If you’re looking for the best mini synths for a beginner or a pro, there’s a few options out there to choose from. We’ll cover some of the top picks in this guide.
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Quick answer: If you’re looking for something cheap and fun, the Korg Monotron Mini Synth is the one that most musicians seem to like. Ideal for a beginner.
But if you want something that you can take on stage, or get the best quality results, the Korg MS20 Mini Synth is the best bet. Ideal for pros and semi-pros.
The rest of this post cover a few more options, as well as go into a little detail on each of the mini synths.
Now let’s take a closer look… 🙂
Table of Contents
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Mini Synthesizer Buying Guide
When synthesizers were first being used widely (and most other audio equipment), they were huge monsters.
Entire rooms were filled with equipment from wall to wall to produce audio synthesis. Nowadays, you can fit twice the amount of equipment in a quarter of the space.
And the appeal of mini synths is understandable, musicians love the idea of packing up their equipment and playing wherever they go. And if you have a small studio space, and a preference for analog hardware, a few mini synths won’t clutter your desk, rack, or floor.
So if you’re looking to have some fun making music on the go or in your studio, a mini synth could make a pretty unique and useful choice in your arsenal…
… whether you’re starting out fresh, or simply expanding your audio equipment repertoire.
The 5 Best Mini Synths to Get
Gakken SX-150 MARK II Analog Synthesizer
This 5” x 6.5” mini analog synth is a good example of a small device packing a huge punch. It looks like a toy in a way, but it actually contains all the necessary features of professional audio synthesis. It allows you to adjust LFO wave, rate, and depth as well as pitch and a few other factors. Unlike most mini synths, this one uses a stylus which helps it stand out from the rest.
Here are a few top features and specs to look forward to in the Gakken SX-150 mini synth:
- Uses a stylus for easier navigation, depending on the user
- Small and compact, allowing for easy transportation
- Output/input capable of several different instruments and software
- Very cheap price range, with a decent array of options
The Gakken SX-150 mini synth is an all-around well-made synth. It’s perfect for the beginner looking to break into the music production or the pro that wants some unique sounds in their arsenal.
You can also get it if you’re looking to have a little bit of fun with you family or friends. Customers seem to love the small size, since it allows them the capability of playing music wherever.
Read the customer reviews on Amazon.
Demonstration
Korg Monotron Duo
The Korg Monotron mini synth is a classic designed pocket-sized synthesizer with a membrane keyboard. The dull blue color almost adds to the 80’s feel of it. As synth, it allows for cutoff and peak control as well as a few options for pitch controls. This mini synth also has a built-in speaker that’s battery powered, unlike some of its competitors.
Here’s a few top features and specs you can look for in the Korg Monotron mini synth:
- Membrane keyboard has a smooth, ergonomic feel
- Throwback design replicates classic synths
- Battery-powered speaker
- Nice palm-sized design makes this mini synth easy to take on the go
The Korg Monotron mini analog synth is one of a kind for pocket-sized mini synths. Most other mini synths are about the size of a laptop keyboard. It’s perfect if you want to carry it around for spontaneous playing and jotting ideas for future tracks.
Many of the customer reviews state that this mini synth provides everything they could ask for in a small synthesizer. Don’t expect to move mountains with this tiny synthesizer, but you can rest assured knowing it’s a perfect option for a musician on the go.
The few criticisms point out that the sound doesn’t get very loud, and that the knobs may not be the strongest. But with such a low price point, you can’t expect to have the same level of quality as the more expensive mini synths.
Read the buyer reviews on Amazon.
Demonstration
Stylophone GEN X-1 Portable Analog Synthesizer
The Stylophone mini synth features a very unique way to use a stylus. There’s 2 membrane pads: the first pad allows you to use it as a keyboard, the second pad is a sound strip that slides between notes on a scale. The stylus itself packs neatly into the case for you to pack it all up quickly.
This mini synth also allows you to adjust pitch, cutoff, feedback, and much more. It gives a wide array of adjustments compared to other mini synths in its price range. The futuristic membrane pads combined with the classic display presents a unique mixture of both preferences.
