BEST OF THE REST…

IK Multimedia UNO Synth

The debut analogue instrument from IK looks ‘budget’, but its sound is anything but. With a raspy, drive-equipped filter, onboard delay, sequencer and arpeggiator, this is a great tool for classic analogue leads and basses. The free software editor expands the capabilities too.

Moog DFAM

Not quite a drum machine, or a standard monosynth, Moog’s dual-oscillator percussion machine could be written off as just an oddity if it didn’t sound fantastic. Whether making atonal beats, punchy bass riffs or glitchy modular grooves, the DFAM is constantly inspiring.

Teenage Engineering OP-Z

A spiritual successor to the cult hit OP-1, Teenage’s latest oddity pairs multiple tracks of synth and percussion with visual sequencing tools, a tape-style sound mangler and excellent punch-in effects. It’s esoteric, but as inspiring and likeable as its older sibling.

Analogue Solutions Treadstone

Analogue Solutions entered the compact synth game this year with their Synth-Blocks series. At £500, Treadstone has stiff competition, but with a Polysix-style SSM 2044 filter, 16-step sequencer and plenty of analogue modulation, there’s a lot in this compact frame.

Dreadbox Erebus 3

This update from the Greek synth brand takes an excellent instrument to the next level. The inner circuitry remains the same as the warm, lush-sounding Erebus 2, but the extra, wide-ranging oscillator and flexible patch bay opens endless new sound design avenues.