Best Synth

The Expressive E Osmose 49 is a 49-key MIDI keyboard focused on nuanced musical expression. Its notable feature is polyphonic aftertouch, allowing for dynamic control of multiple sounds simultaneously. This makes it ideal for synthesists and producers seeking precise modulation and performance capab...

The "Blade Runner" soundtrack was composed by Greek electronic musician Vangelis for Ridley Scott's 1982 science fiction film. The score relies heavily on the Yamaha CS-80 synthesizer alongside acoustic elements and vocal samples to create a dystopian and atmospheric sound. Although the music was pr...

Released in 1974, 'Phaedra' is a landmark electronic album by the German group Tangerine Dream and a defining release of the Berlin School of electronic music. It was among the first major albums issued on Virgin Records and notably features the use of Moog synthesizers and sequencers. The album's t...

'Oxygène' is a 1976 electronic album by French musician Jean-Michel Jarre, recorded in his home studio using synthesizers such as the EMS VCS 3 and the ARP 2600. The album is structured into six distinct movements and is noted for its melodic, atmospheric soundscapes. It achieved massive commercial...

Released in 1974, 'Autobahn' is the fourth studio album by the German electronic band Kraftwerk. The record's title track occupies the entire first side of the vinyl release, utilizing synthesizers, electronic percussion, and tape echoes to evoke the experience of traveling on the German motorway. T...

The Model D is arguably the most iconic monophonic synth sound of the last 50 years. Its filter sweep is legendary, capable of producing soaring, emotional leads that defined genres from progressive rock to early electronic music. While older units require careful maintenance, its pure, aggressive f...

"Power, Corruption and Lies" is the second studio album by the English rock band New Order, released in 1983 by Factory Records. The album marks a significant stylistic transition for the band, combining traditional post-punk instrumentation with early synthesizer technology and sequenced electronic...

Xfer Serum remains the industry standard for wavetable synthesis, renowned for its pristine sound quality, visual clarity, and unparalleled flexibility. Its intuitive interface allows for intricate sound design, from aggressive basses to shimmering pads. The spectral editor provides precise control...

The Pleasure Principle is the third studio album by English electronic musician Gary Numan, released in 1979. Marking his first release under his own name after dropping the Tubeway Army moniker, the album is defined by its heavy reliance on analogue synthesizers, particularly the Minimoog, and the...

The Osmose 61 is a 61-key MIDI keyboard meticulously crafted for musicians seeking deep expressiveness. Its notable polyphonic aftertouch and Multi-Expression Pedal (MPE) capabilities provide unparalleled control over synthesizers and digital audio workstations. It’s ideal for producers, composers,...

Rubycon is the sixth studio album by the German electronic group Tangerine Dream, released in 1975 on Virgin Records. It consists of two long-form tracks built around Moog synthesizer sequences, Mellotron textures, and atmospheric improvisation. The album followed Phaedra (1974) and continued the gr...

"New Gold Dream (81–82–83–84)" is the fifth studio album by the Scottish rock band Simple Minds, released in September 1982. Produced by Peter Walsh, the record represents a pivotal stylistic shift, moving away from the band's earlier post-punk sound toward atmospheric synth-pop and new wave. It fea...

"Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!" is the 1978 debut studio album by the American rock band Devo, originating from Akron, Ohio. Produced by Brian Eno, the record introduces the band's satirical concept of "de-evolution," which posits that humanity is regressing rather than advancing. The music com...

The Novation Peak is a powerful polyphonic analog synthesizer that combines deep sound design with a modern workflow. It features a large, expressive interface and a robust engine capable of producing everything from lush pads to gritty basslines. Its unique 'Peak' architecture allows for complex mo...

Technique is the fifth studio album by the English band New Order, released in 1989. Recorded partly at Mediterranean Studios in Ibiza, it combines the group's post-punk guitar and bass sound with synthesizers, sequencers, and rhythms influenced by acid house and contemporary club music. The album i...

While not a dedicated piano, the Nord Stage 3 is a legendary live performance workstation. Its strength lies in its unparalleled sound engine breadth, making it perfect for musicians who need to sound like a piano one moment and a synthesizer the next. If your musical goals lean heavily into pop, ja...

Timewind is a 1975 electronic music album by German composer Klaus Schulze, released on the Brain label. It consists of two extended synthesizer tracks, 'Bayreuth Return' and 'Windy Times Forever,' structured as slowly evolving atmospheric soundscapes characteristic of the Berlin School of electroni...

Équinoxe is a 1978 electronic music album by French composer Jean-Michel Jarre. Serving as the conceptual follow-up to his successful 1976 album Oxygène, it continues his exploration of multi-movement synthesizer music. The album is structured as eight continuous pieces that chronicle the passage of...

Low-Life is the third studio album by the English rock band New Order, released in 1985. The record successfully consolidates the Manchester band's transition from their post-punk origins toward a hybrid sound incorporating synth-pop and electronic dance music. It features prominent use of synthesiz...

For the professional composer or sound designer, the Montage is less a piano and more a digital powerhouse. It offers unparalleled synthesis capabilities, allowing users to create sounds that mimic anything from a concert grand to complex industrial textures. Its key action is professional grade, bu...

Soul Mining is the official debut studio album by the British post-punk band the The, released in 1983. Driven primarily by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Matt Johnson, the album features notable contributions from musicians such as Jools Holland and Zeke Manyika. It blends new wave and synth-po...

"From Here to Eternity" is a studio album by Italian producer Giorgio Moroder, released in 1977 through Casablanca Records. It is widely recognized as a foundational electronic music record, utilizing synthesizers, sequencers, and drum machines to construct a purely electronic Eurodisco sound. The a...

"Mirage" is a double album by the German electronic music composer Klaus Schulze, released in 1977 on the Brain and Island Records labels. The record is a quintessential example of the Berlin School of electronic music, built around extended, evolving synthesizer compositions and atmospheric drones....

The Moog One represents the pinnacle of Moog's analog synthesizer design. Its five voice polyphony, extensive modulation options, and intuitive interface deliver unparalleled sonic richness and creative control. The deep, warm tones are instantly recognizable, and the build quality is exceptional. I...

The Arturia KeyStep 37 is a portable, analog keyboard controller designed for electronic musicians. It features 37 velocity-sensitive keys and an integrated arpeggiator alongside chord mode functionality. This compact device allows users to create melodies, rhythms, and harmonies directly from their...

Serum is arguably the most influential wavetable synthesizer of the last decade. Its deep, accessible, and highly flexible architecture allows users to sculpt virtually any sound imaginablefrom lush pads to aggressive leads. Its intuitive interface makes complex synthesis feel manageable, making it...

"Ricochet" is a live album by the German electronic music group Tangerine Dream, released in 1975 on Virgin Records. The album consists of two long compositions, "Ricochet (Part One)" and "Ricochet (Part Two)," recorded during the band's European tour in autumn 1974. The music features Tangerine Dre...

The Akai Force is a vintage modular electronic workstation notable for its powerful hands-on workflow. It combines an 8x8 grid sequencer with deep sampling capabilities and multiple analog synth engines. Primarily designed for experienced musicians and sound designers seeking a robust hardware produ...

The Novation X-Station 61 is a 61-key MIDI keyboard designed for musicians and producers seeking flexible control over synthesizers and audio interfaces. Its assignable rotary encoders and integrated effects processor allow for immediate sound shaping during live performances or detailed sequencing...