Place | Name | Characteristics in the rating |
The Best Synthesizers for Beginners |
1 | YAMAHA PSR-E263 | The best synthesizer for beginners |
2 | CASIO CTK-6200 | Best functionality |
3 | CASIO CTK-7200 | The widest functionality in this price range |
4 | Medeli M17 | Learning function 110 melodies |
The best synthesizers for professionals |
1 | YAMAHA PSR-S975 | Full-fledged arrangement station |
2 | KORG Pa600 | The best ratio of price and functionality |
3 | Roland FA-06 | Smallest mass |
The best synthesizers for kids |
1 | CASIO SA-78 | 100 tones. Learning function |
2 | CASIO SA-77 | The most popular |
3 | CASIO SA-47 | The most compact synthesizer |
All people love music in one form or another. The majority, of course, are simple listeners who are unlikely to be very interested in this article. But there are among you, dear readers, musicians who probably know such an instrument as a synthesizer.
For those who don't know, the synthesizer is something of a Swiss Army knife in the world of musical instruments. It can be used to imitate almost any traditional instrument. It could be a piano, a bass guitar, drums, and much more. In addition, synthesizers can also play accompaniment and apply various effects to the sound. In general, masters of their craft using a high-quality instrument will be able to create a full-fledged work even alone! Of course, some professional musicians are skeptical of this device, blaming it for the “wrong” sound, but let's be honest - the vast majority of us simply cannot distinguish a real instrument from the sound of a synthesizer. And progress does not stand still, and therefore an increasing number of amateurs and professionals use these electronic musical instruments in their creativity.
Synthesizers come in many categories, but we'll focus on just three of them: synthesizers for beginners, kids, and professional instruments. Our rating will help you choose the best device in each price category. But first, let's look at the best manufacturers.
The best synthesizer manufacturers
- Yamaha _
The history of the company dates back to 1887, when Thorakusu Yamaha, the founder, manufactured a high-quality organ. Now the Japanese company also produces a variety of motorcycles and sports equipment, but the music division is one of the main ones. The excellent quality of synthesizers, good sound and reasonable prices have made Yamaha synthesizers the favorites of many musicians around the world. - Korg .
And again we have a Japanese company. The history of this company is relatively short - Korg was founded only in the early sixties, but has already managed to win enormous recognition from famous musicians. The main advantages of the company's models include a sampler, a built-in high-quality sound reinforcement system, and much more. For example, the Korg Triton Studio workstation is currently considered one of the most powerful in the world. - Roland .
I think there is no need to name the country where this company comes from. The Japanese have once again managed to create excellent products, including not only synthesizers, but also other musical equipment. The main distinguishing feature of Roland models is their reasonable price and rather small dimensions and weight compared to competitors. - Casio .
In 1957, this company became one of the very first to dare to produce a completely electronic calculator. Currently the company produces calculators, watches and musical equipment. The latter is not very popular among professional musicians, but the quality of the products is at a very high level and is constantly growing.
The Best Synthesizers for Beginners
The instruments from this group are addressed not only to beginning musicians, but also to those who would simply like to “strum” for their own pleasure. Their device is relatively easy to understand, because the functionality does not have a huge variety, like on professional devices, and the price is affordable enough for buyers to afford such a device simply as a toy.
Such models are also suitable for amateur musicians who, as a rule, do not have extra funds to purchase expensive equipment. Still, we are not considering children’s models, but full-fledged working tools with high-quality sound.
The competition among manufacturers in this segment is quite high, and therefore we recommend that you familiarize yourself with our top three synthesizers for beginners in the ranking.
Professional synthesizers
Roland FA-06
It has a plastic case, due to which this device does not weigh too much for professional equipment - only 5.7 kg. For an instrument with 61 keys, the overall dimensions are also small - 100x30x10 cm. All connectors for connecting additional devices, including the power cable, are located on the rear panel. The product is equipped with anti-slip rubber feet. The connector for the power supply is additionally reinforced with a rubberized ring, thanks to which the plug is fixed as tightly as possible. Near it there is a special jumper that allows you to secure the cable and protect it from accidental jerks. There is a line output for using a connection in stereo format with the ability to balance channels.
