Despite the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, synthesizer manufacturers are churning out some magnificent instruments with a good pallet of sonic inspirations. This Buying Guide features 2021’s best offerings. From the highest of the road to the essential budget, you'll find something for everybody.
Arturia
Arturia turned some heads years ago with its release of the classic MatrixBrute. This year, the corporate upped the ante with PolyBrute Analog Morphing Matrix Synthesizer, a six-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer with powerful morphing capabilities and multi-axis performance controls for next-generation musical expression. Its morph function allows a sound to exist in two states (A and B) within one preset, with seamless morphing between them. The Morphee three-dimensional performance touchpad can manipulate any facet of PolyBrute's sound, from delicate morphing to extreme dynamic shifts across the X, Y, and Z-axis in a moment. Buying Guide
Arturia has also released the MicroFreak Vocoder, which updates the first, cutting-edge, experimental hybrid analog/digital MicroFreak synthesizer with a 16-band vocoder and a detachable gooseneck microphone. Additionally, owners of the first MicroFreak can upgrade the firmware to incorporate the vocoder mode for free of charge and buy the gooseneck mic separately.
Elektron
In early 2020, Elektron released the Model: Cycles, a reasonable, compact, and light-weight six-track FM-based groovebox. The instrument is meant as a companion to the Model: Sample, a similar-sized sample-based groove box. The Model: Cycles offers plenty of professionally-designed percussive and melodic synth tones, all of which are easily sculpted using the twelve controls on the front panel. Like all other performance machines by Elektron, the Model: Cycles offers parameter locks, which permit any sound-shaping function to be sequenced to any point on the sequencer leading to powerful effects that are accurately timed. Buying Guide
Korg
Korg features a history of creating great synthesizers and its 2021 offerings don't disappoint. the newest offering, the Optix Altered FM Synthesizer, features a real six-operator sound generator with a diversity of waveforms and operator modes that goes far beyond the realm of ordinary FM. The Optix offers the editing simplicity of analog synthesis to regulate the facility of the FM engine.