Looking for that extra something for your studio? Don’t want to spend your life’s savings? Try a mini synth for size.
While small, they offer lots of sound design options with plenty of variety out there.
We’ve compiled ten of the best mini synths to get you started. There’s something for everyone here.
Dubreq Stylophone S1
Dubreq’s Stylophone is basic, but don’t let that stop you. After all, it was good enough for Bowie and Kraftwerk. Why not you?
This latest version is based on the original ’60s version; perfect to add a retro twist to your music.
You control it with a stylus on a metal keyboard.
It’s a lot like writing, so you’ll be able to get beeping in no time.
There’s also a built-in speaker, octave control and a tuning dial.
And, while it’s basic, it’s nice to have an instrument you can pick up and play with next-to-no fiddling.
Shop Now | Dubreq Stylophone S1
Dubreq Stylophone Gen X-1
The Stylophone Gen X-1 is the beefier version of the S1. If you like the retro design and stylus control of the original, but want more controls – then this is for you.
The Gen X-1 introduces many of the basics of sound synthesis. You’ll find controls for envelope manipulation, modulation, delay, and filtering.
This mini synth is a fun way to experiment with analog sounds on a budget. The stylus has an extra use too – play the sound strip above the keyboard to slide and glide between notes.
Shop Now | Dubreq Stylophone Gen X-1
Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-1 Digital Synthesizer Kit
Want to build your own mini synth? Korg have you set. Their Nu:Tekt NTS-1 kit allows you to build a digital synthesizer yourself.
As well as being a fun DIY project, the NTS-1 has tons of synthesis and effects functionality.
Its digital oscillator has waveshaping capabilities, giving it a lot of character – even before processing. Plus, filters, an ADS envelope, and delay all give you the scope to shape sound your way.
The built-in arpeggiator is another cool feature – you can use it to make simple patterns without external gear.
You can also control it with outboard gear, or use it as an effects processer for outboard gear. So, despite being DIY and small, the Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-1 brings plenty of functionality to any studio.
Shop Now | Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-1 Digital Synthesizer Kit
Roland Aira Compact S-1 Tweak Synth
Get the classic Roland sound in a compact format with the Aira Compact S-1 Tweak Synth.
This polysynth is inspired by the SH-101 and features four-voice polyphony, as well as multiple voicing modes. It’s great if you want super full sounds ranging from massive basses to gliding leads.
It also has a 64-step sequencer so you can create cool songs from it. And as well as this you can play in a range of different modes including poly, mono, unison and chord.
One great component of the Compact S-1 is its advanced recording techniques like motion recording. And you can also use a ‘D-motion’ feature that will react to physical movements of the synth.
Shop Now | Roland Aira Compact S-1 Tweak Synth
Behringer TD-3-MO Modded Out Analogue Bass Line Synthesizer, Yellow
EDM and Acid fans rejoice! Behringer’s TD-3-MO is an affordable option for making those squelchy basslines we know and love.
It emulates the classic 303 sound. Featuring all-analog circuitry, oscillators that you can waveshape, a 4-pole low pass filter, and more – it’s never been simpler to capture that classic bass sound.
You’ll be making fat basslines right out the box, too. The 16-step sequencer allows you to create patterns for studio recording, or live on the dancefloor.
This is essential for any dance music producer, and can be integrated into any setup with ease. The USB and MIDI connectivity makes sure of this – why not pair it with a drum machine?
Plus, this new modded-out version has been redesigned with new circuitry and a new suboscillator. And it also has a MIDI controllable fefature. Awesome!
Shop Now | Behringer TD-3-MO Modded Out Analogue Bass Line Synthesizer, Yellow
Antiphon Orba 2
If you want pure fun in the palm of your hand, then the Antiphone Orba 2 is the mini synth for you.
And it’s not only a synth, it’s a MIDI controller and looper too.
One of the coolest things about the Orba 2 is its gestural control. Press, shake, tilt, and spin the Orba 2 and you’ll get a world of different sounds to play with, as well as different performance styles.
You can create songs on it up to a whopping 128 bars in length. So when you’re on the go you can just whip out your Orba 2, and then you’re never far from expressing yourself through music. Especially with the inbuilt speaker.
And you can use it as a MIDI controller too – great if you want to record an expressive synth line or really want to emulate a shaker as it would be played.
Shop Now | Antiphone Orba 2
Behringer Crave Synthesizer
Behringer often makes emulations of past synths, but the Crave semi-modular synthesizer is a unique invention.
This is not to say it doesn’t take inspiration from old synths. It has a ladder filter inspired by Moog and a VCO design inspired by the Prophet-5. But it takes these elements and makes something new.
The Crave allows you to create some powerful synth lines, and this is only bolstered by the patch-bay. This allows you to configure the signal flow, so you can design a sound that’s truly your own.
There’s an array of great modern features (such as MIDI and a built-in sequencer) so you’ll find it easy to integrate the Crave into your studio setup.
It’s a great entry point into modular synthesis, as you can connect it with Eurorack setups further down the line. And if you already have one, the Crave compliments it well.
Shop Now | Behringer Crave Synthesizer
Teenage Engineering PO-33 K.O!
A bit of fun is welcome in any studio. We all know how grumpy sound engineers can get.
Enter Teenage Engineering’s Pocket Operator series.
These synths look like calculators and come in a variety of genres and sounds.
They all have 16-step sequencers and can be synced to work together.
The one featured here – the PO-33 – is a built-in sampler with up to 40 seconds of sample time.
This includes eight slots for melodic samples and eight slots for drum samples- great for making quick ideas on the go.
Shop Now | Teenage Engineering PO-33 K.O! Sampler
Moog MAVIS Semi-Modular Analog Synth Kit
The Moog MAVIS Semi-Modular Analog Synth Kit is a dream for DIY enthusiasts and synth aficionados alike. It offers a hands-on approach to understanding the nuts and bolts of synthesizers, with an easy assembly process.
Once it’s all set up and ready to go, MAVIS becomes a compact powerhouse. Its semi-modular design, complete with a built-in keyboard and a 24-point patch bay, allows for a vast range of sound exploration and modulation.
The expressiveness of the keyboard controller is superb as it enables the creation of rich tones and complex sounds. By adjusting the KB scale knob, you can unlock new pitch relationships, whilst the voltage-controllable oscillator with PWM (the core of MAVIS), alongside waveform and mod source mixing capabilities lets you craft new sounds with dense harmonic content.
Moog’s iconic ladder filter is a highlight, offering the -24dB low-pass filter that’s been the backbone of countless classic sounds. Better still, one of the main features of the synth is the analog wavefolding circuit, a first for Moog. This circuit marries additive and subtractive synthesis, broadening your tonal palette significantly.
The utility section is just as impressive, equipped with attenuators, offsets, and a DC-coupled mixer for intricate waveform blending.
Shop Now | Moog MAVIS Semi-Modular Analog Synth Kit
Mini Synth Heaven
There are countless weird and wonderful mini-synths out there. And, if you hadn’t realised after reading this list, there’s something suited to any studio.
If you’re looking for something more advanced, be sure to check out our full range of synthesizers. Or, if the semi-modular offerings were more to your tastes, why not take a peek at our modular synth section?
Find Out More | How to Build a Home Studio
Find Out More | Recreating Blue Monday
0 Comments