Complicated chords, multi-timbral portions or lush ambient progressions – should you’re browsing to fulfil any of those tasks on a synth, then you definitely’ll most likely need one with polyphonic abilities. A polyphonic synthesizer is one this is in a position to enjoying a couple of notes at a time, with every be aware continuously known as a voice.
In the previous few years, {hardware} tools had been taking part in a significant resurgence; polysynths and their monophonic brethren now come in additional shapes, sizes and make use of extra numerous types of synthesis than ever prior to.
Usually talking, polysynths additionally have a tendency to be dearer than their monophonic opposite numbers; as a result of every voice contains now not simply an oscillator, however continuously its personal filter out and envelope shaping parts – issues can get dear reasonably temporarily.
In our checklist, we’ve compiled the most efficient polysynths over a spread of costs, in order that – whether or not it’s a steadfast studio spouse you’re searching for, or one thing compact to enroll in the remainder of your setup – you’ll be capable of in finding the most efficient one for you. Let’s dive in.
17 very best polysynths at a look:
- UDO Tremendous 6
- Roland Jupiter X
- Ashun Sound Machines Hydrasynth
- Korg Wavestate
- Moog One
- Dreadbox Nymphes
- Waldorf Kyra
- Roland JU-06A
- Novation Summit
- Arturia PolyBrute
- Korg Minilogue XD
- Waldorf Quantum
- Korg Opsix
- Modal Electronics Cobalt8
- Sequential Prophet-10
- Elektron Analog 4 Mk II
- Behringer Deepmind 12
UDO Tremendous 6
Bristol-based UDO brought about somewhat the stir when it unveiled the Tremendous 6, its inaugural device, on the 2019 Superbooth in Berlin. We’re satisfied to document that the polysynth lived as much as the hype, incomes now not simplest a super rating in MusicTech’s evaluation, however a richly deserved Innovation Award as properly.
The Tremendous 6 is a 12-voice polysynth supplied with FPGA-driven DDS oscillators and a bunch of helpful options and results. One of the crucial polysynth’s greatest attracts may be its namesake; a novel binaural mode means that you can mash its 12 voices down into six tremendous voices, developing a definite texture-thickening impact. This mode is the pathway down uncharted sonic territory, the place riveting spatial results shine and assist set the synth aside from its friends.
The Tremendous 6 is unquestionably an expert-level synth, particularly for the cash, however, should you’re searching for one thing replete with purposes to get misplaced in, unquestionably believe it.
Options:
Value: £2200
Synthesis kind: Analogue-hybrid
Polyphony: 12 voices
Keyboard: Fatar keybed, 49 keys
Results: Stereo refrain, stereo prolong
Learn our complete evaluation right here. Be told extra at udo-audio.com.
These days’s very best offers at the UDO Tremendous 6
Roland Jupiter X
The voice of explanation why screams on the very considered paying £10,000 for a pre-loved Roland Jupiter 8 – and but, it’s arduous to disclaim that few antique polysynths have ever come to earn such excessive regard. Input the Jupiter X, a resounding doppelganger of the esteemed vintage that’s as a lot a pleasure to have a look at as it’s to in reality play.
Let’s cope with the elephant within the room: the Jupiter X isn’t an analogue tool. On the other hand, Roland’s ZEN-Core generation, together with some cleverly engineered components mean you can get pedantic with the emulation. There are alternatives that permit you make a decision the synth’s age (as much as 100 12 months); detuning because of working temperature, and in addition, whether or not to make use of a fake ‘circuit warm-up’ cycle.
Virtual modelling additionally signifies that you aren’t restricted to simply emulating the Jupiter 8; the Jupiter X comes preloaded with different fashions such because the Juno 106, SH-101 or even drum machines just like the TR-808/909 and CR-78.
Options:
Value: $2,799
Synthesis kind: Subtractive
Polyphony: 32 voices
Keyboard: Semi-weighted, 61 keys
Pads: 16 button triggers
Results: 90; multi-effects, 5x EQ, 7x reverb, 4x refrain, 5x prolong, Overdrive, Compressor
Learn our complete evaluation right here. Be told extra at roland.com.
