Which must-have analog synth do you need for your rig? Sound off in the comments and let us know what we missed! In the meantime, be sure to hit up inSync to shop, and learn more about the best analog synths at Sweetwater 👉 sweetwater.sjv.io/BestAnalogSynths
I think you should have def introduced in the list the Minilogue Xd , even if it has a digital OSC , it is optional and you can make polyph onique full analog patches
Hi ZozillTheGreat and EarlyMist. I love (and own) the Monologue XD. But the video needed to be under 15 minutes, and I already had 14 synths. But here are some of my Korg Monologue XD videos: th-cam.com/video/y5e8_SyGmFg/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/e-oCFpel2yg/w-d-xo.html -_Daniel_
The more I thought about, the longer the list could have been. To the tune of hours. I do actually like that this list isnt 'best of 2023 released analog' synths only. Its the best analog available in 2023. But yet....so many more... make a part two Mr.fisher! Please? 😀 PS: plenty of time to do so Sir since it's clear Sweetwater have you locked in Studio C testing synths all day and night 🌙
@@sweetwater Of course (being a reviewer myslef i know whta it is ;) the thing is that there's a big gap / whole it this categroy : Analog Poly under 1500 basically it's dreadbox / minlogue XD and then we go straight tio sequential , nothing full analog in between and it is a big market ;) that was my remark , not because i own , like this synths ;)
explanations of synths on sweetwater is free here but why not provide free sample packs for new customers? talking is not needed. more samples. more high end sampler resources. these guys dont even have say a complete analog setup. technics 1200, vacuum tube amp, bose speakers
I own 2 of the synths on this list: Take 5 and Arp 2600m. I do not own a Sequential Pro 3, but I think that’s worth a mention, as it is quite a beast, in sound and function.
it's the journey you go on with an analogue synth that is the real joy. i spend hours just exploring the changes in a sound as i adjust filters or envelopes set cut off levels and modulation depths. It is the closest i can get to a trip through time and space. Friends often say that i am off in my TARDIS, when i got lost in the process of creation. I pilot a Yamaha CS30, quirky in its operation but highly rewarding when you know what your doing..... but it may be time for me to look at what is available in 2023 and that's why i'm here.
It might be because I live in Europe, but if I would make a list of best analog synths, the Arturia Polybrute (and even the Matrixbrute) and the Dreadboxes would definitely not be missing. I also kinda miss the Taiga in your summary. ;)
As an Ameican, I am fine with Moog :) My favorite Moog synthesizer, the Minimoog Model D reissue in dark wood was unfortunately not featured in this video. But, my second favorite synthesizer is the European one, by the way of Hong Kong. The Behringer System 55. I am also patintly awaiting the UB-XA release from Behringer. It's an amazing company to provide high quality products at good prices. Others world be ART, and Mackie. I love these companies. They provide amazing products.
Hi Gert and Andrew. I agree; I love the PolyBrute and Minimoog (someday!) and MatrixBrute (own one!), and I also love and own the Dreadbox Nymphes and Typhon. Here are some of the videos I made with them: th-cam.com/video/T5fJoiiB_KU/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/o3L_9EvbFdM/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/EthWhoIK43c/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/JtzKL6xOCMQ/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/ifU9BraV5ko/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/IIsc3gCy9eY/w-d-xo.html -_Daniel_
Shout out from me in favour of the Dreadboxes! I have an Erebus and a Nyx, which feature similar components but take a different approach to their arrangement and control. These were the first two synths I bought when I emerged from my DAW-cocoon!
@@dvamateur I too love the Moogs from over here in the UK, they are rock solid - I wish I could afford the Moog One demonstrated here but I thought the Model D reissue was seriously overpriced. I also have Elektron boxes from Sweden, Dreadboxes from Greece, keyboard from Japan and Eurorack modules from the US and Germany. And they can all talk to each other 😊
@MrMusicbyMartin Well, I haven't tried an Elektron or a Dredbox; however, I tried out the Minimoog Model D reissue at a local music store, and I must say that it is a very desirable instrument, in terms of look and feel, and it sounds good, too. Yeah, it's more expensive than the 2016 model year reissue, but it also looks much better in the new dark wood than the previous one, which was a bit pale if I am honest. Sure, the Minimoog is not cheap, and as far as pure utiliy goes, there are better synthesizers around, including the Behringer Model D. However, of you want to treat yourself to something really nicely looking and feeling great in hands, then the Minimoog is the ticket. It's certainly an acquired taste though, something for the grown-ups if you will, not an entry level instrument, that's for sure. As far as the Moog One goes, it's amazing in therms of utility and features, and the keybed is very nice (even though I prefer the Model D reissue and Oberheim OB-X8 keybeds), the Moog One just doesn't look very good overall. They crammed a lot of utility and features into it, which i think it actually makes a much better value than the Model D or the Oberheim, but the overall design just hasn't grown on me. I very mych prefer the Memorymoog design. That instrument has much better aesthetics than the Moog One.
I got the Moog Grandmother and I absolutely love it. I am a pianist and everyone said to get a polysynth because of that, but I settled on the Grandmother after trying it out, because I already have a keyboard and didn't want something that I basically play the same way as that, but with a synth sound. I wanted something completely different. Anyway, I highly recommend, 10/10. Great sound, built in arpeggiator and sequencer you can get very creative with, real spring reverb, portable, and a "semi-modular" format that is great for folks learning about modularity and patching as it has a "default" mode and will make a ton of different sounds without any cables, but also encourages some experimenting and very quickly you learn what everything does L-R. It is laid out very logically. Great synthesizer.
I started with software and have now had several analog synths. The biggest thing “virtual analog” can’t do, universally, is filter resonance. I have never found a soft synth that sounds even close to the real thing.
