A keyboard can be a synthesizer if it has the right features. Synthesizers can create a wide variety of sounds, so the right features will depend on the type of sound you want to create. Look for a keyboard with a built-in synthesizer if you want to create your own sounds.
A synthesizer can play chords by using a technique called chord voicing. This involves playing multiple notes at the same time, usually in intervals of thirds or fourths. The notes can be played in any order, but the most common voicing is 3-note chords, which are called triads. To create a chord, the synthesizer will first play the root note, then the third, and finally the fifth.
Yes, a synthesizer can sound like a piano. In fact, many synthesizers have piano sounds built in. However, not all synthesizers can sound exactly like a piano. The reason for this is that a piano produces sound by striking a string with a hammer, while a synthesizer produces sound by creating electrical signals that are then converted into sound waves.
4.8/5
DRIVE added for rich bass and cutting leads
Push button + turn knob for "parameter lock" style motion sequencing
VCF changed for 2-pole with more bite
16 step buttons for faster real-time step edits
LFO capabilities expanded with higher rates and deeper modulation
$234
A Univox Mini Korg was my first synthesizer. When I was in high school in 1975, that was. It was a large, beastly piece of metal and wood that made a lovely sound. I also had a little 8-track tape that powered a Univox echo chamber. I once owned a Mini Korg 2 in the late 1980s (2 oscilators). That one was really good! I noticed that Korg mostly disregarded conventional synth configurations and did things their way. The end result was a set of solid, well-built instruments with a distinctive, deep tone. They had a good layout and were simple to program. As a result of my frustration with an Ensoniq TS-10, I haven't owned a synth in 20 years. I stumbled onto this tiny gem on a YouTube video and instantly fell in love with it. It operates in the same distinctive manner as the vintage Mini Korgs. The envelope generator shortcuts are a fantastic concept. What really convinced me was the waves' shape function. Along with the intriguing LFO features. Although the controls appear to have certain restrictions (which they do, to a certain extent), having to overcome them fosters greater inventiveness. Strong construction and great sound. I detest referring to a synth as "cute," but it definitely is!
4.8/5
Pure analog signal path based on legendary VCO design to recreate classic sound performance
Semi-modular architecture with default routings requires no patching for immediate performance
Paraphonic synthesizer with authentic dual 3340 analog oscillators for insanely fat music creation
Individual pulse width / tone mod control provides ultimate sounds
Oscillator waveform control blends seamlessly between 5 shapes (tone mod, pulse, sawtooth, triangle, sine)
$234
Do you want to create massive, floor-rattling basslines? Lead piercing? Beeps from a creative lab coat? Perhaps some of that excellent, ever-evolving drone music? Perhaps you simply want to progress from basic synths and see what modular systems can offer, or maybe you want to improve your synthesis skills. It has you in its grip.Oh, and if you want it to be, it can be a Eurorack module. comes with a eurorack power cord; to install it in a eurorack system, simply remove a few screws. Make sure your power source can handle the workload; it draws a lot of electricity. But considering all of its features, that should be expected.It lacks a keyboard and a sequencer. To play this thing, you'll either need a midi controller, a computer, or a cv/gate controller if you want to do more than just generating patches. This is quite acceptable for $300; but, if you add a keystep or similar device (or even just a USB cord and your DAW) to the mix, you're still looking at a system that performs far beyond its price.There are a few minor issues I have with it, but they can easily be fixed by adding more eurorack modules. It could definitely use a second VCA and LFO, the envelopes have a too-short release, and the delay sounds a little janky (but it does have a certain lo-fi beauty to it). However, $300 is still absurdly low given the features. For $300, I doubt I could even DIY something similar. A device with comparable characteristics cost four figures just a few years ago.
