As the name implies this is a monophonic synthesizer meant for crafting your own synth bass sounds. It retains the analog tone of its predecessor, the classic Bass Station, which was released over 20 years ago, and introduces some new features.

New features include the Acid Filter, which has a diode ladder design that shapes the sound to be smoother and darker. It comes with a 32 pattern arpeggiator, and a sequencer that lets you create and recall your own patterns. Finally, it has two oscillators, and a sub-oscillator with square, sine, and narrow pulse-width waveforms for better low-end punch.

Like its predecessor, this synth excels in providing great sounding bass synth, thanks to its versatile sub-oscillator. The overdrive and distortion filters blend well with its bass tone, resulting in a gritty sound that works great with modern music styles. These are certainly its standout feature. It also has quite a lot of controls for its size, and this allows for better control over the resulting sound.

In line with its compact profile, this keyboard is made mostly out of plastic material, but it does feel solidly built. The keys, knobs and faders are also responsive.
Note that it lacks CV/gate inputs and outputs, which is a downside for those who want to connect with other analog equipment they own.

If you are looking for a good bass focused synthesizer that is easy to carry around while having deep control options, then this is for you.

Specifications

• Keys: 25 note synth-action keyboard
• Polyphony: Monophonic
• Oscillator: 1 x Osc 1, 1 x Osc 2, 3 x Sub Osc, 1 x Noise generator
• Filter: 1 x Acid type (diode ladder filter design), 1 x Classic type (derived from original Bass Station)
• Envelope: 1 x Amp Envelope, 1 x Mod Envelope
• LFO: 2 x LFO
• Presets: 64 factory presets
• Effects: Distortion, Oscillator filter mod amount (FM effect created by Oscillator 2 modulating filter freq)
• Additional Controllers: Pitchbend, Mod Wheel
• Step Sequencer: 4 Sequences
• Arpeggitator: 32 Patterns
• Audio Input: 1 x 1/4" TRS input
• Audio Output: 1 x 1/4" TRS output, 1 x 1/4" TRS headphone output
• Other Connectivity: USB MIDI (for connecting & powering Bass Station II via host computer), MIDI IN / MIDI OUT ports on 5 pin din, 1/4" TS Sustain Pedal input
• Power: USB bus powered, 9V DC 300mA
• Dimensions: 18” x 10.75” x 3”
• Weight: 8.5 lbs

Demo

As the name implies, this is inspired by the iconic ARP Odyssey from the '70s, only this one is reasonably priced and comes with updated features.

Instead of knobs, the Odyssey is filled to the brim with faders, which make it easier to visualize your VCO, VCF and VCA parameters, all of which feature analog signal paths. All these controls require a bit more extra space, hence the bulky profile of this keyboard synth.

It also comes with a 32-step sequencer, an arpeggiator and a long list of Klark Teknik effects, which include modulation, reverb, delay, pitch shifting and more. It sports 37 full-sized keys that are semi-weighted and velocity-sensitive.

The original ARP Odyssey is a hard act to follow, but the Behringer Odyssey is justified in carrying the iconic name. It brings back old school synth sounds nicely, while having some nifty modern additions that make it easier to integrate into setups. Feature wise, it can even go toe to toe with high-end software plug-in versions of the Odyssey.

Compared to the original, Behringer made the Odyssey 37 more tank tough, with an all metal chassis, but this also means that it is a bit heavier.

If you want a high quality yet affordable classic sounding keyboard synthesizer then this is for you.

Specifications

• Polyphony: Mono/Duophonic
• Keys: 37 Full-Size Velocity Sensitive and Semi-Weighted Keys
• Oscillator: 2 x Analog VCO, Square Pulse, Sawtooth, Pulse-Width Modulation
• Filter: 2-pole MKI, 4-pole MKII, 4-pole MKIII
• Envelope: 1 x ADSR, 1 x AR
• LFO: 1 x LFO waveforms (Sine, square)
• Effects: Reverb, Chorus, Flanger, Delay, Pitch Shifter
• Additional Controllers: None
• Step Sequencer: 32-steps, 64 patterns
• Audio Input: 1 x 1/4" TS (audio in)
• Audio Output: 1 x XLR (High)1 x 1/4" TS (Low), 1 x 1/4" (headphones)
• Other Connectivity: USB (Type B), CV in/out, Gate in/out, Trig in/out
• Power: 9V DC power supply included
• Dimensions: 7.9" x 26.2" x 19.5"
• Weight: 22.7 lbs.

Demo

Polyphony / Number of Voices

Polyphony is defined by the number of notes that can be played simultaneously. There are two main types: monophonic and polyphonic. Monophonic synths are capable of playing one note at a time. A good number of synth enthusiasts tend to favor monophonic synthesizers due to their rich, full and pronounced sound compared to polyphonic synths. These are often used to create full sounding lead or bass synth parts that easily jump out of the mix. Polyphonic synths, on the other hand, let you play multiple notes all at once. Although they sometimes sound a bit thinner, they tend to have the essential options and are capable of letting you play leads and chords.

Size and Portability

Choosing the size depends on where you will plan to use your synth. A small and compact synthesizer with less than 49 keys is recommended if you have limited space. They're also easier to carry around for live performance purposes or if you plan to jam with others in their own domain. Another important portability factor to consider is the ability to run on batteries.

Controls and Interface

Synthesizers come with different interfaces and controls yet they all function in similar ways following the basic signal path: oscillator, filter, then an amplifier. Most synthesizers have the basic waveforms shape for built-in LFOs, envelope generator with ADSR sliders, and at least one control for effects used to enhance the sound. Some synthesizers with more than one modulator have a Mod Matrix, which is a grid that's used to intuitively route modulation sources easily to their destinations (LFO to filter cutoff, mod envelope to pitch, etc). It's highly suggested to get a synthesizer that gives you a straightforward layout of knobs, sliders and buttons without needing to look through menus, or having to do multiple combinations of buttons.

Other Features

A common feature found in synthesizers is a built-in sequencer. This is useful if you want to write and save melodies or bass lines in the synthesizer's memory bank, and loop them while tweaking other parameters. Some synthesizers also have stored percussion and drum sequencers for creating beats.

Value

A lot of synthesizers on the market have numerous functions that may factor in your sound preference and productivity. If you need a full polyphonic synth without breaking the bank, digital synthesizers are the best option. Monophonic analog synthesizers are also great entry level and budget options if you are new to synthesis.