The world of electronic music won’t be complete without the low-end power from bass synthesizers.
Low-frequency tones from bass guitars are irreplaceable, but technology has evolved to produce massive, real, and easily filtered or modulated lower frequency tones.
Bass synthesizers make sure music has its personality through manipulating and extensively shaping the sound that each producer wants to achieve.
I have come up with various bass synths to produce various tracks, and I found the Novation Bass Station II to be the best when it comes to giving the howl and growl electronically.
The Novation Bass Station II has the best sound sculpting tools that allow producers to micro tune every sound for the music that you want.
I know all these features won’t fit everyone’s liking, so I have come up with other bass synths that are the best at their respective fields, so you discern which bass synth is the best for you.
Keep reading to find out if the best bass synths are true to their claim and if they deliver the best low tunes for different music genres.
Contents
Here are the best bass synthesizers
- Novation Bass Station II – Best Overall
- Korg Monologue Analog Synthesizer – Best for Beginners who want Acid Bass Lines
- Moog Subsequent 25 – Best for Smooth Bass Tones
- Arturia MiniBrute 2S – Best for its Immediate Sequencer
- Moog Minitaur – Best for Vintage Sounds
- Behringer Crave – Best Sound Quality for a Single Oscillator
- Moog Subsequent 37 – Best for Playing Dual Notes
- Korg MS-20 FS – Best for Classic Sound Creation
- Roland TB-03 – Best for Acid Bass Sounds
- Behringer TD-3-TG – Best Programmability
Also Great | Editor's Choice | Budget Pick |
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Novation Bass Station II
Great things come in small packages, and that specifically holds with the Novation Bass Station II that lures musicians and producers to having beastly bass tunes with its compact body.
For its size, this bass synth is a digitally controlled analog mono with a highly tweakable performance –that is, its howls and growls can be changed easily from one octave to another.
Novation Bass Station II has a fat sub-oscillator and a top notch filter section so producing lead sounds is such an easy feat for a mono bass synth.
Soundscuplting is second nature to Novation Bass Station II because its microtuning, sub-oscillator tuning, and portamento additions work efficiently.
What makes this stand out is that it is primed to produce heavy bass tunes with its two main oscillators for punchier tones and a sub-oscillator that supplies the other end.
Another edge of this bass synth from its competitors is how it has a built-in arpeggiator with up to 32 different patterns and a step sequencer so you can play your patterns.
Pros
- Compact design for all its features
- Has an AFX mode
- Built-in arpeggiator and step-sequencer
Cons
- Noticeable ground loop noise
Korg Monologue Analog Synthesizer
Korg has been a reputable brand when it comes to music production, and the Monologue Analog Synthesizer is a crowd favorite for a reason.
This bass synth has a vibrant personality with a strong engine because it uses updated voicing with a 2-pole VCF.
If you are into creating your acid-style basslines, the Korg Monologue Analog Synth has a strong 16-step sequencer that is easy to use for up to 100 of your own presets.
Pitch control is crisp and it sounds very fine to whatever preset you want to have.
This bass synth also comes with slim keys that are comfortable to use and are easy for various synth techniques.
Korg Monologue Analog Synthesizer is perfect for beginners, especially that it is easy to set up and that its sequencer is easy to program.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Great for acid-style bass lines
- Comfortable slim keys
Cons
- Can sometimes go out of tune if moved
Moog Subsequent 25
Beginners and professionals alike talk about Moog when it comes to synthesizers, and the Moog Subsequent 25 is no different when it comes to having the spotlight in sound production.
This bass synth is best for having warm and smooth bass tones that can come with explosive gains.
What I like about the Moog Subsequent 25 is how it has preset options that I can easily use, and it can also be connected to software integration for studio-quality sound production.
This has got to be one of the most basic synths available, but its features never flinch, especially with its powerful headphone amplifier that lets you monitor in real-time.
Even though it has 25 keys, it has a silky key bed, so playability is not a problem and is even more enhanced for its users.
Pros
- Powerful bass tones
- Tons of presets available
- High-powered headphone amplifier
Cons
- Limited keys
Arturia MiniBrute 2S
If you are into having a lot of sonic possibilities in a compact bass synth, the Arturia MiniBrute 2S has a lot in store for you.
Your sonic palette is highly expandable with Arturia MiniBrute 2S because it has mixable waveforms that let you create complex sounds from the saw, triangle, and square waves.
This bass synth lets its sequencer shine because it works fast and fuss-free; it works immediately and it is easy to work on for all tracks.
