Best Synthesizer

Introduced by the Roland Corporation in 1982, the Roland Juno-60 is a six-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer. The instrument utilizes digitally controlled oscillators paired with an analog signal path, creating a characteristically warm musical tone. It is notably equipped with a built-in stereo ch...

The Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 Owner's Manual documents the operation of the Prophet-5, a polyphonic analog synthesizer introduced by Sequential Circuits in 1978. The instrument was among the first commercially successful synthesizers to combine microprocessor-controlled patch memory with a five-...

The Moog Minimoog Model D Owner's Manual documents the monophonic analog synthesizer first produced by Moog Music in 1970, considered the most influential synthesizer ever made and credited with bringing synthesis into live performance.

The Roland Jupiter-8 Owner's Manual covers the eight-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer introduced by Roland in 1981, widely regarded as one of the finest and most sought-after synthesizers of the analog era.

The Roland TB-303 Bass Line Owner's Manual documents the analog bass synthesizer released by Roland in 1981 that became a defining instrument of acid house music after being repurposed by Chicago DJs in the late 1980s.

The Yamaha DX7 Owner's Manual covers the FM-synthesis digital synthesizer released in 1983 that became the best-selling synthesizer in history, with over 200,000 units sold and a defining sound of 1980s pop music.

The ARP 2600 Operator's Manual covers the semi-modular analog synthesizer produced by ARP Instruments from 1971 to 1981, widely used in film scoring and music education due to its patch-panel versatility and built-in speakers.

Introduced in 1969 by Electronic Music Studios in London, the EMS VCS3 is a portable analog synthesizer. It distinguishes itself from other early synthesizers through its compact, wooden casing and a unique patch board that uses a matrix of pins to route control voltages, rather than standard patch...

The Oberheim OB-Xa User's Guide covers the eight-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer produced by Oberheim Electronics from 1980 to 1983, famously used by Van Halen, Prince, and a wide range of 1980s recording artists.

The Roland D-50 is a digital synthesizer introduced in 1987 that became known for its innovative Linear Arithmetic (LA) synthesis system. This technology combined short sampled attacks with synthesized sustained tones, allowing musicians to create complex sounds with relatively limited memory. The D...

The Moog Minimoog is a self-contained analog synthesizer introduced in 1970. Its compact design combined a keyboard with oscillators, filters, and amplifiers, enabling musicians to create rich electronic sounds directly on stage or in the studio. This instrument’s portability and powerful sound made...

Introduced in the United States in 1971 by ARP Instruments, the ARP 2600 is a semi-modular analog synthesizer distinguished by its self-contained, portable design. Unlike early modular synthesizers that required extensive manual patching, it featured internal routing that allowed it to produce sound...

The Roland TB-303 is a vintage analog synthesizer created by Roland in 1981. Initially marketed as a bass sequencer, it gained immense significance through its use in developing acid house music. Its distinctive squelching sound, produced by the device’s simple waveform generator and filter modulati...

The Korg MS-20 Owner's Manual documents the semi-modular monophonic analog synthesizer released by Korg in 1978, notable for its patch-bay system and aggressive filter character, later reissued in 2013.

The Yamaha DX7 was a groundbreaking digital synthesizer produced from 1983 to 1989. It utilized Frequency Modulation (FM) synthesis, a technology that allowed for incredibly complex and realistic-sounding tones previously unattainable with traditional analog synths. Its distinctive sound became huge...

The Clavia Nord Lead, introduced in 1995 by Swedish manufacturer Clavia, was a groundbreaking virtual analog synthesizer that used digital signal processing to emulate the sound of analog synthesizers. Housed in a distinctive red chassis, it offered musicians the warmth and character of vintage anal...

The Synclavier is an early digital synthesizer and sampler developed by Jon Appleton, Cameron Jones, and Sydney Alonso at Dartmouth College. Marketed by New England Digital starting in the late 1970s, it was one of the first instruments to integrate FM synthesis and digital sampling into a single wo...

The PPG Wave 2.2 is a hybrid polyphonic synthesizer developed in Germany by Palm Products GmbH (PPG) and released in the early 1980s. It is historically significant for combining digital wavetable synthesis technology with analog filters, allowing for the creation of complex, evolving tones that wer...

Robert Moog developed pioneering electronic musical instruments beginning in the mid-20th century. His innovations centered on synthesizers utilizing voltage control—a transformative approach to sound creation. These instruments enabled musicians and composers to generate complex tones and textures...

The Moog Minimoog Model D is a classic monophonic analog synthesizer created by Robert Moog in 1970. It’s notable for being one of the first synthesizers readily available to musicians outside professional studios and profoundly influenced genres like rock, funk, and electronic music. The instrument...

Introduced by Moog Music in 1976, the Taurus is an analog monophonic bass pedal synthesizer played with the feet via a 13-note pedalboard. Its deep, resonant low-end became closely associated with 1970s progressive rock, with prominent users including Chris Squire of Yes, Geddy Lee of Rush, and Mike...

The Korg M1 was released in 1988 as a highly influential digital workstation synthesizer. Its notable feature is the exceptional realism achieved with its sampled acoustic instrument sounds and advanced sequencing capabilities. The M1’s popularity led it to become the best-selling keyboard of all ti...

The Buchla 200e is a modular electronic instrument system developed as a modern continuation of Don Buchla's synthesizer designs. Its modules support functions such as complex waveform generation, filtering, modulation, sequencing, spatial control, and preset management. The system follows the West...

The Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 is a landmark analog polyphonic synthesizer released in 1978. It’s notable as the first synthesizer to offer full programmability and store up to forty different patch configurations. This instrument established key design principles for subsequent polysynths. Music...

Introduced in Germany in 1989, the Waldorf Microwave is a two-space rackmounted digital synthesizer that revived wavetable synthesis, continuing the technological legacy of the PPG Wave series. It operates by reading through sequentially stored single-cycle waveforms to generate complex, evolving to...

The Amiga holds a legendary status for its groundbreaking multimedia capabilities in the 1980s. It was a pioneer in graphics and sound, inspiring entire generations of developers. Its cult appeal persists among those who appreciate its unique architecture and the rich, experimental software that def...

The Roland Jupiter-8 is a significant analog synthesizer released in 1981. Its eight voices offered rich, complex soundscapes, notable for its extensive modulation options including multiple filters and LFOs. This instrument became central to the creation of iconic synth-pop music during the 1980s a...

The Roland JP-8000 is a 49-key virtual analog synthesizer released by Roland in 1996, using digital signal processing to emulate the sound of analog subtractive synthesis. Its most distinctive feature is the built-in Supersaw waveform, a detuned multi-oscillator sound that became closely associated...

Introduced in Japan in 1990, the Korg Wavestation is a digital synthesizer renowned for its advanced vector synthesis and wave sequencing capabilities. It was developed following Korg's acquisition of Sequential Circuits, incorporating the vector joystick technology first popularized by the Sequenti...