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Musicians’ Guide to Midi Polyphonic Expression: What is MPE, MPE VSTs, and History DONE

MPE is one of the most significant developments in synthesis since the introduction of digital. Yet still, many musicians still find themselves wondering ‘what is mpe’ or ‘what does mpe stand for?’ when they see it listed on a synth. So, if you may have seen the term ‘midi polyphonic expression’ and are unsure about what it actually means, his article is your crash course.

Here, we will break down common questions like ‘what is mpe midi’ and ‘how does mpe work?’ as well as going deeper into the best compatible gear out there and when and why you might use it, so read on…

What is MPE?

What is MPE? MPE, standing for midi polyphonic expression, is one of the latest innovations in synthesis since the development of digital FM synths. However, MPE is not a kind of synthesis. Instead it is a way of playing that makes synths sound more like actual instruments. 

How does it do this? MPE gives the musician control over specific parameters of individual notes such as velocity, glide, aftertouch, and so on. It is these qualities that give music an analog, human-like feel, even if it was digitally created. 

When MPE first burst onto the scene with the brand Haken, it was unclear as to whether it would catch on. However, MPE has come a long way since then. It now spans a range of instruments from controllers to digital VSTs to full-fledged synths at more affordable prices. Read on for the breakdown. 

What Can MPE Do?

MPE can apply all the parameters when you play a non-synthesized instrument. This are things such as string bending, velocity, aftertouch, individual note loudness, and so on – to individual synthesized notes. 

In case you’re not sure why this is a big deal, at one point this was very difficult to do on a synth. If you wanted to pitch bend, for example, you could use a pitch bending wheel. However, this would apply the bend to all the notes. So, if you were playing a chord, every note would be bent. This led to synthesized music being obviously that – and could sometimes be clunky compared to playing an actual instrument. 

No more. MPE brought in the intuitiveness of playing a physical instrument, to synthesis. Now these minute details and expressiveness could apply to individual notes, bringing the warmth and human character to synthesis that some might have felt it was lacking. 

Why might you want to use it? 

At first, some musicians thought midi polyphonic expression might just be a gimmick. However, as time wore on, it has become a relatively embedded part of playing. It enables you to play synths like you would a stringed instrument or piano, which is no small feat. The differences between MPE and non-MPE might not seem easy to hear at first, but in the end, there is an expressiveness lacking from tracks that don’t have it – and some of the weird sounds, layers, and textures you can get from midi polyphonic expression enable you to take synthesis to new territory. 

In short, MPE is great for: 

  • Creating solo lines that sound like a guitar or violin 
  • Experimental music
  • Layering sound and creating texture 
  • Blending with real instruments 
  • Making synthesis sound more human

The Story of MPE and Equipment Guide

You may also find yourself wondering about mpe equipment, or ‘what is mpe ableton’ and if it is the same. Likewise, if you want mpe explained, it helps to know this process operates across VSTs, hardware instruments, AND specific controllers.

MPE in Ableton does refer to the same technique. It merely shows the popular DAW is mpe compatible, especially with mpe controllers. These are ways of adding midi polyphonic expression to your tracks and to instruments that don’t have a built-in expressive keyboard.

At the most basic level, MPE controls are quite fiddly and expensive for synth manufacturers to build into their machines. This is doubly difficult if you don’t have a keyboard on your machine, as is the case with many desktop synths. 

Here comes the MPE controller. You may have heard of machines like the ROLI Seabord series or Linnstrument, but what do these controllers actually do? Simply put they are keyboards (in the broadest sense, for not all of them follow the black and white keyed layout of a classic midi keyboard) that you can hook up to your computer. In this way you are able to control a VST synth, or hook up to a hardware synth to control it that way. 

Beyond the ubiquitous controller, some synths have built-in MPE capacity to some extent. This is regardless of whether it applies only to aftertouch, or they have a few glide wheels thrown in. One of the biggest, however (made in tandem with Haken Audio) is the Expressive E Osmose. The Osmose has unique keys that can control midi polyphonic expression through wiggling or gliding them. This allows ultimate fulfillment of parameters with the granular detail of being able to apply them to individual notes. 

What Are Some of the Best MPE Instruments?

The ‘best’ MPE instrument is a hard choice, but we’ve made this short and handy table to demonstrate the different categories. Our criteria involved creativity but also intuitiveness and how good the gear is as a gateway into MPE. 

SynthsControllersVSTs
Sequential OB-6LinnstrumentSurge XT
Expressive E OsmoseHaken SLIM ContinuumArturia Prophet 5
Ableton Push 3ROLI Seabord SeriesAbleton Drift
Haken Audio Eagan Matrix ModelROLI Block MMoog Animoog and Moog Model 15
Sequential Prophet 6UVI Falcon
Modal Electronics SKULPTXFER Records Serum
Ashun Sound Machines Hydrasynth SeriesNative Instruments Reaktor

Of course, this is no means an exhaustive chart of the MPE-compatible gear that is out there. However, these are some of the most well-known and popular that are worth further research if you want to get started.

MPE Parameter Guide

So now you have an overview of MPE, what is this technology actually like to use? We have briefly summarised some of the main musical features that midi polyphonic expression can provide you with, and how it does this in a way that surpasses what you could do with an ordinary synth…

Vibrato

Vibrato is exactly what it sounds like – the means by which musicians playing a stringed instrument would subtly vibrate the string for extra emotion. What’s more, vibrato is common for vocalists, guitarists, and violinists, but it’s hard to achieve on a keyed instrument like a synth and even harder to achieve on a single-note basis.

Depending on the model of synth you have, you may have a feature called something like ‘wobble’ to indicate vibrato. Simply said, on a fingerboard or other controller, wobbling your finger side to side can create a fantastic individual note vibrato that sounds just like you were on a real guitar – yet with whatever sound or waveform you desire.

Velocity

Velocity is a term you might be familiar with from synthesis. It broadly refers to the strength and intensity with which a note comes in. It’s easy to do on a synth but hard to control on a note-by-note basis before the introduction of MPE.

Aftertouch

Aftertouch refers to the subtle changes in sound as you lift your finger from a note. This is a feature that gives your playing much of a human element. It’s also why synthesis can sometimes sound mechanical or robotic. Aftertouch is not confined to mpe and is a bonus feature of many well-created synth keyboards.

Glissando

Lastly, glissando is another term for glide – similar to pitch bending, gliding from one note to another. This was hard to recreate on a note-by-note basis but with midi polyphonic expression, you can now experiment with in all its glory. It was previously hard to replicate on synths but with mpe has become much easier.

Pitch Bending

Pitch bending is also exactly what it says. It refers to how on an instrument like guitar you would bend a pitch up towards your desired note. Thus, you are creating a smooth and melodic sound that encompasses half tones and microtones too.

Controlling this on a note-by-note basis is again one of the great features of midi polyphonic expression, allowing for never-seen-before layering of sound that can create fantastic atmospheric backdrops or leads.

Final Thoughts

This is just a brief rundown on the history and development of MPE, and its modern manifestations. The field is still relatively young, in synthesis terms – so it’s likely we may see it catch on more until it becomes an expected staple. Furthermore, it’s ripe for new developments, and the pioneering minds behind modern synths are making sure to include MPE more and more. 

If you liked this article, we have more on the specifics of MPE, such as the best MPE-compatible VSTs, as well as MPE synths compared with our guides to everything you need to get started with in MPE. 

Best MPE Hardware Rundown: MPE Synth VST Compatibility, Price, and Sound

We’ve previously done an article on the best MPE software – namely, great synth VSTs that are compatible with MPE controllers such as the ROLI Seabord series – but what about the best MPE hardware itself?

This list spans both controllers and MPE-compatible synths. Due to the nature of MPE, hardware can range from individual machines to controllers that are meant to operate with a VST to full-fledged synths with keyboards. Read on for a breakdown of just some of the great variations within this category. Stuck choosing? This overview should help you see where you might get started if you want to add some hardware to your home studio… 

Best MPE Hardware Controller Overall: The Linnstrument

The Linnstrument has been going for quite a while and like the Haken Continuum (below) has been one of the pioneers in MPE hardware controllers. It takes the intuition of a piano keyboard and adapts it to the requirements of expressive playing more in the manner of a stringed instrument. 

This means you don’t get a classic octave or two of piano keys, instead, its unique grid layout of buttons is arranged in semitones so that the subtle bends and slides you may want for expressive composition are easier to achieve than ever. 

It has five dynamic and expressive modes of playing each individual button, which has informed later instruments such as the expressive E osmose, pioneering the idea that touch has more than one dimension and opening up the airwaves for more nuance in playing. These are: 

  • Strike velocity 
  • Pressure
  • Left Right
  • Front back 
  • Release velocity 

Again, these are an average selection of what some of the best mpe hardware fingerboards can do. But it’s a great reason why the Linnstrument still stands out as it’s one of the easiest and most iconic, and doesn’t take long to master these controls, even if you are a newbie.