These days’s very best offers at the Roland Jupiter X
Ashun Sound Machines Hydrasynth
Deep sound designing abilities and expressiveness come in combination within the Hydrasynth. This eight-voice polysynth has 3 wavetable oscillators in step with voice that mean you can create and morph sounds out of a number of 219 unmarried cycle waveforms.
The structure of the Module Make a choice phase is without doubt one of the Hydrasynth’s unsung strengths. This concise hub means that you can get admission to its 3 oscillators; 4 mutators; two filters; 5 envelopes, and 5 LFOs with the frenzy of a button. Plus, it guarantees {that a} glimpse of the Hydrasynth’s whole sign trail is all the time only a head flip away.
Rounding off the Hydrasynth are some intuitive expression controls, together with the emblem’s personal polyphonic aftertouch generation – aptly named polytouch – and a programmable ribbon strip controller.
Options:
Value: $1,299 (with keyboard) / $800 (desktop)
Synthesis kind: Wave morphing
Polyphony: 8 voices
Keyboard: Complete-sized, 49 keys
Results Varieties: 4x reverbs, 5x delays, refrain, flanger, rotary, phaser, Lo-Fi, tremolo, EQ, compressor
Different I/O: 2x mod in, pitch out, gate out, 2x mod out, clock out
Learn our complete evaluation right here. Be told extra at ashunsoundmachines.com.
These days’s very best offers at the Ashun Sound Machines Hydrasynth
Korg Wavestate
Within the early Nineteen Nineties, Korg offered the sector to the Wavestation, and with it, a rhythmic new looping thought dubbed wave sequencing. Now not totally not like step programming, it allowed music-makers to mix samples to shape new sounds which might be precipitated by means of MIDI.
Wavestate, and its wave sequencing 2.0, modernises this idea via introducing a smattering of recent parameters tied to pitch, quantity and extra. This shall we the Wavestate succeed in its signature hypnotic sounds, whilst boasting a a lot more natural really feel than its predecessors.
The Wavestate additionally steps up the unique’s person enjoy considerably, introducing an array of knobs, switches and buttons that befit the wave sequencing enjoy.
Options:
Value: $749
Synthesis kind: Wavetable
Polyphony: 64 stereo voices
Keyboard: Complete-sized, 37 keys
Results: refrain, flanger, phaser, wah, prolong, tape echo, reverb, ring modulator, guitar amp, compressor
Learn our complete evaluation right here. Be told extra at korg.com.
These days’s very best offers at the Korg Wavestate
Moog One
The Moog One was once the primary polysynth introduced via the enduring emblem in 35 years – so it is going with out pronouncing that expectancies had been stacked specifically excessive. Thankfully, the lengthy gestation duration ended in the improvement of a synth – full of inventions and contours – that may unquestionably stand the take a look at of time.
Heavy at the sound design enjoy, the Moog One gives 200 knobs and switches on its entrance panel. It gives tri-timbral polyphony, strengthened via 3 dual-output analogue VCOs with ring mod and frequency modulation, two unbiased analogue filters, a dual-source analogue noise generator, an analogue mixer with exterior audio enter, 4 LFOs, and 3 envelope turbines.
The totally analogue tool additionally sports activities its personal sequencer, arpeggiator, and an array of helpful results – together with reverbs from Eventide.
Options:
Value: $6,499
Synthesis kind: Subtractive
Polyphony: 8 or 16 voices
Keyboard: Fatar keybed, 61 keys
Results Varieties: refrain, prolong, phaser, bit-reducer, vocoder, reverbs
Different I/O: 4x quarter-inch TS (CV out), 2x quarter-inch TS (CV in), 1x RJ45 LAN (enlargement)
Be told extra at moogmusic.com.
These days’s very best offers at the Moog One
Dreadbox Nymphes
Dreadbox’s Nymphes is a unusual synthesizer best for manufacturers searching for one thing just a little other. Whilst its purposes could be a mess around in the beginning, the analogue heat it produces is a enough praise to your toils. For such an reasonably priced value, you get MIDI regulate over each parameter, a lush sounding reverb and a weighty slab of complicated sound design choices.
In our evaluation of Nymhpes, we stated: “Nymphes gives a couple of sonic personalities, with rasping basses, airy pads, spiky, wonky melodies, blunt sounds absolute best for sequencing and a bunch of choices for digital percussion. Its sound is deep, wide and flexible however, simply as considerably, it’s now not awash with flashy gimmicks seeking to provoke you.”