Tend to agree, as someone who loves full reso self osc etc every few patches and sing song filter sweeps with high resonance settings, the virtuals can tend toward harshness, dissonance, inauthenticity etc. But not always.
I just bought an Oberheim OB-X8 from you guys and am loving it so far. It's my first synth and it's been inspiring me a lot when writing new songs. Shoutout and thanks to Nick who's my Sweetwater engineer! :)
Wow, that's amazing. Quite a whopper. It is a nicely made synthesizer, look and feel are excellent. My only gripe is the OLED screen. Kind of doesn't go aesthetically with all the knobs and high quality buttons. Other than that the OB-X8 is amazing.
@@dvamateur I know what you mean. Thankfully the screen doesn't bother me since it's so small I think it's actually nice to have. If it was big and staring at me like on some other modern synths that would kind of kill the inspiration a bit.
@@RhettRepko Well, I was actually thinking of an alphanumeric encoder like on Prophet-5. The big LCD's are indeed out of place, just like the "super knob" on the Yamaha Montage.
I have an Elektron Analog Four synth from 10 years back - it has analogue oscillators which are digitally controlled, so you get the subtle benefits of the analogue sound but it can be thoroughly sequenced, including digital control over the timing, playback, MIDI control and probability of the notes. Plus you can have polyphony and interaction between the four voices. The sound does lack beef, though. I have an Octatrack too, which features many of the workflow aspects of the more recent Elektron boxes, very powerful in their features but I’m careful not to let the looping take over! The Mother32 is a small-format monster that became the centre of my Eurorack setup - it’s a compressed classic east-coast model with extremely versatile CV ports which beg to be used. The Subbharmonicon and DFAM are also worth a look, too, Moog did a great job on all three. I also invested in a Moog Grandmother which again connects really well with my Eurorack gear and sounds absolutely gorgeous with a fully analogue circuit, proper keyboard, lovely Moog filters and a spring reverb to sparkle everything up. Plus it’s solid as a rock and heavier than you expect when you lift it (this is a good thing for me). The Grandmother would be the last one I’d sell. I would love an Arp 2600 or Buchla Easel but more than that, the Syntrx recreation of the VSC3 makes my mouth water, but then the price brings tears to my eyes. I wish Behringer would make a cheap Synthi!
My best of 2023 is Arturia minifreak for the price, the powerfull, and the sound and controllers.... the best. And in second is the ASM hydrasynth explorer.....
Those are two at the top of my list, as well. But I went with the Roland SH-4d, first (after already opening and loving the JD-Xi), and I’m so glad I did. Might get a second! So small, fun, powerful, and portable. 😊🤙
The 3rd Wave is the best and will be my last synth I get for 2023 and beyond. Not a full analog synth but sounds better than many fully analog synths. This one, the Nina, are undoubtedly the best, latest analogs out for 2023, with the minifreak as the runner-up.
I goofed and listened to 3rd wave after the Nina videos from sonic state at namm. Nina sounded fuller. Imo, you will change your mind with next Gen of digitals.
Hi Mass-1 and Galifette. The video had to be 15 minutes or less, and I already had 14 synths on the list. The two videos below should show you how much I like both the Dreadbox Nymphes and Dreadbox Typhon: th-cam.com/video/ifU9BraV5ko/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/JtzKL6xOCMQ/w-d-xo.html -Daniel
LOVE Your tutorials.. you just remind me of the Dudes,(Jeff Bridges)Crazy bowling buddy war vet. John Goodman. No disrespect intended. Just look similar in the movie "The Big Lebowski".
I wonder: by the time you run the analog synth into computer/day (to record the thing) do you lose any of the analog magic in the final, digital recordings of the synth?
In my quest of the perfect analog mono, I’ve bought and sold probably 20 synths in the last 2 years. I’ve kept the Moog Subsequent 25. Best overall sounds and features with the VST plugin. For a poly, the Take 5 was pretty good too, not as much as the Prophet 5 though but for 1/3 the price, it’s pretty decent.
Novation Bass Station 2? Modal Skulpt SynthSE? Missing a lot of good analogs in low budget level. I have made some great stuff with the Modal keyboards. Glad you included the MOOG Minotaur (got mine for $250 used)
Hi Scott Glasgow Music. Yep, the Novation Bass Station II is a fun analog synth (the Sculpt is digital). But this video needed to be 15 minutes or less and I already had 14 synths. Here's my take on the Bass Station II: th-cam.com/video/cuJSqbNbthI/w-d-xo.html -_Daniel_
Hi good boid and Everybody hasoul. I also love the Arturia PolyBrute. I enjoyed making this video so much: th-cam.com/video/T5fJoiiB_KU/w-d-xo.html -Daniel
I bought the Moog Minitaur and kept it to show love for Moog, but I’ll mainly be using Spectrasonics software for my music to limit my options to try to master it and more importantly sculpt my sounds and styles quicker.
Do they make a MPC sound less thin or do you need to look at running it through an interface? Or both. What if you run these through an novation usb mk3 controller the sounds stay the same?
@@denzilstudios7072 if someone can’t make a usable bass out of an analog synth, that is user error. It has nothing to do with the synth. The sheer physics of how analog synths work pretty much guarantee bass sounds will come out.
What synth do you recommend if I am at beginning? For now I own a crave, a volca drum and a minilogue (but I think I will sell it because dose not sound in my taste) I wish something analog, poly and with presets
Get a digital poly like a Blofeld unless you're in a classic rock coverband. I know all of these clowns push analog but unless you want to sound like 1970, its a huge mistake. Poly is different than mono... It sounds extremely dated... novelty sounds.
