mybest
Synthesisers, samplers & digital instruments

Helping You Find the Best

Close
  1. TOP
  2. Musical Instruments & DJ
  3. Synthesisers, samplers & digital instruments
  4. 10 Best Synthesizers UK 2024 | Korg, Moog and More
  • 10 Best Synthesizers UK 2024 | Korg, Moog and More 1
  • 10 Best Synthesizers UK 2024 | Korg, Moog and More 2
  • 10 Best Synthesizers UK 2024 | Korg, Moog and More 3
  • 10 Best Synthesizers UK 2024 | Korg, Moog and More 4
  • 10 Best Synthesizers UK 2024 | Korg, Moog and More 5

10 Best Synthesizers UK 2024 | Korg, Moog and More

Although invented in the 50s, it wasn't until the 80s that synthesizers came to the mainstream. Since then, they have come on leaps and bounds in terms of their design and how they’re used in music. But it can be hard to know where to start when in the market for one, especially for beginners. Do you want digital or analogue? Monophonic or polyphonic? There are a lot of questions that need answering.


Our buying guide aims to tackle all these vital considerations, although it’s important to stress that we aren't looking at all the factors, just the main ones that will help you find the right style for you. Including cheap mini synths and all-singing full-sized models too, we'll also share our picks of the best on the market from Korg, Moog, Roland and more. 

Last updated 25/03/2024
mybest Editing Team
Guide
mybest UK
mybest Editing Team

A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.

mybest Editing Team's Profile
…Continue reading

Table of Contents

How to Choose a Synthesizer in the UK – Buying Guide

Without further ado, let’s jump into the nitty-gritty. In this section, we’ll be looking at the different styles and features available from synths, what these are used for and who they’re best suited to. With that in mind, it might be worth considering what you like playing and what you would like from the synth before continuing. 

1

The Great Analogue Vs Digital Debate – First, Choose a Circuit

The Great Analogue Vs Digital Debate – First, Choose a Circuit

The first point to consider is the circuitry of the instrument. As you’d expect, different circuits produce different waveforms, and ultimately this will have a massive impact on the sound.

 
There are three options here: analogue, digital and hybrid. Analogue sounds are often considered warmer and more fluid as a result of having a smoother waveform. However, analogues are often more expensive with fewer features (which we’ll be checking out later).

 
Digital synth sounds, on the other hand, are made up of 1s and 0s and therefore have a more jagged waveform. That said, you can expect them to have more options and features and more polyphony as well as weighing less. While it’s true that you get more for your money with digital, many traditionalists do prefer the organic sound of analogue synths. 

2

Riffs or Ambience? Decide Between Monophonic and Polyphonic

Riffs or Ambience? Decide Between Monophonic and Polyphonic

If you’ve already had a poke around online at synths, then you may have seen the words monophonic or polyphonic pop up in the product descriptions. These words indicate how many notes the instrument can play at any given time.

 
Monophonic synths play singular notes. So, if you’re looking to pick up one to play bass lines in the studio or lead riffs, then a monophonic would work fine. Polyphonic synths can play multiple notes at a time – this is preferred when players are looking to create ambience and have many different textures to their music.

 
One thing worth remembering is that many, or even all, analogue synths run in monophonic. Digital synths will utilise the polyphonic style. 

3

Added Sequencers Allow You to Program More Instrumentation

Added Sequencers Allow You to Program More Instrumentation

You'll also want to think about whether you would like your synth to have a sequencer. This feature would allow you to program certain riffs, rhythms, effects and so on and send them to either your DAW software or use them live. 


By doing this, you free yourself from playing these sections, and instead, you can experiment with different dynamics or even go on to play other instruments.

 
There are many different patterns of the sequencer that range from 16 to over 100. The more you have, the more content you will be able to store within them. This could make playing live much easier, for example, as the creating and storing of the instrumentation can be done before you arrive at the venue. 

4

Effects and Presets Can Take Your Sound to New Places

Effects and Presets Can Take Your Sound to New Places

Next up, effects. As with guitars, many players like to use pedals in their synths to gain different sounds. However, purchasing these separately can be rather expensive. Luckily, unlike a guitar, you can simply buy a synth with additional effects already built-in.


You can get everything from overdrive and fuzz to a range of modulation sounds such as the holy trinity of reverb, delay and chorus. Thankfully, these can be on both analogue and digital synths, so you don’t have to decide based on the circuitry. 


Another built-in feature that works in conjunction with effects are presets. Presets will give you a range of already appointed tonal options, which is handy if you’re new to the whole thing. Furthermore, many often let you save certain sounds that you have tuned in, ensuring that you don’t lose them forever. 

5

Look For These Connectivity Options

Look For These Connectivity Options

The last technical feature to consider is the different connectivity options available from the synth. Most models will have all of these, but it’s worth remembering and keeping an eye out for because now and then, you’ll find one that doesn’t. 


