Devin Belanger’s Verdict on Synths: The Underrated vs. Overrated Debate

The OP-1 Field by Teenage Engineering is the first target. Despite its reputation for being an all-in-one music maker, Devin calls it out as an expensive luxury item built more on hype than substance. He points to its appearances in major music videos and its status as a cultural staple but questions its hefty price tag. Devin favorably compares the OP-1 with alternatives like the Deluge or Polyend Tracker Mini, which offer similar features without breaking the bank. He raises eyebrows by suggesting that for the OP-1’s price, one could nab a full-on analog synthesizer instead, driving the point that the synth world often allocates more value to brand and reputation than practicality.

Next up, the Moog Mother 32 takes the heat. While acknowledging its great sound, Devin tags it as overpriced for what it offers. With a single oscillator and limited modulation, Devin doesn’t see it justifying the cost without additional modular gear to enhance it. He dreams of building unique Eurorack setups with custom components, something the Mother 32’s semi-modular stance falls short of. For him, true synthesizer bliss lies in the flexibility of combining diverse modules, rather than sticking with preassembled yet feature-trimmed units.

When the Behringer Neutron enters the scene, it’s clear that Devin’s enthusiasm rises. Rated as underrated, this synth screams value, especially when stacked against the Moog Mother 32. Packed with two VCOs, modulation options, and semi-modular design, the Neutron stands out as a budget-friendly powerhouse. Devin tips his hat to Behringer’s original efforts, urging them to create more gems like the Neutron. Though Behringer gear may not be widely available everywhere, when it is, Devin counts it as a solid pick, particularly for those new to synthesizers equipped with a MIDI keyboard.

Devin shines a light on the often overlooked Roland Boutique series, praising them as underrated. Despite being digital, these synths faithfully recreate iconic sounds like those of the Jupiter and the Juno. Devin argues they capture the essence without needing the analog pedigree, and their knob-per-function design wins a nod. Among the Boutiques, the SE-02 stands out to Devin as an analog treasure, hitting above its price point with extensive features. Here lies a series that caters to those wanting legendary sounds on a budget without sacrificing quality.