The hardware synthesizer market has experienced massive growth recently after years of software dominance. According to leading industry reports, sales of dedicated hardware keyboards with built-in synthesizers grew by over 20% in 2021 alone. With so many great options available, you may be wondering — should I buy a hardware synth keyboard for myself?
We‘re here to give you 6 excellent reasons why now is a great time to grab one, along with our top recommendations at any budget. Let‘s dive in!
A Brief History of Hardware Synthesizers
Before covering why hardware synthesizers still deliver an experience software can‘t match, let‘s quickly recap how we got here.
The earliest modular synthesizers of the 1960s used analog circuitry to generate and sculpt sounds. Instruments like Robert Moog‘s famous Minimoog blended multiple analog components:
- VCOs (voltage-controlled oscillators) to generate raw waveforms
- VCFs (voltage-controlled filters) to shape harmonic content
- VCAs (voltage-controlled amplifiers) to tailor envelopes
These building blocks formed the foundation of subtractive synthesis — utilizing harmonically rich overtones and sweeping filters to craft sounds.
In the 1970s and 80s, polyphonic instruments like Sequential Prophet 5 and Yamaha DX7 took center stage. The DX7 also introduced a new form of synthesis to most musicians — frequency modulation (FM).
Rather than relying on traditional waveforms as the starting point, FM synthesis works by modulating multiple carrier signals to create complex, glassy tones. By the mid-1980s, FM synthesis powered legions of pop, dance and rock hits.
Of course, we can‘t ignore sampling — recording and replaying sounds digitally also became possible with instruments like the Fairlight CMI and E-MU Emulator in the 80s.
Fast forward to 2023 — what are the hardware options today and why should you consider them?
6 Great Reasons to Buy a Hardware Synth
While software and laptop production have many advantages, some musicians still prefer standalone, dedicated hardware instruments. Let‘s explore why many producers still flock to instruments they can touch, tweak and jostle around:
1. Tactile Control Spurs Inspiration
Twisting real knobs and pressing buttons provides a hands-on experience software synthesizers can lack. Having an instrument to grab, poke and prod adds an element software sometimes misses.
For example, classic analog synths often have panels with dedicated knobs for functions like filter sweeps, envelope shaping and vibrato depth/speed. Tweaking these while holding down an oscillating chord triggers real-time changes a mouse can‘t easily replicate.
Surveyed hardware synth owners overwhelmingly preferred hands-on control and "happy accidents" from real-time playing vs point-and-click programming.
2. Built-In Limitations Encourage Experimentation
Whereas software instruments have endless options, expandable architectures and third party add-ons, hardware synths designed for specific tasks tend to have strict limitations. For example:
- Mono synths with a single oscillator and filter for searing leads
- FM engines with fixed carrier/modulator configurations
- Analog models that forego wavetables or samples
You might assume strict limitations hinder creativity. But many veteran synth programmers love working inside the box of a particular machine. Having finite options eliminates choice paralysis.
Chick Corea‘s iconic Rhodes electric piano tones came from a "limited" instrument with simple controls. Yet he crafted an entirely new fusion sound. Preset-based ROMplers like Korg M1 defined 90s house/rave yet had no synthesizers onboard.
Limitations often lead producers to squeeze more creative mileage from one particular machine before endless software options.
3. Time-Tested Reliability
Hardware synthesizers live on as playable instruments decades later, while software usually doesn‘t.
These reliable workhorses keep making noises regardless of changes to operating systems, DAW/plugin formats or computer speeds. Even synths from 30-40 years back work fine if MIDI or CV cables connect them to modern gear. That‘s reassurance software can‘t match.
Plus, iconic instruments tend to become more coveted — and valuable — with age. While most tech loses value over time, vintage analog synthesizers often become quite collectible.
Well preserved instruments from Moog, Sequential, Oberheim and other boutique brands sell for many multiples of their original sticker prices in 2023. Try reselling a dusty software license from 1995 — unlikely you‘ll have willing buyers.
In short — hardware stands the test of time. Key instruments retain or often gain value. Software tends to lose support. These keyboards literally play on for decades.
4. Jam and Practice Anytime, Anywhere
For simply enjoying playing music away from a screen, hardware synthesizers excel. There‘s nothing quite like getting into a groove with a synth roaring in your studio space.
Tuning software instruments via monitors or headphones in total isolation lacks the visceral thrill of layering booming analog basslines or searing digital leads in the air. The sheer power and volume some dedicated hardware achieves makes software setups seem numb and sterile.
And for live performance, hardware instruments travel reliably from studio to stage. Master keyboardists never risk glitching computers or plugins on the big night. Musicians wanting to guarantee flawless shows still swear by hardware.
5. Rich, Analog Sound Quality
Despite software‘s convenience, only real analog circuits produce the fat, thick tones vintage synths are cherished for.
