Models

Fairlight CMI

Digital audio workstation

Synthesizer · Australia

The Fairlight CMI (Computer Musical Instrument), introduced in 1979, was one of the first commercial digital sampling workstations. Pairing a sampler with a light-pen computer interface and the influential 'Page R' sequencer, it transformed 1980s pop production despite its very high cost.

Yamaha DX7

Six-operator FM digital synthesizer

Synthesizer · Japan

Yamaha's landmark six-operator FM digital synthesizer, introduced in May 1983.

Korg MS-20

Patchable semi-modular monophonic analog synthesizer

Synthesizer · Japan

The Korg MS-20, released in 1978, is a patchable semi-modular monophonic analog synthesizer with two oscillators and a distinctive dual filter capable of aggressive resonance. Its hands-on patch bay and external signal processor made it a hugely influential and enduring instrument.

Akai MPC

Electronic musical instrument

Synthesizer · Japan

The Akai MPC (MIDI Production Center) is a family of sampler-sequencers, first released in 1988, that combined sampling, drum-pad performance, and sequencing in one unit. Developed with Roger Linn, the MPC became a central tool of hip-hop and electronic production and remains an industry standard.

Yamaha DX1

DX Series FM digital synthesizer

Synthesizer · Japan

A Yamaha DX Series FM digital synthesizer introduced in 1983 and part of the original DX Series lineup discussed in Yamaha's official synth history.

Yamaha CS-80

Flagship CS Series polyphonic analog synthesizer

Synthesizer · Japan

The flagship Yamaha CS Series polyphonic analog synthesizer; Yamaha's official history says it debuted in 1977 with eight-note polyphony.

Yamaha GS-1

Digital keyboard with FM tone generation

Synthesizer · Japan

A Yamaha digital keyboard released in 1981 with FM tone generation and touch-sensitive control.

Yamaha CS6x

Synthesizer from Yamaha

Synthesizer · Japan

The Yamaha CS6x is a sample-based synthesizer from around 2000 combining AWM2 sample playback with virtual-analog-style control and effects, aimed at performers wanting hands-on sound shaping.

Korg MS-10

Musical synthesizer

Synthesizer · Japan

The Korg MS-10, released in 1978, is a compact patchable monophonic analog synthesizer with a single oscillator and Korg's characterful filter. Part of the semi-modular MS series, it offers a small patch bay for routing and remains popular for gritty bass and effects.

EDP Wasp

Analogue music synthesiser

Synthesizer · United Kingdom

The EDP Wasp, released in 1978 by Electronic Dream Plant, is a compact, inexpensive hybrid synthesizer with digital oscillators and an analog filter. Its distinctive black-and-yellow touch keyboard and aggressive sound made it a memorable and influential budget instrument.

ARP Omni

Polyphonic analog synthesizer

Synthesizer · United States

The ARP Omni, released in 1975, is a polyphonic synthesizer that combined a popular string-ensemble section with a polyphonic synth and a bass voice. One of ARP's best-selling instruments, its lush strings were widely used in 1970s pop and rock.

Akai AX60

Analogue synthesizer

Synthesizer · Japan

The Akai AX60, released in 1986, is a six-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer with a slider-based interface that could interface with Akai's samplers, offering warm analog sounds with MIDI control.

Realistic Concertmate MG-1

Synthesizer model

Synthesizer · United States

The Realistic Concertmate MG-1 is an analog synthesizer built by Moog Music and sold through Radio Shack in the early 1980s under its Realistic brand. A consumer-oriented instrument, it offered genuine Moog circuitry—including the Moog filter—at a low price.

Polymoog

Synthesizer model

Synthesizer · United States

The Polymoog, produced from 1975, was Moog's early fully polyphonic synthesizer, using divide-down organ-style circuitry so that every key could sound at once. It offered preset voices and resonant filters, and its distinctive 'Vox Humana' patch became iconic.

Multimoog

Monophonic analog synthesizer

Synthesizer · United States

The Multimoog is a monophonic analog synthesizer Moog introduced in 1978 as a more capable sibling to the Micromoog. It offers two oscillators, a pressure-sensitive keyboard for added expression, and the signature Moog filter.

Moog Source

Digitally controlled analog monophonic synthesizer with patch memory

Synthesizer · United States

The Moog Source, released in 1981, is a monophonic analog synthesizer notable for its flat membrane control panel and for being the first Moog synth with patch memory. It offers two oscillators, the Moog filter, and a built-in sequencer.

Moog Rogue

Monophonic analog synthesizer

Synthesizer · United States

The Moog Rogue is an inexpensive monophonic analog synthesizer released in 1981, with two oscillators and the Moog filter in a small, simple package aimed at beginners and bass duties.

Micromoog

Monophonic analog synthesizer

Synthesizer · United States

The Micromoog is a compact, affordable monophonic analog synthesizer Moog produced from 1975, featuring a single oscillator, the classic Moog ladder filter, and a ribbon controller for expressive pitch effects.

Moog Prodigy

Synthesizer model

Synthesizer · United States

The Moog Prodigy is a compact two-oscillator monophonic analog synthesizer produced from 1979. Designed as an affordable, easy-to-use instrument, its punchy bass and lead sounds and Moog filter made it a popular entry point to the Moog sound.

Memorymoog

1982 polyphonic analog synthesizer

Synthesizer · United States

The Memorymoog, released in 1982, was Moog's most ambitious polyphonic synthesizer, offering six voices each with three oscillators for a huge, lush sound. Powerful but initially troubled by tuning instability, it is now prized as one of the richest-sounding vintage analog polysynths.

Akai SG01v

Sound module model

Synthesizer · Japan

The Akai SG01v is a General MIDI-compatible sound module released in 1995, providing a library of sampled instrument sounds for playback from a MIDI sequencer or controller.