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The keys have a short stroke and quickly return to their original position. They are a real pleasure to play, although they will take some time to adapt to. The interface of the synthesizer is quite simple, so you can start working with it without studying the instructions. All main functions have separate buttons and controls. The synthesizer boots up very quickly after switching on - about 10 seconds is enough. A large full-color LCD display is located in the center. Although it is quite informative, it will not show unnecessary data. All sounds produced are sorted into sections.
Advantages:
- High speed;
- Large color display;
- Possibility of connecting a stereo system;
- Ease of use.
Flaws:
- The key travel is short - you have to get used to it.
Roland FA-06
Synthesizer Yamaha PSR-SX700
The device offers the user literally perfect sound, a wide range of different instruments and increased functionality. Compared to the previous generation of professional synthesizers, the device has an improved design, a keyboard of the highest quality, and an optimized FX section. The latter includes a set of equalizers, compressors, reverbs and many other effects. The synthesizer supports polyphony of 128 voices and has an AWM tone generator. There is an organ-type keyboard installed here, consisting of 61 keys, FSB format. The response can be adjusted. The acoustic system is represented by two speakers, the power of each of which is 15 W. For ease of control of functions, there is a touch-type display, the diagonal of which is 7 inches, there is also a joystick, many buttons, three regulators and an encoder.
If necessary, the keyboard can be divided into four independent zones, with specific instruments assigned to each of them. Buttons are usually used to work with settings and effects. The library consists of 1027 presets consisting of keys, percussion organs and so on, as many as 400 rhythmic patterns are provided for accompaniment. Among the connectors there are inputs for connecting a guitar, a microphone, the built-in memory capacity is 400 MB, there are also two USB connectors, and the same number of outputs for pedals. The weight of the device is quite serious - 12 kg.
Advantages:
- Quite loud sound;
- Wide range of possibilities;
- All necessary additional connectors are available;
- Excellent workmanship of the instrument;
- Reasonable price for a professional synthesizer.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Yamaha PSR SX700 Demo
Synthesizer Yamaha PSR-SX700
KORG Pa600
The synthesizer is a fairly powerful professional-type arrangement station, which is very popular among professional musicians. It has an automatic accompaniment function. The keyboard here is unweighted, has 61 keys, and they are sensitive to both speed and pressure. The model is equipped with powerful polyphony of 128 voices. There are even more tones - over 950, and there are also enough accompaniment styles for professional use - more than 360. The drum set includes 64 variations. In the central part of the product there is a fairly large touch-type liquid crystal display, the diagonal of which is 7 inches with a resolution of 800x480 pixels. This allows you to quickly adjust any user settings, make changes to them, save them, and so on.
The equipment memory is designed for 1200 user styles, there is 96 MB of RAM. You can use all the capabilities of this equipment directly during a performance - this is exactly where the touch screen will be useful. The sound quality is very high, so the instrument is suitable even for performances in philharmonic halls or conservatories.
Advantages:
- The kit includes a control pedal;
- A touch display is provided;
- The synthesizer is equipped with a transpose function;
- Has a built-in mid-power speaker system;
- Convenient to use.
Flaws:
- High price.
KORG Pa600
The best synthesizers for professionals
Professionals are demanding people who can do a lot, and therefore the functionality of entry-level synthesizers is no longer enough for them. Manufacturers develop high-quality tools especially for them, which, unfortunately, cost a lot of money. What is the reason for the increase in cost by at least 4-5 times?
First of all, it is worth noting that the functionality has expanded significantly. The models in our rating are able to reproduce, record and process approximately 10 times more sounds. At the same time, no one will teach you how to use all this, so there is no place for beginners here. Secondly, the presence of professional ports, which provides better sound quality. And yes, in this category, rare models have built-in acoustics. We bought a synthesizer for 100 thousand - if you please, buy high-quality speakers or headphones for it. Finally, quality - without exception, all models for professionals will have excellent build quality and sound, as well as high reliability. You can look at the best synthesizer models for professionals in our rating.
