10 Best Analog Synthesizers 2025 in the United States

The Moog Muse is a powerful analog synthesizer designed for musicians seeking rich, vintage-style sounds with modern performance features. It offers 8-voice polyphony, allowing you to play up to eight notes at once, which is great for lush chords and complex textures. Each voice includes two main oscillators plus a modulation oscillator, providing a wide range of tonal possibilities. The use of dual transistor ladder filters and discrete VCAs contributes to that classic Moog warmth and character.

One standout feature is its diffusion delay effect, which adds spacious echoes and atmospheric layers, enriching your sound without needing extra pedals or effects units. The 64-step sequencer and arpeggiator give you plenty of tools to create evolving patterns and sequences, making it suitable for both studio work and live performances.

Connectivity-wise, it includes MIDI, which means it can easily integrate with other gear or software setups. The user interface is thoughtfully designed with a knob-per-function layout, which makes sound shaping intuitive and immediate—important for those new to analog synths or anyone who prefers hands-on control.

On the downside, the Muse is fairly large and heavy (32 pounds, about 39 inches wide), so it may not be the best choice if portability is a priority. While it offers a deep feature set, the learning curve might be a bit steep for absolute beginners without prior experience in synthesis. Also, the number of user patches is somewhat limited compared to some digital synths.

In summary, the Moog Muse suits keyboard players, producers, and sound designers who want high-quality analog tones combined with flexible sequencing and effects. It’s a solid option for those looking to bring classic analog warmth into their setups with a modern twist.

The Moog Subsequent 37 is a powerful analog synthesizer that offers a rich sound design experience thanks to its dual oscillators, sub oscillator, and noise generator. It features a 2-note paraphonic setup, allowing you to play two notes at once that share sound shaping elements like the filter and amplifier, expanding creative possibilities beyond monophonic synths. The synthesizer provides two envelopes and two LFOs with flexible modulation routing, enabling complex and interesting sound shaping.

Its 37 semi-weighted keys respond to velocity and aftertouch, making it expressive to play. Connectivity options include MIDI, USB, audio inputs and outputs, headphone jack, and CV/Gate inputs, fitting well into both modern and modular setups. The included software editor helps manage presets and facilitates sound tweaking from your computer.

Weighing 22 pounds, it is relatively heavy and lacks a color display, which may be less convenient for those preferring a more portable synth with a detailed screen. Featuring 256 presets and extensive hands-on controls, this synthesizer suits professional musicians and serious synthesizer enthusiasts seeking classic Moog tones combined with versatile modulation and sequencing capabilities.

The Roland JD-XA is a powerful analog/digital crossover synthesizer that combines the best of both worlds, making it a great choice for musicians who want rich, complex sounds. Its analog section features four parts, each with two oscillators, flexible filters, multiple envelopes, and LFOs, allowing you to shape sounds in detailed and creative ways. The analog filters are especially smooth and natural, responding well to adjustments, which is excellent for classic warm tones.

The digital engine expands sonic possibilities even further, giving versatility beyond traditional analog sounds. The synth has 49 keys, which is a comfortable size for live playing, though it’s not fully weighted like a piano. Connectivity is basic but functional with standard 6.35mm jacks and an AC adapter. However, the synth lacks a color screen, which might make navigation less intuitive for beginners or when programming complex patches. Also, the unit is quite heavy and large, so it’s less portable than smaller synths.

This synth suits advanced users or those ready to dive deep into sound design, offering robust sound engines and hands-on control, but it could be overwhelming if you’re new to synthesis or need a lightweight setup.