Top 5 Most Expensive Synthesizer Keyboard
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Best Synthesizer Keyboard For All Musicians Out There
An electronic musical instrument known as a synth can create sound by generating various signals. When we think of them, we frequently envision an analog or digital synthesizer, which is a keyboard with intricate arrangements of knobs and buttons.
Another sort of analog synthesizer keyboard is modular synthesis. They have the appearance of small boxes with numerous patch wires protruding from them, flickering lights, and of course, enigmatic knobs and buttons. Synthesizers are plugins in the world of software. They produce sounds that may be activated in a DAW using a MIDI keyboard.
To play software synths, several DAWs provide a “musical typing” capability that converts a QWERTY keyboard into a piano keyboard.
With so many synthesizer keyboards available in the market, it can be a difficult task to pick one that suits your needs. We have done the hard work and handpicked the top 5 synthesizer keyboard models that are perfect for you.
Comparative Table – Most Expensive Synthesizer Keyboard
| Product | Features | Latest Price |
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Moog Matriarch Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer and Step Sequencer |
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Modal Electronics Argon8 37-Key 8-Voice Polyphonic Wavetable Synthesizer |
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[amazon fields=”B00K0M5C5Q” value=”button”] |
Dave Smith Instruments Prophet Rev2 8-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer Module |
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Most Expensive Synthesizer Keyboard – Our Reviews and Comparisons
1 – Moog Matriarch Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer and Step Sequencer
Product Highlights
The Moog Matriarch semi-modular analog synthesizer is a powerhouse for sound design, including paraphonic playability and an amazing 90 modular patch locations. Matriarch is a standalone Moog instrument that features powerful arpeggiation and sequencing, dual ladder filters, and lush oscillators, including stereo analog delay.
And as you start utilizing your modular synth environment to explore its patch locations, it quickly becomes clear that the Matriarch will go a long way to make your ideas come to life.
The Moog Matriarch paraphonic analog synthesizer, complete with a wonderfully tactile 49-key Fatar keybed, is the ideal method to start or develop your own unique modular synth configuration.
Features
- The Matriarch has four analog oscillators and offers playability in monophonic, duophonic, or paraphonic modes, which is a good foundation for creative sound production. An extra LFO is available for extra modulation potential, in addition to the basic analog LFO’s six configurable waveforms. Matriarch has two analog filters that can operate in parallel (HP/LP), stereo (LP/LP), and series (HP/LP) modes enabling a wide range of sonic options.
- You can sequence single-note patterns and chord progressions using the 256-step sequencer, which accommodates up to four notes per step. Speaking of patterns, the sequencer allows you to store up to 12 different patterns for quick recall.
- When combined with other drum and synth machines, Matriarch offers what seems like unlimited possibilities. In addition to its line-level outputs, it also has 1/4″ and 1/8″ Eurorack-level audio outputs, making it simple to interface with Eurorack without sacrificing audio quality.
What We Like About Moog Matriarch
The Matriarch clearly has a lot of creative possibilities when you consider its two analog ADSR envelopes, analog VCAs, and external audio input for processing other synths.
By separating the sequencer from the Matriarch’s engine, you can play your Matriarch’s 49-key Fatar keybed while simultaneously sequencing external synths.
What We Don’t Like About Moog Matriarch
There is no patch presets which is a little disheartening but considering the positives, that is not a huge disadvantage.
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2 – Korg Prologue 8 Polyphonic Analogue Synthesizer
Product Highlights
The Korg Prologue might be the contemporary analog polysynth you’ve been wanting.
You may create intricate sound layers using the Korg Prologue’s 49 full-size keys, Layer, Split, and Crossfade modes, and eight voices. The two analog oscillators of each voice are supplemented with a digital oscillator with FM and wavetable synthesis.
One of the most customizable hardware synths we’ve ever used, the Korg Prologue lets you create your own oscillators and effects. With four separate voice modes, an arpeggiator, and 500 programming spaces for your creative creations, the Korg Prologue is an undeniably powerful synth for stage and studio use.
Features
- For the Prologue synthesizer, Korg designed a brand-new filter. A specialized drive circuit is included in this pleasant-sounding filter to increase harmonic richness. With this switch, you may add searing distortion while maintaining a rock-solid low end, whereas severe overdrive can deprive a signal of its bass power.
