Fun, affordable synth for playing with sounds on the couch.

[BluMunk]

Looking for a fun, hands on synth that I could play with headphones and just do some fun sound sculpting while other things are happening in the room. A toy to noodle with while the TV is on. The more hands-on controls the better.

 

It's got to have a sequencer, and some way to enter note information, though I don't need a keyboard. Compact size is key. Under $300, but closer to under $200 is preferable.

[Ed A.]

Modal SKULPT, Modal CRAFT

 

https://www.modalelectronics.com/skulpt/

https://www.modalelectronics.com/craftsynth-2/

 

 

Korg Volca FM

 

https://www.korg.com/us/products/dj/volca_fm/

 

[Dr Mike Metlay]

The SKULPT is a dynamite little synth, especially played with an MPE controller (I use mine with a LinnStrument), but the sequencer is a bit fiddly until you get used to it. Sounds good, though, and hard to beat the price.

[uhoh7]

One way is to get a light controller, and then it's one USB both to power and send MIDI to a laptop or Ipad. Mainstage and Garage Band have many synths and they map easy to sliders on a controller. Many other soft synths do the same from phones, pads or computers.

 

I have one of these which does play on batteries but will still need a audio out (or headphones) a bit heavier than a USB cable. I haven't tried it on my lap, but it can make some pretty wild noises:

 

[video:youtube]