IK UNO Synth Pro

The UNO Synth Pro is IK Multimedia’s keyboard analogue synthesizer, built for producers, keyboard players and sound designers who want hands-on analogue sound with a real keybed. It puts the full UNO Synth Pro engine (three oscillators, two filters, a 16-slot modulation matrix and onboard effects) inside a rugged metal chassis with a 37-key Fatar keybed.

IK developed the UNO Synth Pro with Italian boutique synth maker Soundmachines, the same team behind the original UNO Synth. The Pro version keeps the original’s sound character and adds a second filter, a second LFO, paraphony and CV/Gate connectivity.

Three Analogue Oscillators and Paraphonic Play

The UNO Synth Pro is built on three discrete analogue oscillators. Each one morphs continuously between waveshapes rather than switching between fixed waves, and each offers pulse-width modulation, hard sync, FM and ring modulation. A white noise generator adds percussive hits, risers and breathy textures.

Use it as a three-oscillator monosynth for heavy basses and leads, with mono or legato triggering and glide. Switch to paraphonic mode and the three oscillators play separate notes, so you can hold simple three-note chords and intervals that run through the shared filter and amp.

Dual Analogue Filters with 24 Modes

The UNO Synth Pro’s filter section gives it much of its range. The original UNO Synth 2-pole OTA multimode filter sits alongside a new SSI-based 2/4-pole low-pass filter that can self-oscillate. Between them, the two filters offer 24 filter modes. That covers squelchy acid basslines, smooth pad sweeps and screaming resonant leads. You can also send external audio into the filters and effects, so a drum machine or vocal can run through the same analogue path.

Modulation, Sequencer and Arpeggiator

A 16-slot modulation matrix lets you route internal and external sources (LFOs, envelopes, aftertouch, the wheels and more) to dozens of destinations. The 64-step sequencer can record up to 84 parameters per step, so a pattern can change filter cutoff, effect levels and more as it plays. MusicRadar’s reviewer singled out the sequencer as the standout feature. A 10-mode arpeggiator and 256 user-editable presets round out the performance tools.

Analogue Drive and Built-In Effects

The analogue overdrive circuit from the original UNO Synth adds warmth or grit before the digital effects. After that come three effect slots (modulation, delay and reverb) with 12 effect types in total, covering chorus, flanger, phaser, delays and plate-to-hall reverbs. Reviewers