The Top 10 Best New Synthesizers of 2024

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Arturia Polybrute 12: amzn.to/4fBmGQX Behringer UB-Xa: amzn.to/3ZZ9OOI Behringer Wave: amzn.to/3Dx9bVh Korg KingKorg NEO: amzn.to/40eLB8D Korg MicroKorg 2: amzn.to/4iXCxMM Korg Wavestate SE: tinyurl.com/jy75fdwc Korg multi/poly: amzn.to/49YlYvW Moog Muse: tinyurl.com/t7628xvp Oberheim TEO-5: tinyurl.com/vwrc6h3c Roland Fantom EX: amzn.to/41ScYq8

[@ilovecatsandsynths9702]

I bought the TEO-5 and LOVE it from the first note I heard. Amazing synth that delivers the Oberheim sound at a price that doesn’t make your eyes water.

[@felixgonzalez6466]

I got that PB12 and can say it is amazing and recommend to anyone 🎉 thank you 🙏

[@budkin]

Always love your top 10 videos Scott! Happy New Year!

[@JoshuaYoderMusic]

Just got the Polybrute 12, with two expression pedal inputs, the xyz pad, and the MIDI 2.0 aftertouch make it probably the most expressive instrument I’ve laid my hands on (especially out of the box)

[@SteveMayzak]

Since owning the polybrute 12, it hasn’t left its prime spot on my rack. Love this thing almost more than my summit and that’s saying something for me. The summit connected with my soul, this one is next

[@manofsound9098]

Waiting for my Wave. This thing is killer. I just played the demo unit but I'm on a wait list. it even has a polyphonic step sequencer. Great video! Happy New Year!

[@richarddufresne2683]

Fantastic list and an amazing video! I can’t wait to get my hands on the Korg Multipoly-it’s arriving today! 😊😊😊 Happy New Year! Wishing you and your loved ones a year full of harmony, inspiration, and joy. May your music and moments with family and friends make 2025 unforgettable! 😊

[@creatorsremose]

I have the Moog Muse and the Subsequent 25. The Sub25 has a laughable number of patches and user presets but comes with a complimentary VST that serves as an editor that mimics the look and function of the instrument. That VST naturally also allows for unlimited preset space. I have hundreds of them on there. I suspect they'll do the same for the Muse.

[@felixgonzalez6466]

Oh yeah i got the PB12 and i can say it is so freaken amazing

[@noitnova]

I have got my Montage Mx8 for a few weeks and i love it. Best allrounder.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

For sure, it is an AMAZING synth!!

[@nohumanhand]

Still haven't got to the end of my 6 voice Polybrute yet - I am in love with a machine!

[@royevans4581]

I think a Korg Multi / Poly is on my hitlist. Thanks for the great video, I love them all actually!

[@keytronek]

Great list and useful descriptions of each. The multi/poly is worth every dollar and then some. I suspect we’ll see a 61 key version of this as well. Currently, it’s MIDI’d to my Kronos 61 and Wavestate, so the layered sound options are incredible!

[@valleyken]

- Nice list. I think I would go for the Muse first, then the Oberheim or the Polybrute. - Happy new year to you and your family !

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Thanks, same to you and yours!

[@aquaticborealis4877]

The Moog Muse was on my most wanted list. Primarily because of the sound. It just sounds gorgeous. But, after months waiting on my Muse order, I ended up switching for the PB12. I would say amazing performance synth, extremely capable, but it does not sound as immediately good as the Muse or the TEO 5. It can sound really good though. You can hear the difference between it and the Summit. It can get silkier and has an analog sound that the Summit struggles to match. Summit has a wider palette with the wave tables though. And I really like the FM on the Summit. Korg Multipoly is a beast; if only they put a better keybed and interface on it.

[@UDPride]

Korg is doing great work with the small form factor products but they need to seriously come out with a Nautilus replacement. That thing is ancient. The Pa5x is so good and built to a high quality and the GUI is the best Ive ever used. They just need to start with that backbone and give us an option besides the Montage or Fantom (which are great). Give us a new high end workstation with some actual buttons and knobs and faders! Also agree on the storage capacity for patches. Almost every synth should allow for thousands in storage when you can buy half a terabyte on a thumb drive for not that much. Space should NEVER be a limiting factor anymore.

