Collection: Synthesizers 209 209 products

What a synthesizer does

A synthesizer builds sound from scratch instead of playing back a recording. An oscillator generates a raw waveform, a filter shapes its tone, an amplifier with an envelope shapes its volume over time, and modulation sources such as LFOs make it move. Every synth, from a pocket-sized box to a flagship polysynth, is a variation on that signal path.

Analog, digital or hybrid

Analog synths create and shape sound with electronic circuits; many players love their immediacy and the small imperfections that make every note slightly different. Digital synths calculate the sound, which makes wavetable, FM, granular and physical-modelling synthesis possible, usually with more voices and presets for the price. Hybrids combine digital oscillators with analog filters. There is no better or worse, only a sound and workflow that suits you.

Mono, para or poly

A monophonic synth plays one note at a time and is ideal for bass lines and leads. A paraphonic synth plays several notes through a shared filter. A polyphonic synth gives every note its own voice, which is what you need for chords and pads. Check the number of voices if you plan to play two-handed parts.

Keys or no keys

The same engine can come with a keyboard or as a compact desktop module. Keyboard synths are ready to play; desktop synths save space and money and are played from a MIDI keyboard, a sequencer or your DAW.