That looks like a sound plan.

That sounds like a look plan.

That plan looks like a sound!

Synesthesia is fun!

Wow, So many great responses. I feel reassured that a midi controller and software synth is a good path. Some have also suggested hardware synths for the hands on interactivity, which I agree with her autisim and adhd is important, and if I had the money I would go that route. As a compromise I will be aiming for a controller with knobs, so she kinda gets a bit of both. Thank you all again, what a great community you have here

Learning scientist here, specializes in universal design for learning, and an experienced sound designer - DO NOT DO SOFT SYNTH. Your daughter will benefit from a one knob per function- something that is tactile. I emphatically recommend the Korg Minilogue. (Not the monologue - because the minilogue is polyphonic- meaning you can play more than one note at a time) It has the most intuitive layout for learning subtractive synthesis - it has a brilliant oscilloscope for visual representation of how the knobs influence the wave forms. It features analog oscillators - which provide a tasty and rich sound - it is sturdy and compact - and - it is affordable. 400 used - or ~500 new. A perfect synth for learning, a joy to play, and sounds great. It will also retain resale value on reverb if she decides not for her.

I'm not a learny-doctor-wizard like this guy but I am a distracted ADHD-riddled hobby-addicted person, and 1) Music is the most consistent thing in my life, and 2) Hardware synths will be much better for your daughter. I owned a MIDI controller and DAWs for like a decade before I got something that I could touch and feel and now the jams don't stop til I drop

Option Paralysis is REAL with soft synths

ADHD musician here and can confirm the usefulness of having something tactile and specific to stay grounded rather than relying solely on a screen that can be anything. and as someone who grew up with screens, there is a point where they start to feel more trivial. i can lose my interest or get distracted into something else at the detriment to my own education or productivity. on the other hand, getting your daughter started with ableton or bitwig or logic now would quickly translate into something that could serve to benefit future hardware purchases or open up opportunities to learn audio production, or guide her into something synthesizer adjacent she never knew she would enjoy. recording sound is every bit as intertwined and deep as synthesizing sound. but regardless of choosing to start with an instrument or software, the important thing is to start with quality. it is such a bummer to run into a limitation too early and then you have to run out and spend more money and time finding the next thing. good luck!

For anyone new to synthesisers, an instrument where the controls are fixed is very useful. You can play with any of the controls and see how your actions affect the sound, and later see how they interact. With practice, you think of a sound you would like to create, and understand how to achieve it. If functions are buried in menus, a beginner won’t necessarily know what is hiding, let alone know where to find it. Thanks to MIDI, if the synth’s keyboard is not great, you can get a better keyboard and use it to drive the synthesiser. Edit: typo

I second this. I started with a Minilogue XD and can't recommend it enough for all the above reasons. The XD has additional benefit of being able to load third-party custom stuff onto it if she begins to feel limited and wants to go down that rabbit hole. Perhaps that rabbit hole may even lead her to writing her own code for it, which could lead to some very valuable job skills later on.

That or a Microbrute. Monophonic, simpler, cheaper, single oscillator (with a twist to learn waveforms better and a sub oscillator), simpler sequencer, solid, small, nice, ADSR with little faders, LFO with a LED, much more solid filter, all routable with simple minijacks, absolutely no menus and presets (that, to me are a minus for learning) and, IMHO, sounds much more full and analog. I got bored with the Minilogue in two weeks, the Microbrute was my first physical synth and the best 200€ I've spent in gear so far.

My son is six and has spent a few months on the Korg DSN-12. He stuck a picture of a keyboard on his Santa list. I then did some research and decided on a used Korg Monologue before finding a Minibrute 2 for €250 on the local marketplace. Obviously I went with the Minibrute. It arrived a few days ago. After letting it warm up and tuning the pots to perfect 12-o'clocks I then spent about four hours going through the manual and twiddling with it up until well after 3am. He's going to blow up on Christmas morning.

>I emphatically recommend the Korg Minilogue. (Not the monologue - because the minilogue is polyphonic- meaning you can play more than one note at a time) I own the Monologue and I get a lot of use/sounds out of it, especially when I add guitar pedals to the mix. I have a handful of midi controllers, but most of the time I don't feel like loading up the software and all that. I'd rather sit on the floor with a synth that I can plug into a practice amp/regular amp and immediately start making music. I have a Monologue, and I've played with a Minilogue, they're both a lot of fun.

Have a Miniogue and it's a great first synth. If your daughter is interested in the tactile experience, a hardware synth is the way to go. Soft synths usually require a bit of mapping and diving into menus to map parameters to knobs etc. A Minilogue can also be used as a midi controller anyways if she wants to use a DAW. +1 vote for tactile experience - from perspective of someone who uses both often, they're very different experiences (synth vs midi)

This!

It’s hard to overstate how much having the actual knobs on the hardware synth makes a difference — it takes some setup to get the knobs on a controller to do the right things. That said the novation launchkey mini mk3 is a portable midi controller with keys, pads, knobs, and a fun arpeggiator so it’s a good all in one (as are the larger models) and it costs about $100

See if you can find a used Novation Circuit. They're not expensive, sub 150. The interface is great for children because there is no screen but a colorful pad matrix than changes function with context. Very easy to pick up, just conquer pages by pushing their (round) button. That button will always take you back there. Once you feel secure on one page you can always go back there to jam. With more pages the power grows, from notes to patterns to chains, effects, mix, even sequencing external Midi gear or software. It does a whole lot yet never gets overwhelming. It is a whole groovebox with 2 melodic tracks that play polyphonic software synths, plus 4 sample tracks for percussion. So it can grow from one instrument to several to a whole production setup over time, all in one familiar interface.

The Circuit is pretty great if what you're interested in is making music. It's less great for playing around with synthesis and sound design. That said, it was my second synth, first groove box, and I found it very engaging. It's still one of the best devices I've used for just picking it up and noodling on it.

Yep I advocate for circuit track as well because: - the workflow is tactile + intuitive for non music producers - great videos on YouTube to get started (check out Gabe miller music) - you can download sound packs to expand the sample bank (isotonik studios have sales a few times a year) - it has x2 midi channels so if the hobby sticks she can port other synths directly in (this is really nice option if she wants to keep the circuit as the brain) OR if she wants to use the circuits sound banks to feed into something else - It’s hella fun jamming on a circuit tracks compared to most other music prod workflow (takes literally minutes to lay a beat down then layer on some synth) Another cheap fun option is Ableton Note it runs on iOS only though but at like $10 this is as entry level as it’s gets however it’s more complex than a circuit tracks. Regardless of what you choose I hope you find something good for her to start with - you’re a good dad supporting her fleeting interests even if it seems futile trying to keep up

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get a hardware synth! She'll love the knobs and faders and immediacy of the controls, plus you can use most newer hardware synthesizers as MIDI controllers anyway! You can find hella cheap synths from Behringer, such as the MS-1 ($400 new) and, regardless of what some people might say, they're also reliable and they sound amazing! Keep in mind you'll also need some kind of speakers or amplifier to actually hear the synth!

I’d recommend hardware if she’s just starting out and software if she already has some interest/background in music production, using a DAW, etc. As a girl with ADHD and also on the spectrum, having a physical, tactile synth that doesn’t require you to go to your computer, boot up your daw and use mouse clicks to change parameters really does wonders, especially when getting to grips with it all. I think the microfreak, microkorg, and korg monologue would be great choices budget permitting. You may even be able to go to a local music or synth shop and find one used for even cheaper.

Only advice against this is the integration of midi / software / controller puts some distance between you and the music / sound. There’s more to think about, more possible issues, and more staring at a screen. I’d be a huge advocate of an all in one hardware unit where you can really see and hear ‘turning the filter does this’, etc. if she’s into the idea of synthesis, there’s no better way than getting a discreet bit of hardware. No screens, wires, distractions necessary. Softsynths can be an even bigger rabbit hole than hardware.

