An analog synthesizer builds its sound with real voltage-controlled circuits, with oscillators, a filter and an amplifier you shape using knobs. Players choose them for direct control, thick bass and leads, and a sequencer that can run on its own.
The six synthesizers below include two Moog keyboards, two Korg instruments, and a pair of Behringer designs. Features come from the listing pages, and sound claims are the makers’ own. We have not played these instruments ourselves, and several listings carry size data that looks wrong, which we flag below.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Voices | Mono plays one note, paraphonic and poly play more |
| Keys | Full-size keys, a small keyboard or none at all |
| Sequencer | Steps and arpeggiator for hands-free patterns |
| Connections | MIDI, USB, CV and gate, sync |
| Size | A desktop box fits a small desk; 37 keys need more room |
Specs at a Glance
| Synth | Voices and keys | Sequencer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moog Messenger | Mono; 32 keys | 64-step | 256 presets; two wavefolding oscillators |
| Moog Subsequent 37 | 2-note paraphonic; 37 keys | Sequencing options listed | 40 knobs and 74 switches; CV and gate |
| Behringer Poly D | 4 voices; 37 keys | 32-step plus arpeggiator | 4 VCOs; BBD chorus; distortion |
| Korg Volca Bass | Mono; no keys | 16-step | 3 oscillators; slide; MIDI in and sync |
| Behringer Crave | Mono; no keys | 32-step | Semi-modular; 3340 VCO; 16-voice poly chain |
| Korg minilogue xd | 4 voices; 37 keys | 16-step polyphonic | OLED oscilloscope; 500 programs |
The 6 Best Analog Synthesizers
1. Moog Messenger Monophonic Synthesizer
A 32-key monosynth with two continuously variable wavefolding oscillators with sync and frequency modulation, a sub-oscillator and a ladder filter with 4-pole and 2-pole low-pass, band-pass and high-pass responses plus a RES BASS switch. Moog lists a 64-step sequencer, 256 presets and a knob-per-function panel.
Suits: bass and lead lines. Strengths: a broad filter and a 64-step sequencer. Weaknesses: monophonic. Skip it if you want chords.
View Moog Messenger Monophonic Analog Synthesizer on Amazon
2. Moog Subsequent 37 Paraphonic Synthesizer
A 37-key synth with two variable-waveshape oscillators, a square-wave sub oscillator, a noise generator and external input with filter feedback. The control panel carries 40 knobs and 74 switches, and the keybed is 2-note paraphonic with 37 semi-weighted keys, velocity and aftertouch. Connections include MIDI, USB, 1/4-inch audio in and out, a headphone output and CV and gate inputs. Moog lists 256 presets. The materials field includes wood, and the listed size of 14.76 by 26.77 by 6.69 inches may be in a different order than normal.
Suits: a studio synth with deep control. Strengths: a big panel and CV connections. Weaknesses: only two notes at once. Skip it if you need full polyphony.
View Moog Subsequent 37 Paraphonic Analog Synthesizer on Amazon
3. Behringer Poly D Polyphonic Synthesizer
A four-voice synth with 37 semi-weighted full-size keys, four VCOs, a ladder filter, LFO, BBD stereo chorus, distortion, a 32-step sequencer and an arpeggiator. It offers mono, unison and polyphonic modes. The listing gives 31.4 by 19.6 by 6.3 inches and calls the material stainless steel, which looks off for a keyboard of this type, so confirm size before you choose a desk.
Suits: a poly synth with stacked oscillators. Strengths: four voices and onboard effects. Weaknesses: questionable size data. Skip it if you want preset memory depth.
View Behringer Poly D Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer on Amazon
4. Korg Volca Bass Analog Synthesizer
A palm-size bass box with three oscillators, a single VCF, VCA, LFO and EG, a 16-step sequencer, a slide function, an Active Step function and a self-tuning function to counter pitch drift. It has a SYNC jack and MIDI IN, and the listing gives 8 by 5 by 2 inches.
Suits: acid and bass lines. Strengths: small, with sync and MIDI in. Weaknesses: no keys. Skip it if you want to play on a keyboard.
View Korg Volca Bass Analog Synthesizer on Amazon
5. Behringer Crave Semi-Modular Synthesizer
A semi-modular monosynth with a 3340 VCO based on Prophet 5 oscillator design, a Moog-style 24 dB ladder filter with a switchable low and high pass mode, a 32-step sequencer and a 16-voice poly chain. The listing gives 3.94 inches for every dimension, which does not look right for this unit, so check a photo before assuming size.
Suits: patching experiments. Strengths: a semi-modular layout and a poly chain. Weaknesses: no keyboard, odd size data. Skip it if you want a keyboard built in.
View Behringer Crave Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer on Amazon
6. Korg Minilogue XD Polyphonic Synthesizer
A 37-key, four-voice synth with a dual-oscillator engine, a digital multi-engine with noise, VPM and user slots, a 16-step polyphonic sequencer and an OLED oscilloscope. It offers 500 programs (200-plus presets and 300 user programs) and four voice modes: poly, unison, chord and arp or latch. The listed size of 11.81 by 3.35 by 19.69 inches seems to have the dimensions mixed.
Suits: a polyphonic synth with a user program bank. Strengths: a visual oscilloscope and 500 programs. Weaknesses: the multi-engine is digital. Skip it if you want a fully analog signal path.
View Korg Minilogue XD Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer on Amazon
Setup Notes
- Let an analog synth warm up before you tune it.
- Use MIDI or USB to sync it with a computer or other gear.
- Plan for a power adapter; some listings include one and some do not.
- Save patches as you go on models with memory.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a keyless box and expecting a built-in keyboard.
- Assuming 37 keys means full polyphony.
- Trusting a listed size without checking a photo.
- Forgetting audio and MIDI cables.
Analog Synthesizer FAQ
What is paraphonic?
Several notes can sound at once but share one filter. Moog describes the Subsequent 37 as 2-note paraphonic.
Do I need a computer?
No. These synths make sound on their own, though MIDI or USB lets you connect them to software.
The Short Version
For a mono lead and bass keyboard, the Moog Messenger. For deep control, the Moog Subsequent 37. For four fat voices, the Behringer Poly D. For a small bass box, the Korg Volca Bass. For patching, the Behringer Crave. For a polyphonic keyboard with 500 programs, the Korg minilogue xd.
