No music producer can resist a real synthesizer keyboard. Now you can be a proud owner of one of the best synthesizers without spending a fortune.

Synthesizers have been around since the ’60s, but they got recognized and used by musicians widely a decade or two after. When Giorgio Moroder produced “I feel love” for Donna Summer, the synths in his music studio cost more than the house I live in today. A Recording studio with Moog and Roland’s synths seeing on every corner. 

How many things have changed since then?.. a lot. The luxury for a few has now become available for everyone. The massive drop in prices and the vast production of new and more powerful tools didn’t happen from one day to another. In the ’90s, the music industry was introduced to Digital Audio Workstations (DAW). 

Music production software, as many are familiar with the term, takes the production process from hardware tools into analog. Tools that cost a fortune to produce a track, but now you can record an album on your laptop or PC from your bedroom. This idea gave birth to Virtual Studio Technology (VST).

The virtual instruments simulate popular digital synthesizers, sound modules, drum machines, or actual musical instruments. However,  the sound, features, and look might be approximately the same with synths but do not offer the full capabilities and sound quality of a synthesizer.

Robert Moog (founder of the first commercial synthesizer) said that “You have to be a musician to make music with a synthesizer“.

After researching, experimenting with synthesizers, and discussing with other musicians, we found the best eight cheap synthesizer keyboards in the market for around 500 dollars. We took into consideration the sound quality, sound banks, computer interface, extra features, price, and customer reviews. 

TOP 8 Best Beginner Synthesizer for Music Production – Reviews

1. Korg MS20 Mini Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer

The first synthesizer keyboard on our list will bring you nostalgia and memories. If you have some experience in electronic music production, you have probably already seen the Korg MS20. In 1978, when Korg introduced the world to the MS-20 analog synthesizer, it was an instant success. Every musician wanted to lay their hands on this tool. Unfortunately, you had to spend a lot to add it to your home recording studio.

Decades past, the expertise, and know-how have improved, the market has grown, and the iconic synthesizer is reborn in the form of MS-20 Mini.

The new age synth is 86% the size of the original, doesn’t lack sound quality, and it has extra features as well.

This light and portable synthesizer offer 37 keys. However, the keys are small, with no touch-sensitive and aftertouch. Korg MS20 mini is a monophonic analog synth, but it provides computer integration with a USB connection, and a MIDI port to connect an external midi keyboard. It will integrate with the majority of DAWs, such as Ableton Live, to easily record and edit your tracks and sounds.

The sounds that you will be able to produce with this Korg synthesizer vary. Most electronic music producers will enjoy this tool, as it offers an excellent old-school, house, and genuinely electronic sound.

Additional features of the vintage synthesizer by Korg are the self-oscillating high-pass and low-pass filters with distinctive distortion as well, as the external signal processor (ESP) that uses the volume of the external audio source.

Pros 

• Top rated
• Original Korg sounds
• External signal processor (ESP)
• Fun to use

Cons

• Keys are not touch-sensitive

Conclusion: Korg MS 20 mini has a sound from the past, and such an affordable price tag that it cannot go unnoticed. Definitely an excellent value-for-money choice with a quality guarantee of Korg. The nearly perfect reviews on Amazon.com and other online markets will prove our words.

2. Novation MiniNova Analog Modeling Synthesizer

This powerful, modern, and small synthesizer by Novation is a great budget-friendly option for beginners. If you can overlook the mini size, it will repay you with the fantastic UltraNova sound engine.

Like the Korg MS20mini, the MiniNova is an analog synthesizer with 37 keys. The keys, however, on that model are velocity-sensitive. Furthermore, you will find eight buttons to modify your sounds in real time. As well, a dedicated filter knob, four additional editing knobs and pitch, and modulation wheels. The LCD screen is added to make the navigation through the sounds and samples an easy job.

The great Nova-series synth engine is capable of creating and editing massive sounds with up to 18 voices. You can also add up to 5 effects for each voice. Effects such as distortion, reverb, chorus/phase, delay, compressor, EQ, and ‘stutter’ effects give you plenty of room to edit, experiment, and be creative.

The instrument offers up to 256 presets, including 30 Giorgio Moroder-inspired patches, and you can save up to 512 presets.

With plenty of connectivity, such as USB, MIDI in/out, XLR input, and audio outputs to connect your headphones or amplifier, you will always be covered. An extra feature is the onboard vocoder, which can recreate rap or hip-hop vocal sounds, as well as classic house and techno voice effects. Pretty amazing what you can do with such a small tool.