Linnstrument Price: Averages 1000 – 1300 USD

Availability: https://www.rogerlinndesign.com/linnstrument

Best MPE Hardware Classic Controller: Haken Continuum

The Haken Continuum may be old by MPE standards, but it makes this list due to it’s pioneering nature as well as the fact that it’s had recent updates with the arrival of the Continuum slim keyboard. All in all, the continuum does what it’s name suggests and is all about smooth, continuous analogue-style sounds. 

MPE is about getting the character and nuance that comes with playing analog plucked or keyed instruments to apply to digital synths. Think of the individual differences in volume of sustain that affect the keys on a piano as well as the slides and pitch bending of any great guitar player. The continuum is a keyboard set up to allow you to mimic this with as much sensitivity as playing a real guitar, piano, violin, or other instrument. It is available in either 70 half-step or 46 half-step versions. However, it also has its own internal sound engine, containing the following:

  • subtractive synth engine
  • physical modeling
  • spectral sets with micro analyzation
  • 330 microsecond scanning of keyboard surface for ultra sensitivity
  • EaganMatrix modular sound engine

Continuum Price: Ranges from 4000 to 6000 USD depending on the model. Yes, it’s not cheap! However, this is one of the original pioneer instruments in MPE – or at least an updated remodel – so you are really getting a bit of music history too.

Availability: https://www.hakenaudio.com/slim-continuums

Best Higher-Investment Keyboard Synth Crowd Pleasers: OB-6, Prophet 6

Now for two actual synths! These guys aren’t MPE controllers in themselves, but from Sequential, both the OB-6 and Prophet 6 are fully compatible with your MPE controller of choice. They also both come with keyboards.

If you’re just getting started and want something that hits the sweet spot, producing interesting yet classic sounds without being too experimental, both of these are for you. 

However, if you are stuck, here are the similarities and differences to see what great features you could be adding MPE to: 

OB-6Prophet 6
faithful recreation of the original Tom Oberheim ring modulator and phase shiftersemi-weighted 4-octave keyboard also features velocity and channel aftertouch
faithful recreation of the original Tom Oberheim ring modulator and phase shifterfresh, newly designed VCOs with variable, triangle, and sawtooth waves, 4 pole lowpass and two pole high pass filter
digital effects but entirely analog sound due to true bypasssemi-weighted 4 octave keyboard
one knob per functionmore complex programming, including unison mode. entirely analog signal path.
semi-weighted 4 octave keyboard also features velocity and channel aftertouchsemi-weighted 4-octave keyboard
x modulation, polyphonic step sequencer, filter cutoff and filter mode, sync steps to external MIDI clockArpeggiator also syncs to MIDI clock
500 factory programs, 500 rewritable user programs 500 factory programs and 500 rewritable user programs as well as live panel mode where sound and effects follow exact positions of knobs in real time

OB-6 Price: 2500 to 3500 USD

Availability: https://sequential.com/product/ob-6/

Prophet 6 Price: 3500 to 4500 USD

Availability: https://sequential.com/product/prophet-5/

Best MPE Hardware Synth for Portability: Audiothingies MicroMonsta 2

As a desktop synth, the MicroMonsta, true to its name, is small and portable. It’s ultimately up to you which controller you use with it, but as it’s MPE compatible, it’s the perfect choice to add your Linnstrument, ROLI Seabord series, or more to. This is one of the best mpe hardware desktop synths and we’ve included it here as a cheaper option. However, it also shows just why you shouldn’t overlook desktop options in favor of more publicized mpe specific synths.

We like it for the best features to compactness and ease of use ratio. But if you have something specific in mind, the Micromonsta stands out with the following features for you to experiment with to my heart’s content:

  • 3 LFOs and three oscillator, lag, and multi-operators
  • deep modulation matrix
  • delay and reverb, 8 filter types with FM synthesis
  • per voice and per oscillator detuning for ultra-organic, authentic analog sounds
  • portable desktop synth that is easy to take on tour or to gigs
  • character parameters for filters – hard, soft, mean and so on

Price: 290 USD – definitely one of the cheapest pieces of gear on this list and just a small look at the great desktop mpe synth options.

Availability: https://www.audiothingies.com/product/micromonsta2/

Behringer UBXA: Best Classic Emulation

Behringer is known for making affordable versions of favorite instruments and this time is no exception. We include the Behringer UBXA because it’s an affordable version of a classic synth that is MPE compatible, bringing vintage sounds right into the era of present innovations. In this case, it represents the Oberheim XA Poly. It’s also one of the best mpe hardware options with a split keyboard, for creating walls of sound and cinematic layering, really exploring all the nuance mpe can do.

This is our choice for those who like a combination of classic and modern. Just some of the great features include:

  • VCOs and VCFs modeled off the original oscillator design chips of the classic Oberheim XA poly 
  • Faithful recreation 
  • Ability to split the keyboard and layer riffs and sounds 
  • 16 voices 
  • Velocity and aftertouch 

Price: 1000 – 1500 USD

Availability: https://www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=0722-AAF

Waldorf Iridium: Best Outside the Box Synth 

The Waldorf iridium works in much the same way as some of the other instruments on this list. It doesn’t have a keyboard of its own to realize MPE, but it’s compatible with any great MPE controller like the Seabord series or the Linnstrument. 

What causes it to make this list is its character and qualities as a synth. It’s not often that you get both the expressiveness of MPE compatibility with the following great features: 

  • Particle synthesis (both sampling and granular) 
  • Wavetable, waveform, and resonator synthesis
  • Kernel synthesis 

These give you, again, unprecedented sensitivity and nuance. One of the best things about the Iridium is that these kinds of synthesis are found less often. So, to have them available in such an intuitive synth WITH MPE compatibility is basically the cherry on top for an instrument that is very exciting and underrated anyway.

Price: Ranges from 1800 to 2000+ USD

Availability: https://waldorfmusic.com/iridium-en/

Final Thoughts

So, we have a varied selection. We can’t include every great piece of MPE hardware here and it’s difficult to choose whether to get into the nitty gritty of different controllers or the synths you can attach them to. Overall MPE is a very broad category that ranges from cheap VSTs to highly expensive fingerboard controllers. However, we have endeavored to include a range of choices on this list so there is something for every level and budget.

Our criteria here range from features to playability to how well the sounds of a synth in question go with the possibilities unlocked by MPE. All in all, it’s a really hard decision, but we hope the choices here can show you an inspiring snapshot of some of what is out there. 

If you liked this, we have more in our great hardware section here. And if you want more on MPE, we have the guide to MPE software as listed in the introduction of this article, plus a comparison of different MPE gear here. 

Expressive E Osmose Review: Is This The Best MPE Polyphonic Aftertouch Synth?

The Osmose keyboard is the first hardware synth from this small French company, but this Expressive E Osmose review will dig into whether it really lives up to the hype.

Interested in new, inventive, higher end hardware synths? Expressive E  has focused on mpe synths and polyphonic aftertouch for a while since its inception in 2015. For this all new polyphonic synthesizer keyboard, Espressive E teamed up with Haken Audio to create the digital modular engine, too. 

The Osmose follows Expressive E’s first release, the Touche midi polyphonic expression aftertouch keyboard. Now we have the Osmose mpe synth, which is also polyphonic aftertouch, but is it a worthy successor? We decided to take a deep dive into the features of this polyphonic synthesizer keyboard and whether it lives up to the hype that has heralded it since its announcement. We’ll also break down similarities and differences in our osmose vs seabord series comparison with the two ROLI Seabord models.

What is the Expressive E Osmose? 

As stated, the osmose synth is quite simply, the first hardware instrument from Expressive E, a company whose aim is to improve the interactive elements of music creation. It does this by focussing on musician and hardware synth interactions, ensuring that these replicate true-to-life experiences of playing an instrument as much as possible. 

This means working with features like aftertouch, midi polyphonic expression (MPE), and so on to make smooth sounds and a user experience that feels just like you’re playing a real instrument. The Expressive E Osmose 49 Key Keyboard is designed specifically to mimic features like guitar string bending and vibrato. This may sound weird, but we’ll break it down in a later section. First, let’s look at how the Osmose Polyphonic Aftertouch Synthesiser actually sounds.

What’s the sound quality like? 

Of course, sound is relatively subjective and it depends on what kind of synth you want. The Osmose is smooth and slick, it’s definitely a modern synth and it’s not deliberately designed to emulate any retro machines. 

The mpe and aftertouch are features that appeal to many musicians regardless of your genre or preferred style of synth, however. Does the Osmose show enough versatility to be worth it if you want something a bit different sounding? 

The answer is a resounding yes. First up, there are some very impressive preset sounds including brass and woodwind. Whilst these do sound obviously synthesized at the beginning, moderating them with the Osmose’s intuitive controls adds little bits of flair such as woodwind vibrato that turn them from classic synth tones to extremely realistic, almost true to life sounding. 

