My 5 Favorite Small Synths (+ a glimpse into the new Werkstatt-01)

[@thewistfulsnail]

Soooo good to watch! Would love love love a demo of each piece of gear showcasing its sounds. Like a compilation of jams with no talking. You're amazing!

[@MISSCHAMPAGNE]

you're the reason i started getting serious about learning & making music :) ilysm

[@badsnacks]

Aw!! This makes me so happy :)

[@badsnacks]

Time stamps! 0:00 - 1:44 Intro 1:44 - 3:53 Minilogue XD/Minilogue OG (also there's a typo in the "Now Playing", it should say Minilogue instead of Monologue my b) 3:53 - 5:29 Roland Boutique Series 5:37 - 8:06 Roland MC-101 8:06 - 10:23 Teenage Engineering OP-1 10:23 - 14:15 Critter & Guitari Organelle 14:15 - 16:07 Moog Werkstatt-01 16:07 - 17:32 Empress Effects Zoia 17:32 - 18:05 Outro/Bean being cute Hope this is helpful!!

[@mickaelloe-a-fook6902]

The moog is so usefull ! 👍

[@Sky-TheYouTubeAccount]

@Reylo Skywalkers We did, indeed

[@stressfreepaperchase3215]

Thanks for the inspiration.

[@matthewwilson3673]

which headphones are your favorite to use in studio? or have you already done a video about that?

[@IsaacSung]

love the video! btw, if you put these timestamps in the description of the video itself, YT marks it on the video player which can be really useful.

[@FunnyFruFru]

My first ever hardware synth was the Behringer Model D, quite a small boy indeed 😁 I think for the price, for its comparison with the Moog Model D, and some of its patching capabilities that give interesting sound design options, it’s a great deal! They go for around $300, and offer anyone that is interested in real synthesizers a solid starting point.

[@fabiosantoriell0]

Looks like a “Paid” Video paid by sponsors. If you want affordable synth you need definitely to buy @Behringer

[@RobCowie]

@@fabiosantoriell0 you must be new.../smh

[@mortenrobinson5421]

For a cheap analog Polysynth it's either one of the behringers or one of the minilogues. I went with the minilogue xd over the deepmind for 2 reasons. 1: i, like many others, am not particularly drawn to Behringer and their methods of doing business and ripping other businesses off. 2: I am a huge nerd with an engineering background and the minilogue has userprogrammable DSP, you can develop your own digital wavetable oscillators and effects with the Logue SDK :-) This makes it a lot more versatile and unique.

[@ReadAndReturn]

Not only am I geeking out about the synths you have but.. But it's the cello that's got me really intrigued.

[@ReadAndReturn]

Also, the plant on top of the Focusrite... on top of the Yamaha monitor 😂

[@joshcook983]

I feel like your demo on the Werkstatt really highlighted what the Organelle is missing, such huge sounds from that lil thing

[@AnthonyGoodley]

The Moog Werkstatt-01 was my first synthesizer that I ever bought. I love it so much that I had to buy a second one before they stopped making them. No regrets.

[@gru_day]

My small boy synths. Korg Monologue is smaller and 50% more affordable than Mini OG (but one voice). Volca Keys is solid synth (and cheapest way to polyphony... well, paraphony). Moog Werkstatt 01 is great (with Arturia Keystep). Elektron model: Cycles is a groovebox (drums, melody, FX) and MIDI sequencer with vibe on its own. PO33KO! is the smallest sampler and huge fun. Korg Monotron Delay is noisy FX unit rather then regular synrh but it doas its job like no other.

[@vladsandu9713]

I got the Behringer MS-20 and TB-303 clones ordered. Fingers crossed that all goes well and I get to have fun this winter.

[@JK-ib1nn]

My favorite synth is the Alesis Micron.... it has a lot of weird pad sounds but also great Bass and EP types as well.. The sequencer is awesome. I never see anybody talk about this anywhere. It can layer sounds and manipulate multiple seq \ phrases. It is unlike any other keyboard I've ever played.. super fun for making songs.

