This week, I chat with Alex Dalliance (aka Vulture Culture) to shine a light on the analog synths that deserve way more love. From the gritty charm of the DW-8000 to the overlooked brilliance of the Alpha Juno 2, we dig into the gear that delivers serious tone without the boutique price tag.

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If you’re tired of hearing about the same five synths over and over, this episode is your antidote. We cover real-world usability, sonic character, and why limitations can be a creative superpower.

Timestamps – Synth Spotlights & Deep Dives
00:00 – Intro: Why underrated synths matter
01:46 – Matrix 12, Andromeda, Monopoly, Juno 6: Big names, mixed feelings
07:01 – DW-8000: Digital oscillators, analog soul
13:25 – DW-8000 vs Modwave: Warmth vs modern emulation
14:20 – Envelope programming tips for DW-8000
16:23 – DW-10,000 fantasy patches & filter resonance
18:05 – DW-8000’s built-in delay: A secret weapon
19:44 – Behringer Pro-800: Prophet clone or missed opportunity?
24:18 – Korg Poly-800: Vintage value vs modern clones
27:38 – Dreadbox Typhon: Analog mono with digital FX
29:36 – Polyox: Soviet snarl and unique character
32:08 – Gen SX1000: Simplicity, nostalgia, and raw tone
34:02 – DCO synths: Avoiding redundancy in your rig
36:59 – JX-8P: Warm analog tone on a budget
38:05 – Matrix 6: Deep architecture, great value
40:07 – JX-10: Worth it with mods and programmers
46:00 – Alpha Juno 2: Bright, brassy, and criminally underrated
47:22 – Retroactive programmers: Unlocking hidden potential
49:20 – DW-8000 programming with Full Bucket emulator
50:36 – Poly-6 vs Juno 6: Surprising poll results
53:11 – Poly-6 battery leak warning & buying tips
54:33 – Why vintage synths still matter
56:03 – Synth golden eras: What makes a classic?

Join the conversation: What’s your favorite underrated synth? Drop it in the comments—we might feature it next time!

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