Synth strings and the pitch bending feature are also no less impressive. The high-quality manufacturing and subtlety of the sound produced make this a very original synth that is dripping with emotional expression. 

What’s the full range of features of the Osmose? 

The Osmose polyphonic synthesizer keyboard is designed to be fun and intuitive to play, but what features does it actually have? Below are just some of the things that give it its well-deserved ‘expressive’ title. 

  • Reverb and delay processing 
  • EQ and compression 
  • Ability to pitch bend, add vibrato, slide, and more 
  • Pitch bending and modulation sliders are easily accessible, right next to 49 full-size weighted keys 
  • Over 500 presets 
  • Sensitivity controls 
  • Ability to switch to a classic (non mpe) keyboard
  • Usability as a midi controller 
  • Built-in arpeggiator with glide control 

Apart from these, the Osmose’s digital modular engine from Haken Audio is modern, inventive, and comes up with flexible, high-quality sounds. Haken Audio are the makers of the Continuum Fingerboard, which is designed for similarly intuitive playing – so they really get what Expressive E were trying to achieve with the Osmose. 

Is there any reason you might not get the Expressive E Osmose? 

The Osmose has been hyped a lot, but does it do what it says on the tin? Ultimately, the answer is yes, it absolutely does. If you have the budget for it, significantly rely on synthesis as a major part of your music, and don’t have any super niche or specific needs, the answer is a resounding yes. 

It’s really high quality, and another good thing is the different sounds are all very divergent from each other, this is not a one trick pony at all, nor is it just relying on its expressive key manipulation as a selling point. 

Expressive E Osmose Review: Note Expression Features

The note expression features include bend, tap, pressure, glide, and wiggle amongst others. 

Generally these features are really, really sensitive. Not only is this one of the first synths doing something exactly like this, it does it to a really high quality. It is sometimes billed as a polyphonic aftertouch synthesizer, but it has so much more than just aftertouch!

Make no mistake, the osmose synth keyboard is also easy to control at the same time. You could say the benefits of having the effects on a synth as opposed to a violin or guitar is that they are ultra smooth. Some might argue this takes away the character associated with a real musician playing vibrato, but come on. 

The uncanny combination of these subtle additions to a motif with the smoothness of the synth is familiar yet refreshing at the same time. It’s pretty groundbreaking, and it’s hard to believe nobody has done this before Expressive E. 

Ultimately some of these features you may not think would make much of a difference. But once you hear the Osmose in action, there is a certain je ne sais quoi about it, the same way a vinyl record with imperfections, undertones, and overtones sounds better, the Osmose just feels more organic and full of character. 

How many notes of polyphony does the Osmose have? 

For the osmose, expressive e uses 49 notes of polyphony with weighted keys for a super smooth and hyper-realistic playing experience. 

How exactly do the features that it advertises work? One of the most significant is the ‘key wobble’. This is exactly what it sounds like, as you press a key down you can actually wobble it from side to side to create a vibrato sound.

All synths to a greater or lesser extent can claim to be ‘expressive. However, the expressive E truly does deserve the moniker within its name for this feature. 

What are the dimensions of the Osmose? 

The Osmose is a relatively chunky synth with dimensions of 894 x 316 x 87.5 mm / 35.2″ x 12.4″ x 3.4″. It’s not a small mpe controller and weighs 8.4kg or 18.4 pounds. Of course, the sie is also why it’s on the higher end price-wise – though not to mention the quality. 

Expressive S Osmose vs ROLI Seabord 

The ROLI Seaboard series (RISE 2 and Block M) is one of the closest competitors to the osmose, but how do the two stack up next to each other? Ultimately it’s down to personal preference but it’s important to know some key differences so you can see how they fit in with your playing style. 

No Expressive E Osmose review could go without looking at its nearest competitors, so here goes. For convenience, this table will look at the Osmose vs Seabord series from ROLI in general, although there are different models within this. 

Osmose VS Seabord Comparison

Seaboard SeriesOsmose
No such feature Expressive keys allow you to perform playable, then and there vibrato like a guitar or violin. An amazing intuitive feature for those who want it
Greater intuitiveness in terms of navigating through the operating system, ability to slide fingers across keys and open up filters and other featuresNavigation happens regularly via a menu
Comes with a plugin synth that operates as a vst on your computerNo VST, but built and designed in tandem with Haken (makers of the Continuum Fingerboard) with a powerful inbuilt synthesizer 
Depending on model, more pitch-sweeping possibilities On the more expensive side and not necessarily affordable for bedroom producers, can reach over 1500 USD
Goes into greater depth with nuanced playing such as microtones and guitar or violin-style string bending and vibrato No vst, but built and designed in tandem with Haken (makers of the Continuum Fingerboard) with a powerful inbuilt synthesizer 
More easily navigable hardware depending on your preference, easy to learn to playVery intuitive screen and preset menus, but no option to immediately access filters and other features 

Do you want a look at another great MPE offering from ROLI? We have a comparison of the Equator Two right here!

Final Thoughts 

To wrap up our expressive e osmose review, we will say this: It’s difficult to ever choose the ‘best’ synth in any category. However, the Osmose is a much-anticipated synth and as the first hardware synth from Expressive E it does live up to the promises that have gained this company’s fans. The osmose is smooth, expressive, and true to life, it delivers on the features it promises but the only downside is it is quite expensive and there was a wait list as of last year. 

The Osmose may not be viable for everyone, but for those whose interests lie within its fields of specialism, it is an exciting and hotly anticipated synth that absolutely deserves the expressive reputation it has.

Looking for more low downs on what’s currently out there?

If you like MPE synths, we look at some of the best mpe synths here. And, if you want more hardware reviews, we have an entire hardware section here.

BEST MPE SYNTH COMPARED: Arturia Pigments vs XFER Serum vs ROLI Equator 2 vs UVI Falcon

Are you looking for the best mpe synth to add this exciting technology to your home studio? 

MPE is one of the biggest recent breakthroughs in music technology history. To an extent now,  now any VST synth worth its salt that doesn’t support MPE must be pretty good to withstand competition.   For the uninitiated, MPE allows synths to emulate real-life nuances like pitch bending. More on that later.

For now,  this guide will break down the best MPE hardware synths, from the XFER Serum, to Arturia Pigments and close competitors ROLI Equator 2 and UVI Falcon. We also have a new bonus alternative with our best FREE MPE compatible synth vst! Let’s also take a look at how mpe can combine with pre-existing features. 

Best MPE Synths Introduction: What Does MPE Stand For In Synthesis? 

MPE stands for MDI Polyphonic Expression and essentially brings an analog, tangible feel to synthesis and virtual instruments. MPE affects both hardware synths and the plugins that emulate them. 

We’ve already made a list of the best MPE VST synths out there for you to check out, but in this article, we’re doing a more detailed comparison of some of the most talked about names on the current market for VST synths that are MPE compatible and the pros and cons of each. Yes, there’s a lot out there, so this is a more granular look at some of the most popular to make decisions easier. Read on to see exactly why these have become some of the hottest options, why they’re great – and, most importantly, which one would work best for YOU. 

How Does MPE Work and Why Do I Need It? 

So how does MPE work? MPE basically gives a clue as to what it is in its name. Whereas previous parameters and nuances such as aftertouch were all affected by the same channel, the polyphonic part of MPE means that each note you play on a MIDI keyboard or even program into a synth part has its own capacity for modulation, introducing complex features like chord bending. Basically, this is more like how instruments work in real life. It means you have a naturalistic and realistic sound that adds bucketloads of expression to your playing. 

Here’s an example. Imagine you play a basic C Major chord. Naturally, you’re not going to hit every note with exactly the same strength. MPE essentially allows you to emulate the nuance of this – perhaps a softer bass note and louder fifth, for example – where previously, all notes would be affected equally by any parameters you added to them. 

Ok, so we’ve established that MPE is much more naturalistic, but did you know that it actually applies to ANY and ALL parameters you add to your synth presets? That includes pitch bending and modulation, filters, and a lot more. MPE-compatible synths use an MPE controller such as those created by ROLI but most classically it is controlled with MIDI. 

With such true-to-life emulation, there are myriad different options for VST creators to flexibly express this, so we’ll dig in deeper at what it means for your choice of synth in our comparison and breakdown below of the market’s top. 

BEST MPE SYNTH FOR CREATIVE PRODUCTION – ARTURIA PIGMENTS

We’ve already made a list of the best MPE synth vsts out there for you to check out. However, in this article, we’re doing a more detailed comparison of some of the most talked about.

Without a doubt, Arturia Pigments deserves its popularity.  Pigments is popular for good reason; it offers creativity and flexibility across a huge variety of genres. The first evidence is found iny a host of presets that includes everything from 90s jungle, modern cinematic soundscapes, to trip-hop and drum and bass.

IS ARTURIA PIGMENTS WORTH IT – BEST AND WORST FEATURES AND MORE 

Ok, this may not be the best mpe synth overall, but we think it’s one of the most inspiring. 

