Category: Synthesizer Manufacturers

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Synthesizer Manufacturers

Ensoniq

Ensoniq was an American electronic musical instrument manufacturer, founded in 1985 by former employees of the Commodore Corporation. The company was known for producing a wide range of electronic keyboards and synthesizers.

In 1985, Ensoniq released their first synthesizer, the ESQ-1, a digital synthesizer and sequencer known for its realistic instrument sounds and advanced sequencing capabilities. The same year they also released the Mirage, a sampler known for its high-quality sound and affordable price.

In 1986, Ensoniq released the VFX, a digital synthesizer and music workstation, known for its advanced synthesis capabilities and wide range of sounds. This was followed by the SQ-80, a digital synthesizer and music workstation, in 1988.

In the early 1990s, Ensoniq released a number of advanced digital samplers and music workstations such as the ASR-10 in 1992, known for its advanced sampling and sequencing capabilities and wide range of sounds, and the TS-10 in 1993, known for its realistic instrument sounds and advanced synthesis capabilities.

In 1996, Ensoniq released the TS-12, a digital synthesizer and music workstation, known for its advanced synthesis capabilities, wide range of sounds, and user-friendly interface.

In 1997, Ensoniq released the DP/4, a digital signal processor, known for its advanced effects processing capabilities and ease of use.

In 1998, Ensoniq was purchased by Creative Technology, a Singapore-based company, and the Ensoniq brand was eventually phased out. The technology, design and expertise of the Ensoniq team were integrated into the parent company and many of the features of Ensoniq products were incorporated into the new products of Creative Technology.

Throughout its history, Ensoniq was known for producing high-quality, innovative electronic musical instruments with advanced synthesis capabilities, realistic instrument sounds, and user-friendly interfaces. The company’s products were widely used by professional musicians and music producers in a wide range of genres, from electronic to rock, to pop and jazz.

Important Models:

  1. Ensoniq ESQ-1: A digital synthesizer and sequencer released in 1985, known for its realistic instrument sounds and advanced sequencing capabilities.
  2. Ensoniq Mirage: A sampler released in 1985, known for its high-quality sound and affordable price.
  3. Ensoniq VFX: A digital synthesizer and music workstation released in 1986, known for its advanced synthesis capabilities and wide range of sounds.
  4. Ensoniq SQ-80: A digital synthesizer and music workstation released in 1988, known for its advanced synthesis capabilities and wide range of sounds.
  5. Ensoniq ASR-10: A digital sampler and music workstation released in 1992, known for its advanced sampling and sequencing capabilities, and wide range of sounds.
  6. Ensoniq TS-10: A digital synthesizer and music workstation released in 1993, known for its realistic instrument sounds and advanced synthesis capabilities.
  7. Ensoniq TS-12: A digital synthesizer and music workstation released in 1996, known for its advanced synthesis capabilities, wide range of sounds, and user-friendly interface.
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Synthesizer Manufacturers

Korg

Korg is a Japanese company that was founded in 1962 by Tsutomu Katoh and Tadashi Osanai. The company began as a manufacturer of electronic tuners for guitars and other instruments, but quickly expanded into other areas of the music industry.

In the 1970s, Korg began to develop and produce synthesizers. Their first synthesizer was the Korg 700, released in 1973, which was an analog synthesizer that used a voltage-controlled oscillator.

In 1978, Korg released the MS-20 (pictured), a semi-modular analog synthesizer that was known for its distinctive sound and versatility. The MS-20 quickly became a popular choice among musicians, and was used by a wide range of artists, from pop and rock to electronic and experimental.

In 1985, Korg released the DW-8000, a digital synthesizer that combined wavetable and frequency modulation synthesis. The DW-8000 was known for its unique synthesis method and its ability to produce a wide range of sounds.

In 1988, Korg released the M1, a digital synthesizer that was known for its realistic instrument sounds and ease of use. The M1 became one of the best-selling synthesizers of all time and was used by a wide range of musicians, from pop and rock to electronic and film music.