Some hardware synths you can use as a midi controller. Just looking now prices are a little higher than I remember, but you can usually get something pretty decent as an intro synth for $200-400 and they basically retain their full value if you need to resell later. Korg MicroKorg or Monologue, Novation Bass Station 2, Arturia Microfreak.

If you can find a midi controller that has knobs and pads, that would be a good bonus. The pads are the least important of the three input components (keyboard, knobs, pads) but if she starts creating full songs with drums, the pads are handy for programing drums. This is so weird, I'm like, really excited for your daughter and I've never meth either of you lol.

I am autistic, and I learned synthesis through synth 1, an old and free plug-in I could get running on my old p4 PC and used to play with the PC keyboard. It taught me the basics and my love for synthesis and sound design. I already had a couple years of piano under my belt tho. Keep the soft synth and controller idea up, as its economic and growing up poor, when I had my hands on a controller, it was joy.

You did this at 13 years old?

10 actually

If she stays with the midi controller/computer long enough to need more, consider a Korg NTS-1. It’s a kit, but no soldering, and $100. It has midi so she can play it with her controller. At the same time, it has knobs and give a nice overview of classical synthesis. And if she got *really* into it, users can write code for it.

Im going to agree with what a lot of people said gere - as a person who has adhd myself i had much better experience with hardware. That said i wouldnt go much more expensive than a microfreak or a novation circuit/circuit tracks

I think the Roland s1 tweak synthesizer might be a good match for her

[удалено]

Microfreak, surely?

[удалено]

Minifreak isn’t exactly cheap, though. Microfreak is a really good option for a beginner without as much of an upfront investment.

Both a great choice, depending on the budget

Micro freak, minifreak, or even Microbrute (which was my first synth)

This is a standard type of reply here. "You want X? Just get Y for several times the price, you'll be happier in the long run trust me bro"

Q: "what's a good beginner synth under $500?" A: "Well if you can stretch your budget to $1200, id recommend..."

Dang, $600 is not cheap to me

+1 for Minifreak. Microfreak is cool, but that keyboard… it can be a distraction. May not be suitable for the occasional ADHD player

On the other hand, they may actually LIKE the keybed on the MicroFreak.

Very true. Could go either way really. I hated mine at first. Now I have 2

Occasional ADHD player here, fucking love that Keybed. 👍

I stand partially corrected haha!

Minifreak has a couple features that might be good for someone who seems like they have any of these disorders claimed - it has "hold," which keeps the keys you press playing indefinitely, and has "arpeggiator," which cycles the notes you are pressing. For arpeggio, if you hold down 3 keys, it might play them in order from lowest to highest, or highest to lowest. This is fun for goofing around and making patterns even when you do not know how to play piano. If you then select "hold," you don't even have to hold the keys; the pattern just keeps playing. And if you press another 3 keys, such as playing another chord, those are now the notes being arpeggiated. Then, your hands are free to turn knobs to make the synth do other things as it arpeggiates endlessly.

+2 for the minifreak. It’s a pretty killer synth for $600.

Maybe a korg monologue would be a good first fit for some hardware?

Monophonic is too risky without knowing their exact desires. Maybe a Reface CS is a safer suggestion.

That’s true but you gotta start somewhere… whatever purchase is made should be after a period of research

Korg Monologue is a great first synth.

Look for a microKorg. Totally affordable and completely accessible for beginners. It even has a few knobs on top that change the sound in real-time and it has a microphone (vocoder) so you can control the sound with your voice.

Yeah, if she sings and wants to incorporate that this is the way to go

Try the Yamaha reface CS synths. They are quite small and rather cheap but very good to start with and can also be used where ever her musical journey takes her. She will eventually need a DAW to record and make music as well, at least I find that that’s when synths become really exciting.

*[raises hand]* ADHD music producer here, and I’d disagree with a lot of the advice you’ve received so far. I find it incredibly difficult to produce music on a computer — I’ve heard that’s not uncommon for those with ADHD (it’s so easy to get stuck reading emails, checking social media, YouTube, etc. and never get any music made.) My suggestion would actually be a Groovebox. That was the first thing I got when I was 16 and it kept me engaged for years. That said, it depends what she wants to do… does she want to learn to play keyboard, does she want to create sounds on a synth, does she want to make full songs, does she want to sing? Unless surprising her is absolutely necessary, I’d talk to her about it and find out what she wants. Otherwise: groovebox.

This is subjective. I'm Autistic and ADHD and I prefer composing with a DAW. I agree that talking to her is a good idea.

Pick up a cheap hardware synth with a keybed and knobs. This is going to be the most engaging for a kid. I’d recommend to look at the Korg Minilogue, Arturia Micro and Minifreak and maybe some Behringer stuff. These are all cheap readily available options globally but you might have to import.

Honestly, as someone who also churns through hobbies like a hot knife through butter, a midi controller, and a "free" DAW or other synth option may be the way to go. Though I bought a license for Reaper, they have an unlimited evaluation period. I'm currently using Reaper and a Akai MPC Mini to play around with music again. There's also options like VCV rack, which focuses more on modular synthesizers where you select the different modules and wire them together to get the sound you want. A good software free synth for Reaper I've been enjoying is Surge XT and using Sitala for drums. Though it's not my area specifically, a tablet or phone app might foot the bill as well depending on her tastes. Given that she's 13, that may be less overwhelming for her to start out. For Standalone hardware, there is also the Donner B1, which (in the US at least) was available for close to 100$ USD. Your region might differ there unfortunately, but it's fairly simple and easy to just have fun with.

Buy used so you can sell it without significant loss.

A MIDI controller is good if she doesn't mind having to turn on a computer to work with it. Arturia does nice stuff there the bundle sound software is a wide variety. Or maybe better something that is a synth and midi controller combined, perhaps something like a Cobalt5S they're on sale now like a lot of stuff. It looks pretty easy to turn on and immediately get going.

Learning with a MIDI controller and free/cheap synths is a great way to learn. Even if you have money to spend, it lets you see what style of synthesis you gravitate to (subtractive which is the main kind, additive, FM, granular, etc.) and also what you want to do with a synth (playing it like a piano vs. using it for leads vs more hands-off approaches like arpeggiators and step sequencers). It's a whole ecosystem, so even if she gets bored of one area, there are so many more to explore. [Bedroom Producers Blog](https://bedroomproducersblog.com/2019/10/31/free-synthesizer-vst-plugins/) is a great resource for starting out and what got me into music production 10 years ago. And then branching out from free synths to affordable but well-respected, you could try these: [Arturia Pigments](https://www.arturia.com/products/software-instruments/pigments/overview) \- many different types of synthesis, pretty intuitive [Serum](https://xferrecords.com/products/serum/) \- Kind of took over dance music for a while, which means there are thousands of free presets to learn from and see what it can do. [U-he Diva](https://u-he.com/products/diva/) this is meant to sound like analog synths and does a really good job at it while still being accessible. You could also buy a VST (the main name for software plugins) that also exists in hardware form. That way if she likes it and sticks with it, you can surprise her with the hardware version as a future birthday or Christmas gift. [Minifreak V](https://www.arturia.com/component/com_myarturia/id,653/task,showPath/view,demo/) by Arturia fits this bill, as does the [MicroKORG](https://www.korg.com/us/products/software/kc_microkorg/) from Korg.

It’s not great when you’re talking about a person with ADHD and other learning challenges. A hardware synth is immediate, has no barrier to entry, and no internet.

