What are some of the larger digital synthesizer models available?
| Product ⇅ | Price ⇅ | Number of Oscillators (piece) ⇅ | Polyphony (note) ⇅ | Sampling Rate (Hz) ⇅ | Filter Types ⇅ | Sequencer ⇅ | Connectivity ⇅ |
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Korg Kronos 88
US
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£2536.75 ≈ | — | up to 200 voices | 48 kHz | Low Pass; High Pass; Band Pass; Band Reject; Multi-mode; 24 dB 4-pole | ✓ | 2x line input; 2x line output; 4x individual outputs; stereo headphone; MIDI In/Out/Thru; S/PDIF optical in/out; USB Type B; USB Type A; damper/footswitch/exp inputs |
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The Korg Kronos 88 is a flagship 88-key weighted workstation combining nine distinct sound engines, extensive sampling (16/24-bit at 48 kHz), powerful real-time effects, KARMA algorithmic performance, and a 16-track MIDI sequencer plus 16-track audio recorder. It suits professional stage and studio use where deep sound design, large internal sample storage, and comprehensive connectivity are required. ★ Ideal forIdeal for the question because its 88-key RH3 keyboard, nine synthesis engines, and up to 200-voice polyphony make it one of the largest and most feature-rich digital synthesizer workstations available.
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Kurzweil PC4-7
US
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£1491.47 ≈ | — | 256 | 96kHz (user sample support up to 16-bit/96kHz) | — | ✓ | 1/4 in pair audio input, 1/8 in audio input, MIDI (16 parts), pedal inputs, USB (implied by modern workstation) |
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The Kurzweil PC4-7 is a 76-note performance controller/workstation with Kurzweil's V.A.S.T. engine, 2GB factory samples, a 6-operator FM engine, 256-voice polyphony, extensive effects, and a 16-track sequencer. It includes 36 programmable controllers, multiple live inputs, and deep sound-editing suited for stage and studio use. ★ Ideal forSuitable for larger digital synthesizer collections because it offers 256-voice polyphony, a 6-operator FM engine, V.A.S.T. synthesis, and a 16-track sequencer, enabling complex, multilayered patches. |
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Nord Electro 6 HP 73
US
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£2162.96 ≈ | — | 120 (piano) / 46 (sample synth) | — | Velocity sensitive low pass filter; Piano Filters | — | External keyboard inputs (assignable), sustain pedal, control/swell, rotary speed, stereo outputs (details on site) |
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The Nord Electro 6 HP 73 is a 73-note hammer-action stage keyboard with three independent sound sections (Organ, Piano, Sample Synth), extensive effects, and advanced organ and rotary speaker emulations. It targets gigging keyboardists needing authentic electric/acoustic piano, organ and sample-based synth sounds in a portable package. ★ Ideal forSuitable for larger digital synthesizer collections because it offers multi-timbral operation with dedicated Sample Synth memory (512MB) and 46-voice sample polyphony, letting it function as a substantial synth voice among larger models. |
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Sequential Prophet X
US
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£2611.36 ≈ | — | 8-voice stereo, 16-voice mono/stereo, 32-voice paraphonic | 48 kHz (samples are 16-bit, 48 kHz) | Analog 4-pole resonant low-pass (two per voice); digital high-pass in effects | ✓ | MIDI, USB MIDI, integrated power supply, audio outputs (stereo), three OLED displays (specific jacks not listed on page) |
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The Prophet X is a samples-plus-synthesis hybrid combining two 16-bit/48 kHz stereo sample instruments and two high-resolution digital oscillators per voice, processed through analog 4-pole resonant low-pass filters with extensive modulation and effects. It includes 150 GB factory samples, a polyphonic 64-step sequencer, and flexible voice modes (8/16/32) suitable for studio and live use. ★ Ideal forSuitable for users seeking one of the larger digital synthesizers because it combines large onboard sample storage (150 GB), dual oscillators per voice, and multi-mode polyphony up to 32 voices, offering massive sound design possibilities. |
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Yamaha Montage 8
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£2984.42 ≈ | — | 256 AWM2, 128 FM-X, 16 AN-X | 44.1 kHz - 192 kHz (USB audio interface outputs) | 18 types (system), 10 types (AN-X engine) | ✓ | USB to Host, USB to Device, MIDI In/Out/Thru, balanced L/MONO and R outputs, assignable outputs, A/D input, foot controllers, foot switches, phones |
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The Yamaha Montage 8 is an 88-key flagship synthesizer with Yamaha's Motion Control Synthesis Engine combining AWM2, FM-X and AN-X engines, extensive effects, high polyphony and comprehensive I/O including multichannel USB audio. It includes a large color touch display, deep hands-on controls and a 16-track sequencer, suited for studio and live performance. It offers advanced analog modeling via AN-X alongside sample-based and FM synthesis. ★ Ideal forSuitable as a larger digital synthesizer due to its 88-key format, multi-engine design (AWM2, FM-X, AN-X) and up to 256/128/16-note polyphony across engines. |
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