10 Analog Synthesizers Recommended for Synth Bass!

The unique and fat low-frequency synth bass sound is known to be used in many funk, soul, and dance music.

Michael Jackson “Man In The Mirror”

Bruno Mars “24K Magic”

Recently, the distinctive synth bass sound has been used liberally by many bands who are influenced by electro dance music so they can achieve a wider sound. I think that the synth bass is attracting more and more attention and many people are now interested in it because it creates sounds that electric bass alone cannot express and the performance looks attractive. Recently, KORG released a minilogue model aimed at bassists called the ‘minilogue bass’ that is available in limited quantities.

Sakanaction “Yoru no Odoriko”

King Gnu “Hakujitsu”

Official Hige Dandism “I LOVE...”

KORG / minilogue bass Analog Synthesizer

This time, I would like to introduce some analog synthesizers that are recommended for synth bass for bassists and those who are looking to start playing an instrument.

NOVATION / Bass Station II

NOVATION’s newest bass synthesizer model is this Bass Station II! This is a long best-seller that was first released in 2013 as a brushed-up version of the original Bass Station that was released in 1994. You may often find it in YouTube videos of synth bass performances.
The Bass Station II consists of 2 oscillators + 1 sub-oscillator. It covers acid and lead sounds reminiscent of the Roland TB-303 in addition to its bass sounds. It’s easy to play thanks to its full-size keyboard. I myself have the Bass Station II and I find that the placement of the lameter is easy to see, so I just lose track of time when I play it and mess around with the sound. Lol.
The Bass Station is also equipped with AFX mode, which is great for electronic music lovers! Anyway, this synthesizer never disappoints.
Please take a look at this performance.

KORG / MONOLOGUE Series

MONOLOGUE-SV

MONOLOGUE-BK

MONOLOGUE-BL

This synthesizer from KORG’s MONOLOGUE series is another recommended synthesizer for bass. Based on the big hit minilogue synth, it has been redesigned as a powerful monophonic synth for bass.
This model consists of 2 VCOs, 1 VCF, 1 EG, 1 VCA, and 1 LFO, and has a fat sound you wouldn’t expect from its reasonable price. The slim keyboard has a distinctive 25 keys that have a range of E-E to match the pitch of the kick sound that is the core of band and dance music, and also matches the open bass E string.
The MONOLOGUE is slim, compact, and runs on battery! It’s also convenient to carry it together with your electric bass to the studio or performance venues. The connectivity between sequencers and other synthesizers is also excellent. The MONOLOGUE series synthesizer is recommended for analog synthesizer beginners.

IK MULTIMEDIA / UNO Synth Pro & UNO Synth Pro Desktop

UNO Synth Pro

UNO Synth Pro Desktop

The Uno Synth Pro is a paraphonic synthesizer with 3 OSCs + 2 VCFs + EG (ADSR) + 2 LFOs. 3 VCOs allow you to create rich and fat sounds that are suited for bass! The UNO Synth Pro features a 37-key Fatar synth action full-size keyboard for great playing comfort. The compact UNO Synth Pro Desktop is available as a MIDI keyboard, making it ideal to take on the go.
IK MULTIMEDIA has released a cool video performed by Luca Zabbini, so please check it out!

In fact, I was interested in the Black Edition of the UNO Synth Pro Desktop when I watched this video and purchased it. The clincher was the color tone!

IK MULTIMEDIA / UNO Synth Pro Desktop - Black Edition

BEHRINGER / MODEL D & POLY D

Model D

POLY D

BEHRINGER’s MODEL D and POLY D are synthesizers inspired by MOOG’s MINIMOOG, which is what everyone thinks of when it comes to a synth bass. The MODEL D is a desktop synthesizer that is more compact than the original MINIMOOG, and is used together with a MIDI keyboard to play. The MODEL D is also compatible with the Eurorack system and can be installed in modular synths. The POLY D is polyphonic and has a sequencer for more possibilities! The fat sound is as impressive as the original MINIMOOG. If you are looking for a synth bass with a fat analog synth sound, this is definitely the choice for you.

BEHRINGER / ODYSSEY

This ODYSSEY is the BEHRINGER version of the reissued model of the legendary ARP Odyssey analog synthesizer that was developed by the American company ARP Instruments in 1972. It uses a 37-key full-size keyboard, dual VCOs, and a 3-way multi-mode VCF, but it’s also unique for features such as a 32-step sequencer and the Klark Teknik effects that were added by BEHRINGER. Apparently, the original ARP Odyssey gained popularity for being a synthesizer that could be played in live performances when it was first released. The ODYSSEY can create a wide range of tones from lead sounds to bass sounds, but I think that BEHRINGER’s ODYSSEY produces tighter and sharper bass sounds than the MODEL D does!

MOOG / MINITAUR

Next up is the MINITAUR from the prominent synthesizer maker, MOOG. The MINITAUR is a desktop analog bass synthesizer. Taking out the heart of MOOG’s foot-operated synthesizer Taurus, which was often used by progressive rock bands, the MINITAUR is a compact synthesizer that is designed to meet modern needs such as PC connectivity.

[Taurus III Bass Pedals (Discontinued)]

The Taurus III Bass Pedals is equipped with a ladder filter as well as 2 VCOs. The iconic fat sound of MOOG is so gorgeous! If you use the MIDI foot keyboard below, you can recreate the Taurus setup!

MOOG / Subsequent 25
& Subsequent 37

Subsequent 25

MOOG Subsequent 37

This next synth is also from MOOG. The Subsequent 25 and the Subsequent 37 are paraphonic analog synthesizers that were developed based on the popular Sub Phatty and Sub 37, and they have further evolved in terms of sound quality and functionality. Many professional musicians seem to be using these models and I often find them in YouTube videos. These are synthesizers of the highest quality in everything; MOOG’s unique fat sound, PC connectivity, arpeggiator and sequencer, and texture.

SEQUENTIAL（Dave Smith
Instruments）/ Pro 3

The last one is the Pro 3 from SEQUENTIAL, a synthesizer manufacturer founded by legendary instrument designer and Grammy winner Dave Smith. The Pro 3 is the latest model with the name of ‘Pro’, which has been added to their legendary monophonic synthesizers. The SEQUENTIAL is composed of two analog oscillators and one digital wavetable oscillator, and it produces sounds with a warm analog presence as well as digital edgy sounds. It uses a full-size 37-key Fatar keyboard. At any rate, The Pro 3 is a high-spec, high-quality synthesizer.

Conclusion

How was it? I hope this article turns out to be useful for electric bass players and track makers of electro dance music. I plan to play around with these synths a lot so I can achieve a better performance beyond DJing!