Pioneer DJ to AlphaTheta: 8 theories behind this huge brand name change
Pioneer DJ, under AlphaTheta Corporation since 2020, plans to launch new products branded as AlphaTheta this week. What could explain it? It alludes to a possible contractual end to using the Pioneer name or the desire for a fresh identity unassociated with Pioneer's financial struggles.
The post Pioneer DJ to AlphaTheta: 8 theories behind this huge brand name change appeared first on DJ TechTools.

French small launch startup Latitude closes $30M Series BFrench small launch developer Latitude has closed $30 million in new capital as it eyes the first flight of its Zephyr rocket in 2025. While other rocket companies are going bigger, developing even more massive rockets, Latitude is taking a different approach: light, small, and hopefully cheap enough to beat out competitors. Its first rocket, […]
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Hipgnosis Songs Fund’s Chairman is determined to abolish Merck Mercuriadis’ ‘call option’. He was less bothered when Round Hill Music Royalty Fund’s investment manager had a near-identical clause.A tale of two call options...
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How to use an AKAI MPC One+
In this in-depth tutorial, learn about all of the powerful workflow features the iconic AKAI MPC One+ has to offer.

ANNA DUBOC AT THE MINTPhoto credit: Megan Thompson 

One of the more interesting personal facts noted in 17-year-old musical multi-talent AnnaDuboc’s bio is the fact that the incredibly gifted, prolific and stylistically diversesinger/songwriter is an A student maintain that average in her second year of high school APcalculus. She probably doesn’t need higher math to keep track of her social media numbers, butthey’ve been pretty crazy, adding up to some 45 million streams on all platforms via a flurry ofdynamic singles since launching her career at 13.Writing about her life with the same emotionally expressive wit, narrative bite and vulnerabletenderness as culturally impactful icons like Taylor and Billie, Anna has amassed 220,500followers and over 1.2 million likes on TikTok, 26 million views and nearly 40,000 subscriberson her official YouTube partner channel and over 31,000 followers on Instagram. Amazingly, allof her success to date are via tracks she produced with her mom, veteran pop songwriter and jazzvocalist Carol Duboc.

The release of her upcoming single (set to drop Valentine’s week) marks a unique turning pointin that she wrote and co-produced “One Touch” – which was written when she was 14 – withJuan Ariza (Harry Styles). It’s the first release of an upcoming batch she calls the UnreleasedSeries, featuring songs from her archives which she didn’t feel were right to share when she wasyounger but seem appropriate now. Gearing up for this next phase of her career, the singer madean impressive headlining appearance with a full, high-energy band at The Mint in mid-January.She follows with a gig at Genghis Cohen February 3.When young artists are so successful so quickly in the streaming and video realm, one maywonder if they’ve got the goods live, vocally and performance wise. The great news is that Annais as charming, soulful and engaging a performer onstage as she is a masterful vocalist/producerin the studio. Though she showcased it well into the set, one of the most fascinating revelationsabout the seductive, infectious “One Touch” is that in both lyrical content and driving slowgroove, it’s up there with anything magical the Swifties are digging these days – and remember,Anna was 20 years younger than Taylor when she wrote it. The emotional core of Anna’s set wasthat one as the follow-up to her latest single “Poetry,” which allowed her to showcase her tenderskills as a piano based balladeer and the powerful range of her voice, from a soft tenderheartedcoolness to a towering emotion that sears the heart.Anna’s ten song set, a run through some of her biggest streamers from 2021 to present, offered adynamic range of rhythms and vibes, from the mid-tempo lite funk R&B/pop simmer of “80 in aFlood Rain” and plaintive, stripped down “Flowers and Graves” (backed only by the acousticguitar of MD Enzo Iannello) to one of her most compelling songs “Plot Twist” (another heart-tugging piano ballad) and the sassy, moody pop-rocker “Mystery Lady.” She closed with songstitled “Sinking Feeling” (which displayed the angelic, Billie-esque side of her voice) and“Promises from Hell,” but all her fans were too full of her lively, charismatic sunshine by thatpoint to give into the themes of darkness.

The post ANNA DUBOC AT THE MINT first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

With Sennheiser’s HD 490 Pro, mixing on headphones has never been betterHD 490 Pro: £349 / €399
Plus version: £419 / €479
sennheiser.com
A big change in the way we listen to music over the last decade or two has been the explosion in the number of people listening on headphones. Powered first by the iPod and then by smartphones, this trend means it’s more important than ever for producers to mix and master for personal listening and for speakers.

