Synthesizer Workstation Keyboards of 2025
- Best Choice
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RolandRoland Fantom 8 EX 88-Key Workstation Keyboard Synthesizer Bundle with Adjustable Stand, Sustain Pedal, Online Piano Lessons, Instructional DVD, and Austin Bazaar Polishing Cloth
Main highlights- ZEN-CORE SYNTHESIS: It has a ZEN-Core Synthesis System that offers up to four partials with independent oscillators, filters, amplifiers, dual LFOs, and effects. You can utilize up to 16 tones in a scene for intricate splits, layers, and sequenced parts. Six preloaded expansions offer vintage and modern instruments, like the n/zyme, for diverse creativity.
- ULTIMATE PRODUCTION HUB: Seamlessly integrates into computer setups with deep DAW integration, providing custom touchscreen control and extensive connectivity. With robust sampling capabilities and versatile composition tools, including clip-based workflow, RGB pads, and a TR-REC style step sequencer, it empowers users to create music with speed and precision.
- EXPANDED SOUND LIBRARY WITH ACB TECHNOLOGY: It offers a vast array of over 7000 onboard tones and powerful synthesis tools, including Roland's Analog Circuit Behavior technology. With three ACB instruments, SH-101, JUPITER-8, and JX-3P ACB Expansions, users access detailed replicas of iconic synthesizers for authentic analog experiences.
- EVERYTHING IN A BOX: Austin Bazaar bundles your instrument with an adjustable stand, sustain pedal, online piano lessons, Austin Bazaar instructional DVD, and polishing cloth, ensuring you have all the essentials for playing, learning, and maintaining your instrument in mint condition, conveniently packaged in one box.
- DIVERSE SOUND ENGINES: This 2024 model, FANTOM EX boasts an unparalleled selection of premium sound engines, including Roland's renowned ACB, ZEN-Core, V-Piano, SuperNATURAL, and other cutting-edge technologies. This comprehensive lineup ignites creativity with expressive and inspiring sounds tailored to suit every musical style and genre.
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WaldorfWaldorf Iridium Keyboard 49-Key Synthesizer
Main highlights- Wavetable — a table consisting of single-cycle waveforms; Waveform (virtual analogue) — a standard oscillator model to create typical analogue waveforms; Particle (sampling and granular sampling) — allowing for extensive manipulation of sample-based sounds
- Three true stereo path digital filters per voice that convincingly cover all conceivable classic filter variants
- Three oscillators (OSC 1, OSC 2, and OSC 3)
- Resonator — manipulates multi- samples from the internal (2GB) sample flash memory or noise via an exciter and various spectral parameters that can be modulated, matchless for generating awe- inspiring animated sounds and drones, which can, for example, easily be integrated into a Eurorack modular synthesizer environment via the Iridium Keyboard’s integrated control voltage connections (CV In1, CV In2, CV In3, and CV In4)
- Kernels — effectively enabling one oscillator to become up to six sub-oscillators that can be interlinked through FM at audio rate and arranged in user-definable constellations.
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Akai ProfessionalAkai Professional MPC Key 37 Standalone Production Synthesizer, Drum Machine, MIDI Keyboard, with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Touchscreen, Plug-ins, and Native Instruments Integration
Main highlights- Welcome MPC3 - Designed for fast intuitive operation, MPC3 accelerates the legendary MPC workflow with new features: Enhanced Main Mode, Linear Song Arranger, Studio Mixer, Native Instruments Integration and more
- Standalone Supercharged -Featuring Wi-Fi and Bluetooth MIDI, Ableton Link 3, MPC2 Software supporting 128 audio tracks, nearly unlimited number of plugin instruments and 3rd party AU/VST plug-ins
- Producer and Beat Maker Essential - MPC Mainstays- 16 Levels, Note Repeat, Time Correct, Swing, Quantize; built-in USB audio interface; 2GB RAM; 32GB Storage (22GB available for user storage)
- No Computer Needed - Music Production Synthesizer, Sampler, Beat Maker, Drum Machine, and Desktop Controller with powerful multi-core processor and 37-note synth-action keybed with aftertouch
- MPC Stems - On MPC2 Desktop you can extract vocals for your own acapella, isolate drums, pull out a bass line to build on it, or extract just the music to create fresh compositions
- Get a Full Month of Splice - Unlock the ultimate sample library, now included with your purchase of any MPK or MPC; Register your product and redeem 30 days of access to Splice Creator plan
- Get One Premium Plug-In - Receive a voucher for one MPC plug-in from the MPC Store; Choose from Mini D, Flavor Pro, Delay Pro, JURA, OPx4 and other instruments and FX; Device registration required
- Connectivity - MIDI In/Out, (2) 1/4" TRS Audio Ins, (2) 1/4" TRS Main Outs, (4) CV/Gate Jacks, (1) Headphones Out; USB-A for MIDI Controllers, Audio Interfaces or Flash Drives; USB-B for PC/Mac