4.7/5
Op-1 comes loaded with great kits
This product is manufactured in Sweden
If you want more just press the mic key to sample anything
$234
Composing, arranging, and producing music with a DAW has evolved into a chore over time. My composition process has been given new life thanks to the OP1. It is worth nearly $1,000, so it costs almost $1,000. Exists a cap on the cost of creativity?Here are some of my favorite aspects of it:- Complete end-to-end musical production. Is it a production workstation, a 4-track, a step-sequencer, or a synth? All of the above apply. There isn't much competition in terms of anything else that is both comprehensive and portable (except for possibly an iPad).- Mobility. I can arrange and compose pretty much anywhere. So far, I've been on a bus, on the subway, on a train, in a waiting room at the doctor's office, and on a plane.- Synthesizer engines. If you enjoy the look of "low-fi," they provide a wonderful sound.- Capabilities for sampling and line-in. You can sample or record from the line-in if the synth engines aren't what you're searching for (or the onboard microphone, but I recommend the line-in option)- Flexibility when using outside hardware or instruments. Depending on your work flow, you can use the OP-1 pretty much anyplace during the music creation process. This can be used as a midi controller, a synth engine sender to an external DAW, or your primary workstation. External instruments can be recorded to the 4-track as line-ins for mixdown and mastering on the OP1.It's a cow.Numerous reviews of the OP1 break down its characteristics into several "modules" and then contrast those modules with competing goods. For instance, its mixing abilities aren't as strong as those of a full DAW, and its synth engines aren't comparable to other good soft synths on the market. But each of these criticisms misses the OP1's main point. It is purposefully made to have minimal bells and whistles in order to spark your creativity and enable you to compose music—all while fitting in your jeans pocket!I could go for several more paragraphs and still only touch the surface of what the OP1 is capable of, but I'll stop by saying that I've never bought an instrument that has made me feel as happy as this one.****EDIT (September 2018) (September 2018)I am still having a great time with my OP1 six months after writing this review, and its capabilities never cease to astound me. Here are some "secret" features that let you finish the tracks on a DAW rather than "giving up" and finishing the production/mixing on the OP1:Because "wobbling" the note causes the entire OP1 device to physically move, you can use the built-in gyroscope to "wobble" the note's pitch (much like a Roli seaboard)!By recording identical parts into each tape track and adjusting the relative volumes between L and R, you can pan one tape track all the way L and another tape track all the way R, allowing you to position an instrument wherever you like within the stereo field. - Sidechain compression can be achieved by using an external drum beat as the sidechain signal through the line input. -As I utilize my OP1, I'm confident that I'll find many more "hidden" functions.***EDIT (November 2018) (November 2018)On Amazon, I notice a lot of price gouging. NOT FOR MORE THAN 900 BUCKS, BUY THIS UNIT. If you wait, they will be back in stock.P.S. I continue to enjoy using the OP-1 a ton. The OP-Z has just been released as I type this, and many people are lamenting not purchasing an OP-1 instead on social media and griping about how short its battery life is (now 3 hours).***EDIT (December 2018) (December 2018)I apologize for the negative remarks I made regarding the OP-Z. Now that I have one, playing it is enjoyable.I now have the information to differentiate between the OP-1 and the OP-Z, in case anyone is thinking about getting one instead of the other:- The OP-Z is not a 4-track tape recorder; it is a sequencer. Compared to the OP-1, it features fewer synth engines and adjustable synth settings.- There are 8 tracks on the OP-Z, which many consider to be "better" than the OP-1. The truth is that 4 of those tracks—the kick, snare, cymbal, and sfx—are individual percussive elements, 1 of those tracks is a monophonic bass, 1 of those tracks is a chord track with 4-note polyphony per step, 1 of those tracks is a lead track with 3-note polyphony per step, and the final track is a "arpeggiator," which is extremely annoying and somewhat pointless. The OP-capabilities Z's are unquestionably much more constrained compared to the OP-1, which allows you to stack a limitless amount of polyphony onto any track you like (even though it has more "tracks" on the surface)Compared to the OP-1, the OP-Z is unquestionably much more portable. Don't get me wrong, the OP-1 is quite portable, but the OP-Z absolutely destroys it in terms of size.- The OP-capacity Z's as a "complete production work station" is constrained by the lack of a sampler and a line-in.- You cannot export the finished songs as a.wav file with the OP-Z.In conclusion, the OP-1 is your best option if you're searching for an all-in-one mobile workstation. Additionally, I think that the OP-1 will last much better over time as a distinctive instrument. Although the OP-Z is fantastic, you probably won't actually finish a track on it because it's a portable groove box.***EDIT (September 2019) (September 2019)The most recent firmware now allows for line-in and microphone sampling on the OP-Z.