READ MORE: Shure’s AONIC 50 Gen 2 pack powerful sound customisation but fall flat on ANC

Producers can now also conduct more professional work using laptops, often away from their full studio setup. And on top of these factors, it’s still crucial to test mixes in different environments since this can have a profound effect on how a track sounds. So how are you supposed to tick all these boxes without spending a fortune on gear?
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Image: Sennheiser.
Sennheiser’s solution is its new HD 490 Pro reference headphones. As you’d expect, they have been engineered for extremely accurate sound reproduction and supreme comfort, but there’s also a Plus option that comes with a code for the dearVR Mix SE plugin. This plugin virtualises different listening environments, allowing you to check your mix in different spaces without ever leaving your chair. Before we come to that, though, let’s explore the cans themselves.
How does the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro feel?
Nestling at the top end of Sennheiser’s HD range, the 490s are very lightweight at just 260g without the cable, yet still feel professionally built. The weight is kept down by using mostly high quality plastic, though the headband is made of metal as are the earcup covers, with soft pads on the underside of the band.
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Image: Sennheiser.
They’re extremely comfortable to wear for long periods and, despite the adjustable band fitting the head in a snug fashion, they never feel particularly warm or restrictive.
Sennheiser’s headphones come with two sets of ear pads, one velvet and one fabric, which Sennheiser says are suited to producing and mixing respectively since they have slightly different finishes. While we’re not entirely clear how ‘producing’ is a different process to mixing rather than a catch-all term, we find both sets perfectly suited to whatever kind of listening we’re doing, not worrying too much about which set we’re using. It goes so far as having separate presets in the dearVR plugin for each set of ear pads, so you can go along with this if you want to.
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro in their case. Image: Sennheiser.
The cable can be connected to either side of the headphones — a nice touch since it offers you more freedom based on your particular setup. You get two cables in the box — one cable coiled and one straight — as well as a 3.5mm-to-6.3mm adapter thrown in.
The cups swivel flat when not being worn so the headphones are easier to place flat on a surface, though they don’t otherwise fold down like some models do.
How does the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro sound?
Nice though the 490s feel, it’s how they sound that will matter most to creators.
As an open-backed design, they have been tuned to be very open and neutral since honesty is what you’re looking for when mixing and mastering. There’s none of the boxy bass that can result from closed back models — as gratifying as it can seem on your commute, it’s not a true picture of what’s going on with the audio spectrum. Here, the focus is on absolute accuracy.
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Image: Sennheiser.
The soundstage is remarkable; an absolutely superb balance of frequencies that gives a first-rate picture of a mix. That’s partly thanks to the astonishing frequency response provided by the 38mm dynamic transducers, from a low of just 5Hz all the way up to a sparkling 36.1kHz.
Consider that the range for a prized pair of consumer headphones is generally around 20Hz – 20kHz and you’ll see how much lower and higher the Sennheisers can go. They also have an impressive sensitivity of 105dB and a maximum SPL of 128dBSPL so they can handle mixing loud, even though that’s not how people usually tend to mix — at least not for very long.
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Image: Sennheiser.
Listening to reference material is a revelation, particularly with acoustic tracks. Robbie Robertson’s score for Killers Of The Flower Moon bristles with power and energy, while Bob Marley’s remastered classic Exodus reveals every percussive detail.
At the other end of the stylistic spectrum, classic Prodigy tracks crackle with life, their low end firm and balanced without ever becoming overwhelming.
What is included with the Sennheiser HD 490 Plus?
The Plus version of the headphones has one difference: they come with an unlock code for the dearVR Mix SE plugin.
This plugin, which does have a 14-day trial option, can be strapped across the master bus of your DAW and used to virtualise different physical environments. The idea is essentially that you don’t have to keep taking your mix down to places like your car, or other rooms, to see how it will translate onto different systems. We reviewed the original version in 2021.
The 490s are directly supported so you can select them from inside the plugin while switching between different spaces and speaker placements. It’s an interesting and worthwhile endeavour, and genuinely does help you to tweak a mix or master, especially the low end which can be the hardest to predict, for different environments.
dearVR Mix SE plugin
Can you use Sennheiser’s HD 490 Pro for spatial audio mixing?
Sennheiser makes mention of the fact that the headphones have been designed to allow for precise localisation of sound, which refers to identifying or placing elements in the stereo sound field or indeed, in a spatial field. And in this they succeed, with solid separation and sense of position even in a regular stereo mix.
On this point, it’s worth a quick comparison with the Sony MDR MV1s that we reviewed – both have superlative sound but the Sennheisers are around £70 cheaper and have replaceable earpads. The Sonys have been explicitly designed to work with 360-degree audio and, although the Sennheisers can do this to a reliable standard too, the Sony pair has the edge for absolute separation and placement when working with spatial tracks.
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Image: Sennheiser.
Should you buy the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro?
Mixing and mastering on headphones is an essential part of any producer’s skill set these days. Partly because your target audience will so often be using them too, and also because you might need to work on the move, away from your studio monitors but still with the greatest possible accuracy.
The HD 490 Pros more than get the job done, with a brilliantly balanced, neutral sound, comfortable fit for long sessions and optionally, the room simulation plugin should you want to use it. Considering the quality of the results they can help you achieve, they’re arguably even a bit of a bargain too.
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Image: Sennheiser.
Key features