[@malcolmgregoire1019]

As a Kronos user I was hesitant to get the new Korg Multi/Poly since I already have a WaveState MK II. I was toying with either the KingKorg NEO or the Multi/Poly and the MP won the battle. It is finally in stock at Sweetwater and it should arrive in the next couple of days. Thanks for the review to help with my decision.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

It does sound amazing. I have a WS too, am hoping they’ll release this one as a plugin cus i am not buying any more keyboards 😂

[@payt01]

Awesome list Scott! Out of the list, I own the Muse. As far as the number of presets go, it's more than plenty for me. Whenever I need a sound that's not represented by a preset, I program it myself. I fiond that having thousands of presets and surfing through those looking for a sound to add to your tune kills inspiration. I need quick access to sounds, and usually programming what i need is faster than looking for one, unless I happen to know of a particular specific preset that I can quickly recall. Anyway! Can't wait to see what you'll bring in 2025! Exciting times ahead I'm sure :)

[@Vim-Wolf]

Great choices from what I’ve seen/heard during the year. Was the Super Gemini on last year’s list?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

It was!

[@sergiodeoliveira5358]

The Fantom has an ACB version of JX3P, not 8. The JX8P expansion is just a ZenCore model.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Yup, you're totally right, I couldn't read my own scribbled notes apparently!

[@gretareinarsson7461]

Im so excited to expand my lovely Fantom❤

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

n/zyme is worth the price of admission alone!

[@dani_raudvik]

I was gifted both the multi/poly as well as a wavestate se platinum this year so I'm glad to see both of those made it onto the list for 2024. The wavestate se has made it so much easier to work with some of the patches I've built on the wavestate mkII and what can I say about the multi/poly that you didn't already? Outstandingly powerful (and LOUD) synthesizer. I absolutely love it

[@geoffk777]

Supposedly, from people who've bought them, the Muse has a lot of issues with pitch stability and drift, even for an analog unit. The 2.0 firmware update helped, but I'm still reading complaints. I agree that it sounds awesome, but Moog has a history of making some buggy instruments, so I'd definitely wait and see if it all gets sorted before investing that much money. To be honest, VSTs have gotten so good that I'm not sure if I'll bother buying any more analog units. Whenever I test play one, I always ask myself it it sounds better than my VSTs and can do more. And the answer to both is almost always no.

[@aquaticborealis4877]

VSTs actually sound better than a lot of hardware synths now. They just have so much they can do.

[@DrSynth]

Solid choices... definitely was a great year for synths !

[@pfmerc10]

Hi Scott, watched all your vids this year hope to see more amazing content in 2025,,its a great channel,,all the best to you and your loved ones,,cheers from the U.K,,,Paul...

[@FakeGlasses]

I would so happily purchase a TEO-8 with 61 keys (and poly AT) for $2500.

[@graniteonion6799]

Happy new year Scott, Great food for thought synth round up, that Korg SE looks like the one id like, mind you who wouldn't want the Poly brute, omg what a beast ...Thanks

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I'm really trying to find reasons not to replace my Wavestate with a Wavestate SE...

[@graniteonion6799]

@@ScottsSynthStuff you could keep the wavestate and place it at one end of the SE as a reminder

[@Erik-e7v]

The Fantom has everything you need plus all the upgrades that you will get. It's a workhorse.

[@RobertFisher1969]

All great choices! Of course, I have very different criteria myself. The two synths I've been most excited about this year are the UB-XaD and the Super Critical Red Shift 6. (And an honorable mention to the Narrow Keys Athena, which finally brings 88 hammer-action keys to those of us with smaller hands.) I plan to reward myself for getting my next EP released next year by getting my first pricier synth, and right now I'm leaning towards the Redshift.

[@amb13nt59]

I also am not a huge fan of what Korg has done with their “mini” platforms. Wavestate SE looks wonderful.

