Desktop synthesizers

Desktop synthesizers house their entire sound-generation circuitry in a compact box without a keyboard, so they take up only a small part of your desk. You play them from a MIDI keyboard, a sequencer or a computer, and many also have their own step sequencer. Here you can find analogue desktop synthesizers such as Behringer Model D, bass synthesizers such as Behringer TD-3, the compact Roland S-1 and semi-modular units such as Moog Mother-32 or Behringer Neutron. This category also includes desktop versions of large polyphonic synthesizers, for example Sequential Prophet Rev2 Desktop or Oberheim OB-X8M.

How do you play a synthesizer without a keyboard?

Connect your desktop synthesizer to a MIDI master keyboard via USB or a 5-pin MIDI cable and play it like a keyboard instrument. If you don't have a keyboard, use the built-in sequencer: Behringer TD-3 and Roland S-1 can both store an entire bassline or melody and play it back in a loop. A third option is music software on your computer that sends notes over USB.

What is a semi-modular synthesizer?

A semi-modular synthesizer plays as soon as you switch it on because its components are connected internally. It also has patch sockets on the panel, where you can use patch cables to change the signal path and create sounds you cannot get from the standard routing. You can remove Moog Mother-32 and Behringer Neutron from their enclosures and fit them into a Eurorack case, where they connect to Eurorack modules.

Desktop synthesizer or keyboard synthesizer?

A desktop synthesizer makes sense if you already have a MIDI keyboard or controller, mainly make music on your computer or want more sounds in a small space. Many desktop models have the same sound as their keyboard counterparts, such as ASM Hydrasynth Desktop or Korg Minilogue XD Module. If you want to start playing straight away without another device, a keyboard synthesizer is the better choice.