Rating of the best synthesizer manufacturers for 2024

Synthesizers and digital pianos have become familiar instruments in the world of music.

Models of synthesizers differ in the number of functions, keys, sound and electronic systems, sets of additional functions. Choices range from lightweight, portable, simplified kid-friendly options to broadly professional, high-quality, high-end synthesizers.

How to choose the right synthesizer: selection criteria

As a worthy alternative to keyboard instruments for creativity, learning and composing, the synthesizer comes first.

Most of the work in synthesizer production is devoted to key construction.

Keys

Hammer three-sensory mechanics

The three-touch mechanism underlies the design of the full-size keys, copied in the digital system with the number 88. The triune sensor responds to three positions:

1. pressing;
2. gradual release of pressure;
3. full release.

For a synthesizer, the triune hammer system is rarely used.

The 88-key keyboard is preferred by music students and professional musicians.

Weighted keys

These keys are the most "responsive" to pressure. According to the hardness parameter, the keyboard also differs in classes:

1. not weighted;
2. semi-weighted.

For economy class, semi-weighted key type devices using shock absorbers and springs are preferred. Economy class instruments are not intended for concert and stage activities, an unweighted keyboard does not allow you to extract a deep sound, separate playing techniques are impossible.

Ease of keys

The synthesizer has the lightest keys compared to a digital piano, which is designed to sound as close as possible to an acoustic instrument. Keys have less pressure-dependent sound.

MIDI

This type of tools is brought into working condition by connecting to a stationary computer or laptop. The main performers on the device are musicians and composers.

Especially popular are MIDI systems in home studios, such an instrument is much cheaper than its "stand-alone" counterparts.

The advantages of the type are the high quality and design advantages of the keys, as a result of freeing up resources of the absence of an acoustic system.

Sequencer

The presence of an application program for recording or editing any parametric characteristics of the sound is realized using a sequencer. This is not about analog, digital sound, but about a MIDI device and its messages. In this case, we can talk about dynamic nuances and switching patches.

There are the following types of sequencers:

1. analog;
2. hardware;
3. program.

In order to decide which synthesizer is better to buy, one should determine the level of professionalism of the musician, the expected tasks intended to solve the instrument and the cost.

Top synthesizer manufacturers

KORG

The legendary synthesizer manufacturer, whose origins were the accordionist, club owner and engineer, began producing synthesizers in the 70s. They went from organ to effects processors. The brand went through a merger, a partnership, the purchase of British Vox and the buyout of its own controlling interest from Yamaha.

KORG micro KORG XL

The synthesizer with small keys and pressure sensitivity is lightweight and easy to transport, and is recognized as a popular model.

KORG micro KORG XL
Indicators	Value
Keys, pcs.	37
Timbre, set, pcs.	128
Polyphony	8
Auto accompaniment, styles	-
Headphones out	1
Weight, kg	2

• multi timbre function;
• with arpeggiator, vocoder;
• the presence of reverberation;
• the ability to record songs;
• the presence of a headphone output.

• without a metronome.

KORG Pa1000

This synthesizer with built-in acoustics has a beautiful design and compact shape.

KORG Ra 1000
Indicators	Value
Keys, pcs.	61
Songs, recording, tracks	16
Polyphony	128
Auto accompaniment, styles	430
Headphones out	1
Weight, kg	10.75

• with memory card support;
• with a touch screen;
• with pedal connection;
• with high sound quality;
• suitable for professional arrangements;
• recommended for studio recordings and live performances.

• not.

Casio Music

In the first 1946 post-war year, the idea of ​​the four Kashio brothers to develop musical electronic, digital technologies was realized. The first musical instruments for amateurs were soon created. Combining modern digital technology and classic styles, the company has achieved a high level of acceptance and popularity among customers. However, the principle of brand development is continuous improvement. Sound quality and acoustics are changing in line with the trends of the digital era. The Casio Music staff are constantly on the pulse of musical ideas and innovative implementations, continuing to grow in tune with musicians of the 21st century.

Casiotone

The production of synthesizers in the Casiotone line began in 1980.

Clean sound, accessibility for playing all categories of musicians - from beginners to adult masters made the model popular.

