This week, Ian sits down 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.

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!