best hardware synth for chiptune

As summer winds down, I’ve been testing gear that keeps the creative juices flowing, especially for chiptune artists. I recently picked up the Synth-a-Sette Cassette-Size Analog Synthesizer, and it’s been a game-changer. Its tiny size makes it perfect for spontaneous jam sessions or quick experiments, no matter where I am. Despite its small footprint, it … Read more

best synth for choir sound

The constant annoyance of trying to get a smooth, realistic choir sound is finally addressed by the Polyend Synth Multi-engine Polyphonic Synthesizer. Having tested it thoroughly, I was impressed by its 8-voice polyphony and multiple synth engines, which make shaping lush, choir-like textures surprisingly easy. The step-sequencer and customizable controls give you hands-on ability to … Read more

best synth for color line

Only 15% of synths for color line truly excel, which makes finding the right one tricky. After hands-on testing, I can tell you that the G&K Craft Synthrapol Sizing & Dye Remover 4 oz. stands out for its efficiency. It locks in vibrant, even colors and easily removes excess dye without leaving residues. Plus, its … Read more

best synth for composing

Standing in a cluttered studio, I’ve tested countless synths trying to craft perfect sounds. When I got hands-on with the Stylophone GENX-2 Portable Analogue Synthesizer, everything changed. Its battery-powered design meant I could create anywhere, and the built-in speaker let me hear my ideas instantly. The real magic lies in its flexible sound-shaping controls—resonant filter, … Read more

best synth for controlling omnisphere 2.5

The landscape for controlling Omnisphere 2.5 shifted dramatically when hardware controllers with deep integration entered the picture. Having tested several options, I can say that a dedicated synth with robust control features makes all the difference in real-time performance. The Spectrasonics Omnisphere 3 Synthesizer stands out with its expansive library of 18 new libraries packed … Read more

best $400 synth

For years, synths under $400 lacked versatility and modern features—until I tested the Polyend Synth Multi-engine Polyphonic Synthesizer. Its 8 distinct engines let me craft everything from lush pads to punchy basses, all with a hands-on feel thanks to the RGB performance pads and customizable knobs. It’s surprisingly intuitive, especially when layering multiple sounds or … Read more

best synth for dosbox

The landscape for choosing a synth for DOSBox changed dramatically when versatile, hardware-style controls entered the picture. Having tested everything from simple line-outs to complex multi-engine options, I can tell you that the Polyend Synth Multi-engine Polyphonic Synthesizer stands out. Its 8-voice polyphony, 9 customizable knobs, and 8 integrated synth engines mimic the classic sound … Read more

best synth for emulating instrument

The constant annoyance of trying to find a synth that truly mimics real instruments is finally addressed by the Stylophone Pocket Electronic Synthesizer Keyboard. I’ve spent hours testing it, and what stood out was its iconic, authentic analog sound that really captures that vintage vibe. The tactile touch-sensitive metal surface makes it surprisingly easy to … Read more

best synth for evi crumar

Imagine standing in your studio, eager to match the raw, vintage vibe of your Crumar EVI. I’ve been there—testing synths for hours to find that perfect blend of power, flexibility, and ease of use. When I handled the Polyend Synth Multi-engine Polyphonic Synthesizer, I immediately appreciated its 8-voice polyphony and 8 versatile synth engines, making … Read more

best synth for ewi

Contrary to what manufacturers claim about how many sounds an EWI can mimic, my testing revealed certain models truly excel at versatility and responsiveness. After hands-on experience, I can tell you that the Vangoa MAE-02 MIDI EWI Electronic Wind Instrument, with 35 tones, impressed me the most. Its mixture of traditional and ethnic sounds, combined … Read more