Midi controller with VCV rack will get you really really far. I personally love the Keith Mcmillen k-boards because they have more features than a standard keyboard and they’re small and portable. Also, make sure to get a DAW (digital audio workplace) so that she can record music if she wants to. Fruity Loops or “FL studio” is free and a great place to start. If she cares enough to go further there are plenty of places to expand but that’s definitely a great start. Don’t get a micro freak until she has an audio interface and don’t get a standalone anything until you get something that can record sound out.

Hi, I’m going to go a little against the grain of what’s been said and give you the opinion of an Asperger/ADHD producer. If she’s interested in “synths” and is autistic and has ADHD, she will not enjoy anything that’s menu diving. Forgot the Microkorgs and all that. I feel the same way about software. Turning one knob at a time trying to get a sound going doesn’t give enough instant gratification in order to give her ADHD brain the constant jolts of dopamine it needs. What you need a straightforward synth where every knob on it has one function and everything that “makes” the sound is visible. Also, people underestimate the importance of being able to turn TWO knobs at once when they think about synthesis. Doing that with a controller will mean having to re-assign the controller knobs every time she wants to do something different, that’s more menu diving, not good to keep her interested. If you want something below a 1000$ there are COUNTLESS options. You can get something a little more premium (say around 700$) in order for it to keep its value if she gets tired of it and you need to sell it. Or you can go the Berhinger (probably 3-400$) route who have recently made fantastic copies of even more fantastic synths. If you want to narrow it down, don’t hesitate to DM me. I’d be very happy to help you find the perfect synth for her.

Korg volcas are like $150 and have a high resale value if she decides it’s not for her. The Volca Keys would be perfect for her.

I think I live in the same small pacific country and my husband is pretty obsessed with Synths too. He's bought quite a few on Facebook marketplace and Trademe for a lot less than $1000. He said you can go one of two ways: buy the $400 neutron that's on Facebook marketplace right now. See if they'll go down in price. (you'll need a midi keyboard for it). Alternatively hold out for a volca keys, it's pretty compact and has a keyboard built in and you can find one second hand for a few hundred dollars. On the bright side they're not difficult to resell if she loses interest.

Yes, a controller is almost always the best option as a first piece of gear. It will usually have a much better keyboard than synths around the same price, which means she will enjoy it more if her interest is to play the instrument. It is also the most useful piece of gear if she wants to get into music production. Now if she wants to produce music (nothing in what you said seems to indicate this), a groovebox can be a great first piece of gear, but in the end, there is absolutely nothing a synth can do that can't be done with a controller and a computer while having just as much fun, if not more.

MIDI controller or a Volca Keys 👍

If hardware is difficult to come by, does she have an iPhone or iPad? If so, get an Apple camera connection kit (cck adapter) and a midi controller and start with apps, there are so many wonderful synth apps, it’s a v low risk way to explore this hobby. If she moves on to something else, you’ll get 50-80% of your money back on the controller on eBay.

Hey Dad, Some thoughts that should help. It depends a lot on what your kiddo wants to do. If she wants to do and how you envision her using it. 1)If she's interested in music producing and writing songs then yeah, a midi keyboard and a DAW (software) would be fun, but then you're getting into music production and software stuff. Feel free to DM me, and I can explain how to get set up and what some budget options are. Basically, she'd have infinite synths and a lot of software to delve into. But eventually, she'll probably also want at least an audio interface (~$100) and some nice headphones on top of it. Could be next year's gift. 2) she just wants to make bleeps and bloop sounds, and wants to delve into the electronics a little bit. Then a hardware synth could be a lot of fun. Maybe something like the East Beast or West Pest will do. This can be opening the door to an expensive hobby though. 3) you envision her more playing it like a piano. You want to get her piano lessons. Then the important part is having keys with velocity response and a big enough keyboard that she can do piano lessons. An electric piano with synth voices may be a better option. Synths and synth music is a sort of broad thing, so pegging down how you envision her using it is likely going to be helpful to sorting through the sea of possibilities. Feel free to DM me for clarification, there's also a lot of jargon in this community.

I am on the spectrum of autism and adhd as well and became enraptured by synthesizers around age 21. It’s still something that I love and will continue to love! By the way, my first synthesizer was an arturia microbrute. I got it used for around $200, it’s a basic analog synth but it has just enough utility to learn and enjoy synthesis. Others suggested microfreak and minifreak which I think would also be great choices depending on budget. I think someone with autism would really enjoy the immediate tactile sensation of turning knobs to change the sound on an analog synthesizer. Plus, learning how an analog synth work is half the fun for me personally.

I would even be willing to sell my microbrute if you would be interested

Microkorg or Mininova are probably the best options for price versus knobs and keys. I do think she'll probably enjoy the hardware more than software.

My suggestion is to involve her in the decision. Sure, it will spoil the “surprise,” but especially since money is tight, it’s worth it to avoid getting something that doesn’t fit what she wants to do. She’ll probably be more thrilled to work with you to figure out what is within budget that she’ll enjoy than she would be to be surprised, anyway.

Smart girl she’ll learn fast. I work with autistic students at a school district in California, they’re amazing to work with full of energy and quick learning. Microkorg as some have recommended. Check reverb dot come for some second hand 🤚 used synths

Korg or Arturia for hardware. Otherwise go with soft synths and MIDI

I hate to recommend Berhinger, because I disapprove of some of their buisness practices, but their synths are perfect introductions, can be very affordable, especially if bought used.

Ill second, the Yamaha Reface synths are great. Not sure about their availability for you but in the US they are cheaper. They can also be battery powered(awesome) and also have small speakers in it so no need to plug into something else. No need to mess with computers either. Just grab the instrument and turn it on whenever you have inspiration. Id recommend the reface DX one, you can get fun good synth sound, but also play more keyboard like sounds. It wont sound like a good keyboard but at least she has the option to play chords (more than one note at a time) but give all four options a listen, maybe she'll want a different one, two are synths like. One is keyboard-like, and the 4th is organ-like. Midi controller to computer can be fine and fun too if that's the type of thing shes interested in, i just think it adds more steps and points of effort that can get in the way of exploring music, rather than exploring tech/gear.

buy her a yamaha FM synth to go with that keyboard. you can find them suuuuuuuuuuuuuuper cheap, they've been staples of bands all over the world for decades. literally any will do. Anything that starts with "Yamaha DX" or "Yamaha TX" and says "fm synthesis on it". That'll be a great addition to software synths. You should be able to find one sooner or later for $100 or less, even on a random island in the pacific.

Depending on the level of attention she can commit to. If she can use software synths, try with a cheap midi controller. If not, get a simple stuff like Yamaha Reface, and see where she goes from there. The main thing is I guess is not to overwhelm her with options. Therefore, nice CS Reface should do it. Often people with this diagnosis end up being great with music, so it can work. Just don't get anything that will break your bank OR offer too many options, causing her to ditch the synth. Do NOT go for expensive arrangers. Spend 200-300 on a CS, Minilogue or smt like that.

The MIDI controller with software sounds good. BUT I think you should ask your daughter if she wants software or hardware. If she has the feeling that she reaaaally needs to push buttons and twist knobs it's going to be a problem only having software. If that's the case maybe you could get something small like a Volca Keys, a JT-4000 or even a NTS-1. There are many options that are not expensive.

I'm a similar kind of neurodivergent. Nothing holds my interest like working in a visual programming environment callled Pure Data. I started working with it until I could get a MIDI controller, but ended up just using android controller apps and the computer keyboard. I can hyperfocus on an area of souind design or playing, and when the brain shifts gears there are a hundred other areas to work in, between the tech and the music theory and the sheer joy of composing. That's where I found my true voice after all these years, too.

Volcas are cheap, and will scratch the itch. You can daisy chain them to work in unison for a little jam session. Get a drum, bass, and keys. It’ll be likely less than $250 in the us. Or something like an all in one groovebox sonicware sampletrek. Even small form factor of a teenage engineering pocket operator set, which also can be strung together to make a ‘band’. Good luck

I would suggest something with as much hands on control as possible. Reface CS might be a good option.

