“It’s like having a compositional companion”: Moog’s Labyrinth synth breaks cover
A new voice architecture, a different filter topology, wavefolding and parallel processing are also part of the deal
Synths
All the latest keyboard and synth news, reviews and tips on MusicRadar
Latest synths news
Behringer says that it’s exploring the idea of a direct-to-customer shipping option
This would be in addition to its existing ‘super partner’ relationships with retailers
GForce Software releases an authentic but enhanced version of the OB-1
The often forgotten 1978 classic gets another chance to shine
"We’ve never had it so easy": 5 ways music gear has improved over the years... and 5 it hasn't
We take stock of the progress that's been made in modern music technology - and consider where there might be room for improvement
“My obsession is using gear to get the most exciting sounds I can find”: Hot Chip man Joe Goddard returns
“My biggest, ongoing obsession is using gear to get the most exciting and interesting sounds I can find”
Chromeo left all of their synths in the studio on their latest tour - except this one
Chromeo's P-Thugg gives us an exclusive tour of their live rig and shows us the ins-and-outs of their hybrid electronic/band set-up
Kiasmos on the “perfect mono synth”: “It doesn’t need anything on the chain and it still sounds great“
The Nordic duo bringing modern classical into dance on vintage Korgs, orchestral mixing and their love of the iPhone mic
Steinberg’s free X-Stream synth can “turn any samples into smooth evolving soundscapes and textures”
Instant gratification for ambient and cinematic soundtrack producers
“It’s like having your own James Bond theme. They’ll play it at my funeral”: Eddie Murphy on Axel F
“We went right back to the origins by getting the same instruments that were playing it, the same sounds,” says composer Lorne Balfe
Latest synths tuition
How to make country-style EDM like Avicii
Time to buckle up and get on your horse as we look at some methods of making country-style EDM
Make a modern soft synth sound like a dusty old ’70s vintage synth… for free!
Get those vintage vibes without the price tag…
How to get away with using synth presets
Reaching for a preset shouldn't be taboo… Here are the tricks the professional use to proudly make presets all their own
How to design an ambient drone with your Eurorack modular synth
We show you how to build a mutating and evolving drone sound, adding some modulation and pitched elements to keep it engaging
20 super-speedy synth and synthesis tips
Make waves fast with our quick and easy guide to speedy synthesis
"If you want to write a classic pop song, use these chords: Ab, Bb, G minor 7th, C minor. You can’t go wrong with that": How to make a track that sounds like The Pet Shop Boys
The Pet Shop Boys have just released a new album, Nonetheless, so it’s a great time to show you how to create some of their signature sounds for free
How to play mono synth properly: the skills you need to master
Playing a mono synth demands a different technique to conventional keyboard playing. Here's how...
Catching Flies shows us how to breathe life into digital-sounding synth patches
"This technique is very simple, but I use it on most tracks..."
How to use FM and oscillator sync to bring synth bass to life
Spice up your bass sounds with this classic technique
Latest synths reviews
"We love its West Coast sound and experimental design": Moog Labyrinth review
- £599
- $599
The US brand’s second semi-modular of the year has the makings of a West Coast-inspired, IDM powerhouse
“It’s compact, it’s live-ready… but it’s still an engine from an older synth”: Korg KingKorg Neo review
- £949
- €1099
- $990
KingKorg Neo is a bi-timbral VA synth packed into a small-form 37-key compact body, and is not as ‘Neo’ as the name implies
“A veritable playground of vintage synthesis and exploration”: Analogue Solutions Ample review
- £2398
- €2799
- $2490
Is Ample more than just a greatest hits package from the AS back catalogue? We reach for the pins
“Holds its own in the shadow of its older Oddity sibling, sporting some really beautiful synthetic textures”: GForce Software Axxess review
- £77
- €88
- $80
Recreating a classic (though not very obvious) ARP synth with characteristic aplomb. We get Axxess all areas…
“It wins hands down both visually and sonically, and the fact that it’s free makes it a no-brainer”: Cherry Audio Synthesizer Expander Module (SEM) review
- £Free
- €Free
- $Free
It’s hard to resist another seminal classic from Cherry Audio but at a bargain price of zero, are they selling themselves short?
“One of the great 21st-century polysynths”: UDO Audio Super Gemini review
- £3595
- €3899
- $3599
Just like the astrological sign Gemini, UK company UDO’s “bi-everything” synth is double the fun
"It puts ease-of-use, speed and versatility ahead of sound design depth – at least when it comes to the hardware": Arturia AstroLab review
- €1599
Those hoping for the full V Collection experience in hardware form might be disappointed. But, as we discover, AstroLab’s simplicity is its biggest selling point
“Armed with 450 presets, it has the capacity to impress with its scope for diverse sounds and creativity”: Cherry Audio Pro Soloist review
- £42
- €48
- $49
A bit of a diva in synth clothing? We travel back to 1972 for a reimagining of an ARP classic with soloistic tendencies
“Come for the otherworldly pads, stay for the surprisingly hard-hitting bass”: Baby Audio Atoms review
- £51
- €58
- $53
A network of springs? A shape-shifting violin? We attempt to explain Baby Audio’s new synth…
“For creating ambient textures and drones, there’s endless fun to be had”: beetlecrab.audio Tempera review
- €670
This granular instrument is unique and slightly baffling, but it’s also hugely rewarding