- An SDK (Software Development Kit) is provided in the prologue, allowing programmers to extend the functionality of the multi-engine and digital effects.
- The Prologue offers 16 user oscillator slots and 16 user effect slots and allows users to add new oscillators and effect programs made by developers using the Prologue SDK by using the Prologue Librarian software (Software Development Kit).
- Prologue has numerous possibilities to build unique patches, just like many other Korg synths.
- Three dual-timbre modes are available on the Korg Prologue in addition to the single-timbre mode for merging sounds.
- Layer mode enables the simultaneous playing of two sounds, across the full keyboard, while Split mode enables you to assign two separate sounds to two different regions of the keyboard. More performance potential is available in crossfade mode, which essentially combines the two modes to produce a seamless sonic transition across keyboard zones.
What We Like About Korg Prologue 8
Capability of loading your own wave code with open source possibilities for expansion to sonically huge sound design creativity. The onboard effects are crisp and professional. It’s quite nicely crafted, with an excellent build quality.
What We Don’t Like About Korg Prologue 8
The synth has cheap-looking pitch bends and mod wheels. The “one big knob” interface for selecting patches is off-putting.
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3 – Modal Electronics Argon8 37-Key 8-Voice Polyphonic Wavetable Synthesizer
Product Highlights
Argon 8 is based on a 32-oscillator design and has a complex personality and a large sound. It can be played polyphonically, monophonically, in unison, or layered. De-rez, waveshaping distortion, a powerful effects engine, morphable filters, and envelope generators are just a few of the processors that the Argon8 is brimming with and that can either muddle and mangle sounds or inspire beautiful ambient explorations.
The 512-step sequencer and built-in arpeggiator allow you to create complex patterns that can be used to reference programming from the future or vintage 80s arp lines.
The Argon8 is a sturdy, furniture-grade synth with a steel and aluminum chassis and bamboo end cheeks that looks stunning in the studio and can effortlessly handle demanding gigging. It also has enough connection to seamlessly integrate into a multi-synth system that already exists.
Features
- 32 high-resolution oscillators produce a character with a rich feel. Argon8’s 32 high-resolution oscillators respond to a pair of selected waveshapes from 120 morphable wavetables to actualize its rich and harmonically complex character.
- Pulse-width modulation and noise production are also features of oscillator two, which helps to amplify signals before they reach other processors.
- Argon8’s soundscaping potential is further increased with a two-pole multi-type morphable filter, three specialized envelope generators (for AMP, MOD, and FILTER), and two-audio rate LFOs. An extraordinarily potent Mod Matrix also enables users to weave modulators together to create surreal sonic tapestries.
- A 512-step sequencer with four recordable parameter animations and a programmable 32-step arpeggiator with rest capabilities are included in this synth’s outrageously extensive feature set. Argon8 features 200 user patch memory slots to permanently store your great designs, and you can upload and download patches using the free ModalApp, which works with devices running macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android and can be used in your DAW.
What We Like About Modal Electronics Argon 8
A synth with a heavy build and pristine sound. Modulation and FX both exceed expectations. The ability to morph between two waveforms provides an extreme amount of sound capability and the added ability to individually change the pitch in fine increments unleashes an amassing amount of power.
What We Don’t Like About Modal Electronics Argon 8
There is some minor functionality missing from the synth that might be added in firmware revisions, the biggest one is that the unison mode doesn’t really work. The filter has some issues too.
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4 – Nord Lead A1 49-Key Analog Modeling Synthesizer
Product Highlights
Your idea of synthesis will change after using the Nord Lead A1 analog modeling synthesizer.
The Lead A1’s cutting-edge architecture enables you to instantly assemble a vast arsenal of breathtaking sounds that are ideal for use across musical genres, whether you’re onstage or in the studio.
Nord equipped the A1 with a quick, user-friendly interface that makes it easy to create fantastic patches quickly while also promoting experimentation. Sweep the filter and blast out a run on the splittable 49-note Fatar keybed. It sounds and feels fantastic. The Nord Lead A1, with a curb weight of fewer than 11 pounds, is the perfect gigging synth.
Features
- Everything from evolving pads to bass that tears holes in walls to fat, snarling leads may be found here. It’s also very accessible. Create ripping leads with traditional oscillator sync, take a trip back to the 1980s with chimney FM pianos, and use AM ring modulation. Any noise you can hear in your head is playable.