Here’s a few top features and specs to look for in the Stylophone Gen X-1 mini synth:
- Stylus with double membrane pad
- AA battery powered, requires no plug at all
- Small, compact size allow for easy transportation
- Easy to use audio output for anything from headphones to amplifiers
People say that the Stylophone Gen X-1 mini synth is a “perfect combination of new age and classic.” Many of its consumers enjoy the easy-use-use interface, which helps quicken the learning curve. Its only criticism is on the stylus. Other than that, most people love this portable mini synth.
Read the buyer reviews on Amazon.
Demonstration
Novation MiniNova
The Novation MiniNova Analog mini synth is one of the higher quality synths on this list, more suitable for pro level producers or beginners that want the best quality. It features piano/keyboard style keys for a familiar feel, and over 250 unique sounds. Armed with a vocal tuner and an great sound engine, the Novation MiniNova certainly deserves a place among the best mini synths.
Here are some of the top features and specs to look for in the Novation MiniNova mini synth:
- Powerful sound engine, unlike most mini synths
- Keyboard keys for a familiar feel
- Multiple audio styles for several different genres of music
- Plenty of adjustment knobs and buttons; far more than most mini synths
The Novation MiniNova mini synth is a state of the art machine as far as miniature synthesizers go. It has far more unique features and adjustments than almost any other synth in its price range. With all the on board specs, it still manages to hold a compact design for a pack-and-go feel.
The only complaints that customers had were about the company, not the product. Although people may dislike Novation, they offer a warranty, which is unique for most mini synths. The MiniNova is an excellent choice for a musician looking to take the step to the next level.
Read the buyer reviews on Amazon.
Demonstration
Korg MS20 Mini
The Korg MS20 min synth is more on the expensive side for mini synths, but it’s worth a look, as it’s the most professional. It has a piano-like keyboard for a familiar feel, and far more adjustments available than any other synth on this list. It also features a USB port and a MIDI port, which is a big step forward for mini synths as a whole.
Unlike the other mini synths in this list, it isn’t really compact or at all “pocket-sized.” While it’s okay to be transported, its blocky body doesn’t make it ideal for “on the go” music making. That being said, it’s hard to fit so many features in too small of a machine.
Here’s a few top features and specs too look for in the Korg MS20 mini synth:
- USB/MIDI port
- Keyboard style keys
- Dramatically more knobs with multiple usages than other mini synths
- Plug your MIDI keyboard in and use it instead of the on-board keyboard
The Korg MS20 falls within the professional price range for a mini synths on the market, which is under or around $500. But with cost comes high quality. You can expect to have a much longer lifespan as well, which is confirmed by its consumers. They also love how it mimics a classic synth, with a much smaller body style.
The only criticisms I could find are a few buyers saying that it feels toy-ish, with its knobs and wheels. That being said, this is a mini-synth. The quality of the audio coming from the mini synth is probably the best you can get, and from a top audio equipment maker.
Read the rest of customer reviews on Amazon.
Demonstration
Final Thoughts
Although mini synths generally won’t produce the same level of sound as a large format synthesizer, they really give them a run for their money, since you won’t find that many modern synthesizers that you can store in your pocket for recording on the go.
But with the right price point and style, you can certainly made them worth your money. Even as a novelty, or a quick music break, mini synths are definitely worth checking out.
If you want a small, cheap pocket sized synthesizer, the Korg Monotron mini synth is the way to go. Leave it in your pocket until you’re ready to jam. Show your friends and family, and maybe encourage them to learn how to make music as well.
When you’re ready to step up to the next level of mini synths, the Korg MS20 mini synth is your best bet. Although it’s not pocket-sized, you can still enjoy the many features it has from a smaller synth. With a MIDI and USB port, there’s not much more you could ask for in a miniature synthesizer.
To learn more about audio synthesis, read my series here, or check out this Wikipedia article on synthesizers.