Hi Fischer Green. I love (and own) the Pittsburgh Modular Taiga. But the video had to be under 15 minutes and I already had 14 synths. Here are two videos I made with Taiga: th-cam.com/video/IIsc3gCy9eY/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/6hOyI9QfFfs/w-d-xo.html -_Daniel_
Hi Chip. The Pittsburgh Modular Taiga is a great synth. But this video had to be under 15 minutes, and I already had 14 synths. Here are two videos I made about Taiga: th-cam.com/video/IIsc3gCy9eY/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/6hOyI9QfFfs/w-d-xo.html -_Daniel_
Hi Joe. I'm totally with you on that synth: th-cam.com/video/GcqBJ3ugc7w/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/wXBTxaU09xg/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/nNA7dmxZBnQ/w-d-xo.html -_Daniel_
Hi zdravkodimitrov. Here are two videos I made with the Moog Grandmother: th-cam.com/video/J5_fZUyj9jg/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/X-XancYyXY0/w-d-xo.html -_Daniel_
@@sweetwater thanks, Daniel! I just found it weird the Grandmother wasn't included in this video, it's the absolute best value for money Moog offering right now
Hi JayaLove. I agree, the Behringer DeepMind is fun to program and a good deal. Here are some of the videos I've made with it: th-cam.com/video/jhOsUBwb5no/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/xAi2uUFCLD0/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/L1Q_d41t_vU/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/XhFCLub1BSc/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/D9yrxTAWvKE/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/HAbhC5cV5oU/w-d-xo.html -Daniel
Will they release a module of this Moog one? We don't need more leys which come on everything we own. Should always be an option. I have the OB-X8 module and for a great price compared to Moog one. It's a tough call, you can purchase a lot of other gear for the extra $7K left over. I like it and I could save for the M1 but is that worth what else I'd have to give up? So It can't do what my Osmose does for only $1,800 or my Iridium module for $2,200 so I struggle to rationalize getting it since there's so much else available in modules so we can have it our way like BK.
@@geekmastermind As far as musical instruments go, in general, the Colossus is still quite a bargain, to say, a Yamaha CFX grand piano. I've seen a 9-foot CFX for $360,000 at a piano dealer on 58th Steet, New York, NY.
Nice video. To me personally, the most desirable synthesizer featured in this video would be the Korg ARP2600M. The ARP2600FS would have been even more desirable, but of course I missed the boat on it when it was priced at $3,800 on pre-order at Sweetwater. Now, the 2600FS are going from $8,000 and up on EBay... Anywho, out of the synthesizers not featured in this video, a very desirable synthesizer would be the Behringer System 55, which quite astonishingly went down from $3,800 to just $1,600!!! Unfortunately, these are not in stock at Sweetwater at this time. Oh, and talking about pricing, and desirable synthesizers actually being in stock, I was already at a checkout with the JD-XA from Roland. However, when I saw the tax amount of $177, the first thing that came to my mind was my local government and how much I don't want to give them money, so I simply gave up on the JD-XA for now. Thanks by the way for all the candies and Sweetwater sticker that came with my La Bella bass strings.
Hi Andrew. I agree, the Behringer System 55 is a blast (and a jaw-dropping deal). Here are some of the videos I've made with it: th-cam.com/video/qCmL5OeBgm8/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/HtAmnGF30ks/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/vhfBYvLFPy0/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/HtAmnGF30ks/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/l3NScwcsRC8/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/e9RH_VzHlRI/w-d-xo.html -_Daniel_
Don't forget Behringer System 55 eurorack ( m o o g ) clone, currently just $1599! 7 oscillators 5 filters ( HP, LP, fixed filter, bass tone , trebble tone ), 5 VCAs, 4 envelopes, 3x8 sequencer + sequential switch, noise, MIDI to CV, mixers and more, including 4 tiered case and power supply.
Hi O.Z. Hall. I have not forgotten. But this video had to be under 15 minutes and I already had 14 synths. But here are a bunch of videos I made about the Behringer System 55: th-cam.com/video/qCmL5OeBgm8/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/HtAmnGF30ks/w-d-xo.html&pp=ygUYZGFuaWVsIGZpc2hlciBzd2VldHdhdGVy th-cam.com/video/e9RH_VzHlRI/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/l3NScwcsRC8/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/vhfBYvLFPy0/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/TUWlz4bQ5xo/w-d-xo.html -_Daniel_
@@sweetwater Daniel, I was not busting your chops over the omission. I am just excited about the recent price drop and thought anyone reading the comments would be interested in knowing this. I ordered one this week. thx. I enjoy your videos. I'll have to check out the ones in this comment.
Hi Hoch Tief. I agree, there are so many great synths to choose from. (Do we live in a wonderful synth era, or what?) But this video had to be 15 minutes or less, and I already had 14 synths. -_Daniel_
kinda forgetting the prophet X here it can emulate a moog one with the pack someone made for it (its insane and I can not hear the difference). Also the packs you can buy and the stuff you can do yourself is out of this world. Its all those synths and any synth you can get your hands on lending from a friend for less than half the price of a moog one.