Essentially this is a creative jack-of-all-trades synth that combines four different sources of sound with plenty of effects. It has a top-notch sequencer, a modulation system, and a utility engine that allows you to increase the number of oscillators. 

Plus it lets you add more layers of FX on top of these.  It’s a modern synthesizer with powerful FX and an advanced capacity for generating new sounds. So obviously this all gives you plenty to work with in terms of MPE.

At its heart, Pigments is one of the most popular synths due to the wide range of options it gives you to explore MPE. If we wanted to take a single synth to use as an example of everything MPE is capable of doing, this would be the one.

Arturia Pigments Price: $199, but you can check Pluginboutique by clicking here, maybe there is a sale.

BEST MPE SYNTH FOR FOCUS – XFER SERUM

If you want something more stripped back but also more focused on MPE, Serum is the synth for you. 

Pigments is a great MPE synth but ultimately it is broader than MPE and is aimed at encompassing the needs of many musicians.  It aims to give you a creative edge. 

Ultimately it lets you have  as many tools as possible to stimulate your creativity. If this sounds extraneous, the Serum is a more low-key option.

SERUM VS PIGMENTS – WHICH IS THE BEST MPE SYNTH?

Essentially what you are looking at comparing these two synths is that Serum goes deep, whereas Pigments has more of a varied offering. 

To think about it from one angle based on what they offer, Serum is more of a strict wavetable synth. On the other hand, Pigments offers everything from sampling, wavetable, to virtual analog synthesis as well as harmonic offerings. 

However Serum is a very creative synth. It is new and fresh, and it is a good option if you want to explore wavetable in depth. The Serum is also dedicated to cutting a lot of the muddiness out of wavetable synthesis. At heart, it’s taken one thing and tried to perfect it, whereas Pigments is aimed at giving you a variety of options.

XFER Serum Price: $189

ROLI Equator 2 – How Does It Combine With MPE? 

ROLI as a company is one of the biggest explorers of the developing world of MPE to date. 

If you want to ensure seamless integration between your gear, ROLI has also created its own MPE controller which brings analog touch to VST synths. In fact, they’ve gone as far as to list all the synths that are MPE compatible on their website. 

The Seabord, ROLI’s own MPE controller, can easily wirelessly to your VST synth, whether the Equator 2 or other synths such as the Serum. 

This gives you the tactile feedback of an analog synth, which isespecially great with MPE as it aims to emulate the features that come with this. 

In a sense, you’re just comparing a hybrid synth vs a wavetable synth here. The Equator 2 is nevertheless a very creative hybrid synth that offers you something a bit different from the majority of wavetable synths out there.

ROLI Equator 2 Price: $241 but also available as part of the great MPE synths bundle from our friends at Plugin Boutique, you can click here to see the bundle.

BEST HIGH END MPE SYNTH – THE UVI FALCON

The Falcon is a bit more expensive than some of the other synth VSTs on this list, but is it worth it?

If you are heavily reliant on creative, flexible, and powerful synthesis, this is the synth you shoudl go for.  For genres like electronic, industrial, synthpop, darkwave, or any other heavily synth-based genres, you’ll need the new capabilities of MPE too. Let’s look at what the Falcon 2 has that other synths on this list DO NOTT:

  • 17 oscillators ranging from wavetable to granular to analog and even physical modeling 
  • The ability to chop up and timestretch samples
  • Hybrid synthesis. This is the biggest plus – the Falcon excels with a multitude of hybrid synthesis options that Pigments and Serum don’t have as they are more specialist wavetable VSTs. 
  • Therefore, it depends on whether you want to go specialist and streamlined or open yourself to the world of possibilities to mix with MPE that hybrid synth VSTs offer. 
  • In addition, it contains granular synthesis options. Whilst the Equator 2 also has this, it’s not always common, so we mention it as a bonus.

Example: Detail, Usage, Design, and Beginner-Friendliness

Let’s take one example to see how these synths feel overall in a snapshot. How does the granular source on the Equator 2 compare to that of Falcon 2? Granular synthesis isn’t as common as some other oscillator forms, which is why it’s so great both these synths include it.

  • The Equator 2 granular oscillator source comes with a good batch of preset samples of a variety of tones, mostly suitable for cinematic soundscapes. It’s really intuitive and allows you to drag and drop samples that you can then set specific granular parameters for such as position and scan rate. It’s super clear if you’re just getting started with granular synthesis. 
  • The Falcon 2 offers both granular and multigranular synthesis and it’s got a more complicated and less streamlined interface. It’s more suited to those who have a bit of experience with granular under their belt already. However, it DOES have additional adjustable parameters that Equator 2 doesn’t such as ‘symmetry’, ‘fade’, jitter’, and ‘density’, giving plenty to sink your teeth into if you want to experiment. 

Overall Summary

Either way, these granular options are also part of a greater hybrid synthesis whole and give a good idea of what the rest of these two models are like overall. There’s simply so much here to combine with MPE that it’s really just a choice of whether you want a hybrid or something more specialized, in which case the Serum or Pigments would work better. But if hybrid synthesis is what you’re after, it simply depends on your interface preference and experience level. 

In General: Falcon for if you want in-depth experimentation. Equator 2 if you want a more streamlined synth that may have fewer features but integrates seamlessly with other MPE features such as the Seabord controller from a company that follows every new development. 

UVI Falcon Price: $349

The Ultimate MPE Synth Comparison – Our Thoughts on the BESt MPE Synths and Why

For us Pigments is one of the best MPE VST synths that really deserves its hype, however, the other manufacturers on this list are still very worth looking at. Most of what Pigments has to offer is not necessarily applicable to every single musician, so if you can go without the presents, there are plenty of other options you may fall in love with. 

Although MPE has been out there for a while it’s not yet possible to see everything it is capable of. If you really want to challenge yourself and experiment, it’s worth considering options aside from the Pigments just because they are much more focused. Nevertheless, if you feel like you will use all the features and want something creative, Pigments is worth the money. 

HONORABLE MENTION: THE BEST FREE MPE SEYNTH VST – SURGE XT

Whilst not as well known as the paid-for synths we have chosen to compare here, this one deserves an honorable mention. 

The XT is a subtractive hybrid synth with 3 oscillators per scene and 12 oscillator algorithms. But it’s not the specific technical specs that make it so great. 

Instead, the tones this synth is capable of making are almost perfectly suited to mpe. 

The XT has a bit of a cult following, having been voted Readers Choice by KRV Audio in 2022. It’s also relatively unique in that it’s open source and contributors include musicians such as Roger Linn, creator of the Linnstrument.

Yet beyond the love and care put into it, with a specific string oscillator and an ever-versatile twist oscillator, it makes this list because of well how the nuanced sonic possibilities of mpe go with the subtle sounds it makes. 

Yes, it can sound obviously like a synth, with great sawtooth, square, and other options. 

But it’s fantastic at emulating instruments and sculpting sound, making you feel like there is the ghost of a real musician behind the noise. 

Furthermore, it is COMPLETELY FREE and comes with a fantastic and supportive community. 

Bottom Line 

Ok, so MPE is one of the biggest changes in music since the invention of synthesis itself. That doesn’t mean it has to be daunting or challenging, however. The amount of companies that quickly adopted MPE and developed creative, smart, and flexible VSTs to support it means you are spoilt for choice. This guide simply helps you cut through some of the information and look at some of the biggest players on the market right now regarding MPE compatibility. 

Ultimately a lot is going to depend on your genre and personal preference; one man’s trash is another man’s treasure and it depends on what your genre is as well as your feelings about the rest of the features of these synths as MPE, while a game changer, is nevertheless part of the bigger picture.

If you love synths in general, we have some great ones in our hardware section like the super-popular Lemondrop from 1010 Music. Meanwhile, our software section offers even more great breakdowns of popular VSTs, and our reviews section has plenty of other comparisons of the most popular gear on the market right now – so check them out!

Elektron Digitakt Loopcloud Integration – How This Update Promises to HACK Your Studio Workflow

Earlier this month news broke about Elektron’s Digitakt Loopcloud integration in the OS 1.50 update. This essentially allows you to drag and drop loops from the platform directly to your Digitakt. Yet, this is just the start of what this new update promises to have in store. We break down below the features that make this integration so exciting.

Elecktron Digitakt Loopcloud review – why integration of the two can change your production game

The Elektron Digitakt is one of the industry’s leading drum machines. We’ve covered just why this is before when it made our top 5 options for music production hardware 2023.

Yet, now the Digitakt OS 1.50 update lets you connect directly to Loopcloud, the world’s largest sample library. Whichever position you’re starting from, this upgrade is exciting as it can introduce users of Digitakt to Loopcloud and vice versa.

If you’re starting from Loopcloud, the upgrade means that if you’ve been considering getting a Digitakt, there’s all the more reason. And if you’re starting with a Digitakt but have been on the fence about the world’s largest sample library, Loopcloud gives you access to tools like Loopcloud Drum and Loopcloud Play that you can integrate with hardware.