CT-S 300

Stylish instrument design and a variety of functions - from training to track creation, allowed the model to become very popular. Mobility, power supply via an adapter or from batteries, the ability to connect to a PC are the indisputable advantages of the model.

CT-S 300
Indicators	Value
Keys, pcs.	61
Accompaniment, styles, settings, synchronicity	77
Speakers, cm	(13 + 6) * 2 channels
Gain, W	2,5 + 2,5
Preset songs	60
Weight, kg.	3.3

• the possibility of training on one hand - right or left, as well as on both;
• connected tablet / mobile game;
• instant setup function;
• dance music creation mode;
• recording device with available MIDI format;
• the function of saving personal settings and the button to start them;
• 400 preset tones;
• the ability to connect a pedal to a special connector;
• the presence of an adapter and music stand included;
• 2 positions of touch sensitivity with the possibility of switching off;
• updated acoustic decay associated with the force of pressure on the keys;
• transmission of a spectrum of small shades with a gradual release of pressure on the key;
• synthetic glossy key cover;
• add-on functions with audio effects;
• without belonging to genres;
• automatic accompaniment with connection of the ending, intro and insert, variation;
• availability of a metronome for home rehearsals;
• Recommended for entry level musicians.

• not found.

Yamaha

A world famous Japanese company with a history dating back to 1887, with its own philosophy of inspiration, aimed at the result of admiration for the result, and a call for sincerity, initiative, striving for more, bringing to the end what has been started.

Yamaha guarantees the quality of its products, obtained through improvement, the introduction of innovative technologies.

The company has over 7 dozen representative offices around the world, as well as subsidiaries.

Yamaha's priorities are expansion of the research base and growth of production, long-term prospects and high quality of goods, globalization by increasing the range of products.

MONTAGE lineup

MONTAGE 8

Dynamic controls allow musicians to produce a wide range of sounds - from quiet and calm to bright, loud.

The knob allows you to make the acoustics spatial, and the transducer allows you to set a control tempo for the audio sound.

MONTAGE8
Indicators	Value
Keys, pcs.	88
Generator, elements / algorithms	8/88
Preset	2707
Filters, type	18
Power consumption, W	27
Weight, kg.	3.3
Notes	130000
Sheet music storage	520000

• 7-inch color display, sensor type, VGA;
• balanced hammer action;
• rebuilt according to the reaction to the force of the blow and the pressure;
• tone, gain and volume controls;
• 128 built-in concert sets;
• functions of recording and rewriting in real time, the ability to rewrite;
• over 10,000 built-in parts for 8 synchronous;
• intended for concert accompaniments, for professionals.

• not found.

DENN

The Chinese company entered the Russian market in 2005. Gradually, consumers, noting the high price-quality ratio, began to give preference to DENN products. The brand positions itself in the lower and middle price segments. Since 2015, the trading range has been replenished with new categories, including synthesizers. The company's professionals are constantly increasing their share of sales in the world market.

DENN 161 mini

Children's musical instrument of synthesizer type with unbalanced keyboard stiffness and small-sized keys.

DENN 161 mini
Indicators	Value
Keys, pcs.	61
Timbre, set, pcs.	16
Polyphony	4
Auto accompaniment, styles	10
Preset songs	10
Nutrition	batteries + battery

• internal speaker system;
• the presence of a display;
• the ability to record songs;
• there is a microphone input;
• suitable for beginner musicians;
• good price-to-feature ratio.

• no built-in metronome;
• no USB type A interface;
• without hammer mechanism;
• lack of pedals;
• the microphone is missing.

MEDELI

A Chinese company from the southeast of the country - Hong Kong entered the market with the first synthesizer at the end of 1983. The high quality of the digital processor - the heart of a musical instrument - has been marked by universal certification. Competent managers and specialists in the implementation of the latest technologies have brought MEDELI to the forefront of leading companies in the digital music industry.

MEDELI М361

The top model has 128 voices polyphony, the preset tones sound powerful and without noise. Melodies played on different instruments can be superimposed on the main sound, or sound in unison.