[@sonic2000gr]

From what I've heard, the keybed on the MultiPoly is actually way better than the Wavestate/opsix ones. If you happen to try it, I would love to hear your experience. The price here is about 970 euros, availability is kind of limited. Hopefully the price will come down. Something like 700 euros would be reasonable for it. To me it seems the best release of the year.

[@mikejetter7812]

I agree with you. I had the Wavestate and I was very surprised on the poor build quality, keybed was definitely crap. I sold it shortly after I purchased it. The multi/poly is definitely much better and it is quite the beast! I’m still trying to wrap my head around all the possibilities this thing has to offer.

[@gretareinarsson7461]

Is the Summit still worth buying ?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I think so. I still use mine ALL the time. It's basically what prevents me from buying a Prophet, as it can do everything a Prophet can and more.

[@Asmuk]

Happy New Year, Scott. I agree wholeheartedly with the Multi Poly. It became almost my dream synth; similarly regarding the Behringer Wave and even the Wavestate SE. I also agree with the Polybrute 12 and UB-Xa being on the list, but having tested the KingKorg in person, I'd take it out. It doesn't sound that good actually. The patches also aren't the most inspired, and the oscillator could sound better - there's something of a mid-range that I can't explain that displeased me whilst tying it. Have you considered adding Carbon to the list?

[@B-Boy_Spider]

Great video but you missed to say that Multi Poly is 4 part multitimbral. This is the best part about it that makes it stand out above all for me.

[@Farewelltokingz]

Great picks, I hope Behringer releases a desktop wave so you can rack mount it microwave style.

[@Angelstarscotland]

Good video/list & thanks for the mention. If money were no option I’d have that PB12 in a flash. I played it at Superbooth it is a beauty. Have a great New Year my friend.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

I agree, that thing is just amazing, I played one at Sweetwater. Happy new year Marc!

[@RolandFrasierEPIC]

Great list Scott. Always love your videos. Even though it was released in December of 2023, the UDO Super Gemini was not available until several months into 2024. It’s an amazing synth and it’s baby brother the UDO Super 8 was released in 2024 and is a light version of the Super Gemini. I’d put at least one of those on the list, probably instead of the King Korg Neo. Also, the Melbourne Instruments Delia was released in 2024 and is absolutely wonderful. Maybe slot that in place of the Korg MiniKorg. I am blessed to own and have played the Super Gemini, Polybrute 12, Muse, and Delia and they would be my top 4 in that order. Multi-poly is a joy to play and the 4 part multi-timbrality effectively makes it a 16 oscillator beast! I don’t know if you would consider the “keyboard” on the Teenage Engineering OP-xy enough of a keyboard to permit it to be on your list, but if so, it’s the most inspiring and immediately deeply usable piece of kit I’ve used in a very long time. I have the Wavestate SE Platinum and it is amazing and was worth the upgrade, but wasn’t that released in 2023? If so, I’d put the Modal Carbonate in place of that one. Anyway, great list and thank you for sharing it!

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

The Super Gemini actually made it onto my 2023 list!

[@svt4001]

Great content, as usual, Scott! I think the only synth on this list that might make my want list is the TEO 5- which is not to say that I don't "want" any of the others, just that they are hard to justify (for my use) and even harder to budget for! Cheers!

[@kennylarkin6943]

If you’re concerned about patch limits, you can store and manage them on your computer. The Muse was designed as a performance synth, so quickly accessing patches was crucial. With thousands of patches, 256 is sufficient for a show. I love both the Muse and the Moog One. My only complaint with the Muse is the knob behavior, which instantly jumps the parameter, which can be jarring. The Moog One has three knob behavior settings, so hopefully, they’ll update the software, on the Muse, to include them.

[@llnn5112]

Question? Why don’t you like minikeys?

[@jospehbloseph7172]

The keyboard only thing is too strict, you should do standalone maybe, because you leave out full desktop synthesizers. So you leave out modular basically

[@leroycarr9]

Hard to argue with your list but would have liked to have seen something from one of the smaller companies if not in the top ten then as an honorable mention. Have you seen the Taiga keyboard from Pittsburgh Modular? Since you have the skills and the interest in sound design this synth should both delight and challenge you. Always enjoy your videos.