Options:
Value: $599
Synthesis kind: Wavetable
Polyphony: 6 voices
Results Varieties: FV-1 Virtual Reverb
Different I/O: 1 x 1/4″ TS, 1 x 1/8″, MIDI In/USB
Learn the whole evaluation right here. Be told extra at dreadbox-fx.com.
These days’s very best offers at the Dreadbox Nymphes
Waldorf Kyra
The Waldorf Kyra is a formidable digital analogue desktop synth in a position to turning in completely huge sounds. It splits into 8 unbiased portions, every providing 32 voices of polyphony; its personal results chain, and two complete oscillator teams, the place you’ll in finding noticed, pulse, and a number of 4096 wavetable shapes.
Every oscillator voice will also be run in both Wave or Hypersaw mode. The previous provides you with the liberty to build sounds thru subtractive synthesis, whilst the latter’s set of rules options six oscillators that may in no time create lush soundscapes.
The Kyra may be specifically interesting should you’re operating in recent manufacturing; its user-friendly interface and the immediacy with which you’ll sculpt colossal sounds simply method extra time to concentrate on the ingenious procedure.
Options:
Value: $2,499
Synthesis kind: Wavetable
Polyphony: 128 voices, 32/phase
Results: Distortion, Stereo Prolong, Phaser, Refrain, Flanger, Doubling, Reverb, Filter out
MIDI I/O: In/Out/Via/USB
Learn our complete evaluation right here. Be told extra at waldorfmusic.com.
These days’s very best offers at the Waldorf Kyra
Roland JU-06A
In the event you’ve ever dreamed of proudly owning a battery-powered JUNO-60 or 106 with integrated audio system – properly, right here it’s. The JU-06A is a compact synth providing from Roland which inspires the spirit of a few of its maximum liked and recognised antique synths.
Pass judgement on the JU-06A now not via its (lovable) measurement – the polysynth is an adept all-rounder, in a position to hanging out massive sounds. With it, you get 4 voices of polyphony, an intuitive development sequencer, an arpeggiator with cling serve as and integrated results akin to refrain and prolong too.
Options:
Value: $399
Synthesis kind: Subtractive
Polyphony: 4 voices
Pads: 16 button triggers
Results: 2x refrain, 1x prolong
Different I/O: 1 x 1/8″ (exterior clock in)
Learn our complete evaluation right here. Be told extra at roland.com.
These days’s very best offers at the Roland JU-06A
Novation Summit
The Novation Summit places in combination two of the emblem’s Height desktop synths right into a unmarried bundle – however it’s now not somewhat so simple as doubling up on the whole lot.
Along with bi-timbral operation, new {hardware} and instrument options make it onto the Summit, together with a semi-weighted keyboard with 61 keys and a brand new voice phase with 5 mono and poly modes.
Thru its 3 oscillators, you’re in a position to craft sounds thru subtractive, wavetable (60 waveshapes) and FM synthesis. Plus, get admission to to dual Peaks provides you with the versatility to run two simultaneous patches – break up or stacked – for key-centric or layered sounds.
Options:
Value: $2,199
Synthesis kind: Subtractive, FM and wavetable
Polyphony: 16 voices
Keyboard: Semi-weighted keybed, 61 keys
Results Varieties: Analog Distortion, Reverb, Refrain, Prolong
Different I/O: 1x 1/8″ (CV mod in)
Learn our complete evaluation right here. Be told extra at novation.com.
These days’s very best offers at the Novation Summit
Arturia PolyBrute
As you may have guessed from its title, the PolyBrute is Arturia’s polyphonic take at the liked analogue beast that’s the MatrixBrute. This six-voice polysynth provides you with two waveshaping oscillators; a ladder and Steiner filter out, which will also be run in parallel or serial; 3 envelopes and 3 LFOs.
The PolyBrute implements its expression options well into its general design. Along with mod and pitch wheels, a Morphée controller provides you with pressure-sensitive X, Y and Z expression. Plus, one thing chances are you’ll fail to notice: there’s a ribbon strip labored proper into the picket entrance panel.