Each synth is 100% guaranteed to have an output, which will connect to hardware such as an amplifier. Another good one to look for is a headphones jack to allow you to play without annoying your parents or housemates. 


Then, you have MIDI output. This is for connecting the synth with other instruments of this ilk or into interfaces, which then connect to a computer or laptop to record music. Finally, you have a USB. In some instances, this will power the synth. In others, it is the MIDI connection; it just depends on the model. 

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

Top 10 Best Synthesizers in the UK

While we have by no means touched on everything you can expect to find in a synth, we assure you that having an understanding of the basic principles will stand you in good stead to make a solid decision on an instrument that will hopefully last many years. So, now, it’s time to shop. We hope to hit all the right notes for you with our array of quality options below!
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Korg

Wavestate

Korg  Wavestate 1

£549.00

Mid

Never Be Stuck for Inspiration Again

2

IK Multimedia

UNO Synth

IK Multimedia UNO Synth 1

£109.00

Low

A Cheap Buy That Punches Well Above Its Price Tag

3

Korg

Minilogue XD

Korg Minilogue XD 1

£557.00

Mid

So Many Presets You'll Never Lose Your Sound

4

Moog

Subsequent 25

Moog Subsequent 25 1

£878.00

High Mid

Unique Paraphonic Articulation

5

Roland

System 8 AIRA

Roland System 8 AIRA 1

£1,359.00

High

Covers a Vast Amount of Tonal and Sonic Ground

6

Korg

MS-20 Mini

Korg  MS-20 Mini  1

£528.00

Mid

A Reliable and Honest Remake

7

Korg

Volca FM Digital Synthesizer

Korg Volca FM Digital Synthesizer 1

£150.33

Low Mid

The Perfect Portable and Affordable Second Synth

8

Studiologic

Sledge 2.0

Studiologic Sledge 2.0 1

£718.00

High Mid

Make a Statement in Mellow Yellow

9

Arturia

Microfreak

Arturia Microfreak 1

£329.00

Low Mid

Find Unique Sounds by Getting Hands On

10

Novation

Bass Station II Analog Synthesizer

Novation Bass Station II Analog Synthesizer 1

£385.00

Mid

Combining Classic Design and Modern Innovation

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Korg Wavestate

Wavestate 1
Source:gear4music.com
Reference price
£549.00
Mid
Reference price
£549.00
Mid

Never Be Stuck for Inspiration Again

One of the main reasons that the Wavestate made it so far up this list is its playability. The instrument is so easy to use and has intuitive controls throughout that make sure even newbies will have fun producing and experimenting with glorious 80s-style sounds. 


The synth is packed with effects and has a decent sequencer, (although how many steps it uses is not revealed), as well as a vast sample library with gigabytes of content. Plus, if you're feeling stuck in a creative rut, there's a randomiser feature that aims to inspire you to take your sound to new places. 

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

IK MultimediaUNO Synth

Reference price
£109.00
Low

A Cheap Buy That Punches Well Above Its Price Tag

While the price may be on the lower end of the spectrum, the sounds from the Uno certainly are not. The instrument has plenty of weighty analogue warmth, which is interesting as it's IK Multimedia's first analogue instrument. There's also a tonne of excellent presets that will have you up and running in no time. 


There are concessions as one would imagine when looking at the cost, but if we were looking for an affordable option, then we'd feel safe spending the money here. With a strong 100 pattern sequencer, numerous effects and rich sound, this synth punches well above its price tag

No.3

KorgMinilogue XD

Reference price
£557.00
Mid
Reference price
£557.00
Mid

So Many Presets You'll Never Lose Your Sound

Interestingly, we have another mix here – this offering from Korg is neither analogue nor digital. Instead, this hybrid uses a combination of both those components to provide some of the finer aspects of each. Hybrids can be very different from one another depending on the components used, though, so be careful about throwing all of them into the same category. 


This particular synth fits into the middle of a range of Korgs known as the Louges. It uses the same sturdy, metal chassis and the same buttons, but this time they're backlit. The tonal landscape is boundless, so the fact that there are 500 preset saves should make you feel a little more at ease as you should be able to find your sound again. 

No.4

MoogSubsequent 25

Reference price
£878.00
High Mid

Unique Paraphonic Articulation

Moog is a legendary company, and many players have found that once playing their synths, it's hard to return to playing any other due to their excellent feel and sensitivity. The Subsequent 25 is no different in that regards. However, there is something a little different that needs mentioning. 


One of the different features is that the instrument is neither monophonic nor polyphonic. Instead, it's considered paraphonic. This means that each oscillator in the synth can play a different note, like polyphonic, but it's all routed through the same signal path, like monophonic. This gives the instrument a truly unique voice. 