[@YukiTheSynthDragon]

The thing about the teo5 is that sem filter that is fully morphable from low pass to high pass which can have some very nice uses, mainly since its a mod destination. It also is easily one of the best sounded synths. Even though the UBXA looks btter on paper, having owned both the teo5 sound massively better. No odd clicking with the envelopes, not odd tuning issues, and that UBXA has a very bad keybed. Like multiple people including me had keys that would stick. It is also not very nice to play even when the keys are not sticking. Also not to mention that the TEO-5 has through zero fm which adds so much to a mostly analog synth.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

There's a few synths that have that type of filter capability now, Hydrasynth, Cobalt8, Summit are a few sitting here next to me that come to mind. The TEO-5 does sound really good, and it gets you that Oberheim sound at a much cheaper price.

[@MegaCraptacular]

Scott who makes those keyboard stands behind you?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

They are On-Stage, but they're not my favorite. I keep hoping Liquid Stands will produce A-frames.

[@MegaCraptacular]

@ScottsSynthStuff Thanks Scott!

[@RayyMusik]

The Muse has in fact 512 memory slots (256 x A + B layer), unless you make layered/split patches. The downside: you can‘t assign an individual name to the B layer, and the diffusion delay can‘t have individual settings.

[@jarnleikr]

I drooling for the Montage M8X 🔥

[@diggy-d8w]

Thanks Scott, please be safe if ya go out tomorrow night !! peace

[@user-JM1967]

Uma sugestão: não misture analógicos com digitais porque são equipamentos muito diferentes com propostas muito diferentes. Se possível, em uma próxima oportunidade, faça um vídeo para os analógicos e um outro vídeo para os digitais.

[@davidhiggins7026]

Scott says the Behringer UB-Xa synth is US$1200 and is a tad bit expensive compared to other Behringer products. Though to be fair it is the only 5 octave keyboard with aftertouch that they do produce, a top of the range keyboard, so far. Though yes, I would say in the USA the UB-Xa does seem overpriced. We see elsewhere as in the UK and the EU we can get it for £719 which is a more reasonable $902. So at that price it is more of a bargain for what is being offered. What I find is that the shiny ones do get their musical gear cheaper than in the UK/EU when the item is retailed around $0 to $400. Though when the gear is retailed worldwide higher than about $400, the US retailers do in certain instances like to soak its customers, taking advantage of what is in their wallet. Wanting more out of it should anyone have the bucks in it to spend. The less money that Americans do spend on the cheaper stuff the cheaper on the whole they get those products. Though the more they are daft enough to be price gouged on overpriced gear, ie MOOG, Oberheim etc or even the Behringer UB-Xa then that'll be the price it'll ever be offered at. WHAT are the manufacturers/dealers going to do if the gear is not purchased? Either discontinue the product or lower the price. On the whole the easier option is to lower the price to a level where more stock is sold. Else their range of products would diminish and they would become less competitive. -------------------------------------------------------------------- SO the upshot of all this is, if the item is considered to be overpriced especially when compared to elsewhere around the world, (excluding such places as China/India etc, where the stuff can be traditionally a lot cheaper), then best let it be known far and wide that the product would be purchased, but only if the price is reduced. They'll soon get the message! If folks pay the expensive prices it is all the gear will ever be... expensive. Paying the expensive prices means that not only do you pay more but also so does everyone else, doing yourself and everyone else no favour at all. Those people that do not buy something, because they consider it to be too expensive are on the whole making things better for the consumer. THAT is the side we are on, the consumer. Not on the side of the retail outlets and the manufacturers themselves, being sucked in to a particular brand or dealer. That is what they go to great lengths to cultivate, gaining your loyalty so to, in instances, financially take advantage of y'all. Why is the Behringer UB-Xa synth $300 more than in the Euro area? likely because it being based on a Oberheim synth that originated in the USA. The Oberheim brand of keyboards being more popular in the USA than elsewhere, hence with high number of US sales of this sort of synth it looks to me that Behringer in the instance of the UB-Xa 'are' taking advantage of Americans. Is there really any reason why it is $300 more?. Maybe because too many Americans are daft enough to pay $300 more than elsewhere around the world. Have less 'loyalty' to the manufacturers and you'll get the stuff cheaper.

