Superbooth 2025: Devin Belanger’s Synth Picks that Slap!

Devin Belanger dives right into the eye of the storm with the Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M. This synth, which he’s been privy to behind the scenes, is now finally announced and set to make waves. It’s a more streamlined and budget-friendly version of the original Third Wave. While it offers fewer voices and a slightly reduced feature set, Devin sees it as an opportunity for more folks to experience its notable soundscape. He lauds its polychord capabilities with wavetable and analog oscillators harmonizing beautifully. The compromise on voices from 24 to 8 and price down to $2000 makes it a sweet deal for those looking to dive into pro-level gear without breaking the bank.

Enter the Frap Tools Magnolia with the grace of a well-executed stage dive. Devin’s excitement for this polyphonic synth is palpable—he describes it as one of the most thrilling innovations he’s seen in years. Drawing inspiration from West Coast synthesis icons like the Bukla music easel yet offering each function its own knob, this synth seems to redefine the rules. Though details on the price remain hush-hush, Devin speculates its hand-built nature hints at a hefty tag. Nonetheless, his want for the Magnolia is intense, spurred by its promised musicality and potential to redefine soundscapes. He hopes to get his hands on it for a full review, but acknowledges the steep price might make it a long shot for his budget. This synth’s ability to blend the classic with the cutting-edge, wrapped in an Italian craftsmanship allure, makes it Devin’s top festival pick.

Devin’s take on the Moog Messenger mixes admiration with a dash of skepticism. Announced with a fair share of fanfare at Superbooth, this monosynth has sparked controversy. Some see it as “just another monosynth,” but Devin believes that outlook doesn’t do it justice. The Messenger tries something new by infusing a modular synthesizer vibe into a compact form. Features like wave folding and advanced sequencing stand out. Already under an NDA with Moog, Devin hints at a possible review but remains ambivalent about its sound and build quality. It’s a break from Moog’s previous East Coast styles, promising a fresh approach that’s more akin to modular systems.

Ending on a high note, Devin gives a shoutout to the GS Music Brie6, a synth that’s been around but still holds its ground. It’s small—like the size of a decent sub sandwich—but its sonic output is anything but small. This synth echoes the classic Juno vibe with a modern twist. Despite its compact size, the Brie6 promises quality akin to bulkier, more cumbersome synths. Devin’s thrilled about the upcoming keyboard version, eager to see how it might fit into the rhythm of his future projects. It wraps up his Superbooth roundup as a testament to how size isn’t everything when it comes to impact in the synth world.