Devin Belanger’s Superbooth 2026: Five Synths That Slap (and a Few That Don’t)

The Genki Katla rolls in with a price tag that could buy you a used car, and Devin’s not shy about calling it out. At first glance, the Katla’s volcanic rock chassis and Deckard’s Dream-style sliders scream boutique excess, but the sound design chops are undeniable. Even synth newbies can wrangle lush, alive patches out of this beast—proof that Genki nailed the interface.

Still, at €4,900, you’ll need deep pockets or a side hustle in crypto. Is it worth the cash? Devin’s on the fence, but there’s no denying the Katla’s stereo wizardry and hybrid signal path make it a sonic street weapon for those who can afford it. For the rest of us, it’s pure synth porn—best enjoyed with headphones and a healthy dose of envy.

If you thought FM synthesis was just for masochists and DX7 collectors, the ASM Leviasynth is here to change your mind. Devin’s deep dive with Ken from ASM reveals a monster: eight-operator FM, analog filters, analog drive, and a sequencer that could make Elektron sweat. The Leviasynth isn’t just versatile—it’s a full-on groovebox, drum machine, and modular playground rolled into one.

What really slaps is the workflow. ASM borrowed the best bits from Hydrasynth but cranked up the resolution and added creature comforts like copy-paste for envelopes and oscillators. Dedicated controls for digital and analog filters mean less menu diving, more knob twisting. The sequencer’s per-step modulation and ratcheting open up wild, industrial soundscapes. It’s got a sky-high skill ceiling but stays surprisingly intuitive—if you want a synth that’ll keep you up at night, this is it.

Magnolia from Frap Tools is the synth equivalent of slipping into your favourite trainers—instant comfort, zero confusion. Devin’s quick session on this beauty left him grinning: the layout is pure logic, the build is rock solid, and the keyboard feels lush. It’s got the vibe of a Prophet or OB6, but with a modern twist that makes sound design a breeze.

You won’t find endless menus or cryptic shortcuts here. Magnolia is all about hands-on control and immediate results. If you want to get lost in a patch for hours or just jam out with presets, it’s got you covered. Sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate flex.