Synthesizers

Vintage King is excited to announce that we will be participating in the 2023 LA SYNTH & PEDAL EXPO! This free event, open to the public, is a must-attend for anyone interested in the world of synths and pedals. The expo will be held at DAF Studios on January 21st and 22nd, from 12-6 pm on Saturday and 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday. Continue reading →

This Halloween, we asked renowned modular synthesist and sound designer Lisa Bella Donna to share her secrets on dialing in spooky synth sounds. Continue reading to learn more about the best synths for sculpting haunting soundscapes, listen to audio examples and download Lisa's exclusive Spooky Synths patchbook for the Moog Grandmother! Check out Lisa's new album, Hypnosis to hear her putting these techniques to use. Continue reading →

First announced at the NAMM Show 2021, Korg's highly-anticipated drumlogue hybrid drum machine ($599) is finally here! Tailor-made for beatmakers and groovebox users, drumlogue utilizes features from Korg’s popular Volca and logue series synths. Continue reading →

Analog synthesizers (and specifically modular synths) are undeniably cool, but some people still shy away from them due to a perception that they’re complicated and expensive. Thankfully, Moog has solved both problems with the new Mavis semi-modular synth kit ($349). Mavis is a genuine analog Moog synth that you put together from pre-assembled components, teaching you the basics of electronics and synthesis while saving you money. When you’re done, you’ve got a powerful little instrument that you can play as a standalone unit or integrate into your modular rig. Follow along as we dig into the surprisingly versatile Moog Mavis! Continue reading →

  Legendary synth manufacturer Oberheim has just announced its most powerful model yet: the OB-X8 ($4999). Combining the classic design and features from the OB series with modern enhancements, this versatile eight-voice analog synth serves up unmistakable Oberheim sounds while giving you the power to create and save hundreds of your own. Let’s dive a little deeper into what the OB-X8 has to offer. Continue reading →

Following the immensely popular reissue of the ARP 2600 semi-modular synthesizer, Korg has taken the same legendary instrument and put it into a smaller, desktop-friendly enclosure—the ARP 2600 M ($$1,899). The M model provides the same iconic sound, familiar layout, lush spring reverb and built-in speakers with a more compact footprint you can keep on your desk or take to a gig.  In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the new ARP 2600 M and walk through all of the features to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your synth collection. Continue reading →

With NAMM's Believe in Music Week less than a few days away, pro audio brands around the world are starting to announce new gear releases. One of the first drops of the NAMM 2021 season comes from Sequential who have just launched the Prophet-5 and Prophet-10 desktop modules. Back in October, Sequential reintroduced the legendary Prophet-5 synthesizer, in addition to a Prophet-10. For the new Prophet-5 ($2499.00) and Prophet-10 ($3299.00) desktop modules, Sequential founder and designer Dave Smith managed to fit the big sound of the full-scale synthesizers into a smaller form factor. Just like the classic version, the Prophet-5 desktop module features five voices while the Prophet-10 has, you guessed it... 10! Continue reading →

With 2021 nearly here, we're concluding our blog wrap-up of the best selling pro audio gear of 2020. You didn't think we would skip synths and pedals, did you? Fear not, filter sweepers and fuzz lords! We've got you covered! While few will reminisce about 2020 with great fondness, one positive to come from this year is an overwhelming amount of new tools for tinkering in the studio. From pedals built in collaboration between companies to synthesizers that revive classic designs, this is the gear that got our customers through the past 365 days. Continue reading →

Looking for a last-minute score before 2020 is over? Something to make the season bright? Elektron has a special offer that will get you an incredible music-making machine AND make carrying it around a little bit easier. When you purchase an Elektron Digitakt or Digitone before January 4th, 2021, you'll receive an ECC-7 Carry Bag for free. Whether you're working on-the-go, headed to a collaborator's studio or getting ready for a live gig, this carrying bag will certainly make it easier to manage and protect all of your important gear. Continue reading →

The dream of FM Synthesis is alive and well with the new Korg opsix Altered FM Synthesizer. The legendary instrument manufacturer is back with a synth that features six FM operators, 64 voices of polyphony, 42 on-board effects, a 16 step sequencer, a virtual patch bay, and much, much more. Before we get into the opsix, let's talk a little about FM Synthesis. FM (short for Frequency Modulation) Synthesis is "additive synthesis," whereas traditional analog synthesizers use "subtractive synthesis." Traditional FM synthesizers utilize a simple starting wave to build up more complex sounds. They often get a bad reputation for being kind of laborious and menu-driven, but the opsix changes that. Continue reading →