Pairing Digitakt with Loopcloud vs Splice – why Elektron’s decision works so well

If you’ve also been wondering about the various benefits of Loopcloud vs Splice or other sample libraries, there’s a good reason Elektron opted for Loopcloud. It’s simply got more flexibility and creativity in terms of altering samples. So, if you’ve been wondering which of the two is better and are currently in possession of a Digitakt, the update unlocks Loopcloud in a whole new way that regular users can’t access.

Loopcloud is the perfect match for the Digitakt, partly due to its focus on the little things that make or break a piece of music. That means you can search for sounds via incredibly specific parameters, such as level of swing, or bassiness. By focusing on less obvious things, Loopcloud helps producers sift through a realm of samples, easily, to find options that work with the kinds of creative and slick sounds you can make with the Digitakt.

To put it simply: both the Digitakt and Loopcloud are varied enough that you’ll never get bored of either. Loopcloud loops are royalty-free, and Loopcloud can actually connect to FL studio via a VST plugin, so this added interconnectivity can boost your production too. Either way, for an uninterrupted workflow, the two are a match made in heaven, simplifying massive amounts of sonic potential.

How does the update make your workflow easier?

  • The first thing is that Loopcloud has its own 8-track editor and pattern creator. You may have everything you need with the Digitakt. However, integration means you can create parts of tracks, beats, or samples on Loopcloud first – and then transfer them for further modification. Plus, Loopcloud helps you keep the tools needed all in one place. 
  • Loopcloud offers a whole new selection of routes to work with your Digitakt. In fact, you can control your Digitakt through Loopcloud from your computer. This feature is particularly great for naming files, streamlining, and organizing, without you having to spend tons of time on this.
  • The integration has been created with the musician in mind. Why? The connection between Loopcloud and your Digitakt allows you to store Loopcloud loops for live performance. This is great if you can’t access your computer – or want the portability of the Digitakt with the variety available on Loopcloud. 
  • Intelligent technology picks up Digitakt tempo and time-stretches it. This means that Loopcloud will provide options that are ALREADY tempo-matched to the project you are working on. In short, yet another way the integration allows your Digitakt to seamlessly communicate with the world’s largest loop and sample library. 
  • Create whole new patterns by using Loopcloud as a shortcut. Loopcloud allows you to multiply and divide sample tempo, change pitch, and export the results to your Digitakt. Want easy ways to sculpt and modify sound and then use these new creations as samples themselves? Simply do a mixdown on Loopcloud and send results to your Digitakt!

Song mode – how the Digitakt Loopcloud integration could revolutionize this feature

Digitakt’s song mode is a feature that allows you to combine multiple beats, loops, and sequences as a single track. It’s perfect, for example, if you need a backing track to improvise over or even for creating soundtracks. Here, the massive range of sounds from Loopcloud lets you make whole, fully functional sonic layouts with the Digitakt. Plus, dragging and dropping mixed and mastered samples to your Digitakt on Loopcloud too. In this way, you can prep the individual parts of a track on your computer before piecing them all together on your drum machine.

Loopcloud’s online sound and sample editor

Ok, so we’ve gone over the good points about Loopcloud, especially in terms of Loopcloud vs Splice, Arcade, and its other competitors. But let’s look a bit more at how the two work together. Digitakt Loopcloud integration ultimately lets you work however suits you best. For example, if you prefer to work mainly with a DAW or with Loopcloud’s time-stretching capacities, you can. However, if you’d rather not lay a finger on your computer, samples, sequences, and more can be edited directly in Digitakt. 

Loopcloud

Plus, the integration between Digitakt and Loopcloud means there are multiple stages of creative sound warping to play with. It’s not one of the other – for example, you can start off getting a beat sounding great in Loopcloud. Or, you could time stretch it, transfer it to Digitakt, and add some lush reverb or gritty distortion for an additional layer of sonic manipulation. 

Elektron Digitakt

Is Loopcloud worth it? More reasons Digitakt integration will upgrade your production either way

With this many choices, it’s possible to take sounds far away from their original forms. In this way, the only creative constraints are down to your imagination. The Digitakt Loopcloud combo is also great for those with a minimal studio setup without many other options. There are SO many possibilities here, in such a compact form, this combo could serve as all you need for creative music making on the go. If you’re still on the fence, the upgrade and integration comes with the following:

  • Comes with two months of free access to Loopcloud if you own an Elektron Digitakt. 
  • From then on loopcloud is affordable at only 6.99 EUR/month (5.99 GBP or 7.99 USD). However, the full range of Loopcloud subscription options includes a free option (though with minimal credits for sounds)
  • ability to drag-and-drop samples makes your workflow significantly more efficient

Final Thoughts

Loopcloud is already great by itself, as is the Digitakt. However, this integration is just another way that Elektron has thought through every inch of the process of work for both musicians in the studio and on the go. It’s this that made the Digitakt such an industry leader in the first place – and why the Loopcloud integration will just add an extra level of creative potential, and we’re very excited to see what this update leads to in future…

If you love the latest music production and sound design news, we have a whole section here. Plus, for gear reviews and breakdowns, we look at some more of the most exciting products here.

Best Moog Synth VST Plugin – A Look at Memorymode from Cherry Audio

When looking for a moog synth vst, you can be spoiled for choice. In fact. we’ve previously covered a rundown of the best moog synth vsts out there. However, the Memorymode from Cherry Audio really deserves a mention, as it takes on the legacy of Moog’s polyphonic synths for one of the most inventive emulations yet. Read on for a look at how Memorymode replicates the legendary Memorymoog synthesizer of the 80s. 

What is this moog synth vst inspired by?

The original Memorymoog synth was a lush, creamy polyphonic analog synthesizer. It appeared in 1982 and was made by Moog as they ventured into polyphony. The Memorymode does its best to faithfully emulate this as a vst plugin. The designers even went so far as to use a Memorymoog owned by jazz legend Chick Corea. The result is essentially a super high-quality digital Memorymoog – but even simpler to use.  

The designers behind Memorymode make this vst equally exciting, as the team included Fleetwood Mac and The Cure collaborator David Polich, and naturally, as a vst, it doesn’t have the few issues with tuning that showed up on the original.

System Requirements:

To begin with, here’s a breakdown of what you need to run this fantastic plugin:

  • Windows 7 and above 64-bit or Mac 10.13 or above 64-bit required
  • also supports MacOS 13 Ventura
  • both available in VST, VST3, AAX and standalone formats
  • 8 GB Ram recommended
  • Native Apple M1 and M1 Ultra supported

Availability: You can buy the Memorymode from Plugin Boutique, where it is currently on offer, by clicking this link. If you buy using our link, you will be helping our website since we get a small kickback. Thanks!

Memorymode: a moog synth vst that replicates the original 

It’s fair to say that the Memorymode is a faithful emulation of the original. This goes right down to how the designers worked with a real Memorymoog to do this. But does it live up to this?

The Memorymode does a really good job at replicating everything that makes the Memorymoog so desired. That’s because the designers actually took the original factory preset patches of the Memorymoog and replicated them for the Memorymode. It doesn’t just provide a similar sound. It’s a Memorymoog for those who can’t get their hands on one, with additions.

The designers also clearly put a lot of thought into how to expand on the original. It uses the original ladder filter system but then adds touches like tempo sync on some of the FX for a modern feel. Then there are details like how the filters were replicas of the original Memorymoog. It shows, because the only noticeable differences in sound are ones you would expect from the fact it’s digital. Likewise, the only features they changed are to do with navigation. Here, they streamlined some of the input methods and introduced menus more suited to vst plugins. The vst has lost the original’s numerical keyboards, but its ease of use is second to none and it’s got some really cool updated features, as seen below:

Memorymode moog synth vst features:

  • Three oscillators and ladder filter system of the original, 16 voice polyphony and single key chord memory
  • 6 destinations for voice modulation
  • 48 oscillator per key unison mode
  • Repurposing of classic features for modern musicians. Notably: tempo sync on the LFO, delay, and arpeggio features (not featured on the original!)
  • Moderniser features that touches up the sound to make it more contemporary (by altering the bass and high frequencies) 
  • Drift parameter – this is a really cool feature that allows you to alter the tuning. This can make your instrument sound ‘aged’ or ‘slack’, bringing real character that is sometimes hard to find with digital vsts. 
  • Phaser, echo, reverb, and stereo ensemble effects 
  • Full midi polyphonic expression capability (not possible with the original!) 
  • Midi control and daw automation 
  • Ultra-low CPU

Memorymode moog synth vst – what’s good about it?

Obviously one of the biggest upsides of the Memorymode is the price. It’s affordable for most musicians especially as secondhand Memorymoogs are expensive and disappear quickly.

The Memorymode was one of the last synths Moog designed before the company shut down. Now, it has a relatively legendary status for simply sounding great. 