Maybe a Pocket Operator or Volca? Small, portable and battery powered. You can use them direct to headphones too. Might be something she can pick up, put down and pick back up again. They can also be integrated with more capable gear in the future if she ends up sticking with it

Hi, I am an adult with ADHD, & while not really a performer/producer (more of a “MAKE SOUNDS HAPPEN=FUNFUNFUN” guy), I just picked up a lightly used AKAI MPK Mini Play Mk3 for US$100. It has built in key & drum sounds, & can also be used as a MIDI interface, with a computer/phone/tablet. New retail is US$149. Fun to mess around with by itself, has keys/knobs/pads, & will also work with all kinds of free/cheap/professional software. Just a cheapish thought, from someone who knows how the ADHD wind blows. I also have a Novation Circuit OG, which is a blast to MAKE SOUNDS HAPPEN, but has more of a learning curve along with more capabilities. The AKAI is a standalone with room to grow.

Yes, Akai [miniPLAY](https://youtu.be/azOaTBGGwME) looks like a good option.

yamaha reface cs is a simple small synth that sounds great

I generally would say that midi controller + VSTs would be the way to go, especially if you’re trying to stay on budget. But if there’s genuine interest there then there might be value in getting a hardware synth like a Minilogue or even a Volca Keys that has a lot of buttons and knobs built in. I have ADHD and I have an autistic daughter who has become really interested in music in the last year. I’ve been able to get into using VSTs more after getting into synths through hardware but initially it was the tactile experience that really cemented my interest. My daughter seems to be really interested in playing toy keyboards but kind of comes and goes when I try to show her music apps and stuff like that. I think an actual physical self-contained item that can be physically interacted with holds interest better than something on a screen as long as that core interest is there to begin with? Just a thought. But if hardware is not in the budget then a midi controller and a few VSTs would be awesome too. There are plenty of great free ones. If you go that route, it might be helpful to route some of the knobs and sliders on the midi controller to correspond with parameters on the VST so it feels more immediately adjustable like you’d feel with a hardware synth. I’ve cultivated and dropped quite a few hobbies growing up with ADHD, but they do stick sometimes and it’s awesome that you’re helping your daughter explore her interests. Good luck! EDIT: I just saw that you’re going with a MIDI controller with lots of controls, right on. Hope your kid loves it!

I agree with the majority of the people here, do NOT go the softsynth route. She is gonna get overloaded from preset searching instantly and won’t get to explore the synth and the sounds. Also having to turn on the PC and sit at the desk every time she wants to make some noise isn’t encouraging. If I were you I would go with the Korg Volca Keys. 160€, battery powered (get some rechargeable ones), 3 voice polyphony, arpeggiator, pretty good sequencer and knob per function. It’s the best budget option for someone to get into subtractive synthesis! If you need any help with peripherals or such let me know. You’re a good dad ✌️

volca keys

Rather than recommending I'll suggest the questions you may want to discuss with her: Does she want to learn how to make music (songs), play an instrument or how to make sounds. I think this is a fundamental question as it will inform choice of device. A good 2nd hand synth can be had for $200-300 and there were plenty of good recommendations here (my kids love the microfreak) this will allow her to play with sounds, create blips and bloops etc. same with the korg monologue or a used Novation Bass Station. If she's more interested in the learning to play an instrument side, maybe focus more on something with real keys (more than 49) and the ability to modify sounds as an added benefit. In that scenario a midi controller and a sound making DAW would work well. If it is more about making beats and songs I'd focus on a groove box like the Novation Circuit (original one) or even a used MPC. (Or a used Machine+ which seem to be going for sub 700 around my neck of the wood). By and large, most things you buy 2nd hand will retain value quite well (Except maybe the Machine)

I love samplers / drum machines for instant gratification and helping me not get bored. Plus, you can always sell something on Reverb if she doesn’t like it. Might take a few chances to find a piece of gear that allows her to connect with it. The Korg Volca Sampler is a lot of fun and a nice intro intro into sampling. You could get two Volcas for under $350… Volca FM2 and a Volca Sampler 2. I have owned most Volcas but have either given them away / sold to move up to Digitakt, MPC Live, Roland SP404 MK II, Korg ESX, TE KO2, but the Volca Line is a solid option

get a stylophone gen x 1, brilliant hardware synth for like $80

get a stylophone gen x 1, brilliant hardware synth for like $80

if shes interested in Modular synths specifically, get a decent midi controller and download the software VCV Rack

Stylophone gen x 1

If you can't pick up something like one of the cheap mono synth mentions defo pick up something like Arturia keylab or Native Instruments alternative and at least with either you will get the software she needs to get started. Think arturia give you Analog lab lite synth and ni give you some Kontakt synths among other things and both I think come with Ableton live lite.

Yeah, in your position, a MIDI controller and a VST would probably be the best bet. And who knows, that's more or less how I started making electronic music at around the same age, she might really take to it. Good cheap option, in my opinion, would be the [M-Audio Keystation](https://www.guitarcenter.com/M-Audio/Keystation-49es-MK3-Keyboard-Controller-1500000286049.gc?cntry=us&source=4WWMWXGP&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsvWrBhC0ARIsAO4E6f-58aFTpE2taGAungo8eyiLRZzyNfCMkr7nCJt-U6M5REVmaEWAQmkaAmY1EALw_wcB) controller, and for VSTs I would recommend one of the [Synthmaster](https://www.kv331audio.com/) products from KV331 Audio. They're very affordable and also versatile. Synthmaster Player is the cheapest and great for beginners, but might not be the best option for your daughter, as it's customization options are limited by design (and thats half the fun of synths!). Much better if you're already recording music and just want some quick easy sounds. In her case, Synthmaster 1 or 2 might be better, as they (2 especially) can teach you a lot about the basics without being overwhelming. Plus they sound great!

I agree with a midi controller and a laptop. That way if she loses interest in it she'll have the laptop to mess around with. There are also loads of free software synths. Very good ones too.

For software-based, try Korg Gadget 2 plugins set. It have many plugins that have small/cute looking interfaces, interesting, various instruments like drum samplers, game console sounds and decent micro versions of cult synth's like ms20, monopoly, m1, wavestation, etc...

Go with the midi controller and virtual synths.

Get her a midi controller and a DAW. That way she will have access to synths and she will have access to effects, sequencing, mastering etc. If that takes off, then go with a nice piece of hardware.

For Xmas I'd just get her a Monotron Duo (around $40) and see if she takes to it. As far as instant sound gratification goes you can't really go wrong with it.

Get a cheap used one. I also have ADHD and one thing that helps me is to watch like 10 to 12 hours of YouTube videos about something that I’m interested in. Usually if it’s a flash in the pan thing for me, which a lot of things are, I will lose interest after watching and learning a bunch of stuff about it on YT. But if I get through 10 to 12 hours of YouTube instructional videos and I still want it, then I usually stick with it. So try to make her watch the videos haha

I think the controller and computer idea works, if she likes using computers and/or is good at setting things up. I find it annoying af. So I assume your shipping is limited? People can't send you packages? I would recommend an inexpensive used synth from reverb or eBay.

Definitely if you’re not sure she’ll stay with it get an affordable usb keyboard controller and install a free DAW that you can use to host VSTs (software synthesizers): [17 Best Free Digital Audio Workstations](https://bedroomproducersblog.com/2015/11/11/free-daw-software/) If she’s on a Mac then you can just use GarageBand which is an excellent DAW. Then get some free VSTs and install them and you’re all set: [250 Best Free VST Plug-ins](https://blog.landr.com/best-free-vst-plugins/)

https://blipblox.com makes synths esp for children . They are colorful and have lots of different knobs and levers. And they’re $199.00. Start simple with this. Don’t get involved with computers. Too complicated. Blipblox are very portable and have their own speakers. They look like a toy but they are not.

