Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $48

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Gakken SX-150 Analog Synthesizer, a compact yet powerful tool designed for both budding musicians and seasoned synth enthusiasts. This portable analog synthesizer is praised for its simplicity and unique sound capabilities, offering users a hands-on approach to sound creation. The stylus-controlled interface allows for intuitive manipulation of pitch and modulation, making it an ideal choice for experimental musicians. Whether you're crafting cosmic soundscapes or gritty bass lines, the SX-150's analog circuitry delivers rich, warm tones that are both nostalgic and fresh.

The Gakken SX-150 is housed in a sleek, user-friendly design, featuring essential controls for oscillation, filter, and envelope shaping. Its compact size makes it perfect for on-the-go music production or live performances, fitting comfortably into any setup. Connect it to external gear via the audio input and output jacks to expand your sonic possibilities. The SX-150 also boasts a versatile LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator), enabling you to add dynamic movement and depth to your sound. Whether you're a DIY synth lover or just diving into the world of analog sound, the Gakken SX-150 offers a fun and engaging experience.

Key Features:

  • Stylus-controlled interface for dynamic pitch and modulation control
  • Rich, warm analog sound with a simple, user-friendly design
  • Essential controls for oscillation, filter, and envelope shaping
  • Audio input and output jacks for easy integration with other gear
  • Versatile LFO for added movement and depth in sound creation
  • Compact and portable, ideal for live performances and mobile production
Adam Savage’s Tested

Adam Savage’s Tested

Show and Tell: Gakken SX-150 DIY Synthesizer

Video thumbnail for Show and Tell: Gakken SX-150 DIY Synthesizer by Adam Savage’s Tested

Show and Tell: Gakken SX-150 DIY Synthesizer

Adam Savage’s Tested

Adam Savage’s Tested

Video thumbnail for Gakken SX-150 Analog Synthesizer - JapanTrendShop by JapanTrendShop

Gakken SX-150 Analog Synthesizer - JapanTrendShop

JapanTrendShop

JapanTrendShop

Video thumbnail for What is This Thing?? Gakken SX-150 by Alamo Music Sound Lab

What is This Thing?? Gakken SX-150

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gakken SX-150 Analog Synthesizer.

Build quality

  • Owners note the back panel is made of cardboard, impacting durability.

    Source
  • Knobs are fragile; excessive force can detach them from the circuit board.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The SX-150 offers a mono output and requires a voltage controller for the EXT. SOURCE input to function properly.

    Source
  • The SX-150 has two LFO wave shapes, pitch envelope, and button triggers for sweeping the filter and LFO depth.

    Source
  • Without a proper gate or trigger signal, the SX-150 won't respond to external CV control from common sources like the Behringer CAT or Poly D outputs.

    Source
  • The SX-150 lacks inherent MIDI input, requiring creative solutions or additional gear for integration with MIDI setups.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users suggest connecting a CV patch cable to the stylus tip for reliable sequencing, enhancing its functionality.

    Source
  • Users suggest updating the Monotron to enable CV control via jacks, indicating similar mod potential for the SX-150.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the Monotron, the SX-150 offers a similar experience but requires theremin-like skills for melodic play.

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  • Compared to the Monotron, the SX-150 offers more features and modding potential at a similar price point.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for creating unique soundscapes and experimental music, especially when combined with delay effects.

    Source
  • Ideal for experimentation due to its unique sound and specific characteristics, though not typically used for lead or bass in every track.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find controlling the pitch challenging due to the lack of constraints on the stylus ribbon track.

    Source
  • Attempts to control the SX-150 with CV from various synths often fail without a proper setup, highlighting the necessity for experimentation and adjustment.

    Source

Other

  • Originally part of a Japanese magazine, the SX-150 is a DIY kit, adding a unique aspect to its ownership.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Pricing fluctuates significantly, with some finding it as low as $27 and as high as $60.

    Source

3.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jonny Greenwood uses Gakken SX-150 Analog Synthesizer

Jonny Greenwood

Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

Here Jonny can be seen playing around with a Gakken SX-150.

See how Jamie Stewart uses Gakken SX-150 Analog Synthesizer

Jamie Stewart

Singer, Guitarist

Xiu Xiu

...
Verified via YouTube

Jamie shows a Gakken SX-150 in his Xiu Xiu studio tour for Dear God, I Hate Myself at 2:00 in the video. He uses it on the track "Impossible Feeling".

See how Benny Blanco uses Gakken SX-150 Analog Synthesizer

Benny Blanco

Music Producer

Bangers and Cash

...
Verified via YouTube

Benny can be seen playing on this Synth at around 1:31 in a video with Fader

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gakken SX-150 Analog Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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