[@Jason75913]

I wonder sometimes if it is the inspiration of the M-Audio Venom.

[@pamelaswarts]

I constantly champion the Micron! It’s such a powerful synth.

[@gabe1837]

This video could not have come at a better time, love your work!

[@astrogarage]

Nice to see someone professing a big love for the Organelle. I think it was Knobs' demo that sold me on it too - I agree that the synth sounds are not the best thing about it but everything else it does is entirely fab. I keep finding new patches and new ways to use them. My small synth recommendation (if anyone cares, and frankly why would they) would be the Modal electronics Craft Synth. It's a thing of beauty.

[@jackramey8672]

Love the keys on the minilogue. Near perfect action and weight for playing fast

[@ricardlupus]

My fav small synth is the P6 form French company Audiothingies (now replaced by the MicroMonsta). It's like a Boutique or Reface, but does not set out to emulate any specific synth, but rather has features (and quirks) of its own, it sounds great, probably one of the most analogue sounding digital gear I've come across. Super nice user interface makes it a very inviting device.

[@redchapterjubilee]

My fav smol bois: MFB Synth Lite & Synth (I or II); Vermona Mono Lancet; DSI Mopho & Tetra.

[@chaocrator]

favorite small synths (aka synths to pair with MC-707): DSI Tetra - super capablе one Novation Circuit Mono Station - super cool one to perform live IK Uno Synth - the one that just works Waldorf Rocket - super cool one to tweak MAM MB-33 Retro - the smallest of acid machines, but it rocks

[@pongtrometer]

You made me get an organelle last year ...and I’m happier.....effects ...everything is so lofi lush organic....🌌 I exchanged the meris bass synth, for the ZOIA, but i need to put more time into patching

[@hartspunken4830]

Eternal Love for the Organelle. Got it after learning Colleens "A Flame My Love, A Frequency" was almost entirely done with that. You should check that album out. Peace.

[@sjm8931]

What a cute presentation. Love it. Keep on doing it!

[@TMV420]

I have the roland jupiter boutique and a microkorg. More than I'll ever need but still fun to play with. You have a great collection!

[@iamjamessmith]

Eeee great list!! My current favourite smol bois are Volca Sample 2, the Arcade Pocket Operator, and the Reface CP. Endless jams. ✌️✌️😍

[@OCEANSINSPACE]

Flip the knob is a good song title. Cheers and I agree with boutique models, scored a 2nd hand SE-02 and Werkstatt for an unreal price. Cheers and slide the knob.

[@PunguinYoga]

I know nothing about synths or music. But last month I bought a Yamaha Reface CS for $300. It's a blast and I hope I can master the TASCAM Pocketstudio so I can record it and export tracks into Soundation.

[@PunguinYoga]

I mastered the TASCAM. Yesterday my Micro Freak arrived. Amazing...

[@zeusvanzolten4041]

You really should try out the Access Virus Ti, or the Roland JP-8000. Virus Ti= Best Small boi synth, Roland JP- 8000 for the best synth ever. Both have the most amazing supersaws you'll ever find. Even Arturia stuff is amazing for plucks. Sorry, I'm a trancehead and couldn't help responding lol.

[@elfboi523]

I've got the microKorg S and the Roland Boutique D-05, both are awesome. My other synths all come with 61 key full size keyboards.

[@steveedwards4495]

"Super saucy" my new favourite phrase.

[@codyp2808]

Man I will learn from these someday when I get a synth and learn how to plug it in ...

[@soniibeatz]

The organelle was your go-to back in the logic days

[@badsnacks]

it true, i stay loyal

[@kellymerrill5294]

Bastl Microgranny, Teenage Engineering PO-32, Korg monotribe, Korg NTS1

[@LousyFacelift]

Great video and your dog is so cute! 😍 I'm a huge fan of the older Roland MC boxes, especially the 505. Haven't tried the 707 yet but it seems to offer great value for the money and might be a little easier to operate than the 101.