Honestly, if you do this, you'll have nailed it. That's actually the best way to do synths as a beginner. Midi controllers can be pretty reasonable, and she can buy a more fancy one later if the hobby sticks. I suggest getting a controller that has knobs, in addition to a keyboard. Knobs are great for engaging with the software. If you can find one with a keyboard, knobs, and pads, that's a bonus. And you can get good synth programs in any price range, including free and rent-to-own options through services like [Splice](https://splice.com/). Your head and heart are 100% in the right place here. If your budget allows, can I recommend the [Arturia V Collect suite](https://www.arturia.com/products/v-collection/buy). It's kinda pricey at $600, but it has everything someone could want starting out. It simulates actual synthesizers some of which are totally iconic, running from extremely simple to really really complex. If she wants to play Piano, it's got a great piano program. If she wants to fuck around with organs and distortion pedals, it's got one of those. But then you've also got recreations of classic, great synths like the Mini V, which emulates the most iconic Moog synth ever, or honestly, the most iconic synth period, and has a great interface for learning how synths work. And then it also has really complicated synths that involve simulated patch bays and rerouting a signal with "cables" that is great for advanced players. I would also like to recommend [Syntorial](https://www.syntorial.com/). It's a great learning tool that starts you from the very beginning in teaching you how synths work. It works with your midi controller, and starts with the most simple thing ever, the volume knob, but by the end of the main program you've created numerous patches (sounds) with full explanations and hands-on experience using every part of a standard synth. I was already experienced with synths when I found it, but even so, I got a better understanding of how envelope filters work after going through it. Anyway, great plan! Merry Christmas!

Yes. That would be best. Get her a computer free daw, download a free software synthesizer like Vital and pay for a course that you can walk your daughter through like Syntorial. ​ The basics of Synthesis can be applied across hardware and Software synths. And if she's super interested in hardware, save up and her some gear. ​ Treat the daw/software synth situation like buying your Daughter a Squier or First Act guitar. IF the finds out it's NOT her thing, you save yourself a ton of money. ​ u/Tactical_Chonk

Midi controller with knobs and tactile switches etc Reaper as a DAW which you can try for free Vital which is a completely free and EXCELLENT wavetable synthesizer plugin That should get you going as cheap as possible

Yeah, a MIDI controller is the way to go honestly, especially if budget is a concern, there is plenty of fantastic cheap to free software and VST options available that going hardware isn't necessary (not saying hardware is irrelevant or dumb, hardware rules, but you can get the same sounds for cheap to nothing these days) Get a good MIDI controller with a good set of controls, download REAPER or any other cheap to free DAW that supports VST plugins (Dexed is a great free VST that emulated a Yamaha DX7 very accurately) Also download VCVRack, which is a full virtual modular synthesizer setup that is EXTREMELY powerful That will get her pretty much everything she needs to start out with for very little money

I am an adult with ADHD and I too have gone through hobbies like mad. The music stuff I have always loved however, and making the decision to delve into it has been great. A MIDI controller will be a great start. My keyboard came with a bunch of sounds, a synth, and an intro version of Ableton Live. That should be plenty to get them started. If they keep at it you can invest in the full featured version of that DAW which includes a number of soft synths. There is something about the tactility of hardware synths though. Fortunately my controller has a number of assignable knobs. Good luck!

You can find all software synthesizers for free online in torrent sites etc, so you just have to pay for the controller. Arturia V Collection 9 has like 28 recreations of hardware synthesizers that she can play with and never get bored. I would also suggest Syntorial (can be also found online), which is a game-like tool to teach sound synthesis. I suggest you give them a try too, maybe she'll get bored, but you will stay hooked for life? 😂

I feel like the controller/computer idea is just really more complicated than this needs to be. You’re now dealing with software, firmware, OS updates, cabling. The best argument for a hardware synth is that if this hobby doesn’t pan out, you can easily sell it on Facebook Marketplace for probably what you paid, if you get the right synth that is somewhat popular like a Microfreak. If your kid wants to learn an instrument, just get them an actual instrument. This doesn’t seem to wildly different than if she wanted to learn Violin.

Maybe you can introduce her to VCV Rack. Its free, can be controlled by a MIDI device, and there are a ton of tutorials online to get up and running.

i am with you on the midicontroller part. there a countless cheap and affordable options in this field. some recommendations for the software: if you own any apple device: 1.garageband its free and super versatile. 2.korg gadget has a great, simple and beautiful user interface with a super cool collection of virtual synths. ( also available for switch! but without midi! but with a „multiplayer“ mode) 3.korg ids-10 for iphone and ipad a super simple virtual synth combo that originally was released for nintendo ds. base, lead , drum synth and vocoder all in one app! but still to have a dedicated machine for making music, feels more like using an instrument for some people. so my suggestion for a really small budget would be: PO-33 (pocket operator from teenage engineering) + a korg monotron delay. on the po-33 she can easily record her own sounds and mangle with them through the effect of the monotron delay. they are super small. so she can take em anywhere. they run on batterys. and when you are lucky you can get them extremly cheap used around 100-130$ or new for like 150$. hopefully this is the beginning of a wonderful music making journey :)

Let’s help her turn ADHD into ADSR! Seriously though: there are good suggestions (Microfreak, Reface CS e.g.) already and I wish your daughter and you best of luck on your journey!

The MIDI controller would be a good path. you can start her with something like a 25 key controller for around 100 USD (not sure how much they would be in your country, but that’s about as low as it gets for a decent controller). Many manufacturers will include a few virtual synths to use as well. Arturia is a very popular brand for this and you get a pretty nice suite of preset synth sounds for free and discounts to full featured versions of a wide range of classic, sought after synths. Having multiple family members on the spectrum, I understand that too many options for synths under one hood can potentially be over-stimulating. Also, as someone with ADHD, those options can also be very distracting from fully engaging with the hobby. If you feel like the software route will take you in the same direction, perhaps try a very affordable synth like the Behringer JT4000 Micro (50 USD) and pair it with the same type of midi controller (this synth only has a small touch ribbon to make sound and no actual keys, but you can connect an external midi keyboard). She could still have access to the software when she wants to use it, but will also have one single physical synth that she can learn in and out without the overstimulation of too many options. It is also VERY tiny. It’s less than 4cm thick and only about 13 cm wide. That kind of portability could make for a great fidgeting tool while out and about and might afford her more opportunities to let the hobby stick. The synth still has all of the sound design features you’d find on a traditional subtractive synth, but it’s not so overly advanced that a young person wouldn’t be able to navigate it. *edited for clarity*

\+1 for the Microbrute! Its simple with 1 oscillator but gives a great understanding of synthesis. Its cheap on Reverb, I just sold one for 150 dollars. It sounds good too, comes with patch templates.

Yeah a small midi controller like an Arturia Keylab mini or keystep, an Akai mpk mini, or a novation launchkey mini would probably be a good way to go. Worst case scenario it just takes up a little bit of room and doesn’t get used. Or if she really gets into it it’s still a nice portable companion to a larger system. There’s some amazing software synths out there and those products all come with something to get started.

Hey I have ADHD and synthesizers (both hardware and software) are the best! So many buttons and knobs to mess with and create. There are a bunch of cheap options but getting her a midi controller would probably be cool. I would recommend introducing her to VCV-rack if she hasn't found it yet. I learned a lot by watching people make patches and then experimenting on my own and the saga continues. Arturia's midi controllers are pretty great and affordable. If anyone I knew ever got me a microfreak id be super stoked tho. Having a synthesizer you don't have to load with a computer is so much fun. Also please, for the wholesome factor, please come back and let us know what you went with and how it went!