No.5

RolandSystem 8 AIRA

System 8 AIRA 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
System 8 AIRA 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
System 8 AIRA 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£1,359.00
High

Covers a Vast Amount of Tonal and Sonic Ground

As you'd expect from an instrument that costs as much as some used cars, this offering from Roland covers a vast amount of tonal and sonic ground. It's developed by a different team from within the company (hence the AIRA), which gives it a different – yet still top-quality – feel. 


It has a wide array of effects, but if you know anything about Roland, then you'll be happy to know that the famous Juno chorus is included. There are so many great features, such as impressive outputs and a solid sequencer. The only question is, how much are you willing to pay for them? 

No.6

Korg MS-20 Mini

Reference price
£528.00
Mid

A Reliable and Honest Remake

This is a remake of an iconic 1978 model from Korg. As you'd expect, the vintage ones go for a pretty penny nowadays, so the company reissued this, which is the same only smaller. Fourteen per cent smaller, to be precise! The original was a hit with dance and electronic scene, in no large part due to its ability to create twisted sounds. 


Additionally, the modulation aspect gives you far greater control over the signal chain, unlike other synths. This means that you can essentially route the signal however you'd like, hence the fun twisted sounds. The only issue is that some have found the smaller dials are a little difficult to set accurately, which can be frustrating. 

No.7

KorgVolca FM Digital Synthesizer

Volca FM Digital Synthesizer 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Volca FM Digital Synthesizer 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Volca FM Digital Synthesizer 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£150.33
Low Mid

The Perfect Portable and Affordable Second Synth

Korg is undoubtedly one of the kings in the synthesizer world as they've been making them since the early 70s. Here, we have their modern-day take on an affordable option. The chassis is plastic, it's completely portable and it can run on batteries. These features make it an excellent option if you're looking for something smaller that can travel with you. 


Of course, at this price point, compromises are to be expected. For instance, the speaker quality is nothing to write home about, some of the controls are fiddly given the smaller size, and unfortunately, there's no USB output. As a second or starter synth though, it's a good one to consider. 

No.8

StudiologicSledge 2.0

Reference price
£718.00
High Mid

Make a Statement in Mellow Yellow

The first feature many people notice about this synth is its bright colour. Whether we like to admit it or not, musicians are vain and want their gear to represent them, especially when playing live. With all that in mind, you'll want to be able to live with the mellow-yellow vibes of the Sledge 2.0.


When it comes to the synth itself, it's a brilliantly articulate piece of kit with 66 digital wavetables, full polyphonic capabilities and a light weight suited to gigging. The keys are a pleasure to use, and while they're not as fast as some of the higher-end gear, they still don't feel cheap. 

No.9

ArturiaMicrofreak

Reference price
£329.00
Low Mid

Find Unique Sounds by Getting Hands On

With its chic look and retro colouring, this offering from Arturia, at least visually, takes us right back to the beginning of the synth story. However, its features are much more contemporary, with a wide range of tones and sounds from basses to horns. Plus, there are some unique sounds when you get hands-on and start to tweak things. 


The instrument also comes with a built-in speaker, so you can even get the tunes flowing while you're on the move. Unfortunately, there is a low voice count which limits the traditional sounds, but for the price, it's hard to complain. 

No.10

NovationBass Station II Analog Synthesizer

Reference price
£385.00
Mid

Combining Classic Design and Modern Innovation

Getting the ball rolling is this analogue offering from Novation. This synth is a reworking of the original that aims to combine classic design with modern innovation. As the name suggests, this was built with creating bass in mind, so you'll find easy-to-use full-sized keys, an impressive modulation section and an additional third-sub oscillator. 


Furthermore, the company teamed up with Aphex Twin to create a new AFX mode, which allows you to divide the keyboard into different sections – something particularly useful when playing live. Sadly, the display isn't as hip as the features, so there is a bit of compromise to be made there. 

Get the Best Equipment for Making Music at Home

Get the Best Equipment for Making Music at Home

Depending on whether your 'studio' is actually the corner of your bedroom or you're lucky enough to have a dedicated music room, you'll probably require some pretty different gear. To help you find yours, check out our guides for at-home playing, recording and streaming equipment.

Summary

After reading our article, you're hopefully feeling a lot more confident about what you would like from your new synth and you've found what style is better suited to your playing needs and style. Here's to creating some absolute bangers! 


Author: Lewis Clark

Top 5 Synthesizers

No. 1: Korg Wavestate

No. 2: IK MultimediaUNO Synth

No. 3: KorgMinilogue XD

No. 4: MoogSubsequent 25

No. 5: RolandSystem 8 AIRA

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
  1. TOP
  2. Musical Instruments & DJ
  3. Synthesisers, samplers & digital instruments
  4. 10 Best Synthesizers UK 2024 | Korg, Moog and More

Search by category

mybest

We connect users with the best tried and true products,
tested by our in-house guides and backed by expert insight.

Copyright mybest All Rights Reserved.