Such an accurate emulation shows that the people behind the Memorymode genuinely care about providing an alternative for fans. The Memorymode is not just taking a few bits of inspiration here and there. They nailed the things that make original Moog synths still so popular, but also introduced new additions which worked with what made the original great. For example, the Memorymode has the same overdrive when pushed that the original hardware synth did. Yet, the new FX also sound fantastic with it. Ultimately, it’s little features like this, that create the color that musicians loved. 

This isn’t just a synth for hardcore Moog fans though. As a general vst plugin it stands up without having to attach itself to the legacy of its hardware counterpart. It just sounds great. You can hear the lush sounds that the Memorymoog became known for. The factory presets are fantastic too, so if you’re looking for a polyphonic synth plugin, it works well on its own accord.

Is there anything bad about the Memorymode?

There’s not much bad to say about the Memorymode, it does a really good replica of the Memorymoog and it ensures that the qualities that helped gain its original fans are here. 

However, the only thing is that it doesn’t have a huge variety of sounds outside what you would consider ‘classic’ Moog features, but that’s to be expected. However, if you’re looking for a good replica or even deciding which moog synth vst to go for, this is a really good option. It gives you a great introduction to the typical Moog sound. Similarly, it has all the richness and character of the synth that it models. 

You can buy the Memorymode from Plugin Boutique by clicking this link.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately there are very few bad things to say about the Memorymode – the fact that a replica of a great polyphonic Moog synth exists is just a start. However, the Memorymode also works because the synth it emulates was so great in the first place. Ultimately it’s really worth it as a moog vst plugin. Yet even for those who aren’t fans of these synths, the Memorymode is a great polyphonic synth vst for your setup.

Liked this? We have many more articles on music software, plus more on emulations of classic synths here too.

A Guitarist’s Guide to Synths – FM, Analogue, Guitar Synths, and How to Use Them in Your Music

From guitar synths to analogue, additive, to wavetable, the world of synths is like learning a new language, especially if you come from a background playing guitar or bass. This handy guide will break down what’s out there and how to use them.

Additive vs Subtractive Synthesis: What’s the Difference?

Synthesisers can sculpt sound waves in two ways, either by adding new frequencies and harmonics to the original wave (additive synthesis), or by taking them away as needed (subtractive synthesis).

The vast majority of analogue synths are subtractive. Digital and FM synthesis nowadays also tends to be subtractive too.  However, additive synths are very popular and can be one of the best for beginners as they tend to be simpler.

Guide to Synths for Guitar Players: Analogue Synthesis

Analogue synthesis made up all synthesis in the 1970s and early 1980s, and creates sound mechanically, as opposed to digitally with a computer. It’s famous for generating lush, warm tones.

Example Analogue Synths: 

  • Moog Minimoog
  • Arturia Minibrute 
  • Korg MS 20 
Moog Minimoog Model D

What it sounds like and how you can use it: 

Analogue is easy to recognise and includes legendary brands like Moog as well as newcomers like Arturia. Ultimately if you want thick, fat sounds, you can’t go wrong with analogue. It’s favoured by classic rock but can also work for genres from industrial rock and metal, to pop rock, soul, and RnB.

FM Synthesis and the Sound of the ’80s

FM stands for frequency modulation and was made famous by Yamaha with the Dx7 in the 80s. What makes it stand out is like additive, subtractive, and wavetable synthesis, it’s one of the fundamental ways of generating sound in the first place.

One thing which sets FM synthesis apart is just how many combinations of parameters there are, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not as hard as expected.

Example FM Synths; 

  • Yamaha DX7 
  • Arturia DX7 V (an emulation of the classic DX7)
  • Korg Volca FM 2

What it sounds like and how you can use it: 

In some ways, FM summed up the sound of the 80s. It’s great to use in New Wave and featured in the work of bands like A-ha. It also works well for modern genres like indie pop when paired with clean guitars.

Ring Modulation: The Secret to Super Thick, Layered Sounds

Not a type of synth per se but a module in the signal chain. Ring Modulators take into account negative frequencies, and blend them via multiplication with the positive. This leads to creative permutations where waves cancel each other out to make futuristic and technological sounds, earning it a mention here for its totally different way of operating.

What is sounds like and how to use it:

Ring modulation is great for robotic noises or the sounds of glitching. However, with ring modulation, every time you use a waveform other than a pure sine wave, you multiply layers of frequencies, undertones, and overtones. This means it’s amazing for making super lush, creamy sounds, so use it whenever you feel something needs a little extra richness.

Guitar Synths: A Must Know for Any Guitarist Interested in Synthesis

The term ‘guitar synths’ can be confusing. These aren’t just regular synths which can emulate the noise of a guitar. Instead, after the invention of MIDI allowed instruments to share a common language, guitar players were then able to control synths from their guitar.

This requires a hexaphonic pickup, which goes between the guitar bridge and bridge pickup. From here, it sends the sound of each string separately to your machine of choice. Ultimately, this is what lets you ‘play’ a synth from your guitar.

Guitar synths have gained a reputation for being a bit ‘cheesy’ or ‘weird’. However, many classic bands used them, including Led Zeppelin, King Crimson, and, controversially, Iron Maiden on their 1988 release Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. Sound varies depending on the individual synth, but a few of the best choices include:

  • The Boss SY-200 and Boss SY-300
  • The Analogue Guitar Microsynth and the Mono Synth, both from Electro-Harmonix
  • Keeley Synth-1 Wave Generator

One thing to bear in mind is you will have to buy the hexaphonic pickup separately. Otherwise, guitar synths are a great introduction to using synth sounds for guitarists whenever you need extra inspiration.

Granular Synthesis – Where Sampling and Synthesis Meet

Granular synthesis didn’t get its lucky break until the 1980s, with Canadian composer Barry Truax. However, even today granular synthesis doesn’t tend to feature as much as other kinds. 

Granular synthesis is all about the samples. It’s generally digital, and splits up the sound into particles called microsounds before recombining them, leading to ultra unusual sounds. If it’s space age, avante-garde, or outside of the box you want, granular is a great option and we break down how it works further here.

Famous Examples of Granular Synthesis: 

Despite being less well known, granular synthesis has become a highlight for many great creative new brands like these below:

  • Bastl music GrandPA and MicroGranny (some of the best recent contenders)
  • 1010 music’s Lemondrop Synth
  • Portal Granular synth plugin, which we cover here
  • Mutable instruments Clouds (one of the most popular!)

What it sounds like and how you can use it: 

One of the quirks of granular synthesis is that it gives you very different results depending on tempo. For low tempos you can create lush dreamscapes. Alternatively, speed things up for more clean cut notes with out of this world timbres and textures. It can work for anything gritty and industrial or retro-futuristic, and you can use it for electronic or video-game inspired music. In fact, it’s a favourite for niche subgenres of EDM beatmaking, and in game and soundtrack composition for it’s glitchy noises. 

Synths for Guitar Players – What is Modular Synthesis?

Modular synths, like FM synths, have a reputation for being difficult but is actually simple when broken down. A modular synth is made of different modules which function as separate component parts, giving you huge scope to alter the signal chain. These modules may be VCFs, VCOs, or envelope generators. They can also include more unusual offerings such as sample and hold modules.

Famous Modular Synths: 

  • Moog Mother 
  • Buchla modular Electronic Music System 
  • Roland System 100

What Does it Sound Like? 

Modular synthesis doesn’t have just one sound as each synth is unique. Modular synths can be analogue or digital, the only difference being the way each individual module generates noise. In fact, this means that you can also get semi modular synths with both digital and analogue modules. 

How to Use it With Guitar: 

As modular synths can be so varied, it can work in many different genres. Therefore, how you use it depends on what exactly you’ve got…

Wavetable Synthesis

The first wavetable was the PPG wave, which came onto the scene in the 1980s, making Wavetable a relative newcomer to the world of synthesis.

Wavetable accomplishes with digital things which analogue can’t do. It captures the cycle of a single sound wave and sculpts it into different sounds by storing the different waveforms as a file where a traditional VCO would be. If you want to try it, there are great options for both hardware and VSTs.

Popular Examples of Wavetable Synthesis: 

  • PPG Wave 
  • Arturia Pigments 3 
  • Xfer Serum (VST)
  • Waldorf M 

What it Sounds like and How to Use It: 

Despite its 80s roots, wavetable features heavily in modern electronic music, EDM, pop, and more. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use it with guitar! It can work great in electro pop when paired with backing guitar but equally in industrial music. 

Final Thoughts

This is just the tip of the iceberg when exploring different kinds of synths. However, for guitarists who want to branch out or even beginner musicians, this is a rough guide to knowing your analogue from guitar synths, ring modulation, and more.

Like more tutorials, cheatsheets, and rough guides? Check out our tutorials section here.

2023 Music Production Hardware: A Rundown of the Best Options For This Year

This 2023 list of hardware for music production is by no means exhaustive and each of the headings here could deserve a list in its own right. However, to kick off 2023, this article is a snapshot of the BEST hardware to consider across multiple categories. To make this list, gear had to be both affordable for the average home sound designer or producer, as well as stand out somehow in its niche. Read on for a brief look at ways to inject some new energy into your studio for 2023.