- The Lead A1 is an excellent synth value, without a doubt, but it isn’t a “scaled-down” version of Nord’s flagship A4. With this synthesizer, the Lead series is moving in a new direction, one that places a premium on your capacity to create truly outstanding patches fast and intuitively.
- Four distinct arpeggiators, each with a 4-octave range, Up/Down, and Random modes, are provided by the A1. The Lead A1’s master clock can, of course, be used to sync any or all of them.
What We Like About Nord Lead A1
Although it has many restrictions and a beastly sound, it has a great interface and incredible sound. The hardware has a fantastic overall feel, and it appears to be well-made. The synth’s user-friendly interface makes it simple to generate, modify, layer, and split various sounds with the push of a few buttons.
The only component of the envelopes that are lacking from the simple sound design that makes it appear restrictive is the sustain part, and all other restrictions kind of encourage concentrating on creating music rather than continuously altering sounds.
What We Don’t Like About Nord Lead A1
It is not the most sophisticated and up-to-date synth on the market. There is no aftertouch on this keyboard, which is worth taking into consideration before buying. The underlying quality of the sound is undiminished.
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5 – Dave Smith Instruments Prophet Rev2 8-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer Module
Product Highlights
With a module version of the REV2, a renowned 8-voice analog synthesizer that picks up where the Prophet ’08 left off, Sequential ups the ante (again). With two DCOs, a sub-oscillator, and a 2/4-pole resonant lowpass Curtis filter for each voice, the REV2 is an incredible beast.
Bi-timbral operation, waveshape modulation, a powerful onboard FX engine, a sophisticated polyphonic step sequencer, a clear OLED display, and USB are additional features. Another excellent synth from Dave, and it’s a fantastic value.
Features
- It is capable of accomplishing everything the original is capable of doing plus a lot more. It features a polyphonic step sequencer for each layer, twice as much polyphony, a doubled mod matrix, waveshape modulation on all waveforms, and digital effects per layer in split or stacked voice mode.
- It also has the ability to enhance all of the original sounds in addition to playing them. This amazing analog piece of equipment can create excellent electronic music everywhere, from the studio to the stage!
- A five-octave, premium-quality, semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch houses all of this polyphonic power.
- The Prophet REV2 is a standout analog powerhouse with additional road-worthy features including an integrated power supply, USB compatibility, and a clear OLED display that make it the perfect instrument for gigging or recording.
What We Like About Dave Smith Instruments Prophet Rev2
Waveshape modulation is a potent new function exclusive to the Prophet Rev2. Each of the four waveforms (sawtooth, saw+tri, triangle, and square) now has a variable “pulse width.” You can manually adjust the waveshape width using the Shape Mod slider, or you can use an LFO or other mod source to continuously modify the timbre. Even sounds produced by a single oscillator get greater depth and dimension. The range of tonal options is enormous.
Up to 64 steps and a maximum of 6 notes per step are supported by the polyphonic step sequencer. When working in stacked or split voice mode, you can construct a separate sequence for each layer, making it an effective tool for composition or performance.
In gated mode, the sequencer can also be used as a modulation source, enabling you to build up to four separate 8-step modulation sequences. Sequences may sync to an external MIDI clock and support ties and rests. Note repetitions, re-latching, and sync to an external MIDI clock are all aspects of the arpeggiator.
What We Don’t Like About Dave Smith Instruments Prophet Rev2
While there is much to love about the Prophet Rev2, there are a few shortcomings. There’s no polyphonic unison mode. Another major drawback is that You need to use two hands to transpose the sequencer. Also, There are no Program selection shortcuts.
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Final Verdict: Nord Lead A1
If you want to take a synthesizer out of the box and have immediate access to perfect, jaw-dropping sounds/patches, this is not the synth for you. But if you want a machine that will allow you to create ANY sound from the ground up and learn about synthesis, this synth is the best teacher and instrument. It has a button or rotary for virtually every parameter in existence, and more features than most “workstation” keyboards. The preset patches it comes with give you a good sense of what the keyboard is capable of.
What sets this synth apart (other than the sound quality Nord is known for) is that it gives you the ability to make completely original sounds, tailored to whatever music you are making. Pads, leads, drones, tines, FX, you name it, it will do it and you will learn how to make it do it.
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