Open-backed, circumaural design
38mm dynamic drivers
5 Hz – 36 kHz frequency range
130 Ohms impedance
2 detachable cables
2 sets of washable ear pads
Optional room simulation plugin
300 mW power rating
260g weight

The post With Sennheiser’s HD 490 Pro, mixing on headphones has never been better appeared first on MusicTech.

India’s Tips Industries generated $7.78m in calendar Q4, up 27% YoYTips’ rising numbers come amid surging growth in the Indian music market
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European Parliament votes for fairer payouts for musicians from streaming servicesOn 17 January, European Parliament MEPs voted for new legislation to address fairer payouts for musicians across revenue distribution in music streaming.
At present, the EU has no set laws or regulations surrounding this topic, which has for several years been swept under the rug. It’s with this new proposed law musicians could finally see a fair share of revenue distribution and further support from streaming services.

READ MORE: DJ Harvey’s new Bali club is “the best on Earth”, according to Artwork

By 2022, streaming grew to represent 67% of the music sector’s global revenue, with an annual revenue of $22.6 billion.
Stats for the vote showcased a whopping majority in favour, with a staggering 532 votes to 61 and 33 abstentions. In the EU Parliament bulletin, three major concerns were flagged: unfair revenue distribution, an imbalance of visibility between popular and emerging artists and a lack of regulation surrounding AI. Over the past year, the use of AI in music creation has raised alarm bells, especially with its rather successful run across the social media platform TikTok. 
Speaking on the matter, Spanish MEP Ibán García del Blanco says: “The Parliament is giving voice to the concerns of European creators, who are at the heart of the music streaming market. Cultural diversity and ensuring that authors are credited and fairly paid have always been our priority; this is why we ask for rules that ensure algorithms and recommendation tools used by music streaming services are transparent as well as in their use of AI tools, placing European authors at the centre.”
Moving forward, the MEP seeks to further develop this vote into a legal framework. Although currently a work in progress, this definitely represents progress for smaller artists.
The post European Parliament votes for fairer payouts for musicians from streaming services appeared first on MusicTech.

Bandsintown Artist Checklist: How To Build a Community of SuperfansBandsintown offers artists an extensive free toolkit to build a fanbase and keep fans informed about tour dates, merchandise drops, new releases, and more, and their new, simple step-by-step checklist. Continue reading
The post Bandsintown Artist Checklist: How To Build a Community of Superfans appeared first on Hypebot.

Monetizing Music Superfans: Billion Dollar Opportunity or Superfantasy?The yet-to-be-published Annual Music Study by Music Watch will offer an overview of the music industry, but the consultancy’s Russ Crupnick has shared an advance look at its findings on. Continue reading
The post Monetizing Music Superfans: Billion Dollar Opportunity or Superfantasy? appeared first on Hypebot.

Arturia announce Pigments 5 soft synth The latest version of Pigments packs in a new sequencer and enhanced routing options along with enhanced visual feedback, improved CPU performance and more.

NAMM 2024: Suzuki’s postponed Omnichord OM-108 will be at NAMMA new iteration of Suzuki’s much-loved Omnichord instrument is set to be on display at NAMM Show 2024, the brand’s confirmed.

