Synthesisers and drum machines: how to choose the right ones

Synthesisers and drum machines are musical instruments designed to create sounds, shape them, and take your productions further. Whether you’re aiming to recreate classic tones or craft something totally original, the right choice can be truly inspiring. To pick the right synthesiser or the best drum machine for your needs, use this guide to understand the most important buying criteria.

Synthesisers for beginners or professionals: what criteria should you consider?

As noted on pro-synthe.fr, there are a few essential points to consider when choosing a good synthesiser. The best choice depends on who will be playing it. If you’re a beginner, here are a few criteria to watch for. The keyboard: a long keyboard with lots of keys can feel more complicated at first, so starting with a model with up to 37 keys is a solid option. Beyond the keyboard, it’s worth choosing a synth with a USB port, MIDI jacks, a microphone input, and a headphone output. A responsive touchscreen can also make it more comfortable and practical to use.

On top of that, check the polyphony, analogue modelling, master keyboard functions, the sequencer, and features such as the arpeggiator, vocoder, and oscillators to make sure the instrument fits a beginner’s needs. When you’re choosing a synthesiser for a professional, however, certain details make all the difference.

If you’re looking for a synthesiser as a hobbyist, it’s crucial to pay attention to the synth’s timbre. A broad palette of tones opens up more orchestration options, fuelling creativity and making a performance or event more engaging. The synth’s effects are also key. A good synthesiser should let the performer or musician add external effects on top of the ones already built in.

Our tips for choosing the right drum machine

Choosing a drum machine comes down to three main criteria: features, the display, and connectivity. A unit with plenty of useful functions will generally be more capable. For that reason, it’s best to prioritise a drum machine with a sequencer, a wide selection of sounds, an effects bank, and other practical features. You’ll find plenty of models that match this criterion on this page. As for the display, it helps if it uses modern, up-to-date technology. Newer devices tend to fit today’s workflows better, which usually makes them easier to use.

Finally, for a drum machine to really stand out, it needs to be well equipped. Beyond the criteria above, be sure to consider the unit’s size and weight if you plan to take it on the go. A synthesiser or drum machine chosen with these points in mind is far more likely to be the right fit for your needs.

For a touching, feel-good story, check out how a simple record player helped me truly feel the music and get through a difficult time.