# Which polyphonic synthesizer offers the best value for money under $500? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

Which polyphonic synthesizer offers the best value for money under $500?

## Products

### Korg opsix MKII
```yaml
product: korg-opsix-mkii
brand: Korg
price_gbp: 399.9
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
polyphony: 64 voices
sequencer: 16-step step sequencer with up to 6 notes per step and 6-lane motion sequencer
arpeggiator: 7 patterns
filter_types: 11 types
oscillators_count: 6 operators
modulation_sources: 3 EGs, 3 LFOs, 12 virtual patch routings
```

- **Price:** £399.9 [^1]
- **Summary:** The Korg opsix MKII is a 64-voice digital synthesizer with six-operator altered FM synthesis, 11 filter types, three effects, and extensive hands-on controls. It suits musicians, producers, and sound designers who want deep sound creation, complex modulation, and built-in sequencing in a compact 37-key instrument.
- **Ideal For:** Although its current new retail prices are above $500, it offers strong value when discounted or bought below that threshold through 64-voice polyphony, six operators, 11 filter types, three EGs, three LFOs, a 16-step sequencer, and a seven-pattern arpeggiator.
- **Additional Sources:** [^2]

### Behringer Wave
```yaml
product: behringer-wave
brand: Behringer
price_gbp: 374.17
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
polyphony: 8 voices
sequencer: Polyphonic sequencer
arpeggiator: Dual arpeggiator
filter_types: 24 dB lowpass
oscillators_count: 16 wavetable oscillators
modulation_sources: 2 ADSR envelopes, 1 AD envelope, 1 LFO
```

- **Price:** £374.17 [^3]
- **Summary:** The Behringer Wave is an 8-voice hybrid wavetable synthesizer with two wavetable generators per voice, an analog resonant low-pass filter, three envelopes, and an LFO. Its 49-key velocity-sensitive keyboard with aftertouch, polyphonic sequencer, and dual arpeggiator suit producers, live performers, and sound designers seeking vintage PPG-style tones.
- **Ideal For:** It offers strong value under $500 when available at this price because it combines 8-voice polyphony, 16 wavetable oscillators, an analog resonant low-pass filter, aftertouch, a polyphonic sequencer, and a dual arpeggiator.
- **Additional Sources:** [^4], [^5]

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: Thomann, accessed 2026-08-27. https://www.thomannmusic.com/korg_opsix_mkii.htm
[^2]: Guitar Center, accessed 2026-08-27. https://www.guitarcenter.com/KORG/opsix-2nd-gen-FM-Synthesizer-1500000421963.gc
[^3]: Music Store Professional, accessed 2026-08-27. https://www.musicstore.com/en_US/USD/Behringer-Wave/art-SYN0009156-000
[^4]: Newegg, accessed 2026-08-27. https://www.newegg.com/p/0VB-006V-00023
[^5]: Thomann, accessed 2026-08-27. https://www.thomann.it/behringer_wave.htm