Pros 

• Screen Display
• Multi effect processor
• VocalTune and vocoder effects
• Easy to use
• Light and portable

Cons

• Small keys
• No digital output

Conclusion: If you want a Korg microKorg alternative this is an excellent beginner synth and a great fit for music producers, performers, or just a play-for-fun synthesizer. The brand reliability and customer reviews leave no room to doubt that it is worth a place in your home recording studio.

3. Korg Minilogue 4-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synth with Presets

Korg and vintage-looking synthesizers go together. Minilogue 4 voice is one of these analog synths that most producers have or still use in their music studios. 

The sound of the Minilogue is at the known high-quality level of Korg’s instruments. Clean, full, and unique. It features up to 100 editable presets and 200 program memories to add your own. Get ready to spend days on that bad boy. The flexible configuration of 4 voices via voice mode, automatable 16-step polyphonic note, and the motion sequencer make it a versatile synth, to be creative.

Common seen on most budget-friendly mini synths are the 37 keys. Same here with 37 touch-sensitive mini keys offering a great feel. The analog synthesizer keyboard by Korg also offers a modulation wheel but lacks proper pitch control. It also has a rear panel from real wood for this vintage look many producers like in their home studios.

A unique feature in its category is the oscilloscope function that shows you the waveform visually in OLED Display.

Extra features are the 41 dedicated panel controls for immediate parameter access. As well, as a flexible filter, arpeggiator, and delay. It doesn’t lack connectivity, as it offers an audio input for processing external audio, patch storage, MIDI, and, of course, USB to connect it straight to your studio PC and DAW.

Pros 

• True analog sound
• Oscilloscope function
• Robust aluminum panel 
• Good for pads and strings

Cons

• Hard-to-use sequencer
• Just one effect (delay)

Conclusion: Even if the price tag might be a little over $500, it definitely worth every penny. The sound, features, and the build-quality of Korg that you won’t find it even with a bigger budget than that. Highly recommended by musicians, and of course, it is Amazon’s Choice, as the two previous models above. 

4. Yamaha MX49 Music Production Synthesizer

I bet some of you got discouraged only by looking at that digital synthesizer. Well, it might seem old-school, but the Yamaha MX49 will compensate with sound, budget, and functions.

First of all, we leave behind the 37 mini keys and go to the 49 full-sized keys with touch sensitivity. You will also find modulation and pitch control on the left side of the keyboard.

This beginner synthesizer by Yamaha features over 1000 Voices from the legendary Motif series. The preset varies from realistic acoustic sounds such as piano, electric piano, strings, and drums. The VCM effects simulate vintage effects such as equalizer, flanger, phaser, and wah, introduced by the keyboard legends of the era.

 We are looking at a synth with a universal sound, ideal for all music genres!

The package comes with Steinberg Cubase AI. A professional DAW that features 48 audio tracks, 64 MIDI tracks, and built-in VST effects to get from first ideas to recording, editing, and mixing your productions. The USB Audio/MIDI connectivity will give you the real “plug and play” experience without installing any drivers.

Pros 

• Yamaha sound
• Strong piano
• Multi effect processor
• Included software

Cons

• No sequencer
• Not many EDM/dance sounds
• Plastic construction

Conclusion: The Yamaha MX49 music production synthesizer is right on our budget and is available in 3 different colors, black, blue, and white. If you are looking for a quality, versatile, portable synth, and with over 37 keys, then this is probably the best option for you. 

5. Korg microKorg 37-Key Analog Modeling Synthesizer with Vocoder

If you haven’t noticed yet, the market of budget-friendly, quality synthesizer keyboards, is dominated by Korg. Just because they have been around since day one, they have the knowledge and expertise to offer an analog sound on a portable digital synthesizer keyboard.

Since its release in 2002, many musicians have embraced the microKorg analog synthesizer for its high-quality sound and features. The 37 velocity-sensitive keys are a standard for mini synthesizers, and the modulation and pitch control are not missing from this keyboard. 

There are 128 completely editable presets, including sounds such as bells, electric pianos, guitars, and basses. Also, you can find it categorized in House/Techno, Hip-Hop, Electronica, Trance, Retro, D’n’B, and Vocoder selection programs.

Korg Microkorg offers analog waves like saw, pulse, sine, and noise, plus more unique choices like Vox wave and cross wave. 4 Voices, 2 Oscillators with Noise Generator, an 8-channel Vocoder, three types of Modulation effects, three delay modes, six types of arpeggiator, and the equalizer will all contribute to giving you a performance that is unheard by any synthesizer at this price range.