[@bigeasternsyndicate6933]

My new Dreadbox Typhon shows up tomorrow. Been wailing and warbling in my dreams for months.

[@Liliedugg]

Did it meet your expectations? ;) Sure did mine!

[@11clouds]

Microfreak for me, so good I want another, but my fav now is running ipad apps through pedals. Upcoming Dreadbox Typhon looks promising

[@defjeff2907]

Both Microfreak and Typhon rule the small bois

[@PseudoPulse]

I'm lovin my Microfreak and Neutron

[@imagiromusic]

this video is dangerous for my bank account

[@badsnacks]

i'm sorry

[@rjones1357]

At least we were pointed to Reverb.

[@thisisjeia]

the MC-101 is SUCH A GOOD sound module! it rly grows on me. esp with the new chord & arp update

[@badsnacks]

yes!!!

[@justinemcalister2271]

Why bad snacks tho do you not tasty snacks 😋 l

[@Linkinbassist]

Well I was going to pick up one of the Volca series but the Roland Juniors look closer to what I think I want. Might pair one with a pocket operator KO and see how that goes...!

[@thebmc]

Thanks for including the Werkstatt!

[@graydeotto2820]

Love the volca FM! Monotron is actually surprisingly big sounding too, and you can mod them to add midi (not that im smart enough to lol)

[@tonykellydjt2805]

Now they have Volcas Behringers and Airas.

[@artg7909]

You are wonderful!

[@FuzzyDereck]

My first synth was a big boi- the Little Phatty, but earlier this year I got the Minilogue XD & it’s totally more newbie friendly & versatile. I just got a Volca Beats & I love it a whole lot. I haven’t tried the Volca Keys but I would think it’s another good smoll boi for beginners. Also I’m just realizing an XD, a Volca Beats, & a Volca Sample are altogether cheaper than an OP-1 & basically cover all its possibilities. 🤔 Now I’m officially rambling in a stream of consciousness & I’m thinking if I sell my Little Phatty, I could afford more smoll synths. Okay okay, I’m done. Great video! SUBSCRIBED. ✅

[@FernandoDCDuarte]

Great list! Coincidentally, I saw BoBeats Minilogue 4 years after review as well as the Minilogue VS XD comparison and I've definitely got my eye on it to get started on synthesis. Will finish paying off and master my MicroFreak and AFX Station first though :)

[@Skibbityboo0580]

The Microfreak has been a pretty effective small boi for me!

[@peterpeper4837]

If you are not aware of Dreadbox Typhon and Nymphes you are missing out big time.

[@Liliedugg]

This. I love everything by Dreadbox, and these two are just insane for both their size and price!

[@MrShaun1578]

Personally I would have put the neutron above the organelle mainly because the size of the sound the neutron can produce and its affordability but thats just personal preference

[@Yourtrainer08]

Your vids are very helpful thank you!

[@argiopeMusic]

I love your emphasis on UX. This is certainly an area the synth world could do much better.

[@xisotopex]

hoping korg releases a full size log

[@Juananandelsur]

Hi¡¡¡ I already got the ju-06a and I thinking about acquiring the sh-01a, but am realizing that they can achieve the same sounds or pretty close. Is it really worth to have the two of them ??

[@davetbassbos]

If anyone wants to be brave for around 300 a used Poly 800, yes it's limited to the point of being crippled, and it's the unwarmest synth since the DX7 but you might be the only person with one on your tracks

[@thedeepblueskys]

The Werkstatt looks interesting. I may pick it up. I do own a Therimini, DFAM, GM32, and a Grandmother so it’s right up my ally. The Matriarch is next in my list but this is not the topic here. I do however own the OG Minilogue and run threw a Big Sky it’s amazing. Also even though I own a Digitakt, I love my Model Samples. I feel it’s amazing for the price, and want to pic up the Model Cycles soon as a result. My Sh-01A threw the Big Sky is a fave too. Just rambling here lol 😂

[@RaidersOfTheLostHeart]

my favourite small synth is the Roland JD-Xi!!!!! it is sooo much fun to make music with and you need nothing more, really nothing more, to make a great song!!! very sad, that they don't make a JD-Xi with the newest technologie, ( like MC-101) that would be absolutely great!!

