Top Analog Synthesizers Compared 2026
Choosing between the Moog Subsequent 37 and Korg Minilogue XD means deciding what kind of synthesis workflow fits your music. The Subsequent 37 ($2,799 CAD) is a paraphonic powerhouse with Moog's legendary filter and can play two notes simultaneously. The Minilogue XD ($999.99 CAD) is a true four-voice polyphonic synth with digital effects and a more approachable price. Both are analog at their core, but they serve different needs in the studio.
Quick Verdict
If you need full polyphony for chords and pads, the Minilogue XD wins on versatility and value. Its four voices, digital multi-engine, and built-in effects make it a complete package for under a thousand dollars. If you prioritize sonic depth, filter character, and that unmistakable Moog sound, the Subsequent 37 justifies its higher price with a richer signal path and more headroom. The Moog excels at leads, bass, and aggressive textures. The Korg handles everything else.
Build Quality and Panel Layout
The Subsequent 37 is a 37-key instrument with velocity and aftertouch. Its metal chassis and wood side panels feel substantial. The panel layout is dense with 40 knobs and 74 switches, giving you direct access to nearly every parameter. The keybed is lighter than the original Sub 37, which some players prefer for faster passages. The headphone amplifier has been upgraded to deliver more power than the original model.
The Minilogue XD is a 37-key synth with a slim-key design. It weighs less and takes up less desk space. The panel is cleaner with fewer controls, relying on a menu system for deeper editing. The OLED screen helps with navigation. The oscilloscope display is a nice touch for visualizing waveforms. Build quality is solid plastic, not metal, but it feels road-ready. The Korg's portability makes it easier to move between setups.
Sound Engine and Synthesis Architecture
The Subsequent 37 is paraphonic, meaning it can trigger two oscillators independently but they share a single filter and amplifier. This limits true polyphonic playing but enables thick unison sounds and certain interval techniques. The sound engine is pure analog with two oscillators, a sub oscillator, a noise generator, and a ladder filter with an expanded multidrive circuit. The mixer has more than twice the headroom of the original Sub 37, giving you cleaner signal flow and more dynamic range. The filter is the heart of the instrument — it's a four-pole Moog ladder design with resonance that self-oscillates. The multidrive circuit adds grit and distortion in a way that feels musical, not harsh.
The Minilogue XD is a true four-voice polyphonic synth. You can play full chords with independent voice allocation. Each voice has two analog oscillators, a noise generator, and a two-pole resonant filter. The third oscillator slot is a digital multi-engine that can load custom oscillators, giving you wavetable, FM, and noise synthesis options. The effects section includes modulation, reverb, and delay, all processed digitally. The analog signal path is clean and precise, but it doesn't have the same low-end heft or filter aggression as the Moog. The Korg sounds more polite, which is fine for pads and arpeggios but less exciting for bass and leads.
Modulation and Sequencing
The Subsequent 37 has two loopable envelopes, two LFOs, and a 256-step sequencer. The sequencer can record note and modulation data in real time or step by step. You can assign modulation sources to nearly any destination via the mod wheel and external CV inputs. The arpeggiator has multiple modes and can sync to external MIDI clock. The modulation options are deep, but you need to understand the signal flow to get the most out of them.
The Minilogue XD has a 16-step sequencer with motion recording. You can automate knob movements and recall them per step. The sequencer is more immediate and easier to program than the Moog's. The modulation section includes two envelopes, two LFOs, and a joystick for pitch and modulation control. The joystick is more expressive than a mod wheel for real-time performance. The Korg also supports user-installable effects and oscillators via the logue SDK, which extends its sonic palette beyond what ships in the box.
Connectivity and Integration
The Subsequent 37 has MIDI in, out, and thru, plus two CV inputs for pitch and filter cutoff. The CV inputs let you integrate modular gear or use the synth as a voice module. The audio output is a single mono or stereo pair, depending on how you patch it. The upgraded headphone amplifier provides better monitoring than the original Sub 37. No USB audio interface is built in, so you'll need a separate audio interface to record into a DAW.
The Minilogue XD has MIDI in, out, and USB MIDI. The USB connection also provides power, so you can run it off a laptop or USB battery pack. The audio outputs are stereo, and there's a sync in/out for connecting other Korg Volca or Electribe gear. The Korg integrates more easily into a modern DAW-based setup because of the USB MIDI and lower power requirements. The Moog feels more at home in a hardware-centric studio.
Value for Money
The Minilogue XD at $999.99 CAD is one of the best values in analog synthesis. You get four voices, digital effects, a sequencer, and a flexible modulation system for under a thousand dollars. The Subsequent 37 at $2,799 CAD costs nearly three times as much. You're paying for the Moog name, the filter, and the build quality. The price difference is justified if you need that specific sound and workflow. If you're building a first synth setup or need polyphony for chords, the Korg is the smarter buy. If you're after a specific sonic character and already have other synths covering polyphonic duties, the Moog is worth the investment.
Comparison Table
| Spec | Moog Subsequent 37 | Korg Minilogue XD |
|---|---|---|
| Polyphony | Paraphonic (2 oscillators, shared filter/VCA) | 4 voices |
| Oscillators | 2 analog + sub + noise | 2 analog + digital multi-engine + noise |
| Filter | 4-pole ladder (24dB/oct) | 2-pole resonant (12dB/oct) |
| Keys | 37 (velocity + aftertouch) | 37 (slim keys, velocity) |
| Sequencer | 256 steps | 16 steps with motion recording |
| Effects | None (analog signal path only) | Digital modulation, reverb, delay |
| Connectivity | MIDI, CV inputs | MIDI, USB MIDI, sync in/out |
| Street Price | $2,799 CAD | $999.99 CAD |
Which Synth Is Right for You?
Your choice comes down to what you need from an analog synth. The Minilogue XD covers more ground for less money. Its four-voice polyphony and built-in effects make it a complete instrument that works in nearly any musical context. The digital multi-engine and user-installable content give it room to grow as your skills develop. The Subsequent 37 is a specialist. It does fewer things, but it does them with a sonic character that's hard to replicate. The filter alone justifies the price for players who need that specific Moog sound. If you're recording bass-heavy electronic music or aggressive lead lines, the Moog delivers in ways the Korg can't match. For everything else, the Minilogue XD is the better all-around choice.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If the Subsequent 37 and Minilogue XD don't fit your needs, these options cover different price points and feature sets. The PolyBrute offers six voices and morphing capabilities for complex sound design. The MiniMoog Model D is a monophonic classic with legendary bass and lead sounds. The Volca Keys is a budget-friendly entry point for exploring analog synthesis without a major investment.
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Explore the full range of analog synthesizers available in Canada. From compact desktop modules to full-featured keyboard instruments, you'll find options for every budget and workflow.