Deep shaping talents and a chic design come in combination in a luxurious-looking polysynth, and so, it’s anticipated that the PolyBrute comes at a top rate. On the other hand, its comprehensiveness makes it an excellent studio spouse for tackling productions of a wide variety.
Options:
Value: $2,899
Synthesis kind: Subtractive, FM
Polyphony: 6 voices
Keyboard: Complete-sized keybed, 61 keys
Results: Modulation, Prolong, Reverb
Different I/O: 1x 1/8″ (sync in), 1x 1/8″ (sync out)
Learn our complete evaluation right here. Be told extra at arturia.com.
These days’s very best offers at the Arturia PolyBrute
Korg Minilogue XD
The Korg Minilogue XD fits succesful specifications with a wise price ticket, making it a super selection for entry-level music-makers browsing to get into synthesis.
This four-voice polysynth is the successor to the Minilogue and provides the similar two analogue voltage-controlled oscillators, however provides a 3rd electronic one (with noise, vpm and 16 person methods) for extra sound design aptitude.
Onboard, there’s additionally myriad prolong, mod and reverb results, 4 working modes (poly, unison, chord and arpeggiator) and, to spherical it off, a neat joystick controller for pitch bend and modulation intensity.
Options:
Value: $730
Synthesis kind: Subtractive, FM, wavetable
Polyphony: 4 voices
Keyboard: Narrow keybed, 37 keys
Results: Refrain, Phaser, Flanger, Prolong, Reverb, Ensemble
Different I/O: 2x 1/8” (CV in), 1/8” Sync in, 1/8” Sync out
Learn our complete evaluation right here. Be told extra at korg.com.
These days’s very best offers at the Korg Minilogue XD
Waldorf Quantum
A valid fashion designer’s paradise, the Waldorf Quantum is a digital-analogue hybrid synth which gives 8 voices of polyphony, every with 3 oscillators that may be run in wavetable, granular, subtractive and resonator modes.
A well-designed person enjoy paves the way in which for deep sonic exploration. Obviously marked sections denote oscillators, LFOs, filters, modulators, results and extra, plus, every parameter trade is mirrored in a crisp touch-screen show, appearing you precisely the way you’re affecting the sign. Different options come with an arpeggiator with seven algorithms and kind orders and a step sequencer with parameter automation, quantisation and extra.
The Quantum succeeds at empowering music-makers creatively; for the way complex it might get, it manages an easy-to-follow person enjoy.
Options:
Value: £3,500/$6,200
Synthesis kind: Wavetable, granular, subtractive and resonator
Polyphony: 8 voices
Keyboard: Fatar keybed, 61 keys
Results: Phaser, Flanger, Refrain, Reverb, Force, EQ
Learn our complete evaluation right here. Be told extra at waldorfmusic.com.
These days’s very best offers at the Waldorf Quantum
Korg Opsix
Korg took a leaf out of its personal ebook with Opsix, making use of the simplistic thought of its Wavestate to a brand new FM synth. The six-operator Opsix synth builds at the legacy of the respected Yamaha DX7 FM synth pioneer, with numerous operator purposes, filter out varieties and modulation choices.
FM synthesis can continuously seem convoluted in the beginning, Korg tries to make it extra approachable with Opsix, whilst nonetheless providing the complexities of complex programming. There’s over 250 presets to flick thru and 40 preset algorithms; a 16-step polyphonic sequencer; 21 oscillator waveforms; 5 operator modes and many extra to tinker round with. The Opsix is perfect for any person concerned with FM synthesis at any point.
In our evaluation, we stated: “Korg’s Opsix is a deep and wealthy device in a position to mind-bendingly sudden sounds. Without reference to the musical types you’re attracted to, should you’re searching for a synth that’s able to position a person stamp at the tune you are making, that is it.”
Options:
Value: £599/$799
Synthesis kind: FM
Polyphony: 32 voices
Keyboard: 37 keys
Results: 11 filters, 30 other results in 3 classes, randomise, arpeggiator
Learn our complete evaluation right here. Be told extra at korg.com.
These days’s very best offers at the Korg Opsix
Modal Electronics Cobalt8
Modal Digital’s Cobalt8 virtual-analogue sequence is available in 3 variations. The Cobalt8M is a desktop module synth; the Cobalt8 is a 37-key synth; and the Cobalt8X is a 61-key synth. All 3 function in the similar approach, with simplest the keyboard measurement being the differentiating issue. We were given our arms on a 37-key Cobalt8 and located it an especially spectacular piece of equipment.