READ MORE: Teenage Engineering co-founder on ‘Fadergate’: “We guessed there would be transport damage, but not at this rate”

The Omnichord OM-108 was originally set to launch in the summer/fall of 2023 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of Suzuki Musical Instruments Manufacturing. This was sadly postponed, Suzuki confirmed in a statement in December, citing improvements and specification refinements “in order to provide our customers with the best performance experience possible with the new Omnichord”.
While we’re still yet to see a new version of this much-adored synth, the new Omnichord will be on display for attendees of the LA-based music tech trade show, taking place from 25 to 28 January 2024, the statement also confirmed.
The Suzuki Omnichord, introduced in 1981, is a unique electronic musical instrument blending elements of an autoharp, synthesizer, and rhythm machine. Its revolutionary design features a touch-sensitive surface, allowing players to strum chords with ease.
Initially embraced by folk musicians, the Omnichord gained popularity across various genres due to its versatility and portability throughout the 1980s and 1990s, most notably featuring in The Bee Gees 1987 hit You Win Again and David Bowie’s 1993 track, A Small Plot of Land.
In 2023, Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn showed off how he used the Omnichord for the band’s 2001 track, Clint Eastwood. In an Apple Music interview with Zane Lowe in his London studio, he gives away the fact it was a simple, unchanged Omnichord preset used in the track. Watch the clip below:

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MusicTech’s excited to see the new Suzuki Omnichord OM-108 in action at NAMM next week. It’s not the only exciting piece of tech we want to see, however. Korg is so far stealing the show, recently confirming the launch of its KR-11 compact rhythm machine, the Opsix MKII and – of course – its long-awaited microKorg 2. Yamaha’s SEQTRACK and Audient’s ORIA audio interface are also tickling our fancy.
A release date for the Omnichord is set to be revealed by Suzuki at NAMM in LA next week.
Keep up to date with more NAMM news via MusicTech.
The post NAMM 2024: Suzuki’s postponed Omnichord OM-108 will be at NAMM appeared first on MusicTech.

11 Music Business Facebook Groups worth joining todayOnline social communities are a perfect way to get your foot in the door of the industry no matter your current status. Find business opportunities, professional tips, and potential collaborations. Continue reading
The post 11 Music Business Facebook Groups worth joining today appeared first on Hypebot.

RELEASE DETAILS
Release title:
Yin & Yang
Main artist name:
YeyoxIsaac,ITZKI
Release date:
26th Jan, 2024
https://publme.lnk.to/YinYang
#newmusic #Release #Music #indepedent #artist #hiphop #RnB

The best synths to buy in 2024: 17 best polyphonic synthesizers to buyWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. For more information on how this works, see our terms of use.
Complex chords, multi-timbral parts or lush ambient progressions – if you’re looking to fulfil any of these duties on a synth, then you’ll likely want one with polyphonic talents. A polyphonic synthesizer is one that is capable of playing multiple notes at a time, with each note often referred to as a voice.

READ MORE: Best free software and apps for music-making: Top free DAWs, plug-ins, instruments and more

In the last few years, hardware instruments have been enjoying a major resurgence; polysynths and their monophonic brethren now come in more shapes, sizes and employ more varied forms of synthesis than ever before.
Generally speaking, polysynths also tend to be more expensive than their monophonic counterparts; because each voice includes not just an oscillator, but often its own filter and envelope shaping components – things can get expensive fairly quickly.
In our list, we’ve compiled the best polysynths over a range of prices, so that – whether it’s a steadfast studio companion you’re looking for, or something compact to join the rest of your setup – you’ll be able to find the best one for you. Let’s dive in.
17 best polysynths at a glance:

UDO Super 6
Roland Jupiter X
Ashun Sound Machines Hydrasynth
Korg Wavestate
Moog One
Dreadbox Nymphes
Waldorf Kyra
Roland Juno-X
Novation Summit
Arturia PolyBrute
Korg Minilogue XD
Waldorf Quantum
Korg Opsix MKII
Modal Electronics Cobalt8
Sequential Prophet-10
Elektron Analog Four Mk II
Behringer UB-Xa