In the 1990s, Korg continued to produce a wide range of synthesizers, including the T-series, Z-series, and Trinity. The T-series, introduced in 1991, was a line of workstation synthesizers that combined synthesis, sequencing, and sampling capabilities. The Z-series, introduced in 1995, was a line of synthesizers that featured powerful synthesis and sampling capabilities. The Trinity, introduced in 1995, was a flagship workstation synthesizer that featured advanced synthesis and sequencing capabilities.

In 1999, Korg released the Triton, a workstation synthesizer that was known for its advanced synthesis capabilities, wide range of sounds, and user-friendly interface. The Triton was used by a wide range of musicians, from pop and rock to electronic and film music.

In 2002, Korg released the MicroKorg, a compact synthesizer and vocoder that was known for its portability and versatility. The MicroKorg quickly became a popular choice among musicians and was used in a wide range of musical genres.

In 2011, Korg released the Kronos, a flagship workstation synthesizer that featured advanced synthesis and sequencing capabilities, a wide range of sounds, and a user-friendly interface.

In recent years, Korg has continued to produce a wide range of synthesizers, such as the Minilogue, Monologue and the Volca series, which are portable, affordable and easy-to-use.

Throughout its history, Korg has been known for producing high-quality synthesizers that are used by a wide range of musicians. The company has also been recognized for its innovation and commitment to quality and reliability.

Important Korg Models:

  1. Korg MS-20: A semi-modular analog synthesizer first released in 1978, known for its distinctive sound and versatility.
  2. Korg DW-8000: A digital synthesizer released in 1985, known for its unique synthesis method that combined wavetable and frequency modulation synthesis.
  3. Korg M1: A digital synthesizer released in 1988, known for its realistic instrument sounds and ease of use.
  4. Korg Triton: A workstation synthesizer released in 1999, known for its advanced synthesis capabilities and wide range of sounds.
  5. Korg MicroKorg: A compact synthesizer and vocoder released in 2002, known for its portability and versatility.
  6. Korg Kronos: A flagship workstation synthesizer released in 2011, known for its advanced synthesis capabilities, wide range of sounds and user-friendly interface.
  7. Korg Minilogue: A polyphonic analog synthesizer first released in 2016, known for its affordable price and warm, vintage sound.
  8. Korg Monologue: A monophonic analog synthesizer released in 2016, known for its compact size, affordability, and powerful sound.
  9. Korg Volca series: A line of portable, affordable and easy-to-use synthesizers, drum machines and grooveboxes released in 2012, known for their retro-style sound and design.
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Synthesizer Manufacturers

Dave Smith Instruments (DSI)

Dave Smith Instruments (DSI) is an American company that was founded in 2002 by Dave Smith, a musician and engineer who is widely considered to be one of the pioneers of electronic music. The company is known for its innovative digital synthesizers and drum machines.

Dave Smith has a long history in the field of electronic music, dating back to the 1970s when he was a co-founder of Sequential Circuits, a company that produced some of the first polyphonic synthesizers, including the Prophet-5, which is considered to be one of the most iconic synthesizers of all time.

In 2002, Dave Smith founded Dave Smith Instruments and released the Evolver, a digital synthesizer that combined the warmth and expressiveness of analog synthesis with the precision and versatility of digital synthesis. The Evolver was an instant success and it quickly became popular among electronic musicians and producers for its powerful sound and innovative features.

In the following years, DSI released several other synthesizers such as the Prophet ’08, the Mopho, and the Tempest, a drum machine. DSI also developed a range of other music production tools, including the Poly Evolver Keyboard, the Prophet ’12, the Prophet Rev2 and the Prophet X.

In 2017, DSI was acquired by inMusic Brands and continues to release new and innovative products that blend the vintage sounds of classic analog synthesizers with modern technology. Dave Smith continues to be involved in the company, and it still carries his name, ensuring the continuity of the company’s reputation for building high-quality, innovative and powerful instruments.

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Synthesizer Manufacturers

Clavia (and Nord)

Clavia is a Swedish company that was founded in 1983 by Hans Nordelius, a musician and engineer. The company is known for its digital synthesizers, specifically the Nord series.

