Synth Tips in a Nutshell
Some Synthesizers in Brief
Massimo Armeli
3 min read


Moog Memorymoog
A six-voice analog polysynth with three oscillators per voice. Known for its rich, powerful sound and often described as a polyphonic Minimoog, it's celebrated for lush pads and fat leads.
Roland MKS-80 (w/MPG-80 + MKB-1000)
The "Super Jupiter" is an analog rackmount synth paired with the MPG-80 programmer for hands-on control. It’s loved for versatile sound design and compatibility with the Roland Jupiter series.
Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 (Rev 3)
A legendary five-voice polyphonic synth with analog oscillators and filters, known for shaping the sound of the '80s with warm pads, cutting leads, and iconic brass sounds.
Oberheim Matrix-12
A flagship analog polysynth with deep modulation capabilities and a unique multi-mode filter. It’s ideal for complex sound design and evolving textures.
Oberheim Xpander
A desktop version of the Matrix-12 offering six voices of analog power, with flexible modulation and MIDI integration. A favorite for intricate and evolving patches.
Roland Jupiter-8
An iconic polysynth offering eight voices of analog sound. Revered for its shimmering pads, punchy basses, and lush leads, it remains a hallmark of the '80s.
Korg PS-3300
A rare, massive analog polysynth with modular-like architecture. Known for its unparalleled richness and sonic depth, it's a holy grail for synthesizer collectors.
Moog Minimoog
The pioneering portable monophonic synth with three oscillators and a resonant low-pass filter. Famous for its fat bass and soaring leads.
Yamaha CS-80
A polyphonic analog synth with expressive aftertouch and a lush sound palette. Iconic for its use in film scores, like Blade Runner.
ARP 2600
A semi-modular synth with built-in speakers, offering massive flexibility and legendary analog sound. Ideal for both experimental patches and classic tones.
Moog 55
A modular analog synth revered for its raw, vintage tone and iconic sound-shaping capabilities. Often used in pioneering electronic music of the '70s.
Roland JX-10 Super JX (w/PG-800)
A dual-engine analog polysynth, offering 12 voices and rich textures. The PG-800 programmer adds intuitive control for complex patches.
Oberheim Eight Voice
A colossal polysynth made up of eight individual SEM modules. Known for its massive sound and flexible voice programming.
ARP Odyssey
A duophonic analog synth with a compact design and versatile tone. Popular for its squelchy leads and unique modulation options.
ARP 2500
A modular analog system with matrix-based patching. Renowned for its distinctive sound and use in experimental music.
Moog 12
A compact modular system from the Moog lineup, offering classic Moog tones and modular flexibility.
Oxford OSCar
A hybrid synth combining analog filters with digital oscillators. Famous for its quirky, edgy sound and unique design.
Roland System 100 (Whole System)
A modular system with seamless integration between components. Praised for its warm analog tone and precise sound shaping.
Elka Synthex
A rare Italian polysynth offering lush sounds and a famous laser harp preset used by Jean-Michel Jarre.
Oberheim Four Voice
A polysynth combining four SEM modules. Known for its warm, vintage character and rich polyphonic sound.
Sequential Circuits Pro-One
A monophonic synth offering fat basses and sharp leads. Compact and versatile, it's a staple for analog enthusiasts.
Korg Trident Mark II
A tri-timbral synth combining strings, brass, and synth sections. It excels in lush, layered sounds.
Oberheim OB-Xa
A polysynth with a rich analog tone, ideal for pads, leads, and brass sounds. Iconic in '80s music production.
Roland Jupiter-6
A versatile six-voice polysynth with analog oscillators and multimode filters. Loved for its flexibility and MIDI integration.
EMS VCS3
A portable modular synth known for experimental soundscapes and its pin-matrix patching system.
Oberheim OB-X
A foundational polysynth with a warm, vintage tone. Predecessor to the OB-Xa, it’s cherished for its classic sound.
Roland SH-5
A monophonic synth known for its dual-filter design and raw analog tone. Ideal for experimental and bass-heavy patches.
Steiner-Parker Synthasystem Modular
A vintage modular synth with unique filters and flexible design. Known for its sharp, characterful tone.
EMS Synthi AKS
A portable modular synth with a built-in keyboard and sequencer. Celebrated for its unique, otherworldly sound design.
RSF Kobol Expander
A monophonic analog synth with modular capabilities. Known for its warm, Moog-like tone and French craftsmanship.
Roland SH-101
A monophonic synth with a simple design and great bass tones. A favorite for acid and electronic genres.
Octave Voyetra Eight
A rare, rackmount polysynth with deep programming capabilities and a lush analog sound.
Roland Juno-60
A six-voice analog polysynth with a classic chorus effect. Known for its warm pads, punchy bass, and ease of use.
EML Electrocomp 101
A duophonic analog synth with a unique sound and semi-modular design. It’s quirky and versatile for experimental music.