Hi Quentin Lamerand. You are, of course, correct. That was the only product I hadn't reviewed myself, and I misread a hand-made spec sheet. "D'oh!" -_Daniel_
Hi A B. Yeah, I love the Minilogue XD as well. But this video had to be 15 minutes or less, and I already had 14 synths. Here are some of my Monologue XD videos: th-cam.com/video/y5e8_SyGmFg/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/e-oCFpel2yg/w-d-xo.html -_Daniel_
Hi coco labs. I also love (and own) the Moog Grandmother. But I had already made two videos on it: th-cam.com/video/J5_fZUyj9jg/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/X-XancYyXY0/w-d-xo.html -Daniel
Hi JAAPIOJO. I love (and own) the Moog Sub 37 and Subsequent 37. But the video needed to be under 15 minutes, and I already had 14 synths. Here are some videos I made with the Subsequent and Sub 37: th-cam.com/video/O11YviJErQ8/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/aDXESToG4p8/w-d-xo.html -_Daniel_
There's no reason to buy a Korg/ARP 2600m for $2000. The Behringer 2600 (Gray Meanie or Blue Marvin) offers the same thing for only $600 (with added features). Curiously, it was not included in this video?
@@jjrusy7438 definitely helps for people that don’t have the extra income to spend on a synth. But I do not like when people say “do not by X synth from this company because Behringer made it cheaper”. It’s best to understand the playing field and know which product appeals to which customer base.
@@lootacow people actually making music that don’t have unlimited funds and don’t give a crap about the politics don’t care. They sound good and work for people that are ACTUALLY making music
@@lootacow there will always be the cork sniffers and gatekeepers bashing Behringer. Most are clueless about the tech world too. I bought the regular 2600 for $499. I could buy a West pest and a grandmother(on sale right now ) and still be money ahead of the korg2600
Hi Simon. I had to keep this video under 15 minutes and already had 14 synths. But here are videos of me thoroughly enjoying the Novation Summit and Arturia PolyBrute: th-cam.com/video/yI4IRIZh86E/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/T5fJoiiB_KU/w-d-xo.html -_Daniel_
Which must-have analog synth do you need for your rig? Sound off in the comments and let us know what we missed! In the meantime, be sure to hit up inSync to shop, and learn more about the best analog synths at Sweetwater 👉 sweetwater.sjv.io/BestAnalogSynths
I think you should have def introduced in the list the Minilogue Xd , even if it has a digital OSC , it is optional and you can make polyph onique full analog patches
@@ZozillaThaGreat agreed on that one.
Hi ZozillTheGreat and EarlyMist. I love (and own) the Monologue XD. But the video needed to be under 15 minutes, and I already had 14 synths. But here are some of my Korg Monologue XD videos:
th-cam.com/video/y5e8_SyGmFg/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/e-oCFpel2yg/w-d-xo.html
-_Daniel_
The more I thought about, the longer the list could have been. To the tune of hours.
I do actually like that this list isnt 'best of 2023 released analog' synths only. Its the best analog available in 2023.
But yet....so many more...
make a part two Mr.fisher! Please? 😀
PS: plenty of time to do so Sir since it's clear Sweetwater have you locked in Studio C testing synths all day and night 🌙
@@sweetwater Of course (being a reviewer myslef i know whta it is ;) the thing is that there's a big gap / whole it this categroy : Analog Poly under 1500 basically it's dreadbox / minlogue XD and then we go straight tio sequential , nothing full analog in between and it is a big market ;) that was my remark , not because i own , like this synths ;)
If Daniel Fisher had his own channel I would 💯 sub. Great demos as always and breakdowns of instruments. ✌️❤️🎹
Daniel Fisher, talking about analog synths is high on the list for why I watch YT! 🤘🏾⚡
explanations of synths on sweetwater is free here but why not provide free sample packs for new customers? talking is not needed. more samples. more high end sampler resources. these guys dont even have say a complete analog setup. technics 1200, vacuum tube amp, bose speakers
Recently bought an OB-X8 from Sweetwater, my first analog poly. Absolutely love this synth!
I own 2 of the synths on this list: Take 5 and Arp 2600m. I do not own a Sequential Pro 3, but I think that’s worth a mention, as it is quite a beast, in sound and function.
it's the journey you go on with an analogue synth that is the real joy. i spend hours just exploring the changes in a sound as i adjust filters or envelopes set cut off levels and modulation depths. It is the closest i can get to a trip through time and space. Friends often say that i am off in my TARDIS, when i got lost in the process of creation. I pilot a Yamaha CS30, quirky in its operation but highly rewarding when you know what your doing..... but it may be time for me to look at what is available in 2023 and that's why i'm here.
It might be because I live in Europe, but if I would make a list of best analog synths, the Arturia Polybrute (and even the Matrixbrute) and the Dreadboxes would definitely not be missing. I also kinda miss the Taiga in your summary. ;)
As an Ameican, I am fine with Moog :) My favorite Moog synthesizer, the Minimoog Model D reissue in dark wood was unfortunately not featured in this video. But, my second favorite synthesizer is the European one, by the way of Hong Kong. The Behringer System 55. I am also patintly awaiting the UB-XA release from Behringer. It's an amazing company to provide high quality products at good prices. Others world be ART, and Mackie. I love these companies. They provide amazing products.
Hi Gert and Andrew. I agree; I love the PolyBrute and Minimoog (someday!) and MatrixBrute (own one!), and I also love and own the Dreadbox Nymphes and Typhon. Here are some of the videos I made with them:
th-cam.com/video/T5fJoiiB_KU/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/o3L_9EvbFdM/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/EthWhoIK43c/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/JtzKL6xOCMQ/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/ifU9BraV5ko/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/IIsc3gCy9eY/w-d-xo.html
-_Daniel_
Shout out from me in favour of the Dreadboxes! I have an Erebus and a Nyx, which feature similar components but take a different approach to their arrangement and control. These were the first two synths I bought when I emerged from my DAW-cocoon!