Pros 

• Top Seller
• Effect processor
• Big knobs
• Beginner synth

Cons

• Not easy to use

Conclusion: Korg Microkorg is one of the top-selling synthesizers in the world every year since its release. All the above features, along with the sweet price tag, make it an excellent instrument for both audio professionals and music enthusiasts.

6. Korg Monologue Monophonic Analog Synthesizer with Presets

The smaller sibling of the Korg Minilogue 4 voice polyphonic analog synth has an interface and design very similar to the previous model. The monologue is a single-voice synth, but it is more affordable, compact, and still delivers a truly analog sound.  

This next-generation monophonic analog synthesizer with 25 touch-sensitive keys offers three analog waves for you to pick between saw, pulse, and sine. You will also find 100 program memory locations (80 presets + 20 user-made programs).

You can produce rich sounds such as deep bass, cutting leads, and complex rhythms.

There’s an enhanced step sequencer, which allows you to record in real or step time. The 16 physical buttons are re-designed for quick editing and improvisation, while the movements of up to four knobs can be captured with the motion sequence function.

Pros 

• Real analog sound
• Sleek layout
• High-quality construction
• Affordable

Cons

• Only 20 empty preset locations
• Small sequencer buttons

Conclusion: If you have a tight budget, 25 key-count synthesizers will cover you in the studio, plus it will offer extreme portability everywhere you go. Korg Monologue comes in 5 different colors (black, blue, red, silver, and gold) for you to pick according to your preferences.

7. Novation Bass Station II Monophonic Analog Synth

Novation Bass Station II is a monophonic analog synthesizer with a unique sound and technology you cannot find in its category and price range. 

The keyboard offers 25 velocity-sensitive keys with assignable aftertouch and mod and pitch wheels. Novation Bass Station was built to deliver punchy bass, and with the two oscillators with four waveforms and the extra sub-oscillator, you will be able to achieve that. A flexible modulation with two envelopes and 2 LFOs are also available.

It offers 64 sound presets and 64 free memories to save your creative work. It might not look like many memory slots and presets, compared to others on our list, but don’t forget that this is a bass-committed synthesizer.

There are also two filters, one New ‘Acid’ filter, and a ‘Classic’ original Bass Station filter, that will help you deliver great filter tones. You can easily switch the bass station filter from low pass through high pass to bandpass. Furthermore, it offers an Arpeggiator with a programmable step sequencer to store and call up patterns and ideas.

Pros 

• Analogue effects
• Strong bass 
• Good feel knobs and keys
• Filter choices 

Cons

• Bass dedicated synth

Conclusion: Novation Bass Station II is an analog synthesizer that offers extreme portability and connectivity to your computer, external devices, headphones, and more. The perfect mini synthesizer for beginners to make monster bass sounds. 

8. Arturia MicroBrute Analog Synthesizer

The smallest, lightest and one of the cheapest synthesizer keyboards in the market comes from Arturia. Arturia MicroBrute is an analog synthesizer with 25 velocity-sensitive keys as well as modulation and pitch wheel.

It looks like the Arturia MiniBrute, and in fact, it is a smaller version of it. Arturia MicroBrute offers a 100% analog audio signal path. As well as a voltage-controlled oscillator with an overtone sub-oscillator. The new sub-oscillator offers an octave down and the ability to mix in a 5th up harmonic. 

This handheld synth has a new built-in step sequencer for generating patterns. Along with the Steiner-Parker multimode filter (LP, BP, HP), with external audio-in for ultimate sound manipulation to make every kind of music.

Furthermore, it comes with Analog LAB 2, which gives you access to more than 5000 presets from the award-winning V collection. A good synth to create pads, strings and sub bass.

If you want to connect it to your PC or external devices, you can easily do it, as it offers many connectivity options such as USB, Line, MIDI, In/Out ports for your audio interface or amp.

Pros 

• Tiny synth
• Versatile
• Easy-to-us step sequencer
• Great for beginners

Cons

• Plastic construction
• Small gap between knobs

Conclusion: Portable, with good sound quality, affordable, and with nearly perfect reviews on online stores, it is definitely worth a place on our list of the best mini synthesizer keyboards for beginners. This mini synthesizer is also available in red color and bundled with Audio Technica ATH-M40X headphones. A studio-quality pair is also listed as the Best Studio Headphones for under $100.

