Rating of the best synthesizer manufacturers for 2022

Synthesizers and digital pianos have become familiar instruments in the music world.

Model lines of synthesizers differ in the number of functions, keys, sound and electronic systems, sets of additional functions. The choice can be made from lightweight, portable, simplified options for children, to broadly professional, high-quality sounding high-end synthesizers.

How to choose the right synthesizer: selection criteria

As a worthy alternative to keyboard instruments for creativity, learning and composing, the synthesizer comes to the fore.

The main part of the work in the production of the synthesizer is given to the design of the keys.

Keys

Hammer three-sensor mechanics

The three-touch mechanism underlies the design of full-size keys, copied in the digital system with the number 88. The triune sensor responds to three positions:

1. pressing;
2. gradual release of pressure;
3. full squeeze.

For the synthesizer, the triune hammer system is rarely used.

The 88-key keyboard is the preferred choice for students of music schools and professional musicians.

Weighted keys

These keys are the most "responsive" to the force of pressure. According to the hardness parameter, the keyboard also differs by class:

1. not weighted;
2. semi-weighted.

For the economy class, devices of a semi-weighted type of keys are preferred using shock absorbers and springs in the design. Economy class instruments are not intended for concert and stage activities, an unweighted keyboard does not allow you to extract a deep sound, individual playing techniques are impossible.

Key lightness

The synthesizer has the lightest keys compared to a digital piano, which is designed to sound as close as possible to an acoustic instrument. The keys have less dependence on sound pressure.

MIDI

This type of tool is brought into working condition by connecting to a desktop computer or laptop. The main performers on the device are musicians and composers.

MIDI systems are especially popular in home studios; such an instrument is much cheaper than “independent” analogues.

The advantages of the type are the high quality and design advantages of the keys, as a result of the release of resources from the absence of an acoustic system.

sequencer

The presence of an application program for recording or editing any parametric characteristics of the sound is implemented using a sequencer. This is not about analog, digital sound, but about a MIDI device and its messages. In this case, we can talk about dynamic nuances and patch switching.

There are the following types of sequencers:

1. analog;
2. hardware;
3. program.

In order to decide which synthesizer is better to buy, you should decide on the level of professionalism of the musician, the expected tasks designed to solve the instrument and the cost.

The best synthesizer manufacturers

KORG

The legendary synthesizer manufacturer, whose origins were an accordionist, a club owner and an engineer, began producing synthesizers already in the 70s. They have gone from organ to effects processors. The brand survived a merger that turned into a partnership, the purchase of British Vox and the buyout of its own majority stake from Yamaha.

KORG micro KORG XL

The synthesizer with small-sized keys and pressure sensitivity is light in weight and easy to transport, recognized as a popular model.

KORG micro KORG XL
Indicators	Meaning
Keys, pcs.	37
Timbre, set, pcs.	128
Polyphony	8
Auto accompaniment, styles	-
Headphones, output	1
Weight, kg	2

• multi-timbrality function;
• with arpeggiator, vocoder;
• the presence of reverberation;
• the ability to record songs;
• having a headphone output.

• no metronome.

KORG Pa1000

The synthesizer with built-in acoustics has a beautiful design and compact shape.

KORG Pa 1000
Indicators	Meaning
Keys, pcs.	61
Songs, recording, tracks	16
Polyphony	128
Auto accompaniment, styles	430
Headphones, output	1
Weight, kg	10.75

• with memory card support;
• with touch screen;
• with pedal connection
• with high sound quality;
• suitable for professional arrangements;
• recommended for studio recordings and live performances.

• no.

Casio Music

In the first post-war year 1946, the idea of ​​the four Kashio brothers on the development of musical electronic, digital technologies was realized. Soon the first musical instruments for amateurs were created. Combining modern digital technology and classic styles, the company has achieved a high level of recognition and popularity among customers. However, the principle of brand development is continuous improvement. Sound quality, acoustics are changing following the trends of the digital era. Casio Music employees constantly keep abreast of musical ideas and innovative implementations, continuing to grow in unison with musicians of the 21st century.

Casiotone

Production of the Casiotone line of synthesizers began in 1980.