The first Clavia synthesizer was the Clavia C1, a monophonic synthesizer that was released in 1983. The C1 was followed by the Clavia C2, a dual-voice synthesizer, in 1984. These early synthesizers were based on the concept of wavetable synthesis, which was a new and innovative method of sound synthesis at the time.

In 1995, Clavia released the Nord Lead, which was the company’s first virtual analog synthesizer. The Nord Lead was a major success, and it quickly became popular among electronic musicians and producers for its warm and powerful sound.

In the following years, Clavia continued to develop and release new versions of the Nord Lead, including the Nord Lead 2, the Nord Lead 3, and the Nord Lead 4. They also developed a range of other digital synthesizers, including the Nord Modular, the Nord Electro, and the Nord Stage.

In 2018, Clavia released the Nord Wave 2, a powerful wavetable synthesizer that combines the wavetable synthesis of the original Nord Wave with the virtual analog synthesis of the Nord Lead.

Clavia is considered as one of the leading companies in the field of digital synthesizers and is known for their high-quality sounds, powerful features and durability of their products. The company has a reputation for building high-quality instruments that are well-suited for both live performance and studio work, and it continues to be a popular choice among electronic musicians and producers.

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Synthesizer Manufacturers

Access Music

Access Music is a German company that was founded in 1997 by a group of engineers and musicians. They are known for their virtual analog synthesizers, specifically the Virus series. The company’s flagship synthesizer, the Virus TI, was first introduced in 2005, and since then it has become one of the most popular synthesizers in the industry.

Access Music started as a software company, developing software synthesizers for the PC and Mac. Their first product was a software synthesizer called the “Virus” which was released in 1997. The Virus was notable for its unique sound engine that combined the warmth of analog with the precision of digital, and it quickly became a hit among electronic musicians.

In the following years, Access Music continued to develop and improve the Virus software synthesizer, releasing several updates and new versions. They also developed several other software synthesizers and virtual instruments.

In 2005, Access Music introduced the Virus TI, their first hardware synthesizer. This was a major step for the company, and the Virus TI was an instant success. It was a powerful and versatile synthesizer that was capable of producing a wide range of sounds and was well-suited for both live performance and studio work.

Since then, Access Music has continued to develop and improve the Virus TI, releasing several new versions and updates. They also introduced a compact version of the Virus TI called the Virus TI2 and also a desktop version called the Virus TI Snow.

Access Music has been praised for its innovative and high-quality synthesizers and has established a reputation as a leading manufacturer of virtual analog synthesizers. They continue to be a popular choice among electronic musicians and producers for their powerful sound engines and versatile capabilities.

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Synthesizer Manufacturers

Yamaha

Yamaha is a Japanese multinational corporation that has been involved in the design and manufacture of synthesizers for over four decades. The company’s first synthesizer, the Yamaha GX-1, was released in 1973. Since then, Yamaha has produced a wide range of synthesizers, from early analog models to modern digital instruments, and has become one of the most well-known and respected manufacturers of synthesizers in the world.

Yamaha’s first synthesizer, the GX-1, was released in 1973 and was considered to be one of the most advanced and powerful synthesizers of its time. The GX-1 featured a massive array of oscillators, filters, and other sound-generating and processing modules, and it was capable of producing a wide range of sounds. The GX-1 was used by a number of notable musicians, including Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Rick Wakeman of Yes.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Yamaha released a series of affordable and portable synthesizers, such as the CS-series and the DX-series. The CS-series, like the CS-80, was a polyphonic synthesizer that featured a unique playing interface and was capable of producing a wide range of sounds. The DX-series, like the DX7, was a digital synthesizer that used frequency modulation (FM) synthesis, which was a new technique that allowed for the creation of complex and dynamic sounds. The DX7 was a commercial success and was widely used in pop, rock, and electronic music.

In the 1990s, Yamaha continued to release new synthesizers, including the SY-series and the AN-series. The SY-series, like the SY99, was a digital synthesizer that used advanced synthesis techniques and was widely used by professional musicians and composers. The AN-series, like the AN1x, was an analog-modeling synthesizer that used digital signal processing to emulate the sound of classic analog synthesizers.