[@inquilinox]

El Mc 101 puede disparar samples de instrumentos VST???

[@js3ph253]

the only two synths that i have atm are a Yamaha PSR-273 and a Casio VL-1

[@Mangotshepang]

Studio Tour! =D I need me one please :):

[@CharlesEDarko]

The Behringer Crave is not a bad one, overall because of the price. Very similar to the Moog Mother-32. I got one for 100€.

[@blastbeat4566]

Que bonito

[@chucksmyth2598]

Please review the Poly Beebo/Digit.

[@Geepstar]

Try get your hands on the Micromonsta2.

[@BaileyHeredge]

grew out of my minilogue xd pretty quick. Good for learning though. Got a Peak now

[@writeinbinary442]

JDXi is my favourite

[@samueltaillant8825]

Talking about small synths, what would y'all have to say about the Volca serie? I'm pondering about buying one o:

[@edwardfletcher7790]

You have the kind of beauty that continues to evolve over time, you're very good looking now but in the next 10 years you'll become even more stunning....

[@luckystrke]

Amazing video. thx

[@brentmitchel3167]

It’s a sin that critter and Guitari haven’t sent you the new version🤔You deserve it😉

[@metabrisa5789]

Microfreak sure fits the list :)

[@mikehemens9359]

Intro ends at 1:47.

[@TruthTrill]

LINK ME TOO THAT WERKSTATT-01 TRACK, GEEZ!!!!! HIT SO HARD I SLAMMED MY DRINK ON THE GROUND AND LEFT THE FRIDGE DOOR OPEN WITHOUT PROPERLY CARING FOR THE REPERCUSSIONS!!!

[@toph_us]

microkorg was my first 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@Yahootie]

You want small/amazing? Paripi Destroyer.

[@flightforfunchannel]

I really wanted to look at the synthesizers, but I never saw one. Only eyes.

[@edouardmusic]

Nice top 5! Yes, the minilogue xd is probably the best starting synth you could ever have. You can't find the customizable digital oscillator anywhere else. I would really recommend the oscillators BLINDS (PWM for any waveform) and JP-BOOO👻 (the most accurate SuperSaw emulation) from edouard.digital

[@id.unknown1283]

I agree that these are all great synths but I don't think this is a good list for beginners. I'm just getting back into making music and all of the synths you've shown are way too expensive for beginners, other than the Moog. Thank you for showing the Moog no one is really doing any real reviews of it.

[@ElectroHouseProducer]

😀

[@sk69to96]

woah. I wasn't aware that Dibiase used a PO. :0

[@GerrodCarper]

🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@ASAPJermz]

Amazing to see a grown woman that knows this much about Synthesizers 🗣️😍💯

[@Liliedugg]

🙈

[@A5h3n.]

Lmao MC-101 girl xD

[@peev180]

good dog good dog

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Small synths and grooveboxes for the win! The MC-101 has really grown on me, especially with the updates making its handling of samples so powerful and fixing some jank with the interface.

[@callumalston5755]

My op-1 is like my child, frustrating at times, but love it to death

[@callumalston5755]

@UnderBridge Rock I’ve got one of those too, love it as much as the op 1

[@ybotmusic]

Definitely a vote for the Korg NTS-1. You can run audio in through the FX!

[@AnthonyGoodley]

I comcur with my vote for the Korg NTS-1 as well. It's such a great little kit for the price. The effects alone make it more than worth it. It's the only piece of digital gear that I have. I love that I can download new oscillators, reverb and delays both free and paid.

[@benjaminbrand3714]

Great vid! Also can we just take a moment to appreciate that Roland went to the trouble of getting an actual artist for their promotion of their groovebox instead of just hiring an actor?