@@dvamateur I too love the Moogs from over here in the UK, they are rock solid - I wish I could afford the Moog One demonstrated here but I thought the Model D reissue was seriously overpriced. I also have Elektron boxes from Sweden, Dreadboxes from Greece, keyboard from Japan and Eurorack modules from the US and Germany. And they can all talk to each other 😊
@MrMusicbyMartin Well, I haven't tried an Elektron or a Dredbox; however, I tried out the Minimoog Model D reissue at a local music store, and I must say that it is a very desirable instrument, in terms of look and feel, and it sounds good, too. Yeah, it's more expensive than the 2016 model year reissue, but it also looks much better in the new dark wood than the previous one, which was a bit pale if I am honest. Sure, the Minimoog is not cheap, and as far as pure utiliy goes, there are better synthesizers around, including the Behringer Model D. However, of you want to treat yourself to something really nicely looking and feeling great in hands, then the Minimoog is the ticket. It's certainly an acquired taste though, something for the grown-ups if you will, not an entry level instrument, that's for sure. As far as the Moog One goes, it's amazing in therms of utility and features, and the keybed is very nice (even though I prefer the Model D reissue and Oberheim OB-X8 keybeds), the Moog One just doesn't look very good overall. They crammed a lot of utility and features into it, which i think it actually makes a much better value than the Model D or the Oberheim, but the overall design just hasn't grown on me. I very mych prefer the Memorymoog design. That instrument has much better aesthetics than the Moog One.
The Moog One is honestly a dream for me; it’s exactly the sound I search from a synth
I got the Moog Grandmother and I absolutely love it. I am a pianist and everyone said to get a polysynth because of that, but I settled on the Grandmother after trying it out, because I already have a keyboard and didn't want something that I basically play the same way as that, but with a synth sound. I wanted something completely different. Anyway, I highly recommend, 10/10. Great sound, built in arpeggiator and sequencer you can get very creative with, real spring reverb, portable, and a "semi-modular" format that is great for folks learning about modularity and patching as it has a "default" mode and will make a ton of different sounds without any cables, but also encourages some experimenting and very quickly you learn what everything does L-R. It is laid out very logically. Great synthesizer.
that Korg ARP jam grooves hard man!! Great vid
I started with software and have now had several analog synths. The biggest thing “virtual analog” can’t do, universally, is filter resonance. I have never found a soft synth that sounds even close to the real thing.
There you go. 👍🏻
Tend to agree, as someone who loves full reso self osc etc every few patches and sing song filter sweeps with high resonance settings, the virtuals can tend toward harshness, dissonance, inauthenticity etc.
But not always.
As their name suggests, FabFilter does very good digital software filters
Damn,That Moog One is just gorgeous.😁
Daniel fisher you beautiful, beautiful man you talking about analog synthesizers is a treasure
Good to see Big D back and he should do more demos .
I just bought an Oberheim OB-X8 from you guys and am loving it so far. It's my first synth and it's been inspiring me a lot when writing new songs. Shoutout and thanks to Nick who's my Sweetwater engineer! :)
THAT's your First Synth???! Mygod What a WHOPPER! Congrats... Stay with it and happy patching
@@nsjx Thanks man! Already using it for songs. Was a hard decision on which synth to get but I'm glad I went with an analog synth.
Wow, that's amazing. Quite a whopper. It is a nicely made synthesizer, look and feel are excellent. My only gripe is the OLED screen. Kind of doesn't go aesthetically with all the knobs and high quality buttons. Other than that the OB-X8 is amazing.
@@dvamateur I know what you mean. Thankfully the screen doesn't bother me since it's so small I think it's actually nice to have. If it was big and staring at me like on some other modern synths that would kind of kill the inspiration a bit.
@@RhettRepko Well, I was actually thinking of an alphanumeric encoder like on Prophet-5. The big LCD's are indeed out of place, just like the "super knob" on the Yamaha Montage.
For a Colossus, a white coat should be included in the kit. ;)
And is
I have an Elektron Analog Four synth from 10 years back - it has analogue oscillators which are digitally controlled, so you get the subtle benefits of the analogue sound but it can be thoroughly sequenced, including digital control over the timing, playback, MIDI control and probability of the notes. Plus you can have polyphony and interaction between the four voices. The sound does lack beef, though. I have an Octatrack too, which features many of the workflow aspects of the more recent Elektron boxes, very powerful in their features but I’m careful not to let the looping take over!
The Mother32 is a small-format monster that became the centre of my Eurorack setup - it’s a compressed classic east-coast model with extremely versatile CV ports which beg to be used. The Subbharmonicon and DFAM are also worth a look, too, Moog did a great job on all three.
I also invested in a Moog Grandmother which again connects really well with my Eurorack gear and sounds absolutely gorgeous with a fully analogue circuit, proper keyboard, lovely Moog filters and a spring reverb to sparkle everything up. Plus it’s solid as a rock and heavier than you expect when you lift it (this is a good thing for me). The Grandmother would be the last one I’d sell.
I would love an Arp 2600 or Buchla Easel but more than that, the Syntrx recreation of the VSC3 makes my mouth water, but then the price brings tears to my eyes. I wish Behringer would make a cheap Synthi!
My best of 2023 is Arturia minifreak for the price, the powerfull, and the sound and controllers.... the best. And in second is the ASM hydrasynth explorer.....
Those are two at the top of my list, as well. But I went with the Roland SH-4d, first (after already opening and loving the JD-Xi), and I’m so glad I did. Might get a second! So small, fun, powerful, and portable. 😊🤙
The hydrasynth is all digital....and sounds all digital....albeit very good I'll add!
