Some synthesizers just hit different. Here are five of the most unique-sounding synths, the ones you reach for when you need an instrument that absolutely can’t sound like anything else.
The Most Unique-Sounding Synths
Most Unique-Sounding Synths
Companies have been developing and commercially releasing synthesizers for more than 60 years now. In that time, we’ve covered pretty much all the angles, from analog (and analog modeling) to FM, physical modeling and sample-based synthesis. And yet some synths still manage to sound like nothing else out there.
Today, let’s celebrate these mavericks of the music world. These are five of the most unique-sounding synths on the market today.
Most Unique-Sounding Synths: KORG phase8
Let’s start with phase8 from KORG. This unique synth, which came out of the R&D hothouse that is KORG Berlin, subverts expectations by creating sound electromechanically. That is, by vibrating metal to generate harmonics. Think of a Wurlitzer or kalimba but with a sequencer.
Of course, phase8 is a little more synthy than that. You can play notes via buttons (or MIDI keyboard controller), affect sound with an envelope generator, and even adjust the character of the sound by amplifying the pickup. Things get even more interesting when you begin interfering with sound generation by changing out the tines and placing things on top of them like a John Cage prepared piano.
phase8 won’t be for everyone. Like a piano, if you don’t immediately love the sound it makes, there isn’t much more that you can do. But if you like metallic sounds or want to explore new types of synthesis, there’s nothing else like it available.
Most Unique-Sounding Synths: Suzuki Omnichord OM-108
When you think of the most unique-sounding synths, you probably imagine something experimental and noisy, like the Make Noise Strega. We’ll get to that in a minute, but first I want to talk about the Omnichord OM-108, Suzuki’s brilliant modern take on the electronic autoharp.
Sort of like a classic Casio keyboard reformed in a teardrop shape, the Omnichord lets you play full chords just by pressing buttons. In fact, it can handle up to 108 different kinds, including sus4 and add9 types. But we’re here today to talk about sound, and in that sense, the Omnichord sounds like an Omnichord. Analog, and with tones both classic and new, it’s a beautiful-sounding instrument. And then there’s the strumplate, which will generate patterns unlike anything else.
Cute, clever and very Japanese, the Omnichord is a real delight.
Most Unique-Sounding Synths: Gamechanger Audio Motor Synth MKII
If ever there were an instrument perfect for a listicle called 5 of the Most Unique-Sounding Synths, it’s this one. Motor Synth MKII from Gamechanger Audio fits the bill perfectly because it uses actual motors to generate sound. The eight brushless electro-motors spin at rates that create musical notes via attached optical discs that are read by infrared sensors.
Motor Synth MKII isn’t only motors, though. There’s a third digital voice for fleshing out the sound, analog multimode filters, and amp and pitch envelopes. There’s also an arpeggiator, sequencer, and motion recording engines, plus an external in for vocoder, gate, sidechain and filter processing.
Want traditional synth sounds with an edge? Get Motoring.
Most Unique-Sounding Synths: Make Noise Strega
I promised we’d talk about Strega, and here it is. The experimental device from Make Noise definitely qualifies as one of the most unique-sounding synths, and here’s why:
Think of it as a combination drone synth and delay. You can generate drones with the oscillator, process it with the delay and filter, or skip the sound generation altogether and use it as an effects processor. However you choose to use it, Strega will provide out-there textures and unexpected sounds in a very witchy way.
Strega was made in collaboration with Alessando Cortini of Nine Inch Nails, and his organically alchemical influence is all over it. Want to make some noise? Start here.
Most Unique-Sounding Synths: SOMA Lyra-8
Staying in the same weird vein, my last recommendation is Lyra-8 from SOMA. With its eight paired voices, frequency modulation, complex low-frequency generator, and Mod Delay and Distortion, it’s capable of some pretty wild sounds that veer closer to that of an old organ than your typical analog synthesizer.
Beyond the sound generation capabilities, Lyra-8 also offers an unusual playing surface. Rather than having keyboard keys, it gives you capacitive buttons to trigger sounds. Much like a drone synth, you can tune the different voicings against each other for complex harmonies. Hit the Hold button to enter full-on drone territory, or play the various parameters for a more musical performance. However you approach it, the sounds you end up with will be unique precisely because they came out of your interactions with the instrument.
Lyra-8 is available in a few different colors and finishes, including the limited-edition Rust Edition. SOMA can also hand-paint one for you if you ask nicely.
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