Best Synths Under $1,000 in 2026

video upload by Vulture Culture

00:00 Intro
00:29 Best Under $400: Waldorf Protein
05:39 Best Under $600: Arturia MiniFreak 37
10:40 Best Under $800: Sequential FourM
16:22 Best Under $850: ASM Hydrasynth Desktop
23:03 Best Under $900: Korg multi/poly
30:03 So which one do you buy?
31:51 What I'd actually buy

Saadet 1.0 for the M-VAVE FM-1: PPG Wave 2.2, HYDRA, multitimbrality and a new editor

video upload by Keremimo

"Saadet 1.0 is out: synthesizer firmware for the M-VAVE FM-1, now with six engines. HYDRA has three oscillators on 56 waves, two of them scanning lists of eight, with mutants, ring, noise and two filters, eight named macros on every sound and a WAVE LAB for your own waves. PPG Wave 2.2 plays the original wavetables and all 100 factory programs, two groups layered or split, and the sampled grand piano and saxophone of table 31. Two parts play by MIDI channel, split or layered, and save as 12 named performances. Hold ARP for a drone. A stolen voice now fades out over 23 ms under the new note instead of being cut. Saadet also runs on the M-VAVE SMK-37, in beta, and Saadet Studio is a new editor in the browser.

To install, open the web installer in Chrome or Edge, connect your FM-1 and follow it. Back up your sounds first. Bug reports and ideas are welcome.

Install: https://keremimo.github.io/saadet/ins...
Editor: https://saadet.ellicstudio.com
Source, release notes and changelog: https://github.com/keremimo/saadet

How this was made: the units' screens and all the audio were rendered from Saadet's own source running on a computer, driven by scripted buttons, knobs and keys. It isn't camera footage, and the FM-1 and the SMK-37 on screen are drawings. The music is Saadet's HYDRA and PPG engines played over MIDI by a script: the unit on screen plays the pad, and three more runs of the same firmware play the bass, the bells (their echoes are played as notes) and the choir. Levels between engines were evened out in the mix; nothing else was added. The engine waveforms in the opening are drawings of each engine's character, not measured audio. Saadet Studio's screens are stills of a local build of the editor, driven in a browser with its demo unit, which was recorded from the 1.0 firmware.

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“AI Is Theft”, Unless It Benefits You

video upload by Scott's Synth Stuff

Note, some of his points are how many feel about Behringer making "clones", especially of gear currently in production.

"Musicians attack anyone who uses AI in music, then cheer when someone vibe-codes new firmware for their synth. Is that a double standard?

In one weekend in October, three different aftermarket firmwares hit the $60 M-Vave FM1. One made it a virtual analog synth, one a four-track groovebox, and one a Roland-style drum machine. Most of them were built by non-programmers using AI tools like Claude Code. Then M-Vave released an official open-source SDK, and Akai and Behringer are moving the same way.

In this video I look at where the creative community draws its line on AI, and why that line seems to move depending on who gets hurt:

Why AI-coded firmware gets cheers while AI music gets attacked
AI code is trained on decades of human developers’ work, just as AI music is trained on artists
AI clones of the Adobe suite, and illegal Hydrasynth emulators that run stolen ROMs
The real risks: a bricked MPC2000, DSP timing bugs, possible malware and abandoned projects
Why manufacturers are now handing firmware development to their users
My own AI use, including my thumbnails, and where I draw the line

This video isn’t against AI and it isn’t for it. It’s about being consistent. Where is your line, and does it still hold when the thing on offer is free?"

Hydrasynth Deluxe (Dual Arp) & Novation Summit Live Session

video upload by Paweł Spychała

"A live electronic music session
In this performance, I’m using:

ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe – playing a custom dual arpeggiator multipatch designed from scratch.
Novation Summit – single patch.
Bitwig Studio – serving as the central hub for recording"

ASM Hydrasynth Keyboard Digital Synthesizer

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Dark Cinematic Atmosphere | Hydrasynth Deluxe & Novation Summit (Custom Patches & SFX)

video upload by Paweł Spychała

"An original Dark Cinematic Atmosphere track featuring custom synth patches and custom sound effects created from my own field recordings.