UDO Super 6

Bristol-based UDO caused quite the stir when it unveiled the Super 6, its inaugural instrument, at the 2019 Superbooth in Berlin. We’re happy to report that the polysynth lived up to the hype, earning not only a perfect score in MusicTech’s review, but a well-deserved Innovation Award as well.
The Super 6 is a 12-voice polysynth equipped with FPGA-driven DDS oscillators and a host of useful features and effects. One of the polysynth’s biggest draws is also its namesake; a unique binaural mode lets you mash its 12 voices down into six super voices, creating a distinct texture-thickening effect. This mode is the pathway down uncharted sonic territory, where riveting spatial effects shine and help set the synth apart from its peers.
The Super 6 is definitely an expert-level synth, especially for the money, but, if you’re looking for something replete with functions to get lost in, definitely consider it.
Features:
Price: £2200
Synthesis type: Analogue-hybrid
Polyphony: 12 voices
Keyboard: Fatar keybed, 49 keys
Effects: Stereo chorus, stereo delay
Read our full review here. Learn more at udo-audio.com.
Today’s best deals on the UDO Super 6

Check deal at Thomann

Roland Jupiter X

The voice of reason screams at the very thought of paying £10,000 for a pre-loved Roland Jupiter 8 – and yet, it’s hard to deny that few vintage polysynths have ever come to earn such high regard. Enter the Jupiter X, a convincing doppelganger of the esteemed classic that’s as much a joy to look at as it is to actually play.

READ MORE: Vintage Rewind: The Roland Jupiter 8

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the Jupiter X is not an analogue device. However, Roland’s ZEN-Core technology, along with some cleverly engineered elements let you get pedantic with the emulation. There are options that let you decide the synth’s age (up to 100 year); detuning due to operating temperature, and also, whether to use a faux ‘circuit warm-up’ cycle.
Digital modelling also means that you aren’t limited to just emulating the Jupiter 8; the Jupiter X comes preloaded with other models such as the Juno 106, SH-101 and even drum machines like the TR-808/909 and CR-78.
Features:
Price: $2,799
Synthesis type: Subtractive
Polyphony: 32 voices
Keyboard: Semi-weighted, 61 keys
Pads: 16 button triggers
Effects: 90; multi-effects, 5x EQ, 7x reverb, 4x chorus, 5x delay, Overdrive, Compressor
Read our full review here. Learn more at roland.com.
Today’s best deals on the Roland Jupiter X

Check deal at Thomann

Ashun Sound Machines Hydrasynth
The keyboard version of Hydrasynth
Deep sound designing talents and expressiveness come together in the Hydrasynth. This eight-voice polysynth has three wavetable oscillators per voice that let you create and morph sounds out of a selection of 219 single cycle waveforms.
The layout of the Module Select section is one of the Hydrasynth’s unsung strengths. This concise hub lets you access its three oscillators; four mutators; two filters; five envelopes, and five LFOs with the push of a button. Plus, it ensures that a glimpse of the Hydrasynth’s entire signal path is always just a head turn away.
Rounding off the Hydrasynth are some intuitive expression controls, including the brand’s own polyphonic aftertouch technology – aptly named polytouch – and a programmable ribbon strip controller.
Features:
Price: $1,299 (with keyboard) / $800 (desktop)
Synthesis type: Wave morphing
Polyphony: 8 voices
Keyboard: Full-sized, 49 keys
Effects Types: 4x reverbs, 5x delays, chorus, flanger, rotary, phaser, Lo-Fi, tremolo, EQ, compressor
Other I/O: 2x mod in, pitch out, gate out, 2x mod out, clock out
Read our full review here. Learn more at ashunsoundmachines.com.
Today’s best deals on the Ashun Sound Machines Hydrasynth

Check deal at Thomann

Korg Wavestate

In the early 1990s, Korg introduced the world to the Wavestation, and with it, a rhythmic new looping concept dubbed wave sequencing. Not completely unlike step programming, it allowed music-makers to combine samples to form new sounds which could be triggered via MIDI.

READ MORE: Vintage Rewind: Korg Wavestation

Wavestate, and its wave sequencing 2.0, modernises this concept by introducing a smattering of new parameters tied to pitch, volume and more. This lets the Wavestate achieve its signature hypnotic sounds, while boasting a much more organic feel than its predecessors.
The Wavestate also steps up the original’s user experience significantly, introducing an array of knobs, switches and buttons that befit the wave sequencing experience.
Features:
Price: $749
Synthesis type: Wavetable
Polyphony: 64 stereo voices
Keyboard: Full-sized, 37 keys
Effects: chorus, flanger, phaser, wah, delay, tape echo, reverb, ring modulator, guitar amp, compressor
Read our full review here. Learn more at korg.com.
Today’s best deals on the Korg Wavestate

