Best Music Keyboards & Synth Pads

REVIEW: Jamstik Classic MIDI Guitar

If you want to see just how much fun the Jamstik Classic MIDI guitar is, stop reading this and head over to our Instagram or YouTube channel. We sent one to the...

MY FAVORITE SYNTH with Umphrey’s McGee

I play keyboards for progressive improv rock band Umphrey’s McGee. My arsenal...

MY FAVORITE SYNTH with Ghost Love

Montreal three-piece Ghost Love is led by David Rancourt. The band delivers...

Demystifying Analog Synthesis & Signal Flow

In an era where creative or commercial success is possible without the...

HOW TO KEEP YOUR VINTAGE SYNTHS SINGING

Tips From the Pros at Syntaur Vintage analog synths are all the...

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:

The Envelope, Please! An Introduction to Envelope Generators
By Stephen B. Ward on May 22, 2023
Envelope Generators, or EGs, create a control signal that rises and falls over time when a note is triggered. In a synthesizer, that signal can...
Eurorack and Modular Synthesis 101
By Quinn Grodzins on May 19, 2023
A Non-Scary Intro to Eurorack AKA Modular is Not a Dirty Word Hello, my name is Quinn, I make music under the name Wyram, and...
Hooked on Phonics: Synthesizer Polyphony Terminology
By Marc Doty on May 19, 2023
Synthesizer Polyphony Terminology and the Polyphonic vs. Paraphonic Debate Talking about, or learning about, synthesizers can be a challenge in general, but the situation is...
A Beginner’s Guide to Wavetable Synthesis
By Steve Joslin on May 16, 2023
What is Wavetable Synthesis? Wavetable synthesis is an application of digital sound synthesis that uses multiple waveforms stored together in a table to generate sounds....
Contribute to Performer’s Special Synthesizer Issue!
By Benjamin Ricci on April 10, 2023
Do you obsess over oscillators? Do you have more money invested in your Eurorack system than in your retirement plan? Here’s your opportunity to contribute to Performer’s upcoming special issue...