Sound Design & Gear used:
• ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe – Custom synth patches
• Novation Summit – Custom synth patches
• Bitwig Studio – DAW, arranging, and mixing
• Field Recordings – Custom sound effects designed and processed from my original environmental audio recordings

My Free SFX Download : https://pixabay.com/pl/users/audiopap..."

Hardware Synthesizer Live Jam | Hydrasynth Deluxe | Novation Summit | Bitwig DAW

video upload by Paweł Spychała

"A live ambient performance recorded in Bitwig Studio, featuring two powerful synthesizers: the ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe and the Novation Summit.

Everything was performed and recorded live into Bitwig Studio without overdubs to capture the organic feel of hardware synth sound design.

Gear Used:
• ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe
• Novation Summit
• Bitwig Studio (DAW & Audio Capture)"

Leviasynth Beautiful Distortion

video upload by Crybo Synth Sounds

"First patch I made on the Leviasynth. Cannot wait to really learn this synth properly.

Sounds available for the Super 6, Waldorf Iridium, Hydrasynth, Novation Peak, Minilogue XD, Digitone 2, Cobalt 8, Dub Techno Stabs pads & chords
from my hardware synths & a free Dreadbox Artemis sound pack. https://payhip.com/CryboSynthSounds"

dawless techno - ROLLING BASS made with Novation's Bass Station 2

video upload by boite obscure

"dawless music
I used mainly one oscillator for the bass-patch.
instruments used: Novation Bass Station 2 (swifty edition), Arturia Keystep Pro, Sequential Prophet REV2, Hydrasynth Explorer, mopho x4, Roland TR8S

#rolling bass #melodic techno"

ASM HYDRASYNTH - Beautiful Sounds From KEYS Category

video upload by Woody Piano Shack

"WELCOME TO PIANO CLUB
New members-only video every week and instant access to the archives.

• Music theory and playing techniques
• Song breakdowns & piano arrangements
| • Synth and keyboard tips and tricks
• Topics requested by members"

Lesson packs available for one-time purchase on Patreon.

MORE WOODY PIANO SHACK: https://woodypianoshack.com

DemonBox Eternal Research - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Jordan from Eternal Research about DemonBox, a triangular electromagnetic instrument and controller. He explained how it reacts to electromagnetic fields from motors, magnets, speakers, phones and other implements, turning those interactions into audio, CV and MIDI.

DemonBox has 33 inductors on its surface, arranged as three channels of 11 in concentric spirals. It has no internal oscillators or tone generators; the audio output comes from disturbances in the electromagnetic field, closer to a wide-field pickup than a synth voice. MIDI notes control instruments such as HydraSynth, while MIDI data can also drive TouchDesigner visuals and DMX lighting via conversion.

The unit includes three external audio inputs, one for each inductor channel. Incoming audio can be mixed with the knobs, and it also affects outgoing MIDI and CV. MIDI runs over USB-C, the unit is powered by 5V USB power, and CV is available for modular hardware. DemonBox is priced at $999, with an in-person Knobcon 26 offer including a free Ferris wheel order.
More Info: https://eternalresearch.com"

LeviaSynth Deeper function ASM - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"Ken from ASM gave us a look at LeviaSynth, focussing on some of the nifty ways to controll all that synthesis - 16 voices with 8 oscillators, 13 envelopes per voice, 5 LFOs. Using the Bias controls, and the copy/paste settings between Oscillators for efficient navigation of this behemoth.

The signal path includes the digital filters from Hydrasynth, plus analog gain, analog saturation and an analog filter section. It supports upper and lower layers, key splits and crossfeeds, and the keyboard version includes a refined poly-touch keybed.

Ken shows us stereo mode by splitting eight analog filters left and eight right, with detuning available per side. Stereo behaviour can apply to carriers, modulation, or both. The engine includes 144 algorithms, custom algorithms and smooth morphing between algorithms, with FM, phase distortion, pulse-width modulation and phase modulation available in combination.

Pricing is around $2,499 for the keyboard and $1,999 for the desktop, with dealer pricing to confirm."