MEDELI М361
Indicators	Value
Keys, pcs.	61
Timbre, set, pcs.	653
Polyphony	128
Auto accompaniment, styles	240
Preset songs	10
Memory, options, quantity	10
Own settings, memory, quantity	48
Keys, sensitivity level	5
Weight, kg	5.2

• the memory is designed to store 10 interpretations;
• an additional function of accompanying melodies with a virtual guitar or keyboard part is provided through the Performance Assistant;
• the ability to transfer data to a computer;
• microphone input;
• inline styles;
• backlit display and program wheel;
• the presence of reverb and vocoder;
• pleasant cover of the keys;
• with high touch sensitivity;
• training programs;
• full-size keys.

• without hammer mechanism;
• weak guitar tone;
• the presence of noise in the dynamics at the extreme positions of the keys.

TESLER

The Russian manufacturer of audio and video equipment, including synthesizers, has been present on the musical instrument market since 2014.

The company has achieved a high quality of its goods and successfully competes in prices with world manufacturers.

TESLER KB 6180

The popular model with tutorial and key sensitivity is affordable.

TESLER KB 6180
Indicators	Value
Keys, pcs.	61
Timbre, set, pcs.	653
Polyphony	16
Auto accompaniment, styles	128
Headphones out	1
Weight, kg	4.25

• Russian-language musical instrument;
• full-size keys;
• built-in acoustics;
• the presence of a display;
• with recording function;
• complete with music stand, power adapter.

• no hammer action.

Arturia

The brand is the flagship of the analog range of synthesizers with software emulations. French sound engineers and experts have achieved first-class imitations of analog devices that have been used by producers and musicians throughout the music world for many years.

Arturia matrix brute

The presence of a modular matrix with wide possibilities for Sound designers has become an indisputable advantage of the synthesizer.

Arturia matrix brute
Indicators	Value
Keys, pcs.	49
Effects, pcs.	5
Polyphony	128
Controller	2 (modulation, pitch)
Linear output	1

• convenient control;
• the presence of three oscillators;
• several modes on two filters;
• backlit display;
• the presence of an arpeggiator;
• reverberation function;
• with line-out;
• analog effects;
• high switching component;
• built-in sequestration.

• without auto accompaniment;
• lack of a built-in speaker system.

Akai

Japanese manufacturer Electric Company Ltd is one of the leading companies in the global audio and consumer electronics market.

The musical technique and instruments are of renowned Japanese quality. Founded in 1929 and bankrupt on the eve of 2004, the firm sold the Grande Group of Hong Kong trademark. Licensed by the Grande Group, it sells the trademark rights to manufacturers of electronic instruments.

Akai MPK Mini Play

The synthesizer with built-in acoustics and a compact body has an interface for connecting to a personal computer.

Akai MPK Mini Play
Indicators	Value
Keys, pcs.	25
Tones, pcs.	138
output, d / headphone	+
built-in acoustics	+
Weight, kg	0.73

• type B interface;
• compact body shape;
• small sized keys;
• with touch sensitivity;
• with unweighted stiffness.

• without training programs.

Roland Corporation

The Japanese manufacturer of electronic musical instruments and software began operations in 1972. The company owns factories in 4 countries.

Roland FA-06

The synthesizer belongs to the new FA series with extended functionality and versatility.

Roland FA-06
Indicators	Value
Keys, pcs.	61
Polyphonic component	128
Display	+
Multimembral tones, number	16
Weight, kg	5.7

• expressiveness of effects;
• control controllers;
• launch function;
• the ability to create concept tracks;
• suitable for stage activities;
• sequestration allows for autonomous work;
• fast loading;
• the ability to write to the card;
• function of loading an additional bank of sounds;
• high price-quality ratio.

• without built-in speaker system.

On the sites, you can watch videos that show the advantages of sounding and control of synthesizers of a particular model. The ability to order online and get a synthesizer at home has become an everyday reality.

The musical instrument industry offers the contemporary a large selection of synthesizers - from children's, lightweight and inexpensive, to high-quality, programmable analog systems. The time has come for total music-making, the good manners of the Middle Ages, when music was taught in every family, are returning.