Check deal at Thomann

Moog One

The Moog One was the first polysynth announced by the iconic brand in 35 years – so it goes without saying that expectations were stacked particularly high. Fortunately, the long gestation period led to the development of a synth – packed with innovations and features – that will surely stand the test of time.
Heavy on the sound design experience, the Moog One offers 200 knobs and switches on its front panel. It offers tri-timbral polyphony, bolstered by three dual-output analogue VCOs with ring mod and frequency modulation, two independent analogue filters, a dual-source analogue noise generator, an analogue mixer with external audio input, four LFOs, and three envelope generators.
The fully analogue device also sports its own sequencer, arpeggiator, and an array of useful effects – including reverbs from Eventide.
Features:
Price: $6,499
Synthesis type: Subtractive
Polyphony: 8 or 16 voices
Keyboard: Fatar keybed, 61 keys
Effects Types: chorus, delay, phaser, bit-reducer, vocoder, reverbs
Other I/O: 4x quarter-inch TS (CV out), 2x quarter-inch TS (CV in), 1x RJ45 LAN (expansion)
Learn more at moogmusic.com.
Today’s best deals on the Moog One

Check deal at Thomann

Dreadbox Nymphes

Dreadbox’s Nymphes is a quirky synthesizer ideal for producers looking for something a little different. While its functions can be a fiddle at first, the analogue warmth it produces is a sufficient reward for your toils. For such an affordable price, you get MIDI control over every parameter, a lush sounding reverb and a weighty slab of complex sound design options.
In our review of Nymhpes, we said: “Nymphes offers multiple sonic personalities, with rasping basses, ethereal pads, spiky, wonky melodies, blunt sounds perfect for sequencing and a host of options for electronic percussion. Its sound is deep, broad and versatile but, just as significantly, it’s not awash with flashy gimmicks trying to impress you.”
Features:
Price: $599
Synthesis type: Wavetable
Polyphony: 6 voices
Effects Types: FV-1 Digital Reverb
Other I/O: 1 x 1/4″ TS, 1 x 1/8″, MIDI In/USB
Read the full review here. Learn more at dreadbox-fx.com.
Today’s best deals on the Dreadbox Nymphes

Check deal at Thomann

Waldorf Kyra

The Waldorf Kyra is a powerful virtual analogue desktop synth capable of delivering absolutely massive sounds. It splits into eight independent parts, each offering 32 voices of polyphony; its own effects chain, and two comprehensive oscillator groups, where you’ll find saw, pulse, and a selection of 4096 wavetable shapes.
Each oscillator voice can be run in either Wave or Hypersaw mode. The former gives you the freedom to construct sounds through subtractive synthesis, while the latter’s algorithm features six oscillators that can very quickly create lush soundscapes.
The Kyra is also particularly appealing if you’re working in contemporary production; its user-friendly interface and the immediacy with which you can sculpt colossal sounds just means more time to focus on the creative process.
Features:
Price: $2,499
Synthesis type: Wavetable
Polyphony: 128 voices, 32/part
Effects: Distortion, Stereo Delay, Phaser, Chorus, Flanger, Doubling, Reverb, Filter
MIDI I/O: In/Out/Thru/USB
Read our full review here. Learn more at waldorfmusic.com.
Today’s best deals on the Waldorf Kyra

Check deal at Thomann

Roland Juno-X
Image: Simon Vinall for MusicTech
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a battery-powered JUNO-60 or 106 with built-in speakers – well, here it is. The Roland Juno-X is a versatile digital polysynth, uniting classic Juno aesthetics with modern functionality. Boasting 61 velocity-sensitive keys, aftertouch, and Zen-Core technology, it offers over 4,000 presets, multi-layered scenes, and I-Arpeggio. It’s a solid choice for producers looking for that classic Juno sound with intuitive control in a compact package.
MusicTech reviewed the Juno X in 2022, praising its “beautiful, distinctly Juno design”, Zen-Core tech which provides “almost-endless sounds”, and its Scenes function. Read the full review on MusicTech.
Features:

Price: £1,689 GBP / $1,666 USD / €1,999 EUR
Synthesis Type: Digital with Zen-Core Technology
Polyphony: Not specified in the provided information.
Keyboard: 61-key velocity-sensitive with aftertouch
Effects: Reverb, delay, drive, and more