Clear sound, accessibility for playing all categories of musicians - from beginners to adult masters, made the model popular.

CT-S 300

The stylish design of the instrument and a variety of functions - from learning to creating tracks, allowed the model to become very popular. Mobility, power supply via an adapter or batteries, the ability to connect to a PC are the undeniable advantages of the model.

CT-S 300
Indicators	Meaning
Keys, pcs.	61
Accompaniment, Styles, Settings, Timing	77
Speakers, cm	(13+6)*2 channels
Gain, W	2,5 + 2,5
Preset Songs	60
Weight, kg.	3.3

• the possibility of training on one hand - right or left, as well as on both;
• tablet / mobile game with connection;
• instant setting function;
• dance music creation mode;
• a recording device with an accessible MIDI format;
• a function to save personal settings and a button to start them;
• 400 preset timbres;
• the ability to connect the pedal to a special connector;
• adapter and music stand included;
• 2 positions of touch sensitivity with the ability to turn off;
• updated sound decay associated with the force of pressure on the keys;
• transmission of a spectrum of small shades with a gradual removal of pressure on the key;
• synthetic glossy key cover;
• functions of adding audio effects;
• without belonging to genres;
• automatic accompaniment with connection of ending, intro and insertion, variations;
• availability of a metronome for home rehearsals;
• recommended for entry-level players.

• not found.

Yamaha

A world famous Japanese company with a history dating back to 1887, with its own philosophy of inspiration, aimed at the result of admiration for the result, and a call for sincerity, initiative, striving for more, finishing what has been started.

Yamaha guarantees the quality of its products, obtained through improvement, the introduction of innovative technologies.

The company has over 7 dozen representative offices around the world, as well as subsidiaries.

Yamaha's priorities are the expansion of the research base and the growth of production, the long-term perspective and high quality of the product, globalization through the expansion of the product range.

Model range MONTAGE

MONTAGE 8

Dynamic control allows musicians to make a wide range of sounds - from quiet and calm to bright, loud.

The regulator allows you to make the acoustics spatial, and the converter allows you to set the control tempo for the audio sound.

MONTAGE8
Indicators	Meaning
Keys, pcs.	88
Generator, elements/algorithms	8/88
preset	2707
Filters, type	18
Power consumption, W	27
Weight, kg.	3.3
Notes	130000
Sheet music, storage	520000

• 7-inch color display, sensor type, VGA;
• balanced hammer action;
• tuned in response to impact force and compression;
• tone, gain and volume controls;
• 128 built-in live sets;
• real-time recording and rewriting functions, overwriting capability;
• more than 10,000 built-in parts for 8 synchronous;
• designed for concert accompaniments, for professionals.

• not detected.

DENN

The Chinese company entered the Russian market in 2005. Gradually, consumers, noting the high price-quality ratio, began to give preference to DENN products. The brand positions itself in the lower and middle price segments. Since 2015, the trading range has been replenished with new categories, including synthesizers. The company's professionals are constantly increasing the share of sales in the global market.

DENN 161 mini

Synthesizer-type children's musical instrument with unweighted keyboard rigidity and small-sized keys.

DENN 161 mini
Indicators	Meaning
Keys, pcs.	61
Timbre, set, pcs.	16
Polyphony	4
Auto accompaniment, styles	10
Preset Songs	10
Food	batteries+accumulator

• acoustic system internal;
• the presence of a display;
• the ability to record songs;
• there is a microphone input;
• suitable for beginner musicians;
• good price-feature ratio.

• no built-in metronome;
• no USB type A interface;
• without hammer mechanism;
• lack of pedals;
• microphone is not included.

MEDELI

A Chinese company from the southeast of the country - Hong Kong entered the market with the first synthesizer at the end of 1983. The high quality of the digital processor - the heart of the musical instrument - was marked by a universal certificate. Competent managers and specialists in the implementation of the latest technologies have brought MEDELI to the forefront of leading companies in the digital music industry.

MEDELI M361

The top model has a polyphony of 128 voices, preset timbres sound powerful and without noise. Melodies played on different instruments can be superimposed on the main sound, or sound in unison.