These were our top picks for the best beginner synthesizer keyboard for music production and home recording studio.

For your drum beats, check out the best drum machines under $500.

Buyers Guide & FAQs

Today, you will find a high-quality synthesizer keyboard, sound modules, digital pianos, keyboard workstations, and more. It might be an overwhelmed market but can cover the needs of every musician and with any available budget.

If you are a beginner, I guess you are not having in mind any 88 key keyboard synth. If you do, better take a look at the best weighted keyboards with 88 keys.

Things to consider before buying a synthesizer keyboard for music production:

• Digital or Analog: Analog synthesizers offer a distinct, warm, and full old-school sound. Digital instruments have developed quite a lovely sound as well. Besides, they are more versatile and cheaper than analog synths.
  
• Keys (Count and feel): Synthesizer keyboards exist in many sizes. However, for a full 88 or 61-key-count synth, you will have to invest a bit or a lot more. Synthesizers with 25, 37, or 49 keys are preferable these days because of their compact size and easy portability. That way, you will have the place and money to purchase more synths and experiment with new tools and sounds.
• Type of Sounds: Different genres will require different tones and sounds. Thankfully by manipulating the pitch, velocity, pulse, tone, and add filters such as chorus, delay, and reverb, you will be able to create sound closer to your likes and desires. Some synthesizer keyboards are focused on one type of sound, such as bass, synth, strings. Be sure of what music you want to produce before making a choice.
• Extra sounds and features: Synthesizers usually include a variety of tone knobs, wheels, buttons, and other settings that will let you manipulate the tones and create your own sounds.
• Computer interface: You don’t want to end up with an instrument without a digital connection. Therefore, I would suggest you go for a synthesizer with a USB connection. That way, you will no longer have to invest in expensive technology to record and modify your sound, but you can do it right away to your computer in the DAW of your desire. On the same matter, it will also be good to go for a synth with MIDI capabilities. Take a closer look at The best DAW (music production software) and get ready for music production.

What is a synthesizer? 

A synthesizer is an electronic musical instrument that generates electric signals that are converted to sound through your speakers, or headphones, or to record to your computer. You can produce the sound you desire by manipulating filters such as pitch, velocity, pulse, tone, and many more.

The synthesizer is a very easy instrument to categorize!

Synthesizers might vary, but the signal path from “Oscillator” to “Filter” and then “Amp” is always the same. Start with the base waveform (Sine, Square, Triangle, etc.) that is generated in the Oscillator and then into a filter to shape your sound with boosting or cutting frequencies. Ultimate destination at the Amp section to give additional modification with Reverb, Echo, Delay, and many other audio effects. 

What is the difference between a MIDI keyboard and a synthesizer?

They might look the same, but they are far away different. Synthesizer is an electronic musical instrument that consists of several different modules that work together to produce a synthesized sound or recreate an instrument. In other words, you can create your own sounds and compose electronic music with that one tool. On the other hand, a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) sends a series of messages to other instruments so that they will generate a specific sound. The MIDI keyboard doesn’t produce any kind of music on its own.

That is is the biggest reason synthesizers are more expensive than simple MIDI keyboards. Synthesizers include a lot of tones and ways to manipulate them. It takes expertise and knowledge to create these electronic signals.

Final Thoughts

Even if synthesizer keyboards are initially tied to electronic music, they have started been used in other music genres as well. With so many quality synths in the market, you will have a hard time finding the right one. Synthesizer keyboards for every budget, experience, and brand preference (Korg, Yamaha, Arturia, Novation, and more).

It is widespread to own and use a synthesizer for specific kinds of sounds and instruments. One synthesizer for pads and strings, one for bass, and another one for classic musical instruments.

As long as you will research the best cheap synthesizer keyboard in the market, you will find many amazing tools to purchase. It won’t take long until you see the one that perfectly fits your needs on sound, features, quality, looks, and price. 

All our choices above are perfect for getting your hands on your first budget synth machine. Ideally, you will have to hear each of these instruments and then be the judge and find the one YOU like. That is something we cannot provide through documentation and writing. Watching some video tutorials on YouTube might give you a proper idea of how they really sound.

Keep in mind that the synthesizers of our list, if, for example, have a sound sample “grand piano”, won’t sound just like a grand piano. Even $2000-$3000 synthesizers cannot perfectly recreate the sound of a real instrument.

For alternative keyboards, check the best digital pianos for beginners.

If you found any synthesizer that sounds great to you, share your experience in the comments below and help other musicians to make the right choice.