[@coltonmuri3672]

My vote is for the Korg Volca series. They are cheap, very small, battery powered, have excellent sound quality, a very intuitive sequencer, parameter locking, and live recording. I've got 4 and at this rate, I will probably get more. I love them all!

[@oddheader]

I thought this was my first bad snacks video until I realized this was the MC-101 girl. 😂

[@mixedatmidnight]

Omg the MC101 girl. I watched her a few times in the promo before I got mine.

[@elgatofelix8917]

@@TLllllll maybe you need to up your beat game then 😎

[@geekindakitchen]

@@TLllllll Can someone link the 101 girl video?

[@truecuckoo]

Nice!!

[@badsnacks]

Hi Cuckoo!!

[@truecuckoo]

@@badsnacks hey Snacks!

[@AJOLDMUSI]

Hey Cuckoo I have an evolver can you do a private movie for meh i have ganj and weed CoolBoysHahaha cool thanks awesome gay ok super cute nice alright bye thank you bro thank you brosephy o joesephiieee hey we make we make oouutteeaaee hahahha joke kidding i love your stuff let's just welax and we like it we can be alright eh hey hey

[@MrMargaretScratcher]

@@AJOLDMUSI chill out mate

[@promitroy95]

Hi both of you!

[@NoirEtBlancVie]

Liking the new spot!

[@badsnacks]

Thanks!! Me too!

[@matrixmirage2699]

One of my all time favorites are the Korg Monotrons. I actually use them in most of my jam sessions on KZbin. They are super cheap and can do a lot. Especially when you run them through effects. I have marked my ribbon keyboard so I can play it in tune and I use a stylus to play it. I really think they are overlooked quite often and are considered toys. Great video by the way!!!

[@ndguardian]

Hey there! Just wanted to give an FYI on the MC-101. You don't have to take out the SD card to load samples on. You can just boot the MC-101 in data mode to transfer files over USB. :) Thanks for the awesome video!

[@wackerburg]

Interesting. That little thing is fire with its Zenology-Platform.

[@SisterRose]

Microfreak is a pretty stellar Smol Boi synth. If they added some built in effects it'd be prefect.

[@wackerburg]

...or just add a Korg NTS-1 with its open architecture.

[@Matt-zp1jn]

…. Or get a Roland System-1 25 key Plug Out Synth ! It has 1 button/knob per function with an easy to understand layout for a first synth and a fun scatter wheel and arppegiator. It has 4 Oscillators, it’s own personal Synth engine, as well as a Plug Out option to switch to one of Rolands other virtual analog 4 voice polyphonic synths at a moments notice. 2 synths for 1!

[@mikkelfrederiksen5567]

Yamaha Reface CS gotta be the best synth I've ever tried. I don't know, there's just something about it. An aura or something. And man, that thing sounds like a neon universe from the late 70s. Such warm sounds.

[@mikeellisonhimself]

Dictionary: mojo - see Yamaha reface. Me: Love my CS. If all my gear got destroyed, the CS would be the first thing I'd replace because it's so inspirational. Fantastic design work in choosing its controls. Very quick to dial-in great sounds before the muse disappears. Doesn't sound too digital either. Got the YC too and getting the CP. Not sure how long I'll be able to hold off getting the FM either even though I'm adequately DXed.

[@PhoenixGuitars]

Completely agree. Best reface. So easy to tweak and get great sounds!

[@cds8137]

Agree... Reface CS is such a superb synth. I love the DX too. I have a DX7 mk1 from new, Motif , Modx, yet still love the reface.

[@rainbow_mess]

I love my Reface CS. It's so approachable and tweakable and easy ... it just begs to be played, really. *edit* Of some note, actually, is that you can use the reface CS as a midi controller for the 101, and it's actually really good! The resonance/cutoff sliders map directly to it without any tweaking

[@matsfrommusic]

Yes. It's good because it's simple and direct and therefor something you always can expects results from. It's limited sure but how much difference will it really do in practice..

