Collection: Synthesizers

Synthesizers: What to Know

Synthesizers generate sound from scratch using oscillators, filters, and envelopes. Analog synths use voltage-controlled circuits for organic warmth and unpredictable character. Digital synths use DSP for precise recall, complex modulation, and effects. Semi-modular and modular synths expose the signal path through patch cables, letting you rewire the architecture. Desktop modules save space but need an external MIDI controller. Keyboard synths range from 25-key portable units to 61 and 88-key stage instruments. Polyphony matters: monosynths play one note at a time (leads, bass), polysynths handle chords. Producers use synths for everything from techno basslines to ambient pads. Live performers need reliable MIDI, CV/Gate, or USB connectivity and hands-on control.

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How to Choose a Synthesizer - Analog vs Digital, Mono vs Poly, and What Matters for Your Music

What to Look For

Voice count determines how many notes you can play simultaneously. A monosynth is one voice. Paraphonic synths share a filter across multiple oscillators. True polysynths give each voice its own signal path. Four voices cover basic chords; eight or sixteen voices handle complex progressions without note stealing. Oscillator type shapes your sound: analog oscillators drift slightly and sound thick when detuned, while digital oscillators stay locked and offer wavetables or FM. Filter topology matters: ladder filters (Moog-style) sound fat and resonant, state-variable filters (Oberheim, Sequential) are smooth and musical. Check modulation options: LFOs, envelopes, and modulation matrices let you animate parameters over time. Connectivity includes MIDI In/Out/Thru for sequencing, CV/Gate for modular integration, and USB for DAW control. Onboard sequencers and arpeggiators are useful for live performance and sketching ideas without a computer. Preset storage is critical if you play live or switch between projects frequently.

Top Brands

Moog invented the synthesizer and still builds the reference standard for analog bass and lead sounds. Sequential (formerly Dave Smith Instruments) makes polyphonic workhorses with deep modulation and studio-grade build quality. Korg covers everything from affordable analog monosynths to flagship polysynths and modular systems. Roland defined digital synthesis in the 1980s and continues that legacy with modern recreations and new designs. Arturia brings vintage synth architecture into affordable, compact formats.

Shop Synthesizers at Blackout Audio

Your synth is the core of your sound design workflow. Pair it with a MIDI controller if you're going desktop, or a quality audio interface to capture every detail. Analog synths benefit from external effects like reverb and delay to add space and movement. Digital polysynths often include built-in effects but still need proper monitoring through studio monitors or headphones. Free shipping on orders over $199 across Canada. Browse the full range online and contact our team with questions about specs, connectivity, or which synth fits your setup.