The formula was fiendishly simple: various flavours of proper synth (and drum) circuitry in the same cheap-and-cheerful form factor, usually analogue, and always with a built-in sequencer. Sure, there have been compact synths on the market for years – maybe even as far back as the 1971 EMS Synthi, depending on your definition of ‘compact’ – but the Japanese brand’s affordable range of mini instruments changed the game when they were released in 2013.
#Bass microsynth mod series#
If we had to pick one product range which has had the biggest impact on the music tech scene over the last decade, the Korg Volca series would be a strong contender. The Pocket Operators prove best of all that synths can be small, cheap and fun but still sound serious. But as with all Teenage Engineering products, the fun is backed up by truly excellent sound quality and genuine usability. The smallest synths of all on our list are the Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators, which lean in heaviest of all to the ‘toy’ concept with their video game-inspired concepts and tongue-in-cheek graphics.
#Bass microsynth mod professional#
Battery operation and built-in speakers might give the impression that these aren’t professional musical tools, but their sound disproves that misconception. Despite their size and appearance, you shouldn’t underestimate instruments like the Korg Volca series. In recent years, brand such as Korg and Teenage Engineering have introduced synths so compact and affordable that they blur the lines between real musical instruments and toys. Synths like the Make Noise 0-Coast and Moog Mother-32 are as good to play as any large-format synth, while the Arturia MicroFreak puts a clever spin on compact keyboards with its unique touch-sensitive design. The best synth designers work around those constraints, ensuring that controls remain ergonomic and expressive despite the reduced front panel space. There’s an unavoidable compromise in terms of hands-on control when smaller synths are designed: you simply can’t fit the same number of knobs, switches and faders into a smaller space without cramming them closer together or making them smaller. There is one potential issue which is worth bearing in mind when looking at smaller synths. Perhaps the biggest benefit of all is the most obvious: smaller synths take up less space, meaning that you can fit them into even the most cramped studio.
#Bass microsynth mod portable#
Many of the synths on our list are truly portable – some even running on batteries – meaning you can make music on the go or transport them easily for live performances or collaborating with friends. Just because it’s small doesn’t mean it’s any less powerful, but there are other benefits. In much the same way as smartphones or laptops continually get more compact and powerful, the development of new circuit technology, means you can now fit huge synth power into a tiny format. There’s a certain logic to the idea that you can fit more features into a bigger instrument, but things have changed. As recently as the early 2000s, it was widely accepted in electronic music circles that bigger was better: the larger the synth, the more it could do. What to look for Why choose a small synth?īack in the day, size mattered. In no particular order, here are our favourites… Contents In this category you’ll find everything from simple analogue instruments to complex semi-modular designs, via weirdo digital hybrids and unassuming modules that punch way above their weight. We’ve rounded up ten of our favourite miniature options, from budget Korg analogue through to compact-but-mighty instruments from the likes of Moog and Teenage Engineering. Some might look like toys, but even the smallest box can pack a mighty punch. Small synths don’t necessarily have to be basic. We pick ten of the best compact synthesisers on the market, including digital and analogue options from Korg, Moog and more.
0 kommentar(er)