2023 Music Production: Best Hardware Drum Synth – Korg Volca Drum

This is a really affordable and staggeringly sophisticated little drum machine which makes the bold decision to generate its kick and snare sounds through digital FM synthesis as opposed to via samples. This isn’t the only drum machine in the Volca series but it is the most creative. Billed as Korg’s bold experiment in introducing you to new sounds on their website, it lives up to the hype there by totally delivering on its unusual features whilst still making them sound great. The Volca hits the sweet spot between innovation and crowd pleasing, which is no small feat and at a low budget is a seriously exciting and compact drum machine.        

Features: 

  • Sound produced digitally from a six part DSP engine 
  • Automate up to 69 parameters
  • Wavesculpting and waveguide resonator effect 
  • 2 layers per part for lush, sonorous undertones and overtones 
  • Slice and accent features 
  • Clean and intuitive LED screen to keep track of your work 
  • Layer isolation capacity to give you total control over undertones and overtones 
  • Compact and intuitive control matrix with connection to LED screen 
  • Can produce both drum and synth sounds 

Availability and price:  circa 150 USD from Korg’s website. You can also scoop a great deal on Reverb.com by clicking here.

2023 Best Hardware Sampler – Elektron Digitakt MKII

At over 600 USD, this isn’t a cheap sampler. Yet despite the fact it’s in the higher range of the price spectrum, it absolutely delivers on what it promises. The ability to use both internal tracks and external MIDI sources means that you have limitless creative possibilities, especially in terms of tonal and textural variety. This is a sampler which has the processing power to cope with your wildest sonic imaginings. 

Like with most Elektron products, the sequencer is also top notch and the Digitakt MKII could have taken a spot on this list based on that alone. However, where it really shines is its workflow, opportunities for streamlining your music making, and ability to encourage creative sampling due to how it seamlessly blends internal and external audio. 

Features: 

  • Cutting edge power and processing 
  • Combines 8 internal tracks with 8 external MIDI sources 
  • Over 400 factory samples
  • 23 drum kits 
  • Two LFOs for double the modulation 
  • Full processing for external audio sources including stereo capacity, reverb, and delay 
  • One basewidth and multimode filter each per audio track for ultimate variation of parameters
  • Stereo compression 
  • Ability to send reverb and delay 
  • Smooth yet gritty high quality overdrive 

Availability and price: arround 800 USD, and available from their website. Also available on Reverb in both new and second hand options – click here.

Best Music Production Hardware Sequencer 2023 – AKAI Professional MPC One

AKAI actually developed the term MPC, standing for MIDI Production Center. The MPC One is basically a standalone sequencer and workstation, which can create beats and loops plus also lets you compose melodies both from built in samples and from your own sample uploads. Where it stands out is in its compactness and versatility; it really shines even when away from the rest of your studio equipment.

In fact, AKAI are adept at making gear which helps you be flexible. Their products are easily adaptable to the rest of your gear and always high quality at great value for money. Indeed, they’re still relatively underrated and you can check out another of their best offerings here where we cover the MPK mini MKII MIDI controller. The MPC One offers the same level of connection and fluidity in a standalone workstation.

Demos show how it can be used to create full fledged, seamless, and modern beats but there’s a lot more to it than just that. The MPC One Standalone lets you access you Splice library and other sound files too, so you can take your favourite sounds with you. Just remember it needs to be plugged in at a socket.

Features: 

  • Looping, sampling, and arpeggiation 
  • 16 backlit pads for playing at all venues 
  • Ability to sync with your MIDI technology in the studio 
  • Totally modern up to date sounds capable of producing trap beats or old school melodies 
  • The single most compact MPC from AKAI yet
  • Standalone capability makes it an ideal workstation for on the go 
  • Built in drum programs with a leaning towards urban and dance music but with real creative potential for all musicians 

Availability and price: Ranging from 700 to 850 USD. Not available on their site but can be purchased from all good retailers such as Andertons and Thomann. If you want to support the channel, use this link to buy from Reverb – we get a small kickback. 

Best Overall Synth – Uno Synth Pro From IK Multimedia

If there had to be one lesser-known modern synth to make this list as the absolute best recently updated machine, it’s the Uno Synth Pro from IK Multimedia. Although not a synthesis heavyweight such as Korg or Behringer in terms of output, this affordable and intuitive little synth has been met with rave reviews despite or perhaps because of features like it’s potentially polarising capacitive touchplate keys.

Plus, IK Multimedia also offers the Uno as a tabletop synth, which is a great dealbreaker if you have limited space or a small studio. 

Features: 

  • Variable waveshape oscillators 
  • FM and ring modulation 
  • Hyper-connectivity including midi inputs and outputs plus ability to connect audio input directly to FX and filters 
  • Studio grade delay and reverb 
  • Weighted keyboard
  • Free mac/pc editor 
  • Comes in black or red 

Availability and price: 300-350 USD for the desktop version and available from their website, and also on Reverb.com – click here to see the deals.    

Final Thoughts

This music production hardware roundup for 2023 obviously doesn’t cover every great bit of gear out there – just some of the most interesting in each category. Some entries could have easily taken a different spot, and the beauty of music is there are no hard and fast rules. However, these were chosen due to both their high quality, value, but also for their potential for inspiration to ensure new musical beginnings for the upcoming year. Happy music making!

Love music hardware? We have a whole section here.

80s Music Synths Re-created – The Best Modern Gear Inspired by the Golden Age of Synthesis

80s music synths range from the classic Yamaha DX7 which pioneered FM synthesis, to the Roland 808 drum machine. Most of the legendary synths which defined the era are now discontinued. However, these modern machines which weigh in at budget prices to top-of-the-range will have you feeling similarly inspired.

80s Music Synths – Best FM synth: The Korg Volca FM

When FM synthesis entered the market, it changed the course of music and gave rise to a reputation for being difficult to understand or work with. Decades on, FM is now a staple part of the synthesis and the Korg Volca FM does an amazing job at resurrecting the heyday of FM, especially the sounds of the classic Yamaha DX7. In fact, a short introductory video on their website from chief engineer Tatsuya Takahashi reveals it is fully DX7 compatible, meaning DX7 patches can actually be loaded onto the Volca. 

Important Specs: 

  • 3 voice polyphony
  • Multi-touch keyboard
  • 16-step sequencer with warp, pattern chain, and active step controls 
  • MIDI connection and ability to convert files created on the Yamaha DX7 
  • Ability to edit modulator, LFO, carrier, and algorithm parameters
  • Brilliant, DX7-inspired FM synthesis 
  • 9 arpeggiator types
  • Poly, unison, and random voice modes

Price and Availability: 194 USD, available from Korg’s website or dealers. You may also get a great deal on Reberb.com by clicking this link.

80s Music Synths – Best Drum Machine: The Roland TR – 08

The Original Roland 808 drum machine has been the subject of many clones over the years. Its legendary status as the first drum machine which allowed users to program their own rhythms means it is a popular source of inspiration, though not all homages are created equal. However, the TR-08 really succeeds in reviving everything which made the 808 special as a drum machine in itself – not just as the first machine of its kind but as one of the best. With its own character which came through tone variations and analogue warmth. Roland’s Analogue Circuit Behaviour means the TR-08 does it’s predecessor justice.

Important Specs: 

  • Directly modelled after the 808 with the original design sheets. 
  • Powerful sequencer with 16 sub-steps per step
  • Deliberately built to capture the quirks of the original 808 such as tone variations
  • 16 kits and 11 instrument types 
  • Inspiration from both the 808 and the Tr – 909 drum machines 
  • 16 pads and LED display 
  • Assignable analogue outputs and full parallel outputs via USB 

Price and Availability: Find a dealer feature on Roland’s website and also available on Reverb.com – click here.

Behringer Deepmind 12 – Best Emulation

The Behringer Deepmind 12 takes inspiration from the classic Juno 106 for a versatile beginner synth to get creative juices flowing. It’s modelled off the 106, and Behringer has indeed made a name for themselves by emulating classic synths with high quality and at a fraction of the price. However, the Deepmind 12 is a hybrid which stands out with its fully analogue signal chain which differs from the Juno with its two digitally controlled oscillators.

In some ways, the Deepmind 12 can sound more 80s than the most famous 80s music synths themselves. It has the ability to switch from super fat, lush, warm tones to futuristic, space-age arpeggiation. Ultimately, it fully deserves a spot on this list as a power-packed synth, ready for inspiration from both classic 80s synth pop and descendant genres.

Important Specs: 

  • FX from Klark Technik and TC Electronic, including delay, flanger, comp, EQ, phaser, plus room, hall, plate, rich plate and the 80s classic gated reverb 
  • Two VCOs and 12 independent voices 
  • Variable pulse width and modulation depth 
  • Three-octave range
  • Unison mode
  • Mono, poly and spread modes on LFOs
  • Stereo VCA
  • Modulation matrix
  • Arpeggiator
  • Chord and polychord features 
  • 8 banks of 128 programs

Price and Availability: Available from Behringer’s dealers, but you may also find a great deal on Reberb.com by clicking on this link.