With an interesting price ticket, the eight-voice subtractive synth sizes up well in opposition to competition. That is because of its 64 high-resolution oscillators, 4-pole morphable ladder filter out and numerous modulation routing with 3 envelope turbines and 3 LFOs. There also are 3 results engines to shine off your sign chain, and a spouse app to move deeper with sound design. Whichever measurement you opt for, you’ll be crafting luscious patches very quickly.
In our evaluation, we stated: “The Cobalt sequence supplies a shockingly deep synthesis universe. It could be a virtual-analogue design however it sounds convincingly analogue in some ways, with a pleasing complexity and sharpness that reminds us of many business classics.”
Options:
Value: $799
Synthesis kind: Subtractive
Polyphony: 8 voices
Keyboard: 37 keys, fatar keybed
Results: 3 results engines
Learn our complete evaluation right here. Be told extra at modalelectronics.com.
These days’s very best offers at the Modal Electronics Cobalt8
Sequential Prophet-10
Sequential’s Prophet-10 is again and this complete reboot of the enduring synth culls one of the vital very best options of earlier generations, whilst including some trendy ones too.
A brand new Rev transfer means that you can get admission to the filters from the Rev 1, 2 and three fashions, whilst a brand new Antique knob means that you can rewind the synth’s sonic traits again in time, from the solid Rev 4 to the temperamental Rev 1.
In our eview of the Prophet-10, we stated: “The Prophet-10 is an absolute pleasure. It sounds heat, fats, lush however, above all, without difficulty improbable. Consider such a lot of of the methods synths depend on to seize your pastime, whether or not it’s a slew of onboard results or a couple of synthesis character varieties.”
Options:
Value: $4,399
Synthesis kind: Subtractive
Polyphony: 10 voices
Keyboard: Semi-weighted Fatar keybed, 61 keys
Different I/O: 2x 1/4″ (CV in/out), 1x 1/4″ (gate in/out), 1x 1/4″ (free up)
Learn the whole evaluation right here. To find out extra at sequential.com.
These days’s very best offers at the Sequential Prophet-10
Elektron Analog 4 Mk II
Tough and designed to play properly with others – because of CV ins-and-outs – the Analog 4 MK II will also be deployed as a part of a bigger gadget or by itself. This four-voice analogue synth comes with a integrated sequencer, arpeggiator, and reverb, refrain and prolong results.
The A4 means that you can assign as much as 4 notes to a voice, the place every voice is made up of 2 oscillators and a sub. A well-liked on-the-go rig in this day and age additionally pairs the A4 with the opposite Darkish Trinity bins from Elektron: the Analog RYTM, Analog 4 and Octatrack. With those, you’re coated from beats to synths to samples.
Options:
Value: $1,499
Synthesis kind: Subtractive
Polyphony: 4 voices
Keyboard: Unmarried octave cause keypad
Results: Reverb, Prolong, Refrain, Overdrive
Different I/O: 4x 1/4″ (CV/Gate out)
Learn our complete evaluation right here. To find out extra at elektron.se.
These days’s very best offers at the Elektron Analog 4 Mk II
Behringer Deepmind 12
Behringer‘s analogue DeepMind 12 is a polyphonic synth with an outstanding 12 voices. With 4 results engines, twin analogue OSCs and LFOs for every voice, 3 ADSR turbines and an 8 channel modulation matrix, the DeepMind can assist create just about any tone a musician is searching for. There may be a 32 step sequencer.
Behringer additionally gives far flung regulate by means of iPad or on PC/Mac over USB, MIDI or integrated WiFi. That’s proper – WiFi is constructed into the Behringer Deepdream 12!
Options:
Value: $879
Synthesis kind: Analogue
Polyphony: 12 voices
Keyboard: 49 key
Results: Reverb, Refrain, Flanger, Phaser, Prolong, Multiband Distortion
Different I/O: 2 x 1/4″ TRS (primary out), 1 x Sort B USB, MIDI In/Out/Via/USB, 1 x 1/4″ headphones
Be told extra at behringer.com.
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