I have both plus the Desktop Hydra (which is WHY I picked up Explorer).. and Minifreak is FAB
They need to make a desktop module version or one with full-size keys. I don’t need more mini keys
The 3rd Wave is the best and will be my last synth I get for 2023 and beyond. Not a full analog synth but sounds better than many fully analog synths. This one, the Nina, are undoubtedly the best, latest analogs out for 2023, with the minifreak as the runner-up.
god I love the Minifreak. Jealous about your 3rd Wave!!! as I'm def a WT guy sighhh
I goofed and listened to 3rd wave after the Nina videos from sonic state at namm. Nina sounded fuller. Imo, you will change your mind with next Gen of digitals.
I have a NINA. Definitely worth the price of admission.
Only thing analog about the Minifreak is the filter. I love the synth but the oscs are all digital.
Nina the best, 3rdWave best second.
Danny absolutely looks like Guile in his later years.
The OBX 8 is a classic. I would give anything to own one.
I wouldn't give anything, but I'd like to have the Korg ARP 2600 FS.
The Choices, I am no synth expert but the moogs hit me sonically.
You didn't mention the Dreadbox Nympes & Dreadbox Typhon. Great analog synths at a great price.
Typhon is actually awesome.
Hi Mass-1 and Galifette. The video had to be 15 minutes or less, and I already had 14 synths on the list. The two videos below should show you how much I like both the Dreadbox Nymphes and Dreadbox Typhon:
th-cam.com/video/ifU9BraV5ko/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/JtzKL6xOCMQ/w-d-xo.html
-Daniel
Daniel who made the famous “Dark side of the moon” patch for the Kurzweil K-2500 series?
Hi Mark. Yup, that Daniel;-)
I made it back in 1992, when I worked for Kurzweil.
-_Daniel_
Great review and interesting instrument choices:)! I want them all...
I love the sounds you can get out this stuff.
I'll buy two Colossus. One for home one for touring.
Just ordered an OB-6 desktop module. Seems like the best solution for a nice poly for me right now. Sounds amazing and is half the price of an x8
How much fun is that Colossus though. Oh baby
Alex Ball has a full video on it. It's impressive to say the least.
Have the Korg Monologue as well as a Volca Bass (along with some poly FM synths and soft synths), but really want to add a Moog Minitaur.
The minitaur sounds really good. Much better than the monologue
West pest is next for me. I am falling down the semi-modular rabbit hole and the barp2600 wants a playpal now
they are Really fun. The 0-Coast got me hooked ha... I def wanna try on the WP
@@nsjx it's getting bad. Haha. I just pulled the trigger on the west pest....and a grandmother cuz on sale.
bought two moog ones ty
Daniel I Love you bro. ❤
Oberheim for the win! 🎉
I had you in class at MTSU! Fancy seeing you here... Cool.
Yes, GREAT INFO to inform purchases.....
DANIEL!!
LOVE Your tutorials.. you just remind me of the Dudes,(Jeff Bridges)Crazy bowling buddy war vet. John Goodman.
No disrespect intended.
Just look similar in the movie "The Big Lebowski".
Yup. I get that all the time.
Thanks for watching! -_Daniel_
I wonder: by the time you run the analog synth into computer/day (to record the thing) do you lose any of the analog magic in the final, digital recordings of the synth?
I like my Matriarch and also have a Yamaha MOX8. My next one might have the Moog One
EDUCATIONAL
Walter Sobchak talking to me about synths is like a fever dream.
Analogue has liberated me from presets You have to work harder with Analogue but it's worth it
Does Daniel have any music online that he's made? He plays some cool stuff in some of these videos.
Take 5, thanks.
In my quest of the perfect analog mono, I’ve bought and sold probably 20 synths in the last 2 years. I’ve kept the Moog Subsequent 25. Best overall sounds and features with the VST plugin. For a poly, the Take 5 was pretty good too, not as much as the Prophet 5 though but for 1/3 the price, it’s pretty decent.
Moog definitely know how to make great sounding monos
I would love to have a moog 1.
Just get any sequential synth & you’ll be good
Novation Bass Station still getting updated
Imo take 5 is the most underrated synth right now.
Who wants an OB-X8 Desktop ? 🤩
"I do! I do!"
(Early 1990's Trident Gum commercial.)
-_Daniel_
Novation Bass Station 2? Modal Skulpt SynthSE? Missing a lot of good analogs in low budget level. I have made some great stuff with the Modal keyboards. Glad you included the MOOG Minotaur (got mine for $250 used)
Skulpt is a VIRTUAL analog. Digital.
Hi Scott Glasgow Music. Yep, the Novation Bass Station II is a fun analog synth (the Sculpt is digital). But this video needed to be 15 minutes or less and I already had 14 synths. Here's my take on the Bass Station II:
th-cam.com/video/cuJSqbNbthI/w-d-xo.html
-_Daniel_
love my take 5
How on earth is the Polybrute not on this list?
Right
Hi good boid and Everybody hasoul.
I also love the Arturia PolyBrute. I enjoyed making this video so much:
th-cam.com/video/T5fJoiiB_KU/w-d-xo.html
-Daniel
Awesome
What does my laptop need for synthezisers?;:)
Moog grandmother +1👍
Curious? Has Moog fixed all the issues with the ONE? I never loved the Keybed
The Syntakt is awesome but doesn't have sample storage.
LOL I was thinking for a min Holy sh... I missed a Major update ha ha...
@@nsjx Ha. He just combined it with the Digitakt. Daniel wants the best for us.
Hi Feldspar and x. No, no missed update. That was the only one that I hadn't reviewed myself, and I misread a hand-made spec sheet. "D'oh!"
-Daniel
They did share a machine spec in the beginning that said 1gb sample storage but think it was mistake as they have removed it
Daniel Fisher is the Chuck Norris of music reviews.
Syntakt has a gigabyte of storage? 8:38
Did I miss an update?
Hi Expectaz. No, no missed update. That was the only one that I hadn't reviewed myself, and I misread a hand-made spec sheet. "D'oh!"