Find out more at zZounds
Novation Summit

The Novation Summit puts together two of the brand’s Peak desktop synths into a single package – but it’s not quite as simple as doubling up on everything.
In addition to bi-timbral operation, new hardware and software features make it onto the Summit, including a semi-weighted keyboard with 61 keys and a new voice section with five mono and poly modes.
Through its three oscillators, you’re able to craft sounds through subtractive, wavetable (60 waveshapes) and FM synthesis. Plus, access to twin Peaks gives you the flexibility to run two simultaneous patches – split or stacked – for key-centric or layered sounds.
Features:
Price: $2,199
Synthesis type: Subtractive, FM and wavetable
Polyphony: 16 voices
Keyboard: Semi-weighted keybed, 61 keys
Effects Types: Analog Distortion, Reverb, Chorus, Delay
Other I/O: 1x 1/8″ (CV mod in)
Read our full review here. Learn more at novation.com.
Today’s best deals on the Novation Summit

Check deal at Thomann

Arturia PolyBrute

As you might have guessed from its name, the PolyBrute is Arturia’s polyphonic take on the beloved analogue beast that is the MatrixBrute. This six-voice polysynth gives you two waveshaping oscillators; a ladder and Steiner filter, which can be run in parallel or serial; three envelopes and three LFOs.
The PolyBrute implements its expression features neatly into its overall design. In addition to mod and pitch wheels, a Morphée controller gives you pressure-sensitive X, Y and Z expression. Plus, something you might miss out on: there’s a ribbon strip worked right into the wooden front panel.
Deep shaping abilities and an elegant design come together in a luxurious-looking polysynth, and so, it’s expected that the PolyBrute comes at a premium. However, its comprehensiveness makes it an ideal studio companion for tackling productions of all kinds.
Features:
Price: $2,899
Synthesis type: Subtractive, FM
Polyphony: 6 voices
Keyboard: Full-sized keybed, 61 keys
Effects: Modulation, Delay, Reverb
Other I/O: 1x 1/8″ (sync in), 1x 1/8″ (sync out)
Read our full review here. Learn more at arturia.com.
Today’s best deals on the Arturia PolyBrute

Check deal at Thomann

Korg Minilogue XD

Korg Minilogue XD
The Korg Minilogue XD matches capable specs with a sensible price tag, making it a great choice for entry-level music-makers looking to get into synthesis.
This four-voice polysynth is the successor to the Minilogue and offers the same two analogue voltage-controlled oscillators, but adds a third digital one (with noise, vpm and 16 user programs) for more sound design flair.
Onboard, there’s also myriad delay, mod and reverb effects, four operating modes (poly, unison, chord and arpeggiator) and, to round it off, a neat joystick controller for pitch bend and modulation depth.
Features:
Price: $730
Synthesis type: Subtractive, FM, wavetable
Polyphony: 4 voices
Keyboard: Slim keybed, 37 keys
Effects: Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Delay, Reverb, Ensemble
Other I/O: 2x 1/8” (CV in), 1/8” Sync in, 1/8” Sync out
Read our full review here. Learn more at korg.com.
Today’s best deals on the Korg Minilogue XD

Check deal at Thomann

Waldorf Quantum

A sound designer’s paradise, the Waldorf Quantum is a digital-analogue hybrid synth which offers eight voices of polyphony, each with three oscillators that can be run in wavetable, granular, subtractive and resonator modes.
A well-designed user experience paves the way for deep sonic exploration. Clearly marked sections denote oscillators, LFOs, filters, modulators, effects and more, plus, each parameter change is reflected in a crisp touch-screen display, showing you exactly how you’re affecting the signal. Other features include an arpeggiator with seven algorithms and sort orders and a step sequencer with parameter automation, quantisation and more.
The Quantum succeeds at empowering music-makers creatively; for how advanced it can get, it manages an easy-to-follow user experience.
Features:
Price: £3,500/$6,200
Synthesis type: Wavetable, granular, subtractive and resonator
Polyphony: 8 voices
Keyboard: Fatar keybed, 61 keys
Effects: Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Reverb, Drive, EQ
Read our full review here. Learn more at waldorfmusic.com.
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Korg Opsix MKII

