Choosing Your First Synth

Synths are everywhere! There are too many to choose from!! How could you possibly know which one is right for you?!!!

Have no fear. We’re here to break it down for you. While there are infinite features and differences between synths, it’s best to start with two simple questions:

  1. Do I want a physical synth or a virtual one?
  2. What type of synthesis should I use?

Below we’ll explore those two questions and then make several recommendations. Let’s get started!

Question 1: Hardware or Software?

You can have a real, physical, hardware synth sitting in three-dimensional space right in front of you OR a virtual software synth (aka soft synth) in your computer. So what are the benefits of each choice?

Hardware

  • Why: You want the physical thing in front of you and/or an analog sound
  • The hands-on experience of turning knobs and flipping switches is preferred by some as a more visceral and enjoyable sound design process.
  • Some are “analog” which can create a more deep, lush, warm and powerful sound.

Software

  • Why: You want something affordable that takes up no real space and/or has deep sound design options and capabilities
  • While some are very simple, others can be very complex with more features than a typical hardware synth
  • Some have great animated visual feedback which aids in the learning process
  • Take up no space in your studio/bedroom/office
  • Usually cost significantly less than hardware (some are even free)

Question 2: What Type of Synthesis?

There are many types of synthesis, but for your first synth you should go with either Subtractive or Wavetable. They’re both very common, and both follow the same sound design methodology: Pick a raw sound to start with, and then use the plethora of controls to shape that raw sound into something cool.

So how do they differ? Simply put, Wavetable synths can do everything a Subtractive synth can, and more. Think of Wavetable as Subtractive on steroids. So then why would you choose Subtractive? Let’s dive a little deeper.

Subtractive

  • Why: You want simplicity and/or analog.
  • Relative simplicity makes it easier to learn.
  • If you choose an analog hardware synth then you have to go with Subtractive, as Wavetable synthesis is a digital process.

Software

  • Why: You want a full breadth of sound design capabilities with plenty of room to grow.
  • Way more sonic options and complexity, including groups of waveforms known as wavetables that can morph into each other.

Still Not Sure?

If you looked at Questions 1 and 2 above, and can’t make up your mind, start with a Subtractive Software synth. They’re simple and therefore easier to learn, and you won’t have to fork out a ton of cash up front. Then, down the road you’ll start to get a sense for what you want, and can invest your money in exactly what you need/want. 

Recommendations

Answering the questions above will narrow down your choices. And yet, in our modern world of a million synths, you’ll still have many synths to choose from. So, here are our official recommendations:

Software + Subtractive

1. Primer

  • A great starter synth, built for the award-winning synthesizer training course Syntorial
  • Has the essential synth controls that you see in most synths, making it easy to move to something more advanced when you’re ready.
  • Included free with Syntorial.
  • Full disclosure: We make Primer and Syntorial, so perhaps we’re a bit biased (even though it really is a great synth). So let us also suggest a synth that we didn’t make…

2. TAL-NoiseMaker

  • A great synth with a solid set of essential controls.
  • Free!

Software + Wavetable

Serum

  • A go-to favorite for Wavetable enthusiasts.
  • Has deep capability and tons of features, yet still feels user friendly and not overwhelming.
  • Syntorial includes an exhaustingly in-depth Lesson Pack that covers every inch of Serum.
  • However, creeping up behind this long reigning king of Wavetables is…

Vital

  • Fully capable like Serum, but with multiple price tiers, including one that’s FREE.
  • Gorgeous interface covered in animated visual feedback.

Hardware + Subtractive

Korg Minilogue xD

  • Real analog with a beautiful sound
  • Polyphonic (can play multiple notes at the same time) yet still relatively affordable (polyphonic analog synths are usually pricey)
  • While it is primarily a subtractive synth, the third oscillator can be configured for Wavetable or FM synthesis, and is expandable into even more options. So there’s room to grow.

Hardware + Wavetable

Korg Modwave

  • Plenty of wavetable complexity, but still user friendly.
  • One of the few complaints it gets is that the keyboard feels cheap. So try it out if you can and if you don’t like how it feels…

Hydrasynth

  • Deep sonic capabilities to get enjoyable lost in.
  • Several models at different price points.
  • A substantial number of features require menu-diving, which can make it a bit tougher to learn on, though it’s menu structure is more intuitive than others.

Conclusion

Now this article was meant to be concise. Nonetheless, your brain may feel a bit clogged with info at the moment. So allow us to tidy it up a bit with a very simplified two-statement summary:

  • If you want to touch a physical synth, and have room in your budget, go hardware. Otherwise go software.
  • If you want to keep things simple, go Subtractive. If you want some complexity with room to grow, go Wavetable.

And of course, above all, enjoy yourself!