Which analog synthesizer offers the best value for money under £500?
| Product ⇅ | Price ⇅ | Number of Oscillators ⇅ | Polyphony ⇅ | Filter Types ⇅ | Envelope Sections ⇅ | Modulation Sources ⇅ | Connectivity ⇅ |
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Arturia MicroBrute
US
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£244.93 ≈ | — | Monophonic | Steiner-Parker multimode (Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass) | ADSR (single) | LFO (3 waveforms), Envelope, Keyboard CV, Mod wheel, Brute Factor, Ultrasaw/Metalizer/Overtone/Sub modulators via patchbay | MIDI In, USB MIDI, CV/Gate In/Out, 1/4 in audio out, 1/8 in headphone, external audio input, LFO/Envelope CV outs, CV patchbay |
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The MicroBrute is a compact 100% analog monophonic synth with a single oscillator, Steiner-Parker multimode filter, a hands-on modulation matrix and an integrated step sequencer. It suits beginners who want an affordable analogue monosynth and experienced users wanting a compact semi-modular sound-design tool for hardware setups.
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Behringer Model D
US
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£145.17 ≈ | — | Monophonic (polychain up to 16 voices) | 24 dB Ladder Filter (Low-pass, High-pass) | Filter contour (ADS(D)) and VCA contour (ADS(D)) | LFO (triangle/square), Noise (pink/white), Osc 3, Filter EG, External signal, Mod wheel/Mod Depth | MIDI In/Thru (DIN) and USB-MIDI, Main Out (2 x 6.3 mm), Phones (3.5 mm), 3.5 mm modulation and audio inputs, OSC1 frequency control, CV/gate patch points, USB |
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Compact, all-analog monosynth with three VCOs, a classic 24 dB ladder filter, dedicated envelopes, an LFO and semi-modular patch points; removable from its desktop case for Eurorack use. Suited for players who want classic Minimoog-style basses and leads at an affordable price or Eurorack users needing a single analog voice.
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Behringer Neutron
US
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£200.26 ≈ | — | Monophonic (paraphonic mode) | Multimode 12 dB/octave (low-pass, band-pass, high-pass) | 2 x ADSR | LFO, 2 envelopes, sample and hold, slew, attenuators | USB MIDI, MIDI In/Thru, 1/4 in, 1/4 main out, 1/4 headphone, 32 patch inputs, 24 patch outputs |
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The Neutron is a semi-modular analog desktop synth with two CEM3340-based oscillators, a multimode filter, two ADSR envelopes, a flexible LFO and a large 56-point patchbay. It includes analog delay and overdrive and suits sound designers and electronic musicians who want hands-on semi-modular routing and rich analog tones. |
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Korg Monotron Delay
US
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£44.66 ≈ | — | monophonic | MS-10/MS-20 style resonant VCF low-pass | single on/off envelope | LFO (triangle or square) | Headphone output, Aux input, built-in speaker, ribbon controller, battery power |
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Compact battery-powered analog ribbon synth with one VCO, an MS-10/MS-20 style resonant low-pass filter, selectable triangle/square LFO and a built-in Space Delay effect. Suited for experimental sound effects, live performance and processing external audio sources.
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Korg Volca FM
US
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£110.93 ≈ | — | 3 voices | — | Envelope generators (rates and levels) for operators | LFO, operators as modulators, feedback (operator) | Headphones (3.5mm), Sync In (3.5mm), Sync Out (3.5mm), MIDI In (3.5mm TRS) |
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Compact digital FM synthesizer that recreates classic DX-style 6-operator FM voices with 32 algorithms, a 16-step sequencer, motion sequencing, chorus effect and battery operation. Suited to musicians who want portable FM sounds and DX7 compatibility in a small, affordable unit.
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Moog Minitaur
US
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£445.94 ≈ | — | Monophonic | Moog ladder low-pass 24 dB/octave | 2x ADSR (VCF and VCA) | LFO (triangle) and filter envelope | DIN MIDI, MIDI over USB, 1/4 in TS audio input, 1/4 in TS audio output, 1/8 in TRS headphone, assignable CV/gate inputs |
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Compact analog bass synthesizer with two VCOs, a 24 dB/octave Moog ladder low-pass filter, twin ADSR envelopes and an LFO; suitable for bass players and electronic musicians who want classic Moog bass tones in a small desktop unit.
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Moog Werkstatt-01
US
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£148.15 ≈ | — | Monophonic | 4-pole Moog Ladder low-pass | AD with Sustain (ADSR listed on some retailers) | Analog LFO (triangle/square) and Envelope; LFO can modulate VCO, VCF, pulse width | Audio Out 1 x 1/4 in; Audio In 1 x 1/4 in; 12 x 1/8 in patch points; CV Expander (1/8 in) |
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Compact, patchable single-oscillator analog synth kit with Moog ladder filter, analog LFO, and an envelope for hands-on learning and sound design. Suited to beginners, educators, and modular enthusiasts who want a small, semi-modular monophonic instrument.
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