By the Zonagirante.com team @spinning zone
Cover art by Zonagirante Studio
Do you remember when electronic musical instruments were big, bulky, and expensive? Well, This era brings us different novelties, gadgets with which you can make music anywhere (even on the train or bus) and with very particular sound characteristics, with which the resonant textures of the songs to come are renewed. The following lines will be dedicated to describing synthesizers that cost only tens of dollars and that can change the perspective you intend for your music.
Korg Volca
The Korg Volca They are a series of compact and affordable synthesizers that have gained popularity for their analog and digital sound, portability, and ease of use. Designed for musicians and producers looking for affordable yet powerful equipment, each model in the series is focused on a specific type of synthesis or sound.
Among the most prominent are:
Volca Keys: Polyphonic analog synthesizer with three voices, 16-step sequencer, and delay effects. Ideal for atmospheric leads and pads.
Volca Bass: Analog monophonic synthesizer focused on thick and powerful bass lines, with three oscillators and an aggressive resonant filter.
Volca Beats: Analog drum machine with classic drum sounds and an intuitive sequencer.
Volca Drum: Digital percussion synthesizer with sound modeling and extensive editing capabilities.
Volca FM: 6-operator FM digital synthesizer compatible with Yamaha DX7 patches.
Volca Modular: Semi-modular synthesizer based on West Coast synthesis, ideal for sound experimentation.
Volca Sample: Compact sampler with 16-step sequencer, allowing real-time sound manipulation.
All feature rechargeable battery or adapter power, and a sync output for connecting to other devices. and a hands-on approach that encourages experimentation.
Kastle V1.5
The Kastle V1.5 is an ultra-portable modular synthesizer from Bastl Instruments., designed for sound experimentation and modular synthesis in an accessible and compact format. It works with a digital lo-fi synthesis engine based on phase modulation oscillators and granular synthesis, This allows him to generate a wide variety of sound textures, from atmospheric drones to glitches and abstract percussion.
This synthesizer is semi-modular and does not require a Eurorack system to function., since it has an integrated patch matrix using jumper cables. This allows for great flexibility in the interconnection of its internal modules, including LFOs, envelopes, and noise controls.
The Kastle V1.5 operates with three selectable synthesis modes (phase modulation, timbre modulation, and noise) and can be powered by batteries or via a micro USB port. Despite its small size, It is a powerful tool for sound experimentation and integrates well with other modular systems.
It's an ideal option for musicians and sound designers looking for an affordable, portable synthesizer with an experimental focus., providing a unique experience in the exploration of digital synthesis with a DIY design and a distinctive aesthetic.
Teenage Engineering PO-Series
The Teenage Engineering PO-Series is a line of portable and affordable synthesizers, known as Pocket Operators. These compact devices offer a wide variety of sounds and functionalities in a minimalist, calculator-like format, with an animated LCD screen and accessible buttons for programming rhythms and melodies.
Each model in the series is designed for a specific function. For example, the PO-12 Rhythm focuses on percussion and electronic drums, the PO-20 Arcade offers sounds inspired by retro video games, and the PO-33 KO! allows for recording and manipulating samples. Other models, such as the PO-35 Speak, process the voice with synthesis effects.
The Pocket Operators They include a built-in sequencer, live performance effects, and the ability to sync with other devices, such as DAWs or modular hardware.. They run on AAA batteries and have a built-in speaker, although they can be connected to larger sound systems via their audio output.
They are ideal for musicians and producers looking for a portable and fun tool for music creation. Their affordable price and distinctive sound have made them a popular choice for both beginners and professionals.
IK Multimedia UNO Synth
The IK Multimedia UNO Synth It is a compact and affordable monophonic analog synthesizer, designed to deliver powerful sound in a portable format. Developed in collaboration with Soundmachines, it features a real analog synthesis engine that includes two oscillators with waveform modulation, a multimode filter (low-pass, high-pass and band-pass) and a dedicated envelope for filter and amplitude.
This synthesizer stands out for its ease of use Thanks to its intuitive touch interface, which allows you to control parameters such as LFO, arpeggio and effects in real time. Its 16-step sequencer and ability to store up to 100 presets make it a versatile tool for both studio and live performances.
The UNO Synth is powered by USB or batteries, making it highly portable. In addition, it features MIDI connectivity via both USB and DIN, allowing integration with other synthesizers and DAWs. Its warm and aggressive sound, combined with effects like overdrive and delay, makes it an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable analog synthesizer with a distinctive character., Ideal for genres like techno, house, and synthwave.