4.4/5
PROVIDES 120 SECONDS OF SAMPLING MEMORY - The Pocket Operator Speak features a built-in recording microphone that allows you to record up to 120s of samples.
CREATES UNIQUE VOCAL SOUNDS - The Teenage Engineering PO-35 offers 8 voice characters: Neutral, Autotune, Retro, Noise, Robot, Fifth, Vocoder, and Synth.
LETS YOU FINE TUNE YOUR SAMPLES - The transpose and change scale functions enable you to play your samples musically and to fine-tune the sounds further.
SYNCS WITH MULTIPLE UNITS - You can connect PO-35 Speak with 2 other Pocket Operators using standard stereo audio cables. You can also sync PO-35 with external devices like a PC.
SUPPORTS MICROTONIC VST/AU TRANSFER - You can combine PO-35 with a MicroTonic Plug-In (sold separately) to create new drum sounds. Easily transfer VST files via microphone or line-in jack.
$234
I was astounded the first time I watched a demo of the Pocket Operators, which was a YouTube video of the PO-12 Rhythm that was taken in a gloomy, overcast field in Scandinavia. I thought what I was seeing was a prototype (wrong), and they would place this computer chip that appeared to be delicate in a real protective container before selling it (nope again). However, it was only $60, sounded fantastic with a powered speaker, and appeared legitimately enjoyable to customize and program.As of August 2018, there are nine Pocket Operator units in all. While the different models have had their ups and downs, I wasn't "taken away" by this series the way I was when I first saw the YouTube demo and was introduced to the idea until I watched samples of the PO-33 K.O. Sampler. Each Pocket Operator appeared to be established in its own specific niche up to this point, but the K.O. Sampler seemed practically infinite. A sampler the size of a credit card that can record 40 seconds of audio using the on-board microphone OR a 3.5mm line in? Two AAA batteries, what? What?! For less than $100?There must be trade-offs made in order to balance pricing, quality, and depth of features, and you should be aware of the PO-33's significant limits. But I believe it to be a rare instance with music equipment where a cheap piece of hardware with obvious flaws on paper ends up being far more potent and delightful in your hands.SAMPLING ENGINE
4.4/5
8-note polyphony allows complex chords and pads or switch to mono mode for fat synth bass or solo leads!
Built-in speaker system lets you play any place, any time!
Integrated phrase Looper: capture song ideas or just jam!
Analog Physical Modeling Engine with multiple synthesis and oscillator types
HQ mini keyboard (37-keys) allows fast, natural performance with premium feel and response
$234
My view is that this keyboard is truly great. I recently purchased the Reface CS, and I'm really enjoying how versatile and portable it is. In particular, if you consider purchasing it with the Yamaha Keytar Attachment, it's incredibly simple to pick up and play (which I did). Which, if you do, allows you to move around while still playing. But the aux port is the feature I like it the most. Incorporate this with an iPod or other MP3 player, and you're good to go. Personally, I put a small mp3 player to the very left side using a small piece of white velcro. In this manner, you have the choice of having things like backup tracks and jam tunes close at hand for your Reface.I was previously tinkering with a Rockband keyboard, utilizing a 5Pin MIDI to USB connection to access VST's (sounds) from a couple demos of DAWs (Ableton/Bitwig Studio). In general, I'm relatively new to piano, keyboard, and synths. But what if others claim that "this" is a toy? I strongly disagree, hehe. It doesn't at all feel like a fragile piece of plastic with mushy keys while using the Reface. As opposed to the Rockband Keyboard.As a newbie, I can see how some individuals could not enjoy the minikeys. I honestly cannot think of any reason why these may be a problem. Perhaps for a person with significantly bigger hands? But then again, not much, as most fingers can still fit comfortably on the keys. The majority of people, in my opinion, are simply too accustomed to using full-size keys, and their frustration with the transition is evident in their reviews. Since you did adjust, I don't think it would have really been a problem, I don't think I'd even call that a "fair" review. A benefit of small keys, in my opinion, is that you can reach other keys with less effort. I can see how having that extra reach, with some effort, might greatly help your playing. Additionally, there would undoubtedly be less range if full-size keys were actually added to this, or the Reface would simply end up being bigger. Which, in my opinion, wouldn't be cool because it's quite fantastic that you can still play this on an aircraft if you want to.Other characteristics or considerations include: - Battery Operated (6AA Batteries, lasting approximately 5 hours. Use rechargeables instead. I use a Panasonic BQ-CC55 together with high capacity batteries from Amazon. To prolong the life of your batteries, you should definitely make sure you have a reliable charger.)