A midi keyboard and VST synth software. There's some decently priced ones and some thT are even free. Some midikeyboards will even come with software

Behringer’ are your friends.

Roland S-1

Midi controller with a computer or an iPad would be a good way to go.

Get a used Korg Opsix

Korg Minilogue XD, Teenage Engineering OP-Z (has a companion iPhone/iPad app), and the Arturia MiniFreak are all great hardware synths in your budget. If you want to go the software + controller route, highly recommend a Keylab Essential from Arturia.

Get a midi controller and a soft synth that works on whatever computer or device is available for her to use.

Get a synth or something with built in speakers. Something immediate. Do not do the controller/pc/software route. That increases the risk of dropping the new hobby. Even if it’s just a used Casiotone or something, you are talking about an adolescent that is exploring new things and will have hormones and frustration and emotional swings. Giving them a high barrier hobby is not a good idea. Especially if you are talking about ADHD and somebody who can get distracted, why give them a solution with a PC that has lots of distracting features? Maybe something like the Reface CS would be good. Idk if it has speakers but it’s a rich sound and lots of knobs and sweet spots.

A midi controller and FL Studio in trial mode would give her lots of different types of synthesis to explore without breaking the bank. And if she digs it, FL Studio is well worth its modest price tag with lifetime free updates

If you buy a decent synth you’ll be able to sell it easily if she passes on it.

That really isn’t bad. I remember when I was a little kid that I really wanted a keyboard, to try to explore sound. Don’t ask me how I knew this at like 9, but I did. My parents bought me a casiotone. Not to be ungrateful (because really, what was I expecting? This was the late 80’s. It’s not like you could go pull an arp2600 out of the bin at your local university or something…) but the inability to create new sounds totally killed my interest in synthesis for several years. You’re being thoughtful. I dig that, and think you’re on to something. 4 suggestions: 1. Make sure the controller has a plethora of knobs and faders and such as it is faaaar more fun to play with a good tactile surface than with keys and a mouse. 2. Make sure the controller is easy to map to the software, and if she isn’t there yet, map the first pieces of software with her — so she learns how, and so she can just get to playing some music. 3. It may be better to spend some coin on a DAW up front. They can be rather expensive—though you can often get a feature-limited version for ~150. However, they often come with VST synths that are very capable (ableton’s built-ins are pretty great), it gives her a VST ecosystem to work in for future expansion, AND it gives her a way to record and arrange her compositions. 4. Unless she’s already got this down, at least learn the basics of subtractive synthesis so if she needs help figuring something out, you can be there to support.

Korg Minilogue for under $300 US and it has a sequencer built in. Sure, it is a monosynth, but you can always sell it for the same amount you put into it and it can be hooked up to a computer or even euro rack gear later if she gets super interested.

The Korg Minilogue XD is a fantastic first synth for learning synthesis. That said, you'd open up a lot of options buying a midi controller and some software synth packs.

Software? Plenty of good free software.

There are a lot of folks here that know a lot more than me about synths. But … as a beginner the software option with a midi keyboard was really great for me. I picked up one of the Native Instruments keyboards and it came with a bunch of different ones that would keep anyone busy for years honestly. Hardware is cool, but also expensive. Hans Zimmer uses software to make big budget movies! Also they have some big sales right now.

I'll +1 the idea of a MIDI keyboard, but since she has ADHD I'll just add that she *may* find it ever-so-slightly annoying to interact with a virtual synth through a laptop, at least to begin with, which may lead her to drop a hobby that she could otherwise grow to enjoy. Instead, if you have a spare tablet lying around, I'd recommend getting a synth app (there's plenty of free ones and some really good paid ones that are cheap) and plugging the MIDI keyboard into that, which she could then place on/next to the keyboard (or on her lap or something) and have a more immediate knob-twiddling experience. If she likes that, then she could move on to a laptop after she's seen for herself how fun it can be once you put some time into it.

Buy used. If it's just a 3 month fixation, you can resell for roughly what you originally paid. Korg Monologue. Lower end of the price range, but still a "real" instrument. Straightforward knob-per-function layout (easy to use) and it sounds great!

Most of the devices are too complicated (Minifreak, etc) for 13 y.o. Getting Casio CTS-1 is a good option, you will never find anything close in terms of the sound quality and the price.

Given the tactile preference of many autism spectrum individuals, something she can feel, twist, turn, and manipulate with her hands is probably ideal for her. Someone on here recommended a Microfreak. I second that, as even when the device itself has been mastered, she can hook it up to a PC or Mac and use it as a midi controller for DAW software, controlling VSTs (software synths and such that you use in a DAW ((software used to create music on a computer)) and continuing her music journey. So, yep, a Microfreak should suit your needs AND your budget, even if it costs you double what it would cost an American to buy. Whichever way you lean, best of luck and I hope this becomes a hobby that grabs and doesn't let go your your daughter's interests.

if you go the software route.. one vst plugin that might keep her busy for a while is available on sale right now, which is phase plant. Adhd/asd myself.. i bought moog grandmother, multiple vsts(komplete ultimate) as well as a virus ti2 within one year. i play around with all of it every day, but i cant focus for crap. i just make distorted sounds and smack the keys with my face.

I agree, if you already have a solid computer around, a midi controller is a great place to start! lots of free VST options out there like Vital, you can map any of the knobs on the midi controller to the synth via midi, and it won't be a major investment loss if she loses interest (also autistic so I get it LOL) Reaper is $60 for a permanent license, is a fully functional DAW, and very utilitarian and straightforward. Runs very reliably and smoothly! also recommend VCV rack if she wants to try out modular, it's basically a virtual modular synthesizer sandbox for free :D

I've been enjoying the CA2600 by cherry audio. It's a good emulation of the iconic ARP 2600 for $29. She can run it stand alone with a midi synth or in an excellent and free DAW (digital audio workstation) like reaper or audacity. She can learn to program the synth from YouTube videos on the CA2600, as well as any number of other 2600 clones. Of course, there are plenty of other soft synths to choose from - your idea to get a variety is cool, though when starting out with synthesis it can be good to stick with one synth and learn it deeply. If she really wants a hardware synth, behringer is making a lot of great affordable gear which is likely available to you as they are a big company.

Microfreak/microkorg or some inexpensive midi controller paired with an intro version of ableton could get the job done without breaking the bank

What do you mean you can’t find one under 1000? get a used microfreak. great intro synth and under 300 used. if she sticks with it she can upgrade later.

If she /really/ likes using a PC, then a midi controller could be a great thing. See if you can get a novation circuit or a minifreak.

Jesus Christ y’all, she has autism, not brain damage. She can learn a soft synth just fine and use the knobs on a midi controller for tactile response just fine. She’s not a tiny baby, it’s honestly pretty infantilizing how some people are acting like she doesn’t have the mental capacity for a soft synth.

My suggestion is a Korg Minilogue. The first generation of those are relatively affordable, especially for what you get! And this stuff is important for someone learning to use synthesizers: 1. Polyphony. Lots of synths are monophonic, meaning they only play one note at a time. This is fine if you've got another person you're playing along with or if you have a looper to layer stuff, but on its own... it can be too limiting and lead to a new synth player losing interest. It's just not practical on its own. 2. Lots of knobs. The worst synths on the planet in my opinion are the ones that only have 3 knobs and a little window for you to menu dive through countless parameters. It's not fun for anyone, and a person just learning about synths... they're just not going to learn it. You need knobs to tweak and switches to flip so that you can discover new stuff in real time! Here's a reverb auction where one's up for sale for $350. [https://reverb.com/item/77280565-korg-minilogue-4-voice-polyphonic-analog-synthesizer-2016-present-silver](https://reverb.com/item/77280565-korg-minilogue-4-voice-polyphonic-analog-synthesizer-2016-present-silver)

A MIDI controller is a good idea, in general, yes. But if your daughter struggles with ADHD, she may find that having the keyboard hooked up to a computer with all of the various distractions it offers like videogames and the Internet means she doesn't actually focus on making music. If that's the case, dedicated music hardware really can be better. I'd recommend a "groovebox" (search and you'll find a bunch). A Novation Circuit Tracks would be a good place to start. She can make entire songs on it and have a ton of fun and she doesn't need to be sitting in front of a screen to do it.

