Synthesizers - Gear Guides

6 Best Grooveboxes 2026: Complete Buyer's Guide & Reviews

The groovebox renaissance is here, and it has brought us some of the most exciting hardware music production tools we've ever seen. These self-contained musical powerhouses are transforming how artists create, perform, and think about music production. Whether you're looking to break free from the computer screen or add tactile creativity to your live performances, the right groovebox can completely revolutionize your musical workflow. From the professional-grade Roland MC-707 to the sampling genius of the Polyend Tracker+, we've analyzed the top machines that are defining modern hardware music production.

Last updated May 2025

The Best Drum Machines. Top 6 Picks + Reviews 2026

The best drum machine for you will depend on what type of beats you make, your budget, and how you plan on using it. In this article, we discuss the history of drum machines and how to choose a hardware drum machine for you. Take your drum sound design and beat-making skills to the next level with the right hardware drum machine.

Last updated January 2025

8 Best Synthesizers: Guide to Your First Hardware Synth 2026

Choosing a first synth can be a daunting task for anyone first starting to dabble in hardware synthesizers. In recent years, the market for low-cost synths has grown tremendously, making the number of choices almost too many to count. Some options are better than others though - let's talk about those...

Last updated September 2024

Roland JUPITER-8: The Definitive Guide to a Synth Legend

The JUPITER-8 wasn't just another synthesizer. It was a statement of analog perfection that defined an entire era of music. If the TR-808 was Roland's rhythmic revolution, the JUPITER-8 was its crown jewel, a flagship instrument designed with no compromise that became the sonic benchmark for every polyphonic synth that followed. From the opening pads of Michael Jackson's Thriller to the shimmering textures of Duran Duran's new wave anthems, the JUPITER-8's pristine, hi-fi character sounded like nothing else in 1981. More than forty years later, vintage units still command astronomical investment, and modern recreations continue reshaping electronic music production. This is the story of how eight voices of analog polyphony became the definition of synthesizer excellence.

Last updated December 2025

Best Vocoders for Music Production

Among effects that you can use to add in unique elements to your songs is a vocoder. Though often confused with a talk box, a vocoder is a device where you sing into a mic and have the ability to translate the tone of your voice to an instrument, most commonly a keyboard. We break down and review the best vocoders out there in this gear guide article and talk about what to think about when selecting one.

Last updated October 2025

The Sequential Prophet Guide: History, Architecture, and Legacy from the Prophet-5 to Rev4

In 1978, Dave Smith introduced an instrument that redefined electronic music forever. The Sequential Prophet-5 wasn't just another synthesizer, it was the first commercially available, fully programmable polyphonic analog synth. By embedding a microprocessor into an analog signal path, Sequential Circuits solved problems that had plagued musicians for years: tuning instability, lack of patch memory, and the impracticality of modular systems. The Prophet-5's punchy, articulate sound and innovative Poly-Mod section created tones impossible on competing instruments, defining an era from new wave to film soundtracks. This is the story of how one engineer's vision launched a lineage that continues today through the Prophet-6, Rev2, and the faithful Rev4 reissue.

Last updated December 2025

Best Arranger Keyboards for Every Skill Level & Budget

The power to command an entire band from a single keyboard - that's what modern arranger keyboards offer musicians today. These sophisticated instruments combine authentic instrument sounds with intelligent accompaniment features, transforming how solo performers, hobbyists, and music educators approach music creation. But with countless options available, each boasting different features and capabilities, choosing the right arranger keyboard can feel overwhelming. From entry-level models that make music creation accessible to flagship workstations packed with professional features, we'll guide you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first arranger keyboard or a professional seeking to upgrade your setup, our comprehensive guide breaks down the essential features, compares top models, and helps you find the perfect match for your musical journey.

Last updated December 2024

Roland Juno-106 - The People’s Poly Synth That Defined the ’80s and Beyond

The Roland Juno-106 earned its reputation as one of the most approachable and musically immediate synthesizers ever made. From defining '80s synthpop to shaping modern house, synthwave, and bedroom production, this six-voice polysynth delivers warm, wide sounds with remarkable consistency. Whether you're exploring vintage hardware or modern emulations, understanding what makes the Juno-106 special helps you harness its timeless character in your own productions.

Last updated November 2025

Yamaha DX7: The Digital Synthesizer That Defined the 80s

When the Yamaha DX7 landed in 1983, it didn't politely ask for a seat at the synthesizer table. It flipped the table over. This 16-voice, MIDI-equipped digital polysynth became the best-selling synthesizer of all time by delivering sounds analog machines couldn't produce: glassy electric pianos, metallic bells, and percussive basses that cut through dense mixes. Decades later, it stands as the most influential and misunderstood synthesizers ever built, its legacy echoing through every FM-based plugin and synthwave track released today.

Last updated November 2025

Best Synth VSTs | Gear Guide Synthetizers

Choosing what VST synth to use is not easy. It’s a personal choice, and there are hundreds to try out. We’re here to help. In this guide, we’re talking all about VST synths - what they are, what to look for, and we’ll review some of the best VST synths out there.

Last updated August 2025

The Teenage Engineering OP-1: Features & Workflows

The Teenage Engineering OP-1 is more than just a synthesizer – it's a creative tool. Learn how to use its unique features, explore creative workflows, and discover the sounds you never knew you could make.

Last updated August 2025

Top 5 Free VST Plugins for Music Production

While some might be able to afford top of the line plugins, the rest of us, who are on a budget, need to be careful where we put our money. Thankfully, there is a ton of free software available for our music production needs. From a range of great synths to a go-to compressor, as long as you have the software to host it, there is sure to be something for you.

Last updated October 2025

Exploring the Iconic Moog Model D

The Moog Model D synthesizer, introduced in 1970, marked a pivotal moment in music history. This compact yet powerful instrument brought the complex world of modular synthesis to the stage, inspiring countless musicians and shaping the sound of genres from rock to electronic. Discover how its innovative design, iconic filter, and intuitive interface revolutionized music production and why its influence continues to resonate in modern music technology.

Last updated August 2025

Novation Peak Review

Novation called it the Peak but to me it’s the Kitchen Sink! There’s no ifs, ands or buts; Novation has created a magnificent and inspiring synthesizer with Peak. It hits a lot of the points on my wishlist and offers its 8 voices and an impressively sturdy build (I remember the original bass station, pretty flimsy) at such a reasonable price that I feel guilty asking for more. I admit the Peak is not a cheap synth, but given that it offers 8 fantastic sounding voices and huge versatility the price/performance ratio is heavily skewed in favor of performance.

Last updated September 2024

Blipblox After Dark Review | Synthesizers Gear Guides

The Blipblox After Dark is a powerful and versatile synth disguised in a playful and accessible package. While it might not be on par with premium synths, it offers incredible value for its price, especially considering the included Blipblox EDU resources. If you're looking for a fun and educational way to introduce yourself or your child to the world of sound creation, the Blipblox After Dark is a fantastic choice.

Last updated September 2025

Novation Circuit Review - Pros & Cons

Part synth, part groovebox, part drum machine, completely portable, and 100% inspirational. Check out our complete Novation Circuit review.

Last updated August 2025