The best synthesizers for beginners and professionals for home: rating, review - Setafi

What could be better when your child, instead of playing computer games or mindlessly spending time on Instagram, TikTok or other social networks, chose the desire for something more - music. Playing the piano or stringed instruments is not easy, especially for a beginner. But there is one instrument that combines so many functions that you can create a unique orchestra at home in just 5 minutes. Yes, and learning on such equipment is simple and stress-free. We are talking about the best synthesizer.

In this article, we will talk about which synthesizer is best to buy for the home, what is suitable for a beginner, and we will also advise several models that, in our opinion, are best suited for these purposes. Let's start!

Which synthesizer is better - selection criteria

It's time to talk about what is included in the top synths for beginners, because you asked yourself such a question, since you got to this article. A sea of ​​well-known and unknown brands, brands, functionalities attacked an avalanche of an inexperienced future musician - what to choose? We did not leave you in trouble and prepared a short tour of the world of a musical instrument. According to our observations and customer reviews online, it is important to go through the equipment selection period in several stages:

1. Gaining knowledge on the basic features and functions of the synthesizer you need in your home.
2. Who are you buying this instrument for and how much are you willing to give for pleasure.

Specifications and features

Like any musical or ordinary household device, the synthesizer has a number of parameters. Looking at a lot of numbers is daunting for the average shopper, but it's not that hard when you have a reliable assistant. If you want to get really the best synthesizer, you can't go anywhere without our article.

The operation of the keys is characterized by the following components:

Keyboard. This is the first and most important thing that is indicated in the technical data sheet. The keys differ in several ways: the method of producing sound and dimensions. With the latter, everything is simple - these are either standard, "piano" keys, or a reduced copy for teaching a child. It is also worth looking at the number of keys on the working unit: for a beginner, choose a model with 31 or 62 keys; for an experienced musician - 76 or 88 keys.

According to the features of the keyboard, there are ordinary models and dynamic ones (with the possibility of additional customization). This or that keyboard also depends on your goals: synthesizers for those new to the music world can be lightweight, so that the process of learning becomes quick and easy. And for realistic piano playing, heavy mechanical keyboards are already needed - a complete thrill for a more or less understanding musician.

Sound capabilities. Here, the processor or tone generator is mainly indicated, but since there is no single classification in this parameter, each manufacturer tries to stand out with its “highlights”. For some, this will not say anything, but for others it will open up a new world of synthesizers and make you look at equipment differently.

For example, some of the most popular technologies: Morphing Air synthesizer from Casio, RGE tone generator in Yamaha instruments, AWM Stereo Sampling processor for Yamaha PSR performance equipment. In simpler versions, inexpensive copies of these technologies are installed, because for children or beginners are not so important, and it is important to have some kind of professional chip or additional opportunities. The main thing is to play well.

Additionally, in our review of synthesizers, it is worth highlighting other sound characteristics:

• Polyphony - determines the maximum number of notes that can sound simultaneously. Ranging from 8 notes for a child's instrument to 256 notes for a top synth for an advanced user.

• Timbres - how many variations of sound. The standard choice is piano, strings, percussion timbres. The higher the price tag in the store, the greater the range of timbres you will receive in return.

• Accompaniment styles - what can be added as part of the musical accompaniment. The choice is similar to the previous parameter - the types of accompaniment directly depend on the manufacturer's pricing policy.

• Various effects and additional "highlights". If the number of effects for all companies is more or less the same - imitation of additional sounds, various echoes, phrasers, delays and others incomprehensible words (variety is a matter of the direction of the tool and its cost), then with professional programs everything is where more difficult. Programs for learning - from banal tips in the form of keyboard backlighting to individual applications on a smartphone that are in contact with the synthesizer. There are also settings for adding tracks to the instrument's memory, inserting a phonogram, a bunch of special technologies to increase the realism of creating your own orchestra, and other characteristics. The framework for acquiring so many bells and whistles is your imagination and needs (for example, why does a standard student need an instrument with a DJ console), as well as financial condition.

• The ability to connect additional equipment and other parameters - in the latter category, it is much easier to navigate. The only point is that if you are going to not only study, but also record your works, buy a sequencer. You can record both the solo part of each instrument, and the overall picture - a full-fledged track. It all depends on the coolness of the sequencer, and it depends on the cost.

Rating of synthesizers for beginners

Casio CTK-1500

The instrument from ⁠Casio CTK-1500 starts in our rating of synthesizers. This is the most budget option for 61 keys from this company. Polyphony of 32 voices, 120 timbres, 70 rhythms and 50 rhythms of additional dance music is built into the musical equipment.

The main feature of the model is dance music, which allows you to produce complex dance grooves or catchy melodies with just one press of a key. The mass of the device is only 3.3 kg. There are built-in speakers powered by batteries.

Among the shortcomings, one can indicate the lack of a power adapter in previous models, but you can always buy it separately from the instrument in any music store.

YAMAHA PSR-E263

The synthesizer has a polyphony of 32 voices, 400 timbres, 130 styles and 112 additional sounds are built into it, which noticeably distinguishes it from the background of the device from Casio. Some of the variable sounds are "borrowed" from earlier versions of Yamaha equipment. The Yamaha Education Suite (Y.E.S.) optional learning option will help you navigate the instrument and set you on the path to quality music.

The only downside is the non-dynamic keyboard.

Casio CT-S300

The top model in the line from Casio is Casiotone. It has a 61-key keyboard with a retro design and light weight. Polyphony characteristics: 48 voices, 400 timbres, 77 regular styles and 50 in Dance Mode.

Of the main advantages, we immediately note the Dance Music mode, in which even a beginner can create the first track in just a few hours of training; Pitch Bend wheel for smooth tone adjustment; as well as connecting to a learning application from a smartphone or PC. Also of the interesting differences, you can add: convenient transportation, a cell for the sustain pedal, which is purchased separately.

YAMAHA PSR-E363

Another copy from the already well-known Yamaha. Technical parameters of polyphony: 48 voices, 574 timbres, 165 style settings. It is very popular among beginners. Yamaha has put together everything you need to learn:

1. Powerful acoustic system;
2. Sensitive keys;
3. Many timbres and styles;
4. Reverb effect improved;
5. Duo mode for two people to play at the same time.

Casio CT-X700

There is nothing complicated here - there are two competitors in the market: Casio and Yamaha. Therefore, the top clearly had to be one of them.

What's inside the humble instrument: 48 Voices, 600 Voices, 195 Styles and 160 for learning.

The “core” of the instrument was a brand new AiX processor, which was taken from older synthesizers from the manufacturer. AiX differs from other synthesizers with a completely new level of play:

• timbres worked out to the smallest detail;
• clear and rich sound of wind accompaniment;
• realistic drum accompaniment and high-quality basses.

Such a synthesizer will become both an excellent single orchestra and part of a musical group.