-_Daniel_
I bought the Moog Minitaur and kept it to show love for Moog, but I’ll mainly be using Spectrasonics software for my music to limit my options to try to master it and more importantly sculpt my sounds and styles quicker.
I also think sweet water is great
Sequential prophet X - #1
Daniel's voice is as calm and soothing as Anthony's from Linus Tech Tips.
Forgive me if I'm wrong but isn't the Polybrute analogue? Or is it just synths that launched in 2023? 🤔
No mention of the Dreadbox Erebus reissue or PWM Maleficent?! These are glaring omissions, wow.
Oberheim is one of the Stranger Things of the bunch ;) Loved the Blade Runner on the Moog.
GOOD LORD that MOOG ONE.
Does Daniel have the world's best job?
Yes. Yes he does.
-_Daniel_
Best value in a poly analog? Just got my Pro-800 from Sweetwater and it covers pretty much everything I do on the Memorymoog. Unbelievable value!
Do they make a MPC sound less thin or do you need to look at running it through an interface? Or both. What if you run these through an novation usb mk3 controller the sounds stay the same?
What the OBX8 is that good at bass?
Every analog synth ever does bass well. Not sure why people are still surprised about that
@@denzilstudios7072 name one that doesn’t
@@denzilstudios7072 you can get good bass sounds from pretty much any analog synth.
@@denzilstudios7072 if someone can’t make a usable bass out of an analog synth, that is user error. It has nothing to do with the synth. The sheer physics of how analog synths work pretty much guarantee bass sounds will come out.
@@denzilstudios7072 the one exception would be string synths. They work differently
Sequential Pro 3, Matrixbrute......but my next will be Trigon 6 😊❤
What synth do you recommend if I am at beginning? For now I own a crave, a volca drum and a minilogue (but I think I will sell it because dose not sound in my taste) I wish something analog, poly and with presets
Get a digital poly like a Blofeld unless you're in a classic rock coverband. I know all of these clowns push analog but unless you want to sound like 1970, its a huge mistake. Poly is different than mono... It sounds extremely dated... novelty sounds.
Surprised that the Taiga did not make the list I'm guessing because it's new
Hi Fischer Green. I love (and own) the Pittsburgh Modular Taiga. But the video had to be under 15 minutes and I already had 14 synths. Here are two videos I made with Taiga:
th-cam.com/video/IIsc3gCy9eY/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/6hOyI9QfFfs/w-d-xo.html
-_Daniel_
@@sweetwater I've watched them Daniel and they are great
so many synths so little time
Take care keep up with the great content
Monologue, ok. But, where's Minilogue with 4 voices?
Taiga should've been on this list, monster synth voice with a great sound.
Hi Chip. The Pittsburgh Modular Taiga is a great synth. But this video had to be under 15 minutes, and I already had 14 synths. Here are two videos I made about Taiga:
th-cam.com/video/IIsc3gCy9eY/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/6hOyI9QfFfs/w-d-xo.html
-_Daniel_
@@sweetwater We are spoilt for choice these days, and yet I still look forward to Superbooth to see what's new.
Only vintage OB and Prophet
I'm in love with Trigon 6
Hi Joe. I'm totally with you on that synth:
th-cam.com/video/GcqBJ3ugc7w/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/wXBTxaU09xg/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/nNA7dmxZBnQ/w-d-xo.html
-_Daniel_
No Grandmother? Seems they didn't have to push it too hard, it's already selling well enough.
Hi zdravkodimitrov. Here are two videos I made with the Moog Grandmother:
th-cam.com/video/J5_fZUyj9jg/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/X-XancYyXY0/w-d-xo.html
-_Daniel_
@@sweetwater thanks, Daniel! I just found it weird the Grandmother wasn't included in this video, it's the absolute best value for money Moog offering right now
Why no Deepmind?
Hi JayaLove. I agree, the Behringer DeepMind is fun to program and a good deal. Here are some of the videos I've made with it:
th-cam.com/video/jhOsUBwb5no/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/xAi2uUFCLD0/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/L1Q_d41t_vU/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/XhFCLub1BSc/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/D9yrxTAWvKE/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/HAbhC5cV5oU/w-d-xo.html
-Daniel
Will they release a module of this Moog one? We don't need more leys which come on everything we own. Should always be an option. I have the OB-X8 module and for a great price compared to Moog one. It's a tough call, you can purchase a lot of other gear for the extra $7K left over. I like it and I could save for the M1 but is that worth what else I'd have to give up? So It can't do what my Osmose does for only $1,800 or my Iridium module for $2,200 so I struggle to rationalize getting it since there's so much else available in modules so we can have it our way like BK.
I bought a Dreadbox Hades, sounds more interesting than the Moog 😊
ONG its so organic 😭
@14:00 😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳 huh you can still buy these?
Hi helisoma. Yep, here's a link to the models currently offered:
www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=colossus
-_Daniel_
Moog ONE 16-Voice looks and sounds great (perfect show piece for it btw). I'll just go and see the price and...*faints*.
(I was already prepared for the Colossus, having caught it while browsing Sweetwater during a "what if I won the lottery" jaunt, lol.)
@@geekmastermind As far as musical instruments go, in general, the Colossus is still quite a bargain, to say, a Yamaha CFX grand piano. I've seen a 9-foot CFX for $360,000 at a piano dealer on 58th Steet, New York, NY.