ASM Leviasynth - Sounds Only - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"Jim from Earmonkey Music sits down with the *ASM Leviasynth *at the Knobcon 2026 show from last week. We have him to thank for all of these videos from the show.

The Leviasynth is Ashun Sound Machines flagship synthesizer, with 16 voices, each with twin filters, (analog and digital), 8 oscillator per voice, 13 envelopes, 5 LFOs plus FX engine with multiple FX. Contolled by a polyphonic Aftertouch keybed and a ribbon controller."

ASM Hydrasynth Desktop Digital Synthesizer

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Sequential Fourm - He bought the Sequential Fourm, for the wrong reasons, and you may want to too!

video upload by kgbirmingham media

Don't miss the videos below. Also see Sequential Fourm - The Non Prophet Presets by kgbirmingham media.

"I traded in my Roland MC-707 for a Sequential Fourm. And, I did it for all the wrong reasons!
This video is different than my usual music videos. I needed a synth that was simple to use, could be a Polyphonic Aftertouch Controller for my ASM Hydrasynth and horror of all horror had MiniKeys.
So, this is why I bought the Sequential Fourm and why you may want to too!
Enjoy!
For the Techies
There’s not much to say about the tech. I recorded the narration directly into a Zoom R4 and transferred it to my DAW - Fender Studio Pro 8.
The background music is five tracks all created on the Sequential Fourm using Factory Presets.
The signal chain is fairly straightforward: MC-707, into a pair of SSL SixChannels, into a Drawmer MQ-2 EQ/Compressor/Saturator, into a Lindell 77X Compressor and into an Allen&Heath ZEDi10 Interface/Mixer.
Processing was limited to Waves L1 Limiter, Beyerdynamic Headphone Lab and UADx Manley Variable Mu Compressor. No Reverb. No Delay. Do Effects at All.
Everything was recorded through an Allen&Heath ZEDi10 and into Fender Studio Pro 8.
Video:
Fujifilm X-T3 camera with Fujifilm 10-24mm lens and an iPhone SE and iPhone 17.
The final video was edited in DaVinci Resolve.
Recording and monitoring was through an Allen&Heath ZEDi10 with Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro and Beyerdynamic Headphone Lab.
©2026 kgbirmingham media"

Sequential Fourm - For All The Wrong Reasons - The Song!

video upload by kgbirmingham media

"Sequential Fourm – For All The Wrong Reasons – The Song!
When I shot my Sequential Fourm video 'For All The Wrong Reasons' I created a background music track using only the Sequential Fourm for that video.
It is short, but I like it, so I put it together with some video on a misty day from Marie Curtis Park.
Enjoy!
For the Techies
The background music is five tracks all created on the Sequential Fourm using Factory Presets:
1 - A New Legend, 44 - Ryan Reverse, 69 - Sin Cussion, 72 - PluckyArp, 42 - Mini Prophet
The signal chain is fairly straightforward: MC-707, into a pair of SSL SixChannels, into a Drawmer MQ-2 EQ/Compressor/Saturator, into a Lindell 77X Compressor and into an Allen&Heath ZEDi10 Interface/Mixer.
Processing was limited to a: Waves L1 Limiter, Beyerdynamic Headphone Lab and UADx Manley Variable Mu Compressor. No Reverb. No Delay. Do Effects at All.
Everything was recorded through an Allen&Heath ZEDi10 and into Fender Studio Pro 8.
Video: iPhone 17.
The final video was edited in DaVinci Resolve.
Recording and monitoring was through an Allen&Heath ZEDi10 with Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro and Beyerdynamic Headphone Lab.
©2026 kgbirmingham media"

