watch out for
- Does have a slot for a USB, SD card or other external media
The Korg Digital FM Synth is another fantastic music instrument that is widely used in the music industry. In fact, it is known for its high playability and is a powerful synthesizer. This instrument comes with a vocal sequencer that significantly transforms your patterns when creating or editing music.
The Korg Digital FM Synth Synthesizer has brought attention to the modern classic groove machines. This machine is extremely accessible and versatile. Its complete package includes 6AA batteries a small plastic box.
It has a wide application in dance music. Again, it is a versatile instrument that produces quality sounds. Its super features and lots of functionalities make it an excellent option for beginners and pros.
8. Arturia MicroBrute Analog Synth Under 500
Brilliant features
- Easy, intuitive layout
- Provides fully analog signal paths
- Steiner-parker filter
- It comes with an impressive touch plate
- Has semi-modular flexibility thanks to its mod matrix
- Features an overtone generator that adds sparkle to the tone
Watch out for
- Lack of more complex modulation routing
This is the smallest and most powerful analog synthesizer for beginners under $500. This instrument is a monster with unassuming looks. The Microbute is an excellent option for Individuals who want fully analog signal paths. This synthesizer has three different waveforms- triangle, square, and save waves. It is known for providing pretty sounds that one can play with.
It comes with oscillator waveshapers that animate/tweak its sounds. This instrument has 25 velocity-sensitive mini-keys and a lovely overtone generator. Its keys have been proven to be very responsive.
These are some of the amazing features that make it very popular among the synthesists and music producers. Its Brute Factor is another essential feature that brings out outrages distortion. It also features a mod matrix that enhances its flexibility.
3 Top Recommended Synth Under 500 On the Market
Final Words
Comparing the available instruments and reading online reviews can help save money and pick the right synthesizer when shopping around for a music synthesizer. Buyers must put into consideration all the essential factors when shopping around for analog, digital and hybrid synthesizers.
Ideally, you should look for versatile synthesizer and one that is compatible with other audio instruments, affordable, portable. You should also look for an instrument that will help you understand the process of music production and creation.
