Best Mono Synthesizers Under 600€

A monophonic synth is probably the first “real” synth a music producer buys. Mainly because of the relatively low prices for mono synths. Most of the time it’s used for bass and lead sounds since it can play only one note at a time.

While their bigger polyphonic siblings can be super expensive, if you go mono you can definitely buy an amazing synth from well-established brands well under 1.000€.

So, let’s see our picks for the best mono synths under 600€.

Behringer Model D

Not a lot to say here. Behringer somehow managed to manufacture a Minimoog Model D and sell it for under 300€. The Model D is a copy of the most iconic mono synthesizer of all time, and it sounds good. So, if you want to have an absolute classic on a budget this is it.

• Analogue signal path (VCO mixer-VCF-VCA)

• 3 VCOs with 5 waveforms

• 24 dB ladder filter with resonance

• High pass / low pass modes

• Analogue LFO with rectangle / triangle waveforms

• Monophonic sound generation with polychain option for up to 16 voices

• Noise generator

• Overdrive circuit

• Semi-modular with 13 patch points

• 49 Control elements for direct access

• Can be used as a full Eurorack synthesiser voice (width: 70 HP)

Dreadbox Typhon

Now if you’re looking for a future classic, the Typhon by the Greek company Dreadbox is one of the best options out there. Dreadbox became world-famous for another mono synth, the Erebus, and in 2020 they released the Typhon. It sounds warm and round, it has a great number of modulation options to get crazy and effects. If you can afford it, get two of them.

• 128 x 64 Display

• 2 Dreadbox VCOs

• Analogue VCAs

• 24 dB Low pass filter

• 12 Digital DSP effects

• 32 Step note sequencer

• 3 Modulators with 4 different modes (LFO, EG, Random, parameter step sequencer) and 14 destinations

• 2 ADSR envelope generators for VCF and VCA

• 256 Presets with import / export function

Novation Bass Station II

Novation’s classic synth that is still on the market since 2013! And there’s a good reason for that. Bass Station is an analog mono that ticks all the boxes for a well-rounded synth. Well, since it’s 2022, it may feel a bit outdated although Novation surprisingly still updates it.

• 25 Velocity sensitive keys with assignable aftertouch

• Two analog filters (Acid and Classic)

• Two oscillators + additional sub-oscillator

• Flexible modulation with 2 envelopes and 2 LFOs

• 64 Presets + 64 user memories

• Patch Dump function

• Pattern-based step sequencer

• Arpeggiator

• Analog effects section

Arturia Minibrute 2 & 2S

The original Minibrute was one of Arturia’s first synthesizers that introduced them in the synth market. Minibrute 2 & 2S are the successors to the OG Minibrute adding a ton of functionality and a patchbay with 48 CV inputs and outputs for endless patching. Alongside they released their first Eurorack cases “Rackbrute 3U & 6U” that connect to the Minibrutes.

The only difference between the two models is that the standard version has keys while the S version has a powerful sequencer, inspired by the Beatstep Pro.

• Analog Synthesizer

• 2 Analog VCO’s:

• VCO1 : Saw + UltraSaw, Square +Pulse width, Triangle + Metalizer. (Waveform mixing)

• VCO2 : Sine, Saw, Square waveforms (three tuning ranges).

• VCO 2>1 Hard Sync, VCO1 linear and exponential FM

• White Noise Generator

• External Audio In

• Steiner Parker filter (12dB per octave); Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, Notch modes.

• 2 LFO’s with Sync: Sine, Tri, Saw, Square, Random, Slew Random

• 1 AD envelope

• Trig, Gate modes

• One shot or Loop

• Attack and Decay times CV controllable

• 1 ADSR envelope

• 48-point CV and Gate patchbay:

• Inputs and Outputs for the voice and sequencer

• Utility modules (inverter, attenuators, VCA)

• 16 velocity and pressure sensitive pads

• 16 encoders

• 64 sequence memories

• Sequence Pitch, Gate, Velocity and Pressure on up to 64 steps

• Alternatively, sequence modulations such as Gates, LFOs, AD Envelopes, ...

• Real-time or step recording modes

• Arpeggiator/Looper

• Save and recall sequence patterns on the fly

Behringer 2600

Another Behringer clone. This time of the infamous Arp 2600, a legendary synthesizer made initially by Arp Instruments which later was bought by Korg. An experimental instrument, with lots of patching capabilities for creating crazy sounds.

• Monophonic

• 3 VCOs with adjustable pulse width

• Oscillator 1 with outputs for sawtooth and pulse

• Oscillators 2 and 3 with switchable oscillator synchronization and outputs for triangle, sawtooth, sine and pulse

• Low-pass filter with resonance and 2 switchable filter characteristics

• Noise generator

• Ring modulator

• Sample & Hold stage

• Preamp and envelope follower for external signals

• Voltage processor

• ADSR envelope

• AR envelope

• Stereo VCA with adjustable panorama

• Mixable reverb effect

• Extensive modulation options for oscillators and filters are possible thanks to a specified signal path and free interconnection of all sections via patch sockets (3.5 mm jack)

Make Noise 0-Coast

The weirdest instrument on this list. 0 – Coast or No – Coast is another semi-modular synth module made by one of the most successful Eurorack module manufacturers, Make Noise. It can be used as a standalone instrument, even without patching since it’s semi-modular, but the fun of this little machine is to play with friends A.K.A. a modular system.

• Compatible with Eurorack Modular Synthesizer signals

• Usable with and without patch cable

• 2-Channels MIDI to CV and MIDI to Gate Converter

• All circuits are voltage controlled

• 13 Sources and 14 targets patchable

• Sync to MIDI Clock

• Dual mode MIDI controlled arpeggiator

• Analog VCO with triangle core

• Transistor based Low Pass Gate (Dynamic)

Korg MS-20 Mini

Another re-issue of a vintage synth. Fortunately, this time by the original creator, Korg. The MS-20 is one of the most influential synthesizers and its Mini version is here to continue its legacy. An unmistakable choice for fat analog bass and aggressive leads.

• 37 Mini keys

• Reproduction of the original analogue circuitry

• Structure: 2VCO / 2 VCA / VCF 2/2 EC / 1 LFO

• Self-oscillating high-pass / low-pass filter with distortion

• External signal processor (ESP)

• Flexible patching system

Moog Minitaur

Always wanted a Moog but you can’t afford one? The Minitaur is one of the cheapest Moogs but as far as sounds goes, it’s not cheap at all. An amazing synth to create bass and sub-bass sounds. With the well-known Moog quality.

• Each function has its own control element

• Two VCOs with sawtooth waves (exactly the original Taurus respectively) and additional square waves

• Mixer for VCO signals

• Moog Ladder Filter delivers authentic Taurus1 and Taurus 3 sounds

• Two ADSR envelope generators in the Minimoog-Style

• LFO controls VCO and VCF - MIDI clock sync

• Minitaur's sound generator can be fully controlled via MIDI

• USB port and a MIDI-DIN plug

• Analogue control inputs for pitch

• Filter volume and gate - allow control through pedals and control voltages (everything from Moogerfooger to modular synthesizer)

• Audio input for processing external audio signals through filter and mixer section