Best Music Keyboards & Synth Pads

REVIEW: Roland JD-08 Boutique Series Desktop Synth Module

You can read our companion review of the JX-08 that launched alongside this for more context on the Boutique series as a whole, but for now let’s focus on the JD-08, specifically....

REVIEW: Roland JX-08 Boutique Series Desktop Synth Module

When the original Boutique series synths were announced a few years back,...

AKAI MPK Mini Play MK3 REVIEW

Akai’s MPK MIDI controller is basically the industry standard when it comes...

REVIEW: Casiotone CT-S1000V by CASIO

OK, Casio. We gotta talk about the Casiotone CT-S1000V. Like we said...

REVIEW: Casio Casiotone CT-S1

I’ve got to say, Casio’s been quietly killing it lately. Like, a...

Learn more about the best analog synths, digital synths, virtual analog synths and MIDI controllers under the sun from Performer’s staff of synth geeks. From vintage Moog and ARP synths to modern MIDI and synth products from Roland, Yamaha and Novation, the world of synthesizers (especially finding the best synthesizer for your budget) can be a tricky one to navigate. That’s why we’ve compiled reviews on the latest synths and synth news from the annual NAMM show, as well as in-depth buyer’s guides to help you choose the right synth for your needs.

The technology behind today’s synthesizers, both hardware and software-based, is rapidly changing. So let us help you learn more about not only the best synths in production, but also other types of keyboards, keyboard controllers, keyboard amps, digital stage pianos and today’s modern samplers.

Some of our most popular articles and synthesizer reviews include:

BOOK REVIEW: Synth Gems 1 – Exploring Vintage Synthesizers
By Benjamin Ricci on February 25, 2022
The optimistically titled Synth Gems 1 (indicating a volume 2 is on the horizon) is a gem indeed, especially for any synth-obsessed nerd who can...
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REVIEW: Ltd. Edition Bowie Stylophone
By Benjamin Ricci on February 14, 2022
As much as we love David Bowie, and Bowie collectables, you could imagine our excitement when the Bowie Stylophone was sent to us for review....
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ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe & Hydrasynth Explorer REVIEWS
By Benjamin Ricci on February 10, 2022
We reviewed the original Hydrasynth from ASM when it debuted in “the before times,” and now we’ve had the pleasure of going hands-on with two...
AKAI MPC Studio Controller REVIEW
By Benjamin Ricci on December 1, 2021
We recently reviewed the previous entry-point into the MPC ecosphere, the MPC One. Coming in well under $1000, it offered most of the functionality that...
4 Reasons Singer/Songwriters Should Consider an MPC. Yes, an MPC.
By Benjamin Ricci on October 6, 2021
When we recently reviewed the new MPC One from Akai, we instantly fell in love. Here’s a snippet, in case you missed it: “If you...