In the 21st century, Yamaha has released a number of new synthesizers, including the Motif series, the Montage series, and the MODX series. The Motif series, like the Motif XF, was a powerful workstation synthesizer that featured a wide range of sounds and advanced performance features. The Montage series, like the Montage 8, was a flagship synthesizer that featured advanced sound generation and processing capabilities, as well as a wide range of performance features. The MODX series, like the MODX8, is a lightweight, portable and powerful synthesizer that offers a wide range of sound and performance features.

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Synthesizer Manufacturers

Akai

For over 80 years, the Japanese company Akai has been a significant force in the music business. Masukichi Akai established the business in 1929 as a producer of electrical machinery and appliances. But Akai started to establish itself in the realm of musical instruments in the 1970s.

In the 1970s, Akai made its first push into the music industry by introducing its reel-to-reel tape decks. Due to their sturdy construction and excellent sound, these decks were favored by producers and musicians. But what made the company famous was the release of the Akai MPC (MIDI Production Center) in 1988. The MPC was a ground-breaking instrument that merged a sequencer, sampler, and drum machine into one device. This ground-breaking tool immediately became a requirement for hip-hop artists, and electronic music producers still rely on it today.

Akai unveiled a number of additional innovative instruments in the early 1990s, including the Akai S1000 and S3000 samplers, which many musicians and producers extensively used. These samplers were used on numerous successful records throughout the decade because of their well-known high-quality sound and sample manipulation capabilities.

Additionally, Akai had a significant position in the home audio and video market; the business produced TVs, DVD players, and VCRs. With a wide range of products like digital audio workstations, audio interfaces, and studio monitors, it also had a significant position in the professional audio market.

The Akai MPC Renaissance and MPC Studio are only two of the innovative instruments and gadgets that Akai released during the 2000s. However, the business found it difficult to keep up with the music industry’s rapid developments, and in 2012 it declared bankruptcy.

The MPC X, MPC Live, and MPC One are just a few new products and instruments that Akai Professional, a division of inMusic Brands, Inc., continues to release. It is still regarded as a top brand in the music industry. The heritage of Akai is carried on by its extensive line of products, which are still in high demand among producers and musicians worldwide. The business is still well renowned for its cutting-edge instruments that push the limits of what is conceivable in music production.

Important models

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Synthesizer Manufacturers

Roland Synthesizers

Roland Corporation is a Japanese company that is renowned for producing some of the most innovative and influential synthesizers in the history of electronic music. The company was founded in 1972 by Ikutaro Kakehashi and is headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan.

Roland’s first synthesizer, the SH-1000, was released in 1973. This monophonic synthesizer was designed for home use and was relatively affordable, making it accessible to a wider range of musicians. The SH-1000 was followed by the SH-2000 in 1974, a more advanced and powerful version of the original.

In 1978, Roland released the SH-09, which was the company’s first modular synthesizer. This instrument was highly configurable and allowed musicians to create a wide range of sounds using a variety of different modules.

In 1980 Roland released the Roland Jupiter-8, this was a polyphonic synthesizer that was widely used by many musicians and bands of the era. It’s known for its versatility and powerful sound, and it was used on a number of hit records, including Michael Jackson‘s “Thriller” and David Bowie‘s “Let’s Dance.”

In 1984, Roland released the Roland D-50 Linear Synthesizer, it was one of the first synthesizers to utilize digital samples, which allowed it to create more realistic sounds, such as piano, guitar, and drums. This synthesizer was widely used in the 80s and 90s and was popular in genres like pop, rock, and new age music.

In 1999, Roland released the Roland V-Synth, it was a digital synthesizer that featured a combination of wavetable synthesis, sample-based synthesis, and virtual analog synthesis. This synthesizer was widely used in electronic and dance music, and it was a popular choice among DJs and electronic music producers.

Roland also has a range of other synthesizers in their catalog like the Roland SH-101, Roland SH-5, Roland SH-7, Roland SH-3A, Roland SH-2, Roland SH-09, Roland SH-1000 and many more.

In recent years, Roland has continued to innovate and push the boundaries of synthesis technology with the release of new instruments such as the Roland FA-08 and the Roland Integra-7.