Instruments using actual soldered VCOs, VCFs and VCAs create harmonically rich sounds missing from digital plugins limited to 0s and 1s. Those components also impart :
- Warmth and depth software lacks
- Gritty/smooth distortion from overdriving circuits
- More reactive filtering with juicy resonance
Top recording and mix engineers still run audio outputs from hardware into premium AD/DA converters when possible. Running direct analog connections retains depth and clarity software has difficulty achieving cleanly.
6. Potential Appreciation in Value
We briefly touched on this above — but certain hardware synth models actually gain value over decades rather than diminish like most music tech.
Instruments from Moog, Sequential, ARP and other boutique brands sell for exponentially more on today‘s vintage markets than their original retail prices.
While condition, maintenance history and rarity impact prices, well preserved hardware is increasingly considered collectible. Some examples:
- Mint condition Minimoog Model D – ~$4,000 original MSRP / now sells $3-5k used
- Moog System 55 (9 modules) – ~$5,500 original in early 70s / sells for $15-20k+ today
- Sequential Prophet 5 Rev 3+ – $1,295 in early 80s / $6-10k+ in 2023
So while few buyers consider investment potential initially, desirable hardware often appreciates — software almost never does. Think collectible musical instruments vs video game discs…
Okay — now that we‘ve covered 6 compelling reasons to grab a hardware synth, what are the best options worth buying today?
Top Hardware Synth Models to Consider in 2023
Today‘s hardware keyboard synthesizers blend digital technology with analog design for the best of both worlds. Old-school charm meets modern convenience and flexibility.
We‘ve rounded up our favorite synths across various budgets and playing levels any musician can learn. Let‘s dive in!
Beginner Pick: Korg Minilogue
Korg‘s 4-voice polyphonic Minilogue provides an affordable starting point under $500 for budding hardware enthusiasts. It skips complex modulation options but focuses on hands-on control with dedicated knobs per function.
Highlights
- 4 notes of polyphony
- 2 voltage controlled oscillators (saw/tri/square)
- Powerful steep cutoff filter + drive
- Delay and chorus/ensemble effects
- Sequencer with parameter automation
- Distortion circuit adds saturation
Despite a lower price, it provides impressive sonic range from booming basses to icy leads courtesy of the VCOs and smooth filter. Easy envelope/LFO modulation options offer basic sound shaping without complexity.
The Minilogue nails retro appeal with modern connectivity for further sound design integration. For under $500, it‘s arguably the best way to dip your toes into hardware synthesis alongside software.
Intermediate Pick: Sequential Take 5
Sequential‘s Take 5 offers a great middle ground for those needing more polyphony and features than the Minilogue provides. It contains the coveted Curtis analog filters powering vintage instruments costing exponentially more on today‘s used market.
Highlights
- 6 voice polyphony
- 2 analog VCOs + one digital oscillator
- 2 pole + 4 pole low pass Curtis filters
- Unison mode for thick leads
- Chorus, phaser, overdrive FX + reverb
- 64 step sequencer
Take 5 represents an affordable way to obtain Sequential‘s sought after analog sound at under $1,000. That iconic filter paired with waveshaping distortion and built-in effects offer deep sound design potential.
Add easy patch saving/recalling, arpeggiator, 64 step sequencing with parameter locks and you have an extremely capable middle ground synth. While Take 5 is monotimbral (no sound layering), 6 voices provide fuller chord arrangements over cheaper 4 voice instruments.
Professional Pick: Dave Smith Prophet 6
For around $2,000, Dave Smith‘s Prophet 6 provides serious analog polyphony to satisfy professionals. This 6 voice synth contains a heritage circuit path inspired by Sequential‘s beloved late-70s Prophets popularised by mainstream pop and dance hits ever since.
Highlights
- 6 voices with 2 oscillators each using SSM analogue chips
- 2/4 pole low-pass filter topology
- Audio input for processing external sounds
- Vintage style signal path with unstable components
- Envelope punch + smooth LFOs
- Studio friendly form-factor + patch storage
Whereas the Take 5 from Sequential added some digital trickery to lower costs, the Prophet 6 commits fully to all analog. That pays off with ultra-rich, dimensional sound the golden era of poly synths were revered for.
Between the SSM chips, unstable components adding drift/unpredictability, creamy filters and snappy envelopes — few competitors nail coveted vintage sound this well sub-$2k. It‘s a stable, road-ready pro instrument usable across genres in studios/on stage.
Closing Thoughts
Hardware synthesizers have carved an enduring niche attracting musicians wanting hands-on control software lacks. As creative instruments with unique sound, they encourage inspiration/experimentation in ways DAWs sometimes don‘t.
While software convenience appeals for recording flexibility, hardware delivers reliable sonic magic after hitting a creative rut. Expand beyond laptop limitations — give one of these recommended analog keyboards a try today!
Any last questions before grabbing your first hardware synth?