[@RonaldFigura]

Have you read "Switched On"? Eye-opening book about Bob Moog, his instruments and his companies.

[@gabedwards]

Great video! Would you still recommend the Hydrasynth? Do you think it’d also make a good MIDI controller? Thanks!

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

100%, the Hydrasynth is my go-to sound design and performance synth. Nothing touches it in terms of design workflow, sound design flexibility and I love that keybed and ribbon. I use it as a MIDI controller for my DAW as well.

[@temporoboto]

good💙content

[@jjdekay6969]

Great list. The only one that gives me reservations in purchasing is the MUSE. Reason being that its a lot of money for mostly taiwanese parts. I have a Matriarch that gives ,in my opinion, a fatter sound so I should be happy. If you really learn your instrument then presets don't really matter.

[@treetopjones737]

Just like Apple products are inflated prices for the same basic tech from other companies.

[@gretareinarsson7461]

Does the Mulitpoly come instead of any of the other similar Korgs (Wavestate etc.)?

[@mikeraphone785]

Hi, what is your view of vst synths for learning? i use cubase and it has a synth called retrolouge it seems to everything including the kitchen sink, are vst synths good ways to learn how to use synths for a complete beginner?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

It can certainly help, yes! It can get very complex, but it does align with the standard architecture you'll find in most synths. There are also LOTS of free VST synths out there that you can use this same way.

[@NEKRWSPHERE]

You can buy a polyphonic aftertouch MIDI controller for under $600. CME X-Key. But its polyphonic aftertouch is meh. And its keybed only has 3 octaves and the clicky keys although decently sized - is not everyone's cup of tea. I just use it to control Kodamo EssenceFM at gigs. But yeah, a full size key, 4-octave polyphonic aftertouch keyboard for $600 is a steal especially with synthesizer attached.

[@TheMachinesWon]

No PAT on the Wave, only channel but a great deal/synth nonetheless

[@Farewelltokingz]

In return it is multitimbral

[@reneliebregt6319]

The Montage ESP vst plugin is not worth an honerable mention because it is only available for a Montage owner. Furthermore it strikes me that Yamaha in the CPU requirements for this plugin only mention Intel. I am not against Yamaha at all because I have some good guitars and a Yamaha S70xs and had a lot of other Yamaha stuff in the past. Thanks Scott for the nice top ten video. 😊

[@justinbernal1]

If you could only choose one: Korg multi-poly or the Korg Wavestate SE, which one would give you the most for your money?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

That's a really tough one, as they serve completely different purposes. But if I could only have one, it would have to be the Wavestate SE, because I need more than 37 keys!

[@justinbernal1]

@ScottsSynthStuff thank you! I'm leaning that direction too, If I get the SE then I will gift my regular Wavestate to my father, since he enjoys the sounds it makes. 😊

[@furiobisotti8150]

Playing live, I need serious 61 keyboards and extensive effects chances. I would buy Multi/Poly if it was on a 61-key release. To tell my opinion on Muse and Polybrute, I need to seiously test them. I've not seen them yet in locail retailers...

[@53p3n7]

RE: the Moog Muse, the ability to back up patches on my PC is a top selling point for the Hydrasynth devices imo

[@Whatisthis94]

Love your channel and just subscribed. Need your advice please. My 12 year old daughters want a real synch with sequencer, drum machine and great sounds. My personal d20 won’t cut it any longer so I want spend 1300$ or so for a used workstation. Please gimme your top suggestions. Please

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

MODX. All day long.

[@Whatisthis94]

@ thank you

[@markszili2577]

Is it too late to buy a System-8 in 2025? I really want that plug-out ACB experience, I have the GAIA 2 but its just lacking that deep vst midi control integration that the system-8 seems to have.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

The System-8 is definitely still being sold, and you can find used ones for sale for a pretty good price as well. It's definitely a clean sounding synth with great controls.