In conclusion, Roland has a long and storied history in the world of electronic music. The company’s synthesizers have been used by musicians and producers in a wide range of genres and have played a significant role in shaping the sound of popular music. From the early monophonic synthesizers like the SH-1000 to the advanced digital synthesizers like the V-Synth, Roland has consistently been at the forefront of synthesis technology, and continues to be a major player in the world of electronic music.

Important models

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Synthesizer Manufacturers

Moog Synthesizers

The Moog synthesizer, also known as the Moog synth, is a type of electronic music synthesizer that was first developed by Robert Moog in the 1960s. Voltage-controlled synthesis, which allowed for precise sound control by modulating the voltage of electronic signals, was the foundation of Moog’s early synthesizers.

The Moog Modular Synthesizer, the original Moog synthesizer, was created in 1964. It was a modular system made up of separate modules that could be combined to produce a variety of sounds. This system quickly gained popularity among experimental and electronic musicians because it gave the user a great deal of control and flexibility over the sound.

The Minimoog, a more compact and portable variation of the Moog Modular Synthesizer, was introduced by Moog in 1970. A built-in keyboard and a more user-friendly control scheme were included in the Minimoog’s design. Rock, pop, and electronic music were among the many musical genres that used the Minimoog, which quickly gained popularity among musicians.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Moog synthesizer’s recognition grew, and many well-known musicians, including Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman, Jan Hammer, and Giorgio Moroder, used it. Many legendary recordings, including “Walking on the Moon” by The Police, “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder, “Space Oddity” by David Bowie, and “Hot Butter” by Popcorn, also featured the use of Moog synthesizers.

The Polymoog, the Prodigy, and the Source are just a few of the new synthesizer models Moog released in the late 1970s and early 1980s. These new models were created to be more reasonably priced and available to more types of musicians.

The Moog synthesizer’s appeal started to wane as digital synthesizers and samplers increased in the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, Moog continued to produce new synthesizer models, such as the 2002 release of the Moog Voyager. Moog synthesizers are still regarded as some of the most coveted and esteemed musical instruments in the contemporary electronic music scene.

The classic Moog synthesizers are still widely used by musicians today. Moog has also kept up its innovative streak, introducing fresh synthesizer models and adding modern features to vintage models. The business is still operating today and keeps on creating new synthesizers and electronic musical instruments.

In conclusion, Robert Moog invented the Moog synthesizer, an electronic music instrument, in the 1960s. Its foundation was the idea of voltage-controlled synthesis, which made it possible to precisely control sound by varying the voltage of electronic signals. The Minimoog, a smaller, more portable version of the Moog Modular Synthesizer, quickly gained popularity among musicians of various genres. Moog’s early synthesizers were popular among experimental and electronic musicians. Even today, many people still use Moog synthesizers, and the company is still going strong, creating new synths and other electronic musical instruments.

Important Models

  • Moog Modular: The original Moog synthesizer, was created in 1964. It was a modular system made up of separate modules that could be combined to produce a variety of sounds.
  • Moog Minimoog: A monophonic analog synthesizer released in 1970, known for its portability and warm, rich sound.
  • Moog Taurus: A pedal-controlled analog synthesizer released in 1975, known for its bass and lead sounds.
  • Moog Prodigy: A compact, affordable analog synthesizer released in 1979, known for its powerful sound and ease of use.
  • Moog Memorymoog: A polyphonic analog synthesizer released in 1982, known for its advanced synthesis capabilities and wide range of sounds.
  • Moog Source: A compact, affordable analog synthesizer released in 1981, known for its powerful sound and ease of use.
  • Moog Voyager: A flagship, monophonic and polyphonic analog synthesizer released in 2002, known for its advanced synthesis capabilities and wide range of sounds.
  • Moog Sub 37: A monophonic analog synthesizer released in 2013, known for its powerful sound, portability and easy-to-use interface.
  • Moog Matriarch: A semi-modular, 4-note paraphonic analog synthesizer released in 2019, known for its advanced synthesis capabilities, wide range of sounds and user-friendly interface.