Best Polyphonic Synths in 2022

As we roll into 2022, there has never been a better time for synthesizer fanatics. Between reissues of classic analog synths, forward-thinking digital synthesizers, and hundreds of options to meet any budget, you have more options than ever for creating and performing with your own unique sounds. And, when it comes to maximum playability, nothing beats the expressive potential of a polyphonic synthesizer. Let’s take a look at some of the best polyphonic synths available.

Sequential Prophet X

Most synth players know Sequential’s legacy of
creating top-tier analog synthesizers, and the Sequential Prophet X
combines vibrant stereo analog filters with cutting-edge sound-design
capabilities afforded by its built-in sample playback. A 150GB sample library
is included — with evocative sounds created by sound designer 8Dio — ready to
be used as oscillators to break away from familiar waveforms. With 16-voice
mono or 8-voice stereo operation, the Prophet X is a polyphonic powerhouse that
deftly bridges the gap between classic analog synthesis and experimental
sample-based synthesis.

Learn more about the Sequential Prophet X.

Sequential Prophet X 61-key Synthesizer$3499.00Add to cart Add to listLearn More

Moog One 16-voice Analog Synthesizer$8999.00Add to cart Add to listLearn More

Moog One

Many musicians and producers consider Moog
synthesizers to be the epitome of analog synthesis, and the Moog One 16-voice polyphonic analog
synthesizer (also available in an 8-voice model) is the pinnacle of their sonic
prowess. It’s the first polyphonic Moog to be released in over three decades,
and it packs everything players love about Moog — a super-punchy sound, the
legendary Moog filters, and an intuitive layout that encourages sonic
exploration. And, thanks to its tri-timbral operation, the Moog One is actually
three synths in one, each with its own note range, arpeggiator, and sequencer.
Factor in fantastic built-in effects and an extremely powerful modulation
matrix, and the Moog One may be the most capable Moog ever designed.

Learn more about the Moog One.

Nord Lead A1

Nord has long been a leader in analog modeling
technology as well as in creating player-focused instruments that are a joy to
perform with. The Nord Lead A1 offers
huge functionality when it comes to sound design. With eight oscillator
configurations, a range of traditional analog and digital waveforms, a variety
of filter types, and vibrant built-in effects, it’s truly a polyphonic
powerhouse. Four-part multitimbral operation allows you to command up to four
distinct sounds at once, either layered or split across its premium Fatar
keybed. And, with all this packed into a case that weighs less than 11 pounds,
the Nord Lead A1 is perfect for gigging synthesists.

Learn more about the Nord Lead A1.

Nord Lead A1 Analog Modeling Synthesizer$1799.00Add to cart Add to listLearn More

Access Virus TI2 Keyboard 61-key Synthesizer$2915.00Add to cart Add to listLearn More

Access Virus TI2 Keyboard

With three main oscillators plus one sub oscillator
per voice, two independent filters, independent reverb and delay per patch, and
a ton of hands-on control, the Access Virus TI2 Keyboard stands
out as an example of virtual analog synthesis done right. It’s a joy to perform
with, and it stands out as a studio synth, thanks to its dedicated plug-in for
interfacing with your DAW — you’ll be able to control every aspect of your
synth from within your DAW session, to capture audio directly from the Virus
TI2 Keyboard at up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution, and to save all of your synth
settings within your DAW project. In all aspects, from sound quality to
functionality to inspirational value, the Virus TI2 Keyboard is an exceptional
instrument.

Learn more about the Access Virus TI2 Keyboard.

ASM Hydrasynth

Featuring true polyphonic aftertouch for
ultra-expressive playability, 8-voice polyphony, and ASM’s acclaimed Advanced
Wave Morphing synthesis engine, the Hydrasynth made a huge impact among
modern music producers. It’s highly capable of creating classic synth sounds;
but, with its WaveScan oscillators, support for your own custom wavetables, and
unique Mutators for each of its oscillators, the Hydrasynth offers amazing
creative versatility. And, to maximize your hands-on control, the Hydrasynth’s
eight macro knobs allow you to control up to eight parameters simultaneously —
once you get your hands on it, you’ll be amazed at what you can create.

Learn more about the ASM Hydrasynth.

ASM Hydrasynth 49-key Polyphonic Wave Morphing Synthesizer$1299.00Add to cart Add to listLearn More

Korg Wavestate Wave Sequencing Synthesizer$749.99Add to cart Add to listLearn More

Korg Wavestate

The Korg Wavestate
synthesizer introduces the unique sonic capabilities of wave-sequencing
synthesis to a new generation of music producers. You can read more about wave
sequencing at the link below; but, in short, it allows you to create complexly
animated soundscapes you simply can’t achieve with other synthesis methods.
Four simultaneous sound layers support up to 64 stereo voices of polyphony, and
you can blend between the four layers in real time with the Vector Joystick.
Best of all, smooth transitions allow sounds from a previous patch to fade out
naturally after you’ve selected a new patch, making for seamless live-performance
capabilities.

Learn more about the Korg Wavestate.

Novation Peak

With 8-voice polyphony, offering three oscillators
and one analog multimode filter per voice and a total of 60 digital wavetables
to explore, the Novation Peak synth
module offers a ton of creative potential for modern music producers. And,
while its sound is rich, powerful, and capable of covering a wide range of
sound-design applications, one of our favorite aspects of the Peak synthesizer
is its generous amount of hands-on control — tweaking envelope shapes,
manipulating effects, and managing modulations is easy and a ton of fun.
Instead of mimicking a classic synth design, Novation’s Peak is acclaimed for
doing its own thing and doing it extremely well.