Arturia MiniBrute 2S has a sequencer that can be modified as to pitch, voltage, envelope, and even the LFO.
I also like how compact this bass synth is, especially with its performance in creating sharp and easily blendable tunes.
Its performance shows how powerful its 2 oscillators are, especially that it allows users for easy waveshaping, mixing, and frequency modulation
Its built-in arpeggiator lets musicians explore and control voltages easily.
Pros
- Compact body for its performance
- Immediate sequencer
- Built-in arppegiator
Cons
- Limited ability to modulate LFO
Moog Minitaur
Searching for the finest bass synth for vintage sound production isn’t that hard because Moor Minitaur is dedicated to producing bass tunes that complement vintage themes.
Moog Minitaur is easy to use and its size gives it an edge among the other table-top bass synths, especially since MIDI and CV control is very convenient for the users.
Beginners will enjoy how all the essential waveform options and sound-shaping tools are in this synth so every creative corner is juiced out for vintage-sounding bass music.
What I like about this table-top bass synth is how the knobs feel lux and premium such that every twist and turn is tight yet smooth.
Together with its cutting-edge knobs and elegant packaging, it would easily show how Moog has poured its efforts into making a dependable table-top synth.
Pros
- Compact table-top synth
- Great vintage sounds
- Easy-access to MIDI and CV controls
Cons
- No presets available
Behringer Crave
Getting into analog synths can be tricky, especially when dealing with table-top ones because it can look intimidating.
The Behringer Crave is perfect if you want to patch sound ideas because it is very user-friendly, and it also pairs easily with other gadgets.
Knowing that it only uses a single oscillator yet it has crisp and high-quality sound production makes the Behringer Crave outshine its competitors.
Another thing that makes the Behringer Crave stand out is how its build is very sturdy; its buttons and knobs are large and solid yet smooth on an operation.
Wiring is also great for this bass synth especially that it comes lengthwise in the modular section.
Pros
- Solid and sturdy build
- Easy to operate and use with other gadgets
- Neat wiring
Cons
- Sequencer usage can be tricky
Moog Subsequent 37
Moog has always outdone themselves with their bass synths, mainly that the Moog Subsequent 37 has power-packed features from its predecessors.
This bass synth has 37 silky key beds with easy playability that opens up to more doors of sonic possibilities.
Moog Subsequent 37 has a duo mode that is very impressive in terms of performance as it operates smoothly when playing different notes.
What I like about using the Moog Subsequent 37 is how it is very responsive and tactile when trying out some tunes, and programming is easy as well.
This enjoyable machine enhances creativity and it is a great investment if you want crystal clear sounds with stable knobs and a solid keyboard.
Pros
- More keys with endless sound possibilities
- Easy programming with very responsive keys
- Smooth duo-mode for playing different notes
Cons
- A bit bulky
Korg MS-20 FS
Korg MS-20 FS is a classic when it comes to producing sound for a variety of music genres.
This versatility of the Korg MS-20 FS makes it one of the best bass synths for effects and for covering music sounds with that of the 80s and 90s.
What I love about this bass synth is how it has 2 filter types that work stunningly with different sound waves.
You can achieve studio-quality sound at home because its external processor just works wonders when you plug in a microphone or a guitar.
The classic design and the sturdy build are just bonuses, but these features ensure that the Korg MS-20 FS can last you a long time for music production.
Pros
- Easily creates vintage music
- Classic design and sturdy build
- Studio-quality sound
Cons
- Takes up space
Roland TB-03
Listening to acid bass sounds is oddly satisfying for some musicians, and you can easily recreate this kind of sound with the Roland TB-03.
The Roland TB-03 produces powerful highs and lows making it the perfect companion for those who love a wide range of sonic opportunities.
I like how this bass synth is easily programmable, and it also instantly syncs to digital audio workstations.
The overall look is very unique, especially in that it has minimal dark hints of its design, plus it comes with a durable metal body.
In addition, the distortion and delay effects are accurate, and they are useful if you are the type to play around with sound frequently.
Pros
- Easily programmable
- Unique and durable metal body
- Great for creating acid bass sounds
Cons
- Delay effect is a bit grainy
Behringer TD-3-TG
Programming music is a hefty task for beginners, but the Behringer TD-3-TG makes it easy because of its powerful programmability.
This bass synth has a 16-step sequencer that is easy to use so you can compose your patterns and tracks easily, with an instant recall at that.
On top of its programmability, users can also add dimension and depth for a more personal and unique sound production as it has accents and slides that are highly accessible.