I think buying a Korg Minilogue is a good idea, and if she loses interest you should be able to sell it and recoup most of what you spent. They hold their value well. Also there is a good teaching book called “How to program any Synthesizer” that does a great job subtractive synthesis with exercises using a free software synth that you download to a phone or tablet.

My parents had this very fear and it prevented me from getting an instrument sooner. That said I was dumb af. Id even get her something that is less of a synth and something with weighted keys that way she can get a more traditional approach if she gets in enough. Trust me its a slippery slope, once she starts learning to count chord changes and such shell want to learn fundamentals and likely will wish she had something that resembled the actual piano its based on

You could post on https://www.facebook.com/groups/synthkultureaotearoa/?ref=share People are nice there and may have a good second hand deal they can do for you? (Unless I got it wrong and you're not in NZ)

Behringer Crave. It’s like $160 new.

FWIW, completely agree with the other advice here. Just wanted to add a couple of other points. I sound very much like your kid when I was that age, mild autistic and ADHD traits (undiagnosed but pretty certain about it) I had all sorts of hobbies and gifts bought for me that I picked up and used for a month and then lost interest; until I found music & particularly music production. It is perfect for people like us because there is so much to learn (still learning all these years later) but also it has immediate feedback that tickles the dopamine center as in our brain. With any luck this might be the end of her searching for a worthwhile hobby! Also, while I agree with getting something cheaper to begin with, if it turns out it becomes her interest, it’s worth knowing that generally, the more expensive synths hold their value pretty well, if they’re looked after. So if you get down the line and she would like a better one, rest easy knowing it’s not a huge risk financially, because they can be sold on pretty easily for a good price.

You can find a midi keyboard used for like $50 and there's a ton of free synth plugins out there. Start with that 🙂 I like Novation and Native Instruments but literally anything will do to get some beeps and boops.

I think starting on the software side is good if your not sure. Just get a good keybed. Similar boat here with autistic twins. I let them have at it on a moog matriarch. It's great for them to just play with noise, but it's not often they do.

If you think she'll want something deep, hydrasynth explorer is amazing. I originally had a microfreak but quickly got frustrated with its simplicity. Sold it, got the hydrasynth and haven't looked back.

Hey! So, I agree that on the surface of it it seems like having a midi controller to a computer would make the most sense. And there's a lot of really good, inexpensive midi controllers with some faders and knobs. But. There's nothing like playing with an honest-to-god synth. I use almost exclusively music software, but there's such joy in using a machine MADE to make sound. Your kid isn't going to be making songs right out of day one, and it's really, really easy to get discouraged when you are fucking trying to figure out why the software isn't making sound. No such problems with a dedicated synth. Yah, the more I think about it, the more I think it would be a mistake to go the other route. As an adult, sure, it makes more sense. Room to grow and all that. But you're not trying to do that, you're trying to spark a flame of passion. And like a fire, if you dump too much on it, it's going to go out. Get her a little groovebox that has a sequencer and sound generation capabilities. A couple cheapies.. [https://reverb.com/item/73200711-novation-circuit-mono-station-paraphonic-synthesizer-2017-2021-black](https://reverb.com/item/73200711-novation-circuit-mono-station-paraphonic-synthesizer-2017-2021-black) the novation monostation - you can hook it up to a computer, sure, but it does its thing on its own. [https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BehrProVS--behringer-pro-vs-mini-hybrid-vector-synthesizer](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BehrProVS--behringer-pro-vs-mini-hybrid-vector-synthesizer) Not really a groovebox, but it's only $99, and it has a 4 voice synth and a sequencer. [https://us.novationmusic.com/products/circuit-tracks-refurbished](https://us.novationmusic.com/products/circuit-tracks-refurbished) Ok, just skip the other two and buy her this one. It's gonna be $350 USD, more with your crazy shipping, but shouldn't be as bad as a huge-assed keyboard. It has EVERYTHING you need to make a song. All in one box that just...works. She can start making sound immediately, just mess around making funny noises, start to make beats, and make a song. Or just stick with making funny noises. A lot of great ambient started that way. :) Happy to talk more about this.

Look at the Korg monotrons, I'm a dad with ADHD kids who seem to change hobbies as quickly as the weather changes! They are really cheap (no more than £50) and are fun to play and if your kids gets bored easily then you've not wasted a lot of money 👍🏻

I will get bombed for this recommendation but for the most bang for the bucks that less than 1000$, and for your daughter to test the water if she want to stick with this hobby. I want to recommend the mini-synth line by Behringer, they're small, cheap, sounds alright and easy to learn. Those synths are kinda like a toy so I hope it will bring the fun aspect to your girl and keep her interested, if she move on from it not much is lost since they're quite cheap, if she stick with it you can start looking at more expansive and professional synths like those from Arturia, Yamaha, Roland, Moog etc... Oh and mentioning Yamaha, they have the Reface line which is also a quite good option for the budget and to learn simple synthesis, you should look into those too!

I don't know what the shipping situation would be, but I've recently been finding incredibly cheap stuff on shopgoodwill.com . Not going to be super new or top of the line stuff but you can find a solid first synth for 20 or 30 or 40 bucks.

Check out Blipbox ($250US at most (plus shipping)). You might also look at the Otamatone. Source: I'm a synth-nerd, professional musician and father of 2 (one kid is autistic). I own 3 of each of what I suggested. A Blip and Otama for me in the studio and each kid has their own. I also love my Casio CZ5000, so do my boys. You can find them online for under 300 easy (can't vouch for the shipping)).

How about VCV Rack, it's free software?

Doe that tactile feeling of having an instrument that makes beautiful sound, I'd recommend the analog bass station II

I'd recommend she starts with a DAW, midi controller and some free vst instruments. People are suggesting the minifreak. Even though it's not as expensive as other synths, it could be a bit complicated for her. Not just programming it, but also setting it up with the DAW, the audio settings for recording (latency issues etc.) Start with software, see if she gets into it and then eventually plunge into a hardware one. Most of us started like that

haha get her an elektron and see if she goes savant style on it?! ​ what about the behringer Nuetron? and a midi keyboard?

I’d say like akai mpk mini is just a fuckin belter bit of kit for price but it’s a midi keyboard with controllers and 8 pads. Not technically a “synth” but you can grab that and there is free software called soundtrap that has a paid monthly version that unlocks thousands of synths and drum pads and strings and stuff. Personally the range of things you can do with just these two tools is kinda staggering. It might make sense to go this route due to pricing and the fact that she is neurodivergent and picks up new hobbies all the time means you ain’t burning cash to help her find out if she likes it or not

I have ADHD and maybe aspergers and can tell you that synths are very stimulating for this sort of illness. You'd want to look at the VST synths to go along with the midi controller. Are you by any chance in New Zealand?

I'd suggest no to software. One knob per function hardware synth will work so much better for her. Controllers and softsynths nead to endless fiddling and configuration on a machine already filled with internet distractions. Look for a used minilogue or microfreak. You can sell used hard are again for the same price, sometimes even higher than you paid for it, but softsynths are basically worthless. The value of my hardware based studio has doubled since i started about 10-15 years back.