- Includes an AC adapter (if you do not want to use batteries.)- SPEAKERS (Despite their diminutive size, they have great bass response and may be rather loud. But I would still be wary of "blowing" them. The more you strain speakers to their breaking point, the more likely they are to break.)- Soundmondo (Performs best on iOS-based devices. However, it also uses cutting-edge technology, so be aware that occasionally it could be a little buggy. You'll have the best success if you connect via a printer cable whether you're using Windows or Android.)- Yamaha's MD-BT01, which connects via Bluetooth to iOS apps including Soundmondo.- Headphone jack (Pretty common; just make sure your preferred headphones have a 1/4" plug or adaptor.)- The only one without velocity-sensitive keys is the CS It is velocity sensitive over MIDI (not sure why this is.)- The CS lacks an onboard patch memory, however this is not a big concern because Soundmondo lets you save patches to the app or website. Additionally, I think it's far more exciting to watch someone who can quickly and accurately make a sound from memory if you want to perform live. In my opinion, you also gain more knowledge about Synthesis as a whole.) - They can all be connected to an expression pedal (The Yamaha FC7 I believe)It goes without saying that each Reface has a variety of capabilities, but they all share the ability to adjust the sound and experiment with it wherever you are.Basically, I don't think you can go wrong with whichever Reface option you choose. The best deal you could likely ever ask for for something like this is $300, in all honesty. There is nothing like this anywhere else. More of these in the future would be amazing.
4.3/5
FUN & EASY TO PLAY - You can create different sound and pitch by pressing down the middle part of the Otamatone. By sliding down your finger up and down, you can create higher and lower tone.
BEST SELLING – One of Japan's BEST Selling Music Toys, Deluxe Version is a Full-sized Otamatone in a Professional Musician-Grade.
FUN & EASY TO PLAY - You can create different sound and pitch by pressing down the middle part of the Otamatone. By sliding down your finger up and down, you can create higher and lower tone.
Operates On※AA Batteries ×3 ※(Battery Included)
TURN IT UP – Connect to headphones, amps, and speakers with the 3.5mm stereo jack
$234
![Otamatone "Deluxe" [English Edition] Electronic Musical Instrument Portable Synthesizer from Japan by Cube / Maywa Denki, Black](/i/51g2aEDCCuL/450/best-synthesizer-workstation-keyboards.jpg)
![Otamatone "Deluxe" [English Edition] Electronic Musical Instrument Portable Synthesizer from Japan by Cube / Maywa Denki, Black](/i/613SRJUD%2B2L/450/best-synthesizer-workstation-keyboards.jpg)
![Otamatone "Deluxe" [English Edition] Electronic Musical Instrument Portable Synthesizer from Japan by Cube / Maywa Denki, Black](/i/71kaRhSyFdL/450/best-synthesizer-workstation-keyboards.jpg)
![Otamatone "Deluxe" [English Edition] Electronic Musical Instrument Portable Synthesizer from Japan by Cube / Maywa Denki, Black](/i/71iUcoQVBtL/450/best-synthesizer-workstation-keyboards.jpg)
![Otamatone "Deluxe" [English Edition] Electronic Musical Instrument Portable Synthesizer from Japan by Cube / Maywa Denki, Black](/i/61qpPbyjAVL/450/best-synthesizer-workstation-keyboards.jpg)
![Otamatone "Deluxe" [English Edition] Electronic Musical Instrument Portable Synthesizer from Japan by Cube / Maywa Denki, Black](/i/81bnDJiZSvL/450/best-synthesizer-workstation-keyboards.jpg)
![Otamatone "Deluxe" [English Edition] Electronic Musical Instrument Portable Synthesizer from Japan by Cube / Maywa Denki, Black](/i/71ehPZza0ZL/450/best-synthesizer-workstation-keyboards.jpg)
THIS IS A HUGE THING HAHAHAI recently received the first edition as a birthday present and fell in love with it right away. It's small, cute, and entertaining to play with, but when I realized that there was this beast, I thought, "Well, if I want to be the best at irritation with strange instruments, then I've got to acquire this."It took four days from the time I ordered it for the shipment to arrive, and I was pleasantly impressed by how well it was packaged. This could not possibly be damaged unless it was thrown off the Empire State Building and collided with everything in its path.And how big? This thing is big, man. Actually, I didn't anticipate it to be this big, but it's big enough for me to wear it like a damn saxophone. A gorgeously irritating saxophone that belongs in a Spongebob episode.It flawlessly strikes every note and features an aux jack in addition to a far superior volume slider than its younger counterpart. Now that will enable me to become the real devil of Odd Instrumental Annoyance.I believe I received a good deal for the price I spent.