[@markszili2577]

@@ScottsSynthStuff if you had a choice between a Used System-8 or a new UB-Xa what would it be?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

@@markszili2577 System-8, for sure. The UB-Xa is a one-trick pony, the System-8 can do quite a few things, and the System-8 native engine is particularly excellent.

[@markszili2577]

@@ScottsSynthStuff Thank you for the answers, last question how would you compare it from a sound engine perspective vs say a Hydrasynth Explorer (which I already have)

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

@markszili2577 the system 8 is much more of a classic synthesizer with standard layouts. It does not have a mod matrix, it has some hard-wired modulations, but it is not going to be anywhere as flexible as a hydrasynth

[@RottenRotny]

I'm really enjoying the multi/poly. If only it had AT. 😮‍💨 As far as Moog for $3.5k + tax I don't know why Moog is allergic to FX.

[@Farz8806]

I'm a fan of your movies

[@marcpuystiens7737]

Ubxa is not 1200 or 1300, i bought it for 899€. Makes it the number 1 to me.

[@MarianoPerez]

I think this is a good list. However, I'm staying away from Korg because their quality control sucks. I had an M3 with a bad screen, two Kronos x with motherboard and keybed issues. Mind you, these were flagships. No more korg for me. Having said that, their synths look cool. The polybrute 12 looks amazing, but I don't think it can pull off any sound as mentioned, at least not without quite some struggle. I think it's mostly limited to analog palette. The moog is about 1k overpriced. But these are all cool synths.

[@MeisseLee]

I'm sorry, but I don't think the Behringer Wave has a polyphonic aftertouch keybed. I'm pretty sure it's mono aftertouch.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Yup, you're right - I was pulling that from a spec list on another review, but when I dug down into the Behringer site, it is just channel aftertouch, not poly.

[@klstay]

Is the Behringer Wave actually a 2024 synth? Looks like a great deal at $600, but until it has actually been with a fair number of people for a while probably not a candidate for that year? Love the TEO-5 design, but despite what you said at the start would prefer a module version plus no MPE response or polychain (not ever) or bi-timbrality hold it back from perfection IMHO. Arturia continues to make bad design decisions. A PB6 desktop minus the wheels, strip, and touche with polychain should have been the direction fall 2022. Then the full touch keybed on keylab mk3.

[@pareshmota]

Super 👌

[@treetopjones737]

$3500 for Muse: for that price you could buy TWO Hydrasynth Deluxes ( used market ) for that price and have money left over. For ONE synth, that's superstar musician market pricing.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

...and is the main reason I won't be buying one. I might consider it at half that price.

[@Unikladhalo]

This is a nice list, I was kinda hoping that the osmose would have made the list. The technology the osmose brings is truly revolutionary, but agree to disagree I guess.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

It absolutely would have, except it was announced in 2019 and first shipped in early 2023, and this list was synths released in 2024.

[@yuvalagron3850]

You show the montage M which is a great synthesizer but didn't include it in the top 10 list ? Why ?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Because it came out in 2023, not 2024.

[@yuvalagron3850]

@ScottsSynthStuff ho... now I see 😀

[@alancarmody8848]

Caveat aside, Digitone 2 is the best synth released this year

[@iuriegolban5954]

Virus TI 👍👍👍

[@irife2771]

I think 2025 is the year I go away from the whole analog thing. I'll still keep my OBXa and jx3p but I think next year I am going mostly digital.

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Analog synths definitely have their challenges, particularly the vintage ones. Not to say that digital synths can't also go wrong, but they seem to be far more reliable than analog - and the divide in sound is getting smaller and smaller as computing power goes up.

[@mwachner]

no Gaia 2?

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

It came out in 2023, not 2024.

[@mwachner]

@@ScottsSynthStuff oh! gotcha! Great vid keep em coming! :-)

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

The Behringer WAWE do NOT have Polyphonic Aftertouch !