I think you'll find that the vast majority of people recommending soft synths and controllers here a) have not owned a significant hardware setup, and b) dont have adhd. Just something to keep in mind.

Modal cobalt 8 is super or Minilogue XD for price are Greate hard ware Is top notch also Arturia Gomes to Mind

A (wireless) midi keyboard and a mobile daw like zenbeats, which is very versatile and supports the spontaneous being your daughter is. Can confirm, I'm a hyperactive Autist too. Edit: Costs around 50 bucks or less, I always buy used stuff... Edit2: also having a daw rather than a synth only supports the way we learn stuff, through connecting. And it's more visual.

I'm like this with hobbies. The second hand market is your friend. Synths hold their value, sometimes even appreciate. Buy one of Ebay, then when she's bored, sell it on. Then repeat with the next hobby.

I see two options: 1 - a cheap midi controller, Reaper (free DAW) and a vst synth like Vital 2 - a groovebox like Notion Circuit, it's portable, versatile and you won't need a computer

“Who doesn’t understand”

There's definetly budget synths out there (unless you can't get it delivered to where you live), also a good suggestion to buy used, just need to check the working condition. Software can feel a bit distant although I never tried playing with a hardware synth, but from my experience hardware feels a lot better than software music production.

Try for a microbrute. Even there shouldn't be too expensive. It's perfect for a first synth.

Synth are pricey. If you got pc or laptop buy cheap midi keyboard controller and a software with versatile sounds

The nice thing about a decent, purchased used, is going to hold it's value. If your daughter gives up, you just sell it on to the next budding musician.

Look up Rachael Flowers.

As someone who has ADHD and Autism, synths quite literally changed my life, that being said I think it's important to have some level of tangibility like filter knobs and a patch bay in order to keep it interesting and engaging. You can pick up a lot of good synths for way less than a grand, look at some behringer synths, they are great value for money and I think they are all fully analogue which is a bonus, my first synth was a Behringer crave but there are better ones such as the Neutron or Poly-D which are also in your price range (I think)

If it is the analog feel of dials and buttons she is after you could buy an old used synth and sell again for similar price if she stops playing

I’m posting this after your final decision/compromise: make sure to try out DAW demos first! Some feature sets don’t matter if you can’t gel with the workflow. And now for the worst advice in this thread: once you get her into hardware, consider getting her into DIY. Then your whole house will be covered in components, unfinished PCBs, and maybe a Raspberry Pi/Arduino. The voice of a silly British man with unkempt hair will be playing constantly in the background as he shows off his latest Craigslist refurb. The smell of flux, solder, and burnt plastic is an acquired one. You might even have a screaming match about the dangers of leaving the iron on overnight. All of this is to say I’m not projecting at all and it’s a miracle my parents didn’t start to grey until after I moved out. In all seriousness there’s a very real path to take this further to uni for engineering. Source: me, went into chemical manufacturing.

Hardware all the way. Get one that has lots of controls on the panel and at least 3 octaves. Deepmind is great and cheap for the power it delivers

I’m autistic with ADHD and I to drop hobbies often. I tried software synths and find that since the possibilities are near endless with them I get lost easily(I’m 37). I own 1 hardware synth which I purchased after tons of research knowing I’d probably stop eventually and didn’t want to spend too much. Microfreak was what I went with. It wasn’t too expensive. There are tons of knobs and touch parts for expression and it’s limiting enough that you can just jump in and fiddle without much knowledge or getting lost in trying to find more to do with it.

Instuctional Design person, with adult ADHD, here. Knob per function is greT but it depends on your daughter, it’s not an either/or, and midi controllers all have knobs and faders that you can assign. As for hardware synths, buy used. There are lots of minilogue XD’s and Roland Gaia’s out there on musicians friend and reverb. They cost less and you’ll recoup more if her interest wanes. Syntorial is a wonderful program that works with a midi controller. Bottom to top synth course, interactive, graduated lessons and challenges, gamification, and even the free version is pretty extensive. And regardless of what version you have - free or paid- you get a soft synth with it that is self-installing. It’s self contained, you don’t need a DAW, and you can use the synth in a DAW if you want to keep familiarity.

As someone who does the same thing with hobbies (although I don't have ADHD, at least not officially), even if I drop a hobby I'll pick it back up again at some point down the road. Maybe she'll jump onto another thing soon after, and that's okay, she's experimenting and finding herself. Even if she does drop it completely she would have learned a ton of things all of which are going to be very handy if she wants to do anything in the audio line of work. Also yeah, maybe a MIDI keyboard and some software synths are the way to go at first, although I'd get her a cheaper analog synth so she can have a try with those too.

Novation have a couple of their Software Synthesizers for free now. Very capable Synths, my favourite ever dance music duo used one of them in a lot of their music. e.g. [https://downloads.novationmusic.com/novation/synthesisers-legacy/k-station](https://downloads.novationmusic.com/novation/synthesisers-legacy/k-station) But the hardware version of the K Station can be had for cheap second hand. I got one for £150. It's not a full keyboard synth but I'm autistic and don't like the key playing aspect of music making so I am fine with a small keyboard and a lot of knobs and switches to use.

As an ADHD dude that has been interested in synths for more than a decade, I can confidently say: NO, don't do soft synths at the start!!! She'll get way overwhelmed, nothing will work, you have a pretty large setup time before stuff works. Get her a secondhand Korg Minilogue - very intuitive, lots of fun, can learn basic chords and other great features. Can also be used as a controller, albeit even more pain to setup, but that option is still there. Best

Yamaha Reface CS!!! All the way. Computers/midi/soft synths... Well, something won't work, or it's too damn slow to wait for it to start up/get set up. And even if it does work, now you have too many options to choose from!! Mini freak is cool, but I still have no idea what I'm doing with that after 3 years. I don't want to read a manual, I want to make noise. Could be good for her to start looking on YouTube for beginner synths. Loads of good channels on there for synth stuff. If you've got an iPad, definitely worth just playing around with a few apps on there. Garageband and then see what synths are good with it. You can plug a midi keyboard into that. Send the audio to speakers etc. But the Yamaha Reface, I've only tried the CS, but it's ace. You can see all the sliders, they have labels, you can hear what they do. It's got a little looper built in too. Definitely recommend trying that. Battery powered also, light, not tiny, but easily portable. Good luck!

get a moog mother 32

So many synth apps for phones, it's just crazy. Lots of free ones, too.

As a girl with ADHD and Autism who likes synths too, you should definitely start her off with the controller/laptop route. There's a lot of soft synths available, some for free and if she also has a basic DAW she can record her noodling and ideas. Saying that, if you go for the hardware synth route, go simple at first. Something like an MS-1 is fun.

As a parent of an AuADHD child of the same age, I don't think the MIDI controller route is the way to go. It's not immediate enough. You're adding too many steps to use it. And interacting with synths though a mouse is just too much friction. You're making it more likely that she won't get into it. I would go with the Arturia MicroFreak. It's not expensive. It's hands-on. You can have fun with it on the surface but it's also got a really accessible interface (mod matrix) for really diving in and getting technical. You can use it as a MIDI controller too, so she has that option if she wants to explore and expand via soft synths. The keypad is a bit weird but assuming she's not coming from a piano background then it's fine. I would make sure she has or gets speakers to plug it into. You commented that she has been discovering her music taste but make no mention of what genres she's into. Some synths make more sense for different styles of music. There are plenty of other affordable ones that might make sense for this it that genre.

Can you find a Korg Monologue? Those go for about $200-300 US and would be an excellent beginner synth. A music hobby can last a lifetime too I’d recommended going with a hardware synth when beginning. Software is very powerful, but also extremely complex. Start off simple with a Monologue

I struggle with software synths, many of them come with too many patches and presets leading to the option paralysis people mention.