The UNO Synth Pro Desktop by IK Multimedia is an analog synth in the perfect studio desktop size. We made some music with it and had an in-depth look into the features.
IK Multimedia is a huge company in the world of music, making everything from plugins, microphones, speakers, pedals, interfaces, clips and holders for live performances and synthesisers.
For the UNO Synth Pro series which comes in two models, a desktop and 37-key keyboard version, they teamed up with boutique Italian synth-maker Sound machines. We spent some time with the desktop version and came to the conclusion that this could be your perfect first analog synth. Here’s our demo and run through:
For those wanting to own their first analog synth, this is a great start. It’s got 3 Oscillators, a Filter, 2 LFOs, Filter and Amp envelopes, in-built FX, and a huge modulation matrix. It also has an arpeggiator, sequencer, 128 presets and a further 128 empty presets.
The connectivity for the compact unit is in line with all the big and powerful synths on the market with features like CV/gate In and out, Audio in, 3.5 mm headphone out, and ¼ inch jack left and right out, and 5-pin MIDI in and out. Further to that, it’s powered by micro USB, which we found really useful!
The sound of the synth is the best part, basses and leads will shine on this and there was a lot less menu diving than expected. This is due to the fact that there’s ample buttons and knobs, and they’re all laid out in a user friendly design. The designated Cutoff and Resonance knobs are a very welcome touch (pun intended!).
Just as one might turn their nose up at flat key bed, we found it easy enough to play, and it’s most likely going to be something you send MIDI to anyway. The dimensions are 33.3 x 15 x 5 cm, an easy fit in a small studio or backpack.
Using the synth we made a beat and found the basses and lead lines easy to play in — as mentioned before — and the sounds quite good. Check out the music under the explainer section and at the end of the video.
The UNO Synth Pro Desktop comes in at $759 AUD while the Uno Synth Pro with the 37-key keyboard is about $1050 AUD.
For more head over to IK Multimedia’s website.