Learn more about the Novation Peak.

Novation Peak Polyphonic Desktop Synthesizer$1399.99Add to cart Add to listLearn More

Novation Summit 61-key 16-voice Synthesizer$2199.99Add to cart Add to listLearn More

Novation Summit

If you like the sound of the Novation Peak module
mentioned above, then what could be better than two of them (Twin Peaks?)
paired with an expressive five-octave keyboard? That’s what the Novation Summit offers
— 16-voice, 2-part multitimbral performance that basically allows you to
command two Peak synth engines simultaneously. Its multitimbral engine allows
you to stack two patches simultaneously, to split them across the keyboard, or
even to switch between the two voices seamlessly. Just like the Peak, the Summit
features Novation’s New Oxford Oscillators with subtractive, wavetable, and FM
synthesis capabilities — there’s a lifetime of sonic territory to explore here.

Learn more about the Novation Summit.

Modal Electronics Argon8-M

Modal Electronics manages to pack a ton of
versatility into a streamlined and compact interface with the Argon8-M polyphonic wavetable synth
module, and yet it doesn’t require nearly as much menu navigation as you may
expect. In addition to 32 high-resolution oscillator waveforms, you can select
from 120 morphable wavetables, engage two audio-rate LFOs, and tap into
processing like waveshaping to generate unique sounds and textures. And, with a
32-step arpeggiator with rest capability and a 512-step sequencer with
parameter-animation recording, the Argon8-M supports complex, evolving
soundscapes. Whether you drive it with a sequencer or play it in real time with
your MIDI controller of choice, the Argon8-M is simply a joy to create and
perform with.

Learn more about the Modal Electronics Argon8-M.

Modal Electronics Argon8-M 8-Voice Polyphonic Wavetable Synthesizer Module$649.00Add to cart Add to listLearn More

Waldorf Kyra FPGA Synthesizer Module$2499.99Add to cart Add to listLearn More

Waldorf Kyra

With eight-part multitimbral operation and four
pairs of independent stereo outputs to route each part separately, the Waldorf Kyra offers
a ton of routing flexibility and production power. And, with support for up to
128 voices of polyphony, you won’t have to worry about notes dropping off even
with ultra-long release times. Beyond a huge selection of oscillators,
wavetables, effects, and modulation options, the Kyra’s support for microtuning
and the MIDI Tuning Standard makes it an ideal synth for experimental sound
designers looking to break free from the confines of the chromatic scale.

Learn more about the Waldorf Kyra.

Elektron Digitone

Bringing FM synthesis to a new generation of music
producers, the Elektron Digitone packs
eight voices of polyphonic playability into a groovebox-style format that’s
sure to please fans of the Elektron universe. A built-in polyphonic sequencer
offers four synth tracks for sequencing internal sounds as well as four MIDI
tracks for sequencing other synths in your collection. Each synth track
supports a four-operator FM synth engine with eight different FM algorithms.
And, thanks to Elektron’s famous parameter-lock sequencing, which allows for
completely different parameter values on each step, the Digitone isn’t just a
powerful polyphonic synth — it’s one of the most versatile FM synths you can
get your hands on.

Learn more about the Elektron Digitone.

Elektron Digitone 8-voice Digital Synth with Sequencer$799.00Add to cart Add to listLearn More

Sequential Oberheim OB-6 Module 6-voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer Module$2399.00Add to cart Add to listLearn More

Sequential Oberheim OB-6

Dave Smith and Tom Oberheim are among the world’s
most influential synth designers, and they’ve teamed up to create the Sequential Oberheim OB-6
polyphonic synthesizer module. This 6-voice synth is loaded with
voltage-controlled oscillators, a state-variable filter, and voltage-controlled
amplifiers, yielding some of the most punchy and vibrant analog-synth sounds
ever devised. Even the digital effects set themselves apart from the pack,
being faithful re-creations of Tom Oberheim’s acclaimed phase-shifter and ring-modulator
effects. And, while we could talk about its continuously variable oscillator
waveshape and powerful modulation capabilities all day, it’s the Oberheim OB-6’s
bold and beautiful character that truly elevates it among contemporary
polyphonic synthesizers.

Learn more about the Sequential Oberheim OB-6.

Behringer Poly D

A re-creation of the legendary Model D analog
synthesizer, the Behringer Poly D brings
true analog synthesis within reach of just about any musician. This modern
iteration expands the monophonic original with four voices of polyphony,
although the Poly D is technically a paraphonic synth because each of the four
synth voices is ultimately routed through the same filter and VCA path.
Technicalities aside, the Poly D has been welcomed with open arms by musicians
worldwide that seek iconic analog-synth tones in an affordable format. And,
with modern advancements like an additional oscillator, chorus and distortion
effects, a sequencer, and support for aftertouch, the Poly D would be a worthy
addition to any producer’s synth collection.

Learn more about the Behringer Poly D.

Behringer Poly D Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer$769.00Add to cart Add to listLearn More

Your Ideal Polyphonic Synthesizer
Awaits!

These are some of the best polyphonic synthesizers
ever created and have earned their acclaim from countless musicians and producers.
Whether you’re looking for classic vintage-synth sounds, modern sounds for EDM,
or a powerful tool for experimental sound design, at least one of these
polyphonic synthesizers is sure to inspire creativity. Still not sure which is
the best polyphonic synthesizer for your style? Give your Sweetwater Sales
Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700, and they’ll
be happy to help you determine which one best fits your needs!
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