What are the top-rated analog synthesizers for beginners?
| Product ⇅ | Price ⇅ | Number of Oscillators ⇅ | Polyphony ⇅ | Filter Types ⇅ | Envelope Sections ⇅ | Modulation Sources ⇅ | Connectivity ⇅ |
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Korg Minilogue XD
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£388.68 ≈ | — | 4 voices | 2-pole low-pass (with drive) | 2 envelopes (AMP EG and EG) | LFO, joystick, CV IN1/2, EG, modulation matrix targets | Headphone, OUTPUT L/MONO R, CV IN1, CV IN2, SYNC IN, SYNC OUT, MIDI IN, MIDI OUT, USB B, DAMPER jack |
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The Minilogue XD is a four-voice hybrid analog/digital polysynth with two analog VCOs per voice plus a programmable digital multi-engine, a flexible two-pole filter with drive, built-in digital effects, and a 16-step polyphonic motion sequencer. It suits players and producers who want hands-on analog character with expanded digital sound design and modern connectivity.
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Arturia MiniBrute 2
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£371.55 ≈ | — | Monophonic | Low-pass; Band-pass; High-pass; Notch | ADSR; Loopable AD | 2 LFOs; ADSR; Loopable AD; Aftertouch; Velocity; External CV (patchbay) | USB-B; MIDI DIN In/Out; 1/4 in balanced line output; 1/4 in headphone; CV/Gate patchbay; External audio input; Power supply included |
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Semi-modular monophonic analog synthesizer with two VCOs, a Steiner-Parker multimode filter, Brute Factor distortion, a 48-point patchbay, arpeggiator and 64-step sequencer. Suited for experimental sound designers, performers and anyone wanting deep patchable analog synthesis in a compact keyboard.
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Moog Sub Phatty
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£446.01 ≈ | — | Monophonic | Moog ladder low-pass filter (6, 12, 18, 24 dB/oct) | 2 ADSR (filter and amp) | LFO, Filter envelope, Amp envelope, triangle/square/saw/ramp waveforms, hidden modulation functions | MIDI DIN In/Out, USB MIDI, Audio In (TS), Audio Out (TS), Headphone Out (TRS), CV inputs (Filter CV, Pitch CV, Volume CV, KB Gate) |
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Compact monophonic analog synth with two flexible waveshape VCOs, a dedicated sub-oscillator and a resonant Multidrive Moog ladder filter; features two ADSR envelopes, an LFO and extensive CV and MIDI connectivity. Suited for players wanting classic Moog basses and leads with hands-on control and studio integration.
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Novation Bass Station II
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£431.86 ≈ | — | Monophonic (paraphonic options via firmware) | Classic (LP/BP/HP, 12 or 24 dB) and Acid (4-pole 24 dB LP) | 2 x ADSR (Amp and Mod) | 2 LFOs, Modulation Envelope, Pitch Envelope, Aftertouch, Mod Wheel, External audio, Ring Mod, Noise | USB MIDI, 1 x 1/4 in TRS mono output, 1 x 1/4 in headphone output, 1 x 1/4 in external input, 1 x 1/4 in sustain pedal input, 5-pin DIN MIDI In, 5-pin DIN MIDI Out, DC power in |
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The Bass Station II is a compact analog synth with two main oscillators, a tracked sub-oscillator, dual filter styles (Classic and Acid), dual ADSR envelopes and extensive modulation and sequencing features. It's designed for powerful basses, leads and performance use and suits players wanting hands-on analog sound in a portable controller-keyboard format.
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Behringer Model D (321)
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£185.40 ≈ | — | Monophonic (16-note Poly Chain) | 24 dB ladder filter, switchable low-pass/high-pass | Filter ADS(D) and VCA ADS(D) | LFO, Noise (white/pink), OSC3, Filter EG, External Mod Source (via 3.5 mm) | MIDI In/Thru (USB and 5-pin DIN), USB Type-B, Main Out (1/4), Phones, Modulation and audio inputs, OSC1 CV in, external control for cutoff/resonance/contour |
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Compact, all-analog mono synthesizer with three flexible VCOs, a 24 dB ladder filter (low/high-pass), triangle/square LFO, semi-modular Eurorack-ready design and modern MIDI/USB connectivity. Suited for players seeking classic Minimoog-style analog tones in a portable, affordable desktop module.
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Sequential Prophet Rev2-8
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£1488.45 ≈ | — | 8 voices | Curtis analog low-pass selectable 2- and 4-pole | 3 (filter, VCA, assignable auxiliary; auxiliary is 5-stage DADSR) | 8-slot modulation matrix with 22 sources; plus mod wheel, pressure, velocity, breath, footswitch; 4 LFOs | MIDI In/Out/Thru (5-pin DIN) and USB; Main stereo L/R 1/4in outputs; Output B stereo 1/4in; Headphone 1/4in; Sustain pedal input; Pedal/CV input; IEC AC power |
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The Prophet Rev2-8 is an 8-voice analog polyphonic synthesizer with two DCOs per voice, Curtis low-pass filters, extensive modulation (8-slot matrix, 4 LFOs) and onboard digital effects. It suits sound designers and keyboardists who want hands-on control, deep modulation routing, and classic analog tone in a modern, programmable instrument.
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Roland SE-02 (AIRA Analog Circuit Behavior)
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£414.73 ≈ | — | 1 voice | 24 dB low-pass | Filter envelope; Amp envelope | LFO (9 waveforms); three types of cross modulation; noise generator; envelope sweeping/inverting; oscillator sync | Stereo output; Phones; Ext input; VCF CV input; CV input; Gate input; Trigger in/out; MIDI IN/OUT; USB Micro-B (Audio, MIDI) |
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The SE-02 is a compact, knob-per-function analog monosynth (3 VCOs) designed with Studio Electronics, featuring a 24 dB low-pass filter, tempo-syncing LFO and on-board sequencer. It suits players wanting hands-on vintage-style analog sound with modern connectivity and the ability to chain units for polyphony.
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