Sequential Fourm Creating Chaos

video upload by kgbirmingham media

"Sequential Fourm – Creating Chaos
This is a 'Making Of' type video. I just recently purchased a Sequential Fourm and I wanted to create a 'Song' using only Fourm Presets. So, I created six tracks, using six Fourm Presets. I ran the Fourm through a TC Electronic Plethora (Chorus, Delay, Reverb) and played around with the Filter, Noise, ARP and Amp Envelope.
I put “Song” into quotes, because it is rather cacophonous. Anyway, I like the variations of tone, structure and noises!
Enjoy!
For the Techies
There’s not much to say about the tech. I recorded the narration directly into my DAW - Fender Studio Pro 8. I used an AKG 414B microphone running through an ART TransX Preamp into an Allen&Heath ZEDi10 Interface/Mixer.
I recorded six tracks all created on the Sequential Fourm using Factory Presets.
The signal chain is fairly straightforward: Fourm, into TC Electronic Plethora X3 (stereo output), into a pair of SSL SixChannels, into a Drawmer MQ-2 EQ/Compressor/Saturator, into a Lindell 77X Compressor and into an Allen&Heath ZEDi10 Interface/Mixer and recorded in stereo directly into my DAW (Fender Studio Pro).
Processing was limited to Waves L1 Limiter, Beyerdynamic Headphone Lab and UADx Manley Variable Mu Compressor. No Reverb. No Delay. Do Effects in the DAW
Everything was recorded through an Allen&Heath ZEDi10 and into Fender Studio Pro 8.
Video:
Fujifilm X-T3 camera with Fujifilm 10-24mm lens and iPhone 17. And, OBS studio for the screen shot.
The final video was edited in DaVinci Resolve.
Recording and monitoring was through an Allen&Heath ZEDi10 with Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro and Beyerdynamic Headphone Lab.
©2026 kgbirmingham media"

Novation Summit and Hydrasynth Deluxe Live Recording Session

video upload by Paweł Spychała

"Electronic music performance featuring the ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe, Novation Summit, and Bitwig Studio.

For this piece, I created and performed using my own custom multi-patches for both the Hydrasynth Deluxe and Novation Summit.

Everything was played and recorded live as a spontaneous experimental composition — no pre-written arrangement.

Gear & Software:
• ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe — custom multi-patch
• Novation Summit — custom multi-patch
• Bitwig Studio
• Live performance & recording"

Playing Piano On HYDRASYNTH

video upload by Woody Piano Shack

Join Woody's club here:
/ woodypianoshack
MORE WOODY PIANO SHACK
https://woodypianoshack.com

ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe Multi-Patch Demo

video upload by Paweł Spychała

"A performance and sound showcase of my custom Multi-Patch created on the ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe.

Hardware: ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe
DAW: Bitwig Studio
Patch: Custom Split Multi-Patch"

Leviasynth With The Tonverk Is Almost TOO MUCH Synth

video upload by EZBOT

"The ASM Leviasynth is the next big synth from ASM Synthesizers, the company that brought the incredibly popular Hydrasynth. The company is also host to popular sound designers and the CFO is none other than the Daniel Troberg, the "Octafather" formerly from Elektron. The Leviasynth is the deepest synth in my collection, offering more customization and shortcuts than any other synth I've picked up. Today, we will discuss it a bit and jam with it via the Elektron Tonverk."

EZBOT resources: https://www.patreon.com/ezbot, https://ko-fi.com/ezbot/, https://www.modbang.com

"My Synthetic Garden" | Novation Summit & Hydrasynth Deluxe Live Performance (Bitwig Studio)

video upload by Paweł Spychała

"A live synth jam featuring the Novation Summit and Hydrasynth Deluxe, both running original custom multi-patches. Track title: 'My Synthetic Garden'. Everything was recorded live directly into Bitwig Studio.

Gear Used:
ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe (Custom Multi-Patch)
Novation Summit (Custom Multi-Patch)
DAW: Bitwig Studio (Live Performance Recording)"

"Evolving Solitude" – Live Hardware Synth Performance | Hydrasynth Deluxe, Summit, Reaktor 6, Bitwig

video upload by Paweł Spychała

"'Evolving Solitude' is an original live hardware synthesizer performance featuring the Hydrasynth Deluxe, Novation Summit, Reaktor 6, Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2, and Bitwig Studio.

Recorded completely live Sit back, put on a pair of good headphones, and dive into the sound.
Gear & Software Used in this Video:
Synthesizers: ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe Multi, Novation Summit Multi
MIDI Controller: Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2
Software & Plugins: Native Instruments Reaktor 6- rythm track
DAW: Bitwig Studio (Live Recording & Sequencing)"