4.2/5
Choose from three different retro organ sounds, Optional vibrato effect
Miniature stylus operated synthesizer is a recreation of the 1967 classic
Tuning knob on bottom allows you tune the Stylophone or do pitch-bend effects
Built in speaker with volume control, Optional headphone jack
Input for MP3 player mixes your music with the Stylophone and outputs everything through the built-in speaker
$234
This piece of equipment is both entertaining and functional. I'm pleased that the cargo arrived earlier than I had anticipated. In terms of appearance, however, the condition and durability are rather fragile. When I opened it, I found that the metal board had already been mildly scratched, which doesn't concern me as much, but the board will continue to gather scratches no matter how carefully I use the stylus. Upon moist contact, such as sweat, the Stlophone logo covered by the film will lose its chrome shine, leaving black marks where the letters should be. Compared to the power or vibrato switches, the switch for the three various sounds requires more force to move. When the Stylophone is in use, be careful not to bring gadgets like phones next to it because it will produce static. The back tuning peg is accessible and provides easy turning. More convenient access and private use are also made possible with the MP3 and headphone connectors. Since the device includes an internal speaker that can produce very loud sounds, sound is not a problem. With the exception of the flexible speaker cover, the device is also made of a sturdy plastic, although it is also vulnerable to scratches. The first voice modulation is also flatter than the others. I'd want to see the voice option switch made easier to operate, and I'd like to see the vibrato switch changed to some form of button. Overall, the equipment serves its job effectively and affordably. Future commercial transactions are something I'm eager to pursue.
4.2/5
Vintage Keyboard Sound Engine with six incredibly detailed vintage keyboard types
Built-in speaker system lets you play any place, any time!
HQ mini keyboard (37-keys) allows fast, natural performance with premium feel and response
128-note polyphony ensures dropout-free performance
Five stomp box-style effects with direct control
$234
I put off purchasing this for a long time since I wanted an electric piano similar to a Wurli or Rhodes but lacked the space for one and the money to acquire one at an expensive auction. I had considered switching to an all-DAW setup (Arturia and NI have excellent emulations in addition to Logic X), as well as purchasing a higher-end electric piano, but size is a major concern for me as I only have a home studio that is limited to a small space in my apartment.This keyboard is a real object that fits in my area and offers the tones I sought. The physical factor here makes things portable enough so that I can sit away from my studio (say, on my couch) and jam out, even if I know I can get the tones I wanted in my DAW. I intend to bring this to work and use it for entertainment when I need a break. It was simple to incorporate into the mix and, without any help from the mixer or DAW, it sort of cuts through the mix right out of the box.How good the speakers are was a pleasant surprise to me. I really expected I'd need headphones after hearing the boutique speakers from Volcas and Roland; the speaker quality is an added benefit for the player. However, the speakers work well for piano playing when sofa surfing. However, it includes adjustable routing for i/o that makes it easy to adapt for the location you're playing in. I believe it would be difficult to hear them if you had a gig with other musicians and it would be difficult to hear if the person was in the rear of a room.The effects in the stomp-box style are good, but I feel like the drive might be a little bit more crispy. I can only hear the wah properly in the Clav mode. The tremolo was excellent; it somewhat gave me control over the attack. I rather prefer the phaser despite the rich chorus. Both delays were longer than anticipated. Although the reverb adds richness, don't expect the reverb to be perfect. For a really deep sheen, I'll probably add a reverb pedal at the end of this.Although the CP has nice high and bass tones, I would maintain the tone setting more in the middle, where it really sings. In my "sea" of drum and groove boxes, analog and digital synths. Like any micro keyboard, the keys are tiny and function as a midi controller. However, the minijack midi also has a splitter, allowing you to connect your preferred midi controller if you have short fingers or poor muscle memory that makes using this difficult.Overall, I'd leave it alone. That is what prompted me to purchase it; right out of the box, without any modifications made, it is an excellent electronic piano.