Korg took a leaf out of its own book with Opsix, applying the simplistic concept of its Wavestate to a new FM synth. The six-operator Opsix synth builds on the legacy of the revered Yamaha DX7 FM synth pioneer, with plenty of operator functions, filter types and modulation options.
In January, just in time for NAMM 2024, Korg unleashed a series of new releases, including the microKORG 2. Another head-turning announcement was that of the Korg Opsix MKII altered FM polyphonic synth.
Following its 2020-launched predecessor, the Opsix MKII features doubled polyphony (64 voices up from 32), a 16-step sequencer, intuitive real-time controls, OLED display, 3-stage effects, analogue-style filters, a randomiser function, and six operator modes.
Features:

Price: £699
Synthesis type: FM
Polyphony: 64 voices
Keyboard: 37 keys
Effects: 11 filters, 30 different effects in three categories

Read more at Korg.
Modal Electronics Cobalt8

Modal Electronic’s Cobalt8 virtual-analogue series comes in three versions. The Cobalt8M is a desktop module synth; the Cobalt8 is a 37-key synth; and the Cobalt8X is a 61-key synth. All three operate in the same way, with only the keyboard size being the differentiating factor. We got our hands on a 37-key Cobalt8 and found it an extremely impressive piece of kit.
With an appealing price tag, the eight-voice subtractive synth sizes up nicely against competitors. This is thanks to its 64 high-resolution oscillators, 4-pole morphable ladder filter and plenty of modulation routing with three envelope generators and three LFOs. There are also three effects engines to polish off your signal chain, and a companion app to go deeper with sound design. Whichever size you go for, you’ll be crafting luscious patches in no time.
In our review, we said: “The Cobalt series provides an incredibly deep synthesis universe. It might be a virtual-analogue design but it sounds convincingly analogue in many ways, with a satisfying complexity and sharpness that reminds us of many industry classics.”
Features:
Price: $799
Synthesis type: Subtractive
Polyphony: 8 voices
Keyboard: 37 keys, fatar keybed
Effects: Three effects engines
Read our full review here. Learn more at modalelectronics.com.
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Sequential Prophet-10

Sequential’s Prophet-10 is back and this comprehensive reboot of the iconic synth culls some of the best features of previous generations, while adding some modern ones too.
A new Rev switch lets you access the filters from the Rev 1, 2 and 3 models, while a new Vintage knob lets you rewind the synth’s sonic characteristics back in time, from the stable Rev 4 to the temperamental Rev 1.
In our eview of the Prophet-10, we said: “The Prophet-10 is an absolute joy. It sounds warm, fat, lush but, above all, effortlessly fantastic. Think about so many of the tricks synths rely on to capture your interest, whether it’s a slew of onboard effects or multiple synthesis personality types.”
Features:
Price: $4,399
Synthesis type: Subtractive
Polyphony: 10 voices
Keyboard: Semi-weighted Fatar keybed, 61 keys
Other I/O: 2x 1/4″ (CV in/out), 1x 1/4″ (gate in/out), 1x 1/4″ (release)
Read the full review here. Find out more at sequential.com.
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Elektron Analog Four Mk II

Robust and designed to play well with others – thanks to CV ins-and-outs – the Analog Four MK II can be deployed as part of a larger system or on its own. This four-voice analogue synth comes with a built-in sequencer, arpeggiator, and reverb, chorus and delay effects.
The A4 lets you assign up to four notes to a voice, where each voice is made up of two oscillators and a sub. A popular on-the-go rig these days also pairs the A4 with the other Dark Trinity boxes from Elektron: the Analog RYTM, Analog Four and Octatrack. With these, you’re covered from beats to synths to samples.
Features:
Price: $1,499
Synthesis type: Subtractive
Polyphony: 4 voices
Keyboard: Single octave trigger keypad
Effects: Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Overdrive
Other I/O: 4x 1/4″ (CV/Gate out)
Read our full review here. Find out more at elektron.se.
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Behringer UB-Xa

Behringer’s UB-Xa is a replica of the classic Oberheim OB-Xa, which needs no introduction, frankly. Although Behringer’s remake might not be on the same level, it does offer a surprisingly similar level of warmth in its sound.
It’s a 16-voice polyphonic synthesizer, faithfully recreating the iconic OB-Xa, offering eight vintage modes, dual VCFs, a 61-key poly after-touch keyboard, and modern additions like velocity, after-touch, 512 user program memories, and comprehensive MIDI implementation.
Features:

Price: $1,443/£1,135
Synthesis type: Subtractive
Polyphony: 16 voices
Keyboard: 61 keys

Find out more on Thomann.
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