[@NINI-rr6wv]

The queen came back!

[@warius1]

YAHAAAS

[@Jason75913]

Neon Vines? She hasn't left to begin with. =p

[@juanperezaure]

Thanks for your videos they are always amazing. My favorite small synths that I own are the Dreadbox Typhon, Elektron Model Cycles and the freak PO Arcade, and Yamaha Reface CS while been not perfect by any mean, sometimes you get a sound and you are like "are you the same boy that 15 minutes ago?". I am about to get the organelle just now it seems like a very helpfull machine.

[@Liliedugg]

The Typhon is a blast! Time makes no sense when I'm digging into it

[@danfishermi]

I'm a guitarist and was very intimidated by synths for years but gained some interest during quarantine as I was learning to record at home. My first was a Korg Volca Keys and would absolutely recommend it for a beginner. Obviously for playing it's a little different with the touch keyboard but it was perfect for understanding how VC and LFO's work. I'm now obsessed with synthesizers and added a Roland GAIA and Elektron Model:Samples.

[@martindinstuhl7055]

I'm kinda in the same boat but I went with a Behringer MS-1. It's a clone of the old Roland SH-101 and is a lot of fun! I also picked up their TB-303 clone (TD-3) and am trying to resist the urge to add a drum machine to the mix. Have fun!

[@kyriakosxanthopoulos3468]

Same story for me. However I realize that all these videos just enlarge our GAS.Do not ever forget this

[@EmlynBoyle]

I would love to own a OP-1, but they really are crazy expensive now. So the OP-Z really does the same thing? (except using an IOS display instead of an inbuilt one). If so, that would be a much more affordable alternative. Unless i win the lotto tomorrow. Thanks!

[@mathiasjensen2841]

Ever considered giving the Deluge a try? DAW in a box + sampler + looper + the workflow is really nice

[@badsnacks]

I would LOVE to get my hand on a deluge, they sound so cool!

[@acidbasement]

@@badsnacks I can confirm, Deluge has been a life-changing instrument for a beginner synthesist like me :)

[@mathiasjensen2841]

Maybe reach out to Synthstrom and figure something out? :) I'm sure you could help with exposure, and their company really derserve it. Based off your videos I think you would really enjoy it. Anways, great content, and all the best from Denmark :D

[@mbessey]

I was going to add Deluge if nobody else had. It's quirky, but amazingly-capable.

[@trevor_mounts_music]

Arturia Microfreak, brah. Smol. Cheap. Every time I turn it on and play it something cool happens.

[@distortimus7631]

I heard some great things about that synth. But for the price (a little more), I'd rather buy Behringer's Neutron or k2 or even model D.

[@trevor_mounts_music]

@@distortimus7631 apples to oranges really. Getting virtual analog, wavetable, and FM synthesis with an excellent sequencer and a juicy analog filter and per step automation with the microfreak. The touch/pressure/position sensitive keys are super fun and can be mapped to filter cutoff/wavetable position etc. Hell of a lot more versatility than a standard analog monosynth imo.

[@distortimus7631]

@@trevor_mounts_music damn. I might buy it in the future then to try it out

[@tonberryhunter]

Best small boi is the fuzzy one at the end.

[@bmatt007]

I'd say even the Microbrute is a decent starter synth!

[@Musikkeller-Innsider]

It definitely was for me!

[@matthewtunnicliffe201]

The Korg Monologue is a fantastic synth, especially for acid bass and dirty sounds. Cheap too. For a synth /sampler with a DAW-esque experience check out the Polyend Tracker - especially if you cut your musical teeth on Amiga trackers like I did.

[@ProducersVault]

Very good video keep up the amazing work Bad Snacks

[@dimos4500]

Hey I really like that keyboard stand, can you please tell me what brand/model it is? Thanks! :)

[@markzzzsmith]

on-stage.com/products/category/keyboard/stands/a-frame

[@dimos4500]

@@markzzzsmith Thanks!