Children's models
CASIO SA-47
Allows the child to take his first steps in the musical world more easily. The design has 32 small keys, which are well suited for children's fingers, but in terms of sound quality, this synthesizer is quite good. Its sound range includes 100 timbres, 50 different musical styles, and 8-note polyphony. In addition, the instrument has 5 buttons responsible for drums, a reed organ mode and a piano mode with a switching function. Due to its compact dimensions, this synthesizer is ideal for young musicians.
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The weight of the device is small, the keys have a soft stroke, which allows the baby to play on it for a long time, and the fingers will not feel tired. The main thing is to place the synthesizer on a flat surface before turning it on; it will not slide on it due to the presence of rubberized feet. The design is made in retro style. The case is made of high-quality silver plastic with a matte finish, on which dust, fingerprints and other types of contamination will not be visible. There are also reliable and fairly powerful speakers that provide good quality sounds. It is worth noting that the synthesizer is equipped with a liquid crystal display on which you can read all the information necessary for the user. The device has a training mode: it includes 10 melodies that the baby is asked to repeat. If necessary, you can connect headphones.
Advantages:
- Excellent sound quality;
- Small overall dimensions;
- An informative liquid crystal display is provided;
- High-quality assembly;
- The weight is quite suitable for a small child;
- Powered by batteries or accumulators, can be powered from the mains.
Flaws:
- Some users feel that the speakers sound quiet.
CASIO SA-47
2. Shantou Gepai HS5416A
For a children's model, this design has a fairly large range of capabilities: 12 educational-type demo tunes are stored in the memory of this synthesizer. There are over two hundred key settings, exactly the same number of rhythm settings, and 7 types of drums at once. It is possible to change the volume and tempo. The child, if desired, can record a melody he has invented into the equipment’s memory, and then play it back. Like all other children's synthesizers, it has a very convenient learning function and a number of sound effects. The device comes with a microphone. The synthesizer can be powered by six AA batteries or by a power cord (the latter is supplied with it).
Of course, such a toy cannot be compared with a professional musical instrument, but it has a wide set of keys - 54 pieces, just like a classic piano. They are located quite compactly, so the child does not have to strain his hands too much to reach the desired key or play the required chord. There is no liquid crystal display here, but all the functions are already clear - the buttons are labeled. The device has a built-in acoustic system consisting of two speakers that produce stereo sound. If necessary, you can connect headphones to the synthesizer. As users note in their reviews, this model is well suited for both children and adults who are just beginning to be interested in music and playing various instruments.
Advantages:
- Many different operating modes;
- 54 keys;
- Possibility to work both from the mains and from batteries;
- Reliability and durability.
Flaws:
- May slip on the surface.
Shantou Gepai HS5416A
CASIO SA-78
This is a fairly high-quality synthesizer, despite the fact that it was originally created specifically for children. First of all, the manufacturers took good care of children's safety. The speakers are protected in such a way that a child cannot reach them in any way. The body is made of high quality matte plastic. The buttons are all made of soft rubber with a sensitive touch. The keys are made of glossy plastic, a little easily soiled, but this is not critical. There are 44 of them here.
The synthesizer runs either on batteries or on a special 9.5 V 1 A adapter, which is connected to a special connector located next to the headphone jack. If necessary, you can connect external speakers, which can significantly improve the sound quality of the device. The weight of the device is small - together with six batteries it barely reaches one and a half kilograms. The case has very convenient recesses for carrying it. Even a three-year-old child can easily carry it from place to place without straining himself. At the same time, the device has five additional buttons responsible for the percussion instrument mode, and there are tempo and volume controls. The central part of the device has a monochronous liquid crystal display. It displays a metronome indicating rhythm, staff and other useful information. In addition, there is a large yellow button that switches between piano and organ modes. If the synthesizer is turned on without use for five minutes, it will automatically turn off.
Advantages:
- Small overall dimensions and weight of the device;
- Quite acceptable sound quality;
- Works both from the network and from batteries;
- Can be used by adults too.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
CASIO SA-78