Nice video. To me personally, the most desirable synthesizer featured in this video would be the Korg ARP2600M. The ARP2600FS would have been even more desirable, but of course I missed the boat on it when it was priced at $3,800 on pre-order at Sweetwater. Now, the 2600FS are going from $8,000 and up on EBay... Anywho, out of the synthesizers not featured in this video, a very desirable synthesizer would be the Behringer System 55, which quite astonishingly went down from $3,800 to just $1,600!!! Unfortunately, these are not in stock at Sweetwater at this time. Oh, and talking about pricing, and desirable synthesizers actually being in stock, I was already at a checkout with the JD-XA from Roland. However, when I saw the tax amount of $177, the first thing that came to my mind was my local government and how much I don't want to give them money, so I simply gave up on the JD-XA for now. Thanks by the way for all the candies and Sweetwater sticker that came with my La Bella bass strings.
Hi Andrew. I agree, the Behringer System 55 is a blast (and a jaw-dropping deal). Here are some of the videos I've made with it:
th-cam.com/video/qCmL5OeBgm8/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/HtAmnGF30ks/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/vhfBYvLFPy0/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/HtAmnGF30ks/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/l3NScwcsRC8/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/e9RH_VzHlRI/w-d-xo.html
-_Daniel_
Don't forget Behringer System 55 eurorack ( m o o g ) clone, currently just $1599! 7 oscillators 5 filters ( HP, LP, fixed filter, bass tone , trebble tone ), 5 VCAs, 4 envelopes, 3x8 sequencer + sequential switch, noise, MIDI to CV, mixers and more, including 4 tiered case and power supply.
Hi O.Z. Hall. I have not forgotten. But this video had to be under 15 minutes and I already had 14 synths. But here are a bunch of videos I made about the Behringer System 55:
th-cam.com/video/qCmL5OeBgm8/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/HtAmnGF30ks/w-d-xo.html&pp=ygUYZGFuaWVsIGZpc2hlciBzd2VldHdhdGVy
th-cam.com/video/e9RH_VzHlRI/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/l3NScwcsRC8/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/vhfBYvLFPy0/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/TUWlz4bQ5xo/w-d-xo.html
-_Daniel_
@@sweetwater Daniel, I was not busting your chops over the omission. I am just excited about the recent price drop and thought anyone reading the comments would be interested in knowing this. I ordered one this week. thx. I enjoy your videos. I'll have to check out the ones in this comment.
No Nina Synth? No GS Music E7? But three old fashioned Moogs…? Really? 🤯 Well, my list looks absolutely different! 😜 I love Daniel though! 👍
Hi Hoch Tief. I agree, there are so many great synths to choose from. (Do we live in a wonderful synth era, or what?) But this video had to be 15 minutes or less, and I already had 14 synths.
-_Daniel_
@@sweetwater 👍 Yes, I know 😉 and the Synths you presented are all really great 👌
Thanx for answering me!
kinda forgetting the prophet X here
it can emulate a moog one with the pack someone made for it (its insane and I can not hear the difference). Also the packs you can buy and the stuff you can do yourself is out of this world. Its all those synths and any synth you can get your hands on lending from a friend for less than half the price of a moog one.
No sample storage on the Syntakt :)
Hi Quentin Lamerand. You are, of course, correct. That was the only product I hadn't reviewed myself, and I misread a hand-made spec sheet. "D'oh!"
-_Daniel_
No Minilogue XD? Phooey!
Hi A B. Yeah, I love the Minilogue XD as well. But this video had to be 15 minutes or less, and I already had 14 synths. Here are some of my Monologue XD videos:
th-cam.com/video/y5e8_SyGmFg/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/e-oCFpel2yg/w-d-xo.html
-_Daniel_
the MonoPoly has Reverb? what? where? how?
No mention of the grandmother 😣
Hi coco labs. I also love (and own) the Moog Grandmother. But I had already made two videos on it:
th-cam.com/video/J5_fZUyj9jg/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/X-XancYyXY0/w-d-xo.html
-Daniel
Analog moves more air with vibration and the speakers.
The best synthesizer is the stylophone....
Haha this guy is the best synth demo person on the internet and he does it all in a flattop and dad clothes
What about sub37?
Hi JAAPIOJO. I love (and own) the Moog Sub 37 and Subsequent 37. But the video needed to be under 15 minutes, and I already had 14 synths. Here are some videos I made with the Subsequent and Sub 37:
th-cam.com/video/O11YviJErQ8/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/aDXESToG4p8/w-d-xo.html
-_Daniel_
There's no reason to buy a Korg/ARP 2600m for $2000. The Behringer 2600 (Gray Meanie or Blue Marvin) offers the same thing for only $600 (with added features). Curiously, it was not included in this video?
It has everything but the USB interface, case (I mean for the synth itself, although the Korg also has a travel case), and the sound.
Don't worry, there are far more people who don't have the option of infinite cash, and thank Valhalla that Behringer has made affordable synths.
@@jjrusy7438 definitely helps for people that don’t have the extra income to spend on a synth. But I do not like when people say “do not by X synth from this company because Behringer made it cheaper”. It’s best to understand the playing field and know which product appeals to which customer base.
@@lootacow people actually making music that don’t have unlimited funds and don’t give a crap about the politics don’t care. They sound good and work for people that are ACTUALLY making music
@@lootacow there will always be the cork sniffers and gatekeepers bashing Behringer. Most are clueless about the tech world too. I bought the regular 2600 for $499. I could buy a West pest and a grandmother(on sale right now ) and still be money ahead of the korg2600
I wish they were at Fisher Price prices 🙄
Missing summit and polybrute
maybe not new enough
Hi Simon. I had to keep this video under 15 minutes and already had 14 synths. But here are videos of me thoroughly enjoying the Novation Summit and Arturia PolyBrute:
th-cam.com/video/yI4IRIZh86E/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/T5fJoiiB_KU/w-d-xo.html
-_Daniel_