- All The Tools You Need - 37 full-size keys, 16 Velocity-Sensitive RGB MPC Pads, 7" Multi-Touch Display, Pitch and Modulation wheels, Touch-Capacitive 4 Q-Link Knobs, Encoder Knob, Transport Controls
- All Music In One Place - Update features, sounds and samples wirelessly via Wi-Fi, receiving instant notifications on the unit; Access Splice libraries, Ableton Control, loops or MPC plug-in instruments
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Akai ProfessionalAkai Professional MPC Key 61 - Standalone Music Production Synthesizer Keyboard with Touch Screen, 16 Drum Pads, 20+ Sound Engines, Semi Weighted Keys, and Native Instruments Integration
Why we love it
MPC Key 61 is a Professional Music Production and Performance Keyboard that does not require a computer
Navigate and control plugin instruments and effects with the 7 multi touch display, 16 MPC pads, responsive keybed with aftertouch, assignable Touch Strip, data dial encoder, and q link knobs
Connect all of your MIDI controller devices, electric guitars, CV/Gate enabled synths, XLR microphones, USB storage devices, and more
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YamahaYamaha MODX8+ 88-Key Synthesizer Workstation , Black
Main highlights- Semi-weighted synth action provides expressive response in a 61-note keyboard
- Motion Control is a highly customizable synthesizer engine control matrix
- MODX OS adds new Voices, LIVE SETS and Features
- FM-X features 8-operator FM synthesis capable of producing incredible dynamic sound
- AWM2 is a proprietary sampled-based subtractive synthesis technology
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MOOGMOOG Subsequent 37 Paraphonic Analog Synthesizer and MIDI Keyboard with 37 Semi Weighted Keys, Headphone Amp, 256 Presets, Screen and Software Editor
Main highlights- Ultra-Powerful Analog Synthesizer - Subsequent 37's control panel includes 40 knobs and 74 switches, placing a vast array of sound-design tools and sequencing options at your command
- Multiple Sound Sources - 2 Variable Waveshape Oscillators, 1 Square Wave Sub Oscillator, 1 Analog Noise Generator, 1 External Input/Filter Feedback
- Enhanced Playability - Featuring a 2-note paraphonic keybed that includes 37 semi-weighted keys with velocity, aftertouch, 2 envelopes, and 256 presets
- Editor/Librarian Software Included - Edit and arrange your presets; works as a DAW plugin or as a standalone editor for both Windows and Mac
- Complex Modulation - 2 Modulation busses, each with an LFO and programmable routing, provide deep tonal possibilities to your sound
- All the Connections You Need - MIDI In/Out/USB; 1/4" TS Audio In/Out; 1/4" TRS Headphones Out; CV/GATE Ins: Filter CV, Pitch CV, Volume CV, KB Gate
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RolandRoland JUNO-D8 Synthesizer | 88-Note Weighted Keyboard with Hammer Action | ZEN-Core Engine with Over 3800 Onboard Sounds | Intuitive Creative Tools | USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface for Mobile & Computers
Why we love it
Versatile sound selection for live performances.
Portable with USB-C battery power.
User-friendly interface with sample import.
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RolandRoland JUNO-D7 Synthesizer | 76-Note Keyboard with Synth Action | ZEN-Core Engine with Over 3800 Onboard Sounds | Intuitive Creative Tools | USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface for Mobile & Computers
Main highlights- Sample import function for playing and editing user WAV files
- Instant access to essential sounds for live band performances, including acoustic and electric pianos, organs, synths, and other stage favorites
- Gig-ready keyboard with pro sounds, an intuitive workflow, enhanced performance features, and support for USB-C mobile battery power
- Flagship-class ZEN-Core engine with over 3800 ready-to-play sounds
- Expand your creative possibilities with Sound Packs and Wave Expansions on Roland Cloud
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YamahaYamaha MODX8 88-Key Synthesizer Workstation
9.7 worth the money9.3 Interactive Display8.9 Simple to useWhy we love it
Motion control synthesis
Super Knob expressiveness
10 audio 16 MIDI channels
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MOOGMOOG Matriarch Patchable 4-Note Paraphonic Analog Synthesizer with Keyboard, Sequencer, Arpeggiator, Stereo Ladder Filters, Stereo Analog Delay
Main highlights- Stereo Analog Delay - Classic and ping-pong style repeats with lush infinite delay trails
- Paraphonic Playability - Sequence and perform in mono, duo, and 4-note paraphonic modes
- More Than Standalone - Matriarch is also a processor of external sound sources and a powerful keyboard front-end for expanding DFAM, Mother-32, Grandmother or Eurorack modular systems
- Inspired by Moog Classics - Patchable 4-note paraphonic analog synthesizer with 49 velocity-sensing full-size keys with aftertouch, sequencer, arpeggiator, stereo Ladder Filters, stereo Analog Delay
- 90 Modular Patch Points - Create, mangle and explore the endless expanse of sound with 90 modular patch points