Kicking us off is the remarkable JT-4000M from mass-producing synth-masters Behringer. It’s based upon the synth-engine of the classic Roland JP-8000 virtual analog synthesizer from 1996, and pours that idea into a tiny, portable and playable little synth.
You have four voices to play with, each built with 2 virtual analog oscillators for some really thick sounds. The waveforms are routed through a thoroughly analog multi-mode filter for all the lush sounds, acid vibes and smoothness that we love from analog gear. There’s an LFO for modulation and an arpeggiator that you can use in conjunction with the mini touch-sensitive keyboard.
The sounds are brilliant and you get 32 built in presets based on the original Roland synthesizer and a screen with a scope to visualise what’s going on. Controls are a little bit scarce but for fifty dollars you get some really great supersaw sounds and some fabulous filter action. The latest 4000M version now has a MIDI port so you can attach a larger keyboard, or you can use it with USB direct to your computer.
The JT-4000M is a great sounding synth you can take anywhere.
Other Micro and Mini synths are on their way from Behringer which should all be under $100.
Street Price: $49
Behringer.com