4.2/5
USB 2.0 bus powered
8 touch-sensitive control knobs
Informative OLED display for at-a-glance navigation
Semi-weighted custom NI keybed
Smart, streamlined keyboard controller for all your virtual instruments and effects
$234
I spent a lot of time searching online for reviews of the Komplete A25, and as it's a beginner- or mobile-level NI keyboard, many of them focused on the fundamentals like the build quality and click sound of the buttons.The degree to which this midi keyboard integrates with Maschine MK3 and the Maschine software shocked me the most. Owning this gadget with the MK3 is a completely different degree of integration than I had anticipated or seen in the numerous reviews regarding the SW compatibility. I can use the keyboard to operate the MK3 screens for exploring, choosing plugins, and modifying sounds. On one, pressing record or play will activate the same feature on the other, and so forth.In conclusion, purchasing a Native Instruments keyboard will significantly improve interoperability and your ability to operate many devices from any hardware if you already own a Maschine MK3 or a similar device.I'm really glad I purchased this one!
3.8/5
This unique handheld synthesizer/drum machine from Dubreq, creators of the original classic Stylophone, combines retro styling with new sound technology
For ages 7+ Dimensions: (approx.) 15.5cm(W) x 10cm(D) x 4cm(H). Requires 3 x AA batteries (not included)
Includes three unique sound modes: Beatbox, Percussion and Bass and new scratch function. Tuning knobs and Tempo Adjust Control produce endless possibilities
Features Volume Control, Headphone Jack and MP3 input which enables you play your newly created tasty beats along to your own personal music library
Record Loop and Playback function enables you to mix your sounds, record them and play them over your beats creating layered tracks
$234
amazing beatbox. Unfortunately, despite the fact that this equipment is purportedly checked before being shipped out, mine arrived with debris on the metal keys. Stylus length is decent, though occasionally feels constricting. I have to tamper with it occasionally since it won't stay in. But this is a fantastic purchase. has lovely examples. jams quickly and easily for fun. It works best when partnered with the original stylophone if you want something a little more traditional. One of the best features of this device is the ability to loop it, which is useful for layering beats. A newbie or someone who wishes to concentrate solely on their melodies and beats without the trouble of effects will find it to be incredibly easy to use due to its straightforward design.
No, you don't need a speaker for a synthesizer. Synthesizers can be used without speakers, using headphones or other output devices.
A synthesizer is an electronic musical instrument that generates audio signals that produce sounds. Synthesizers may imitate traditional musical instruments such as piano, flute, vocals, or natural sounds such as ocean waves; or generate new electronic timbres. They are often played with a musical keyboard, but they can be controlled via a variety of other input devices, including music sequencers, instrument controllers, fingerboards, guitar synthesizers, wind controllers, and electronic drums.
No, it is not hard to learn a synthesizer. In fact, once you understand the basics of synthesis, you will find that they are quite easy to use. There are a wide variety of sounds that you can create with a synthesizer, so it is really up to your imagination as to what you can create. The only limit is your own creativity.
There is no simple answer to the question of whether you should get a workstation or a synthesizer. It depends on your needs and preferences as a musician. If you need a lot of different sounds and want to be able to create complex arrangements, then a workstation is probably a better choice. If you're mostly interested in playing around with sounds and creating new and interesting timbres, then a synthesizer might be a better option. Ultimately, the best advice is to try out both types of instruments and see which one feels more natural to you.
There are many instruments that you can learn to play, and the keyboard is just one of them. If you want to learn to play the keyboard, you don't necessarily need to learn to play the synth first. However, learning to play the keyboard can give you a better understanding of how to play the synth. If you're interested in learning to play the keyboard, there are many resources available to help you, including online lessons, books, and DVDs.
There are many benefits to using a workstation. They can help you stay organized and be more productive. They can also help you stay healthy and fit.
COPYRIGHT © 2019