MEDELI M361
Indicators	Meaning
Keys, pcs.	61
Timbre, set, pcs.	653
Polyphony	128
Auto accompaniment, styles	240
Preset Songs	10
Memory, options, quantity	10
Own settings, memory, quantity	48
Keys, sensitivity level	5
Weight, kg	5.2

• memory is designed to store 10 interpretations;
• an additional function of accompanying melodies with a part of a virtual guitar or keyboards is presented through the Performance Assistant;
• the ability to transfer data to a computer;
• microphone input;
• inline styles;
• backlit display and program wheel;
• the presence of reverb and vocoder;
• nice key cover
• with high touch sensitivity;
• training programs;
• full size keys.

• without hammer mechanism;
• low level guitar timbre;
• the presence of noise in the dynamics at the extreme positions of the keys.

TESLER

The Russian manufacturer of audio and video equipment, including synthesizers, has been present on the market of musical instruments since 2014.

The company has achieved high quality of its goods and successfully competes on prices with global manufacturers.

TESLER KB 6180

A popular model with a tutorial and key sensitivity at an affordable price.

TESLER KB 6180
Indicators	Meaning
Keys, pcs.	61
Timbre, set, pcs.	653
Polyphony	16
Auto accompaniment, styles	128
Headphones, output	1
Weight, kg	4.25

• Russian-language musical instrument;
• full size keys;
• built-in acoustics;
• the presence of a display;
• with recording function;
• complete set with a music stand, network adapter.

• no hammer action.

Arturia

The brand is the flagship of the analog range of synthesizers with software emulations. French sound engineers and experts have achieved first-class imitation of analog devices that have been used for many years by producers, musicians from all over the musical world.

Arturia Matrix Brute

The presence of a modular matrix with ample opportunities for Sound designers has become an indisputable advantage of the synthesizer.

Arturia Matrix Brute
Indicators	Meaning
Keys, pcs.	49
Effects, pcs.	5
Polyphony	128
Controller	2 (modulation, pitch)
line out	1

• convenient management;
• the presence of three oscillators;
• several modes on two filters;
• backlit display;
• the presence of an arpeggiator;
• reverb function;
• with line output;
• analog effects;
• high switching component;
• built-in sequester.

• without auto accompaniment;
• lack of built-in speaker system.

Akai

The Japanese manufacturer Electric Company Ltd is one of the leading companies in the global market for audio systems and consumer electronics.

Musical equipment and instruments are of famous Japanese quality. Founded in 1929 and went bankrupt on the eve of 2004, the firm sold the trademark to the Grande Group of Hong Kong. Licensed by the Grande Group, sells trademark rights to manufacturers of electronic instruments.

Akai MPK Mini Play

The synthesizer with built-in acoustics and a compact body has an interface for connecting to a personal computer.

Akai MPK Mini Play
Indicators	Meaning
Keys, pcs.	25
Timbres, pcs.	138
output, d / headphones	+
built-in acoustics	+
Weight, kg	0.73

• the presence of a type B interface;
• compact body shape;
• small sized keys;
• with touch sensitivity of the keys;
• with unweighted hardness.

• no training programs.

Roland Corporation

The Japanese manufacturer of electronic musical instruments and software began operations in 1972. The company owns factories in 4 countries.

Roland FA-06

The synthesizer belongs to the new FA series with enhanced functionality and multifaceted versatility.

Roland FA-06
Indicators	Meaning
Keys, pcs.	61
polyphonic component	128
Display	+
Multi-membrane tones, quantity	16
Weight, kg	5.7

• expressiveness of effects;
• control controllers;
• launch function;
• the ability to create concept tracks;
• suitable for stage activities;
• the sequester allows you to work autonomously;
• fast loading;
• the ability to record on the card;
• the function of loading an additional bank of sounds;
• high price-quality ratio.

• without built-in speaker system.

On sites, you can watch video clips that show the advantages of sounding and controlling synthesizers of a particular model. The ability to order online and receive a synthesizer at home has become an everyday reality.

The industry of musical instruments offers a wide range of synthesizers to the contemporary - from children's, light and inexpensive, to high-quality, programmable analog systems. The time has come for total music-making, the good manners of the Middle Ages, when music was taught in every family, are returning.