Best Bass Synth: The Moog Minitaur

Moogs have made a well-deserved comeback with features which perfectly suit the sub-genres spawned by New Wave and goth at the tail end of the 80s, plus the current 80s revival in general.

For the pulsing bass and memorable riffs of much of New Wave, the Minitaur totally delivers a great value-for-money synth which has all the quality and nostalgia of a the old Moog Taurus without breaking the bank. The ability to poly-chain with other Moogs is a big plus, as is the Minitaur Editor which allows parameter control by MIDI. Ultimately, the Minitaur manages to be technologically intuitive whilst still having a creative, driven sound that will completely draw you in.

Important Specs: 

  • Polychaining ability
  • Pitch bend, mod wheel, after pressure, and velocity
  • 2 VCOs, square and saw waveforms
  • oscillator hard sync
  • ability to integrate with your DAW with the librarian feature
  • space for 128 presets
  • ultra fat analogue bass with tons of character
  • super snappy ASDR
  • 20 hidden parameters such as Note Sync
  • Ability to control all knob features by MIDI

Price and Availability: Coming in at 599 USD, this is Moog’s most affordable synth and is available from all good retailers such as Thomann, Andertons, or Sweetwater. You may want to also explore Reberb.com – click here.

80s Music Synths – Best Hybrid: The Arturia Minifreak

The 80s were a decade which saw many musical innovations including the change from just analogue to digital options after the introduction of FM synthesis in 1983. To emulate the range of sounds available in the 80s, a hybrid synth is always a good choice. We’ve covered the Arturia Microfreak as one of the best beginner synths specifically for guitarists getting into synthesis. However, the Arturia Minifreak is a step-up hybrid synth which means you have the best of both worlds. 

Important Specs: 

  • Dual digital engines and analogue filters 
  • Destroy features offers the ability to replicate classic retro video game sounds  
  • 14 modelled filters 
  • Analogue modelled strings
  • Blend frequency and ring modulation 
  • Saw, square, sine, and triangle waves 
  • 6 voice polyphony (compared to the microfreak’s paraphonic capacities)

Price and Availability: Ranging from 599 to 699 USD and available from all good retailers such as Sweetwater and Andertons. Also worth checking options available on Reverb by clicking here. And if you buy using that link, we get a small kickback so you will be supporting our work and this website.

Final Thoughts

Many of the legendary synths of the 80s are now discontinued and can only be found second-hand at a high price. However, these modern synths will give you a similar sound and feel whilst still being accessible. In this way, you can take inspiration from one of the most important decades for innovations in music tech – and fall in love with new gear which will open up a wealth of different creative routes to go down.  

Love physical hardware you can really play with? We have a whole hardware section dedicated to just that.

Best New Hardware Synths: A Guide to the Top Three Instruments released in the recent years

The best new hardware synths call is a difficult choice to make. Finally rounding it down to three options, this article looks at what makes these synths stand a cut above the rest. To find out the results of this difficult choice and draw in some inspiration for the new year, read on.

Teenage Engineering OP-1 Tenth Anniversary New Edition

Ten years ago the OP-1 made waves for its unparalleled creativity and now it’s been re-released for its tenth anniversary. Modelled off a pocket calculator, it has more unique points than possible to list. The Op-1 has ultimately become one of the most talked-about releases of recent years – so let’s take a look at why…

Teenage Engineering Op-1 Tenth Anniversary Edition: Features Included

Don’t let the size of this little synth mislead you! Courtesy of the classic creativity of Teenage Engineering, it has a neat and efficient selection of features, including the following…

  • mixer and FX – it has a four-channel mixer with 7 distinct stereo FX to apply to your sound, giving effortless numbers of sonic permutations.
  • a wide range of synthesis options ranging from string synthesis (physically modelled) to FM Synthesis – 10 in total
  • unique fingerprint to EVERY OP-1 due to the fact its ‘DNA synthesis’ feature is modelled on a machine’s unique processor ID. No two machines sound the same! This is broken down further in one of their blog posts and is essentially a noise synth, but with a difference.
  • works as both a synthesizer, sampler, and sequencer
  • controller mode changes the synth into a portable MIDI controller
  • disc mode allows the export of sounds made on the OP-1 as separate tracks to be stored on your computer

Best new Hardware Synths: What Makes the OP-1 Stand Out From the Rest?

The OP-1 is billed as ‘the portable wonder synthesizer’ by Teenage Engineering and it’s not hard to see why. It is versatile enough that it has been used by both Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails as well as French ambient and electronic musician Jean Michel Jarre.

A real innovation is how you can use its FM radio feature as a form of input, meaning you can sample real radio stations and then modulate them with the synth’s effects. the possibilities are endless – ultimately, this is just a snapshot of what has made the OP-1 so popular.

Price and Availability:

At the time of writing, the Op-1 Tenth Anniversary Edition costs 1683 USD and is available from Teenage Engineering’s official website. You can also check the options available on Reverb.com by clicking this link.

Best New Hardware Synths: Behringer 2600 – A Much Needed Gap in the Market

The Behringer 2600 is a version of the 1970s classic ARP 2600, updated for the modern age. This is a synth which plays with nostalgia yet remains innovative. It comes in three colours – black and orange, also known as Christmas Tree, Blue Marvin, and Grey Meanie. The synth is semi-modular, so if you’ve always wanted to get into modular synthesis it makes both a great intermediary as well as a fantastic value high-quality synth in itself.

Behringer 2600: Features Included

For a full breakdown of features, visit Behringer’s website. However, the below is just an example of what the 2600 offers for different purposes…

  • 3 VCOs which also double as LFOs, VCA, and VCF
  • Completely analogue circuitry modelled off the original ARP 2600
  • Semi-modular synthesis possibilities don’t require patching, although the Behringer 2600 also offers the option of 83 patch cables for those who really want to shape their own sound
  • Attenuator, mixer, inverter and post-filter distortion, and other interesting creative options
  • Noise generator
  • ring modular, lag processor, sample and hold modules and much more

What Makes the Behringer 2600 Stand Out From the Rest?

Ultimately the Behringer 2600’s only competition is the Korg 2600, which is much, much more expensive, clocking in at over 1000 USD. The original ARP 2600 was responsible for classic seventies tones and fat bass sounds. If you want a budget replica, the Behringer is your only real option, but it’s a very good one.

However, this synth also stands out on its own merit. It manages to be both a crowd-pleaser and an innovative homage, and its semi-modular capabilities and technical possibilities make it an option for modern styles of all kinds too.

Behringer 2600 Price and Availability:

Currently, the Behringer 2600 sits in the 400 to 600 USD price range and is available from a variety of retailers including Andertons, Thomann, and Sweetwater. For other options including second hand, click here to check out our partner Reverb. We get a small kickback if you use this link to buy so you will be supporting this website.

Arturia MiniFreak: Best New Hardware Synths – Keyboard Synthesis

And to round up the list, we have chosen the Arturia MiniFreak, adding a keyboard synth to the top three. The MiniFreak has been subject to rave reviews and when you take a look at what it includes for the price, it’s not hard to see why.

The Arturia MiniFreak: Features Included

The MiniFreak excels at being intuitive with its keyboard and OLED screen, however, it has many other draws to it such as the following:

  • two LFOs
  • 6-voice polyphony
  • ability to modulate everything up to and including filters, FX, and sound engines
  • FX ranging from bitcrusher, multi-comp, 3-band EQ, phaser, flanger, distortion, reverb, and delay
  • randomisation capacity for all new permutations of sound
  • chord mode which turns notes into chord stacks
  • scale mode ensures effortless harmonisation
  • OLED display
  • USB capability
  • stereo outputs
  • can work with MacOS 10.13+ as well as Windows 10+ (64-bit)

Best New Hardware Synths: What Makes the Arturia MiniFreak Stand Out From the Rest?

Described on Arturia’s site as producing sounds which are ‘curious, beautiful, and chaotic’, this keyboard synth generates stunning results at a low price. The MiniFreak is clearly branded as non-linear and creative, with a ‘modulation matrix’ which can modulate virtually any part of the signal. Basically, this synth is designed to give you fluidity and intuition. If you want high-quality sound and an artsy, left-field bias, the MiniFreak offers plenty of possibilities.

Price and Availability:

The MiniFreak can be bought from Arturia’s website for 599 EU (628 USD) but alternatively you can get it from Reverb.com by clicking here.

Final Thoughts:

Choosing the top three new hardware synths was not an easy task. However, this roundup offers both the pinnacle of classic mini synths with the OP-1 as well as two other options which won’t break the bank.

if you liked this but still want to look at more options for hardware synths, we have a whole selection here in our hardware section.