In 2023 the hardware synth market is arguably more diverse and accessible than ever before. This issue, we’re putting the best of the best head-to-head as 10 flagship polysynths fight it out in our massive shootout.
We rate hardware instruments from Moog, Novation, Sequential, UDO and more, in order to crown 2023’s top polysynth.
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Interviews
Surgeon – UK techno icon Anthony Child tells us how he translated his live setup into new studio album Crash Recoil
Channel Tres – The LA-based musician on creating his distinctive blend of deep house and hip-hop
Lucinda Chua – The FKA Twigs and Stars of the Lid collaborator on creating her deeply personal debut album
Classic Album – DJ Sprinkles on creating the subversive club classic Midtown 120 Blues
Technique
The Great Polysynth Shootout – It’s Moog v Novation v Sequential and more… 10 flagship polys go head-to-head in our massive group test
Producer’s Guide – Exploring the latest features of Arturia Pigments
Modern drum effect treatments – Compression, EQ, spatial effects and more
Knowledge – What you need to know about auxiliary effects
Reviews
Sequential Trigon-6
Apple Mac mini M2
Noise Engineering Quantus Trajecta
Audient EVO SP8
Donner DMK-25 Pro
Elektron Digitakt 1.5
Longterm test: Torso T-1
& more
Samples
Classic Synth FX – From ramps, downers and impacts to atonal stabs and rhythmic flutters, we’ve all your synthesised ‘ear candy’ moments covered.
Dub Chords – Spaced-out synth stabs, guitar chords and pulsing organs to help you tap into your inner King Tubby or Basic Channel.
Access the FM sample archive: Download the ‘Archive’ packs and get over 18GB of loops, hits and instruments from our back catalogue of high-quality and royalty-free samples. From vintage synths and drum machines to esoteric instruments and FX – think of it as our best of. All the samples you need to create great music!