Now is the best moment ever to get your first synthesizer. Get a synth and use it to create music. They are more accessible, inexpensive, and beginner-friendly than ever.
However, it’s normal to feel bewildered when you’re just starting. Purchasing a keyboard synthesizer might be frightening, especially given its cost. Beginner synthesizers range in appearance from classic synths to ones with more functionality than you’ll ever need—especially if you’ve already played with apps or software. The most crucial thing to remember is that affordability does not always equate to usability.
The quality of your instrument may significantly impact how much you love practicing and how successful you are as a music student. This article discusses five factors to consider when buying a keyboard synthesizer.
1. Sound Quality
Everyone wants a well-sounding instrument. Your best option is to find a synth that can produce the broadest range of sounds and tone colors. A digital piano replicates the acoustic piano’s sound. The organic acoustic components of a piano’s tone are replicated using digital modeling techniques and layers of recordings.
Consider the quantity of voices or samples, the amount of memory or APU, and the kind and quantity of speakers when purchasing a digital piano. Choose a synth with a built-in speaker, as it’s more liberated than headphones, even if it won’t sound well.
Also, verify if your keyboard synthesizer has an integrated sequencer. This will free up your hands to adjust parameters like cutoff and resonance or add effects while your pattern cycles in the background. You may compose a melody or a bassline, note by note, into the on-board memory. Cheap pianos frequently have lower-quality acoustic piano tones than pricier digital pianos with a more limited sound repertoire.
2. Playability
Although massive synthesizers are visually appealing, they are likely to be forgotten if they are difficult to use. Since you probably don’t have much room in your studio when you first start, choose a small synth so you can keep it on your desk and always be ready to go instead of having to put it up and take it down.
You’ll be more inclined to compose outside your house if it’s compact enough to fit in a bag. Also, choose a synth with an interface you can live with or feel at ease with.
Consider how much time you have to become familiar with and practice using your synthesizers. You won’t want to handle a massive synthesizer at a certain location daily if you work full-time. Those with hectic schedules should think about getting a smaller synth.
3. Polyphony
The phrases “monosynth” and “polysynth” refer to synthesizers that can play one note at a time or several notes at once, respectively. Notes on a polysynth roll into one another almost lyrically, whereas notes on a monosynth terminate abruptly when the next note is hit.
If you choose a polysynth, be prepared to pay extra, as these devices have additional features. Monosynths are often smaller, making them the perfect choice for an entry-level synth. You could go with a monosynth to save money if you want to upgrade from your beginner synth soon.
These days, practically every digital piano can play a lengthy polyphony. However, less expensive keyboards support less polyphony. Polyphony means playing many pitches simultaneously in digital pianos. Electric instruments could only produce one pitch at a time in the early days of synthesizers and digital audio. Playing several keys on these instruments alters the electrical signal, resulting in a different tone.
When purchasing a digital keyboard, look for a piano with at least 64 polyphonic notes. The best digital pianos have hundreds of notes of polyphony. However, this shouldn’t be a problem unless you’re playing along with midi songs.
4. Price
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It might be alluring to spend a lot of money on a fancy synth with the idea that you won’t need to buy another one in the future, but this could be a false economy. The more functionalities a synth has, the more expensive it will be. If you’re a total newbie, you’ll find yourself wasting hours looking through menus rather than creating music.
It’s an unwritten rule that your first synthesizer shouldn’t cost more than $500. Select a low-cost, basic synth between the $50 to $200 range for learning purposes, and you’ll be better equipped to determine your future steps. Use the less expensive synth to impart the necessary knowledge while still learning the ropes.
5. Analog or Digital
The analog vs. digital problem is a contentious issue that presents a difficult decision. While some individuals can’t notice the difference, analog synths sound “warmer” than digital ones. Choosing between analog and digital is crucial since the instrument’s synthesis method may influence whether you utilize the presets or create sounds.
Analog synthesizers are easier to understand and operate than digital synths, usually consisting of a keyboard and screen. Subtractive synthesis, typically linked with analog synthesizers, is the most straightforward form to understand if you’re starting.
If you’re unsure where to start, start with an analog synth and see how intuitive it is. You can always move to a digital synth once you’ve upgraded from your beginning synth. Digital synthesizers with analog modeling technologies are also available.
Bottom Line
When purchasing your first synthesizer, you may encounter confusing technical specs, contradictory recommendations, and overwhelming technical jargon. Regarding which synth is ideal for beginners, there isn’t a synth perfect for everyone. But you can select an excellent entry-level model if you consider what you need and desire. It doesn’t have to be flawless to be your first synth; instead, consider it a training ground for your next synth.
If you can afford it, there’s nothing wrong with purchasing a costly synth with many features, but it won’t assist you if you lack the perseverance and commitment to learn how to use it.