You can expect nothing but throbbing yet clear sound, with hints of acid bass if you want, from this bass synth as it is perfectly designed to accommodate techno and house music genres.
The overall design is also attractive, especially that it showcases a funky and playful theme and color options.
Pros
- Easily programmable
- Great throbbing sound production and acid bass tunes
- Funky design
Cons
- Distortion effect is a bit tricky
Buying Guide
Bass synthesizers work wonders when it comes to sound and music production.
The digital and techno era has brought upon different styles and features in synthesizers, and it can be a handful to get to know which one will fit your needs.
Here’s a helping hand you can grab on to figure out what to look for in a bass synthesizer.
Budget
One of the things that will hold an artist or a producer down would be the synthesizer budget.
Bass synthesizers are not built the same way, hence there are a lot of brands and models that showcase features that you can enjoy.
Bass synthesizers have a price range that is less than $100 to over $1700.
Basic bass synthesizers can get the job done, with the basic deep notes necessary for the basics.
Those that are over $1500 may have better controls, more functional oscillators, and an expanded sonic palette.
Keyboard Size
Synthesizers come in various keyboard sizes, while some have none at all, depending on their features and their types.
For starters, there are three main keyboard sizes that these synthesizers come in –the full-size, slim, and mini.
The best size is the one that users are comfortable with.
There are a lot of factors that may influence choosing the keyboard size, including hand or finger size, music style, and playing techniques.
In buying a bass synth, consider if the presence of a keyboard is fit for your line for work and if its size is comfortable enough for everyday use.
Table-top synths
Some music producers are better off without having to use the keys, and would rather have fun with all the knobs.
Table-top synths are those that still make great monosynth sounds without the keyboard experience, and may even have a ton more features than that of the analog or digital synth.
In addition, a MIDI keyboard controller can also be plugged in to have more control and have a better.
Analog or Digital Synth
Synths can typically be classified as analog for having free-flowing and analogous signals passing through filters and amps, and digital, where signals are created by ones and zeros.
Digital synths are generally less expensive and they have more polyphones than analog synths.
On top of that, digital synths have more features and parameters compared to analogs.
Analog synths on the other hand, although a bit pricey, produce very clear sound on high notes.
The analog type is also better when it comes to modulation in the audio spectrum and is immune from aliasing.
Another difference you may need to note is that analog synths are not capable of saving presets, so if this feature is important, digital synths allow factor and user presets.
Hybrid synths also exist and this uses digital audio patch sections but has analog filters, and this type has features that have the best of both worlds.
FAQs
How do synthesizers work?
Producers and musicians use digital or analog oscillators in making their sound.
Using these oscillators, they use additive synthesis where sine, square and sawtooth waves are stacked and layered to produce sound.
Sometimes, a series of filters remove frequencies from these sound waves and that is what subtractive synthesis is about.
There are also low-frequency oscillators which are useful for producing tremolo since they generate low end signals of around 20 Hz.
Envelope filters manipulate the volume where they control the decay, attack, and release of the audio signal.
Which type of synthesizer is better?
The type of synthesizer that works best for producers, musicians, and audiophiles depends on subjective preferences.
Digital synthesizers are best for those who want to tweak a lot, and those who want to use their own presets so they don’t have to manually adjust the incoming signals.
Analog synthesizers work best if you want clear sounds in either end of the spectrum because it produces clear high notes and is better in modulating sound.
What brands have reliable bass synths?
Brands such as Novation, Moog, and Behringer have been known in the music industry to provide bass synths that are great for their price.
Korg, Roland, and Arturia are also great names for their reputable synthesizers.
How expensive are bass synths?
Bass synths come in a variety of sizes, types, functionality, and features, and these all play a role in their price range.
Overall, the basic bass synths come in as low as $80 and some of the high-end ones with a lot of features can go as high as $1800.
How long do bass synths last before I need to replace them?
Bass synths last a long time, but there are a lot of factors that come into play when it comes to their lifespan.
Factors such as synth-style, handling, and frequency of use influence the lifespan of bass synths.
Great care and proper handling will let you use the bass synth for even up to a decade or more.
Music producers usually replace their bass synths when they want to upgrade and use various features that aren’t usually in the basic synths.
Editor’s Pick
Bass synths work wonders for music production, and they make sounds come to life.
Working on various sounds can be boring, but having the perfect synth to work with can juice out the creativity you have in you, especially with playing-around effects.
The best bass synth is the one that will cater to your preferred type of music genre, accommodate your tuning needs, with a size and price that fits you well.
Bass synths are the best companion a musician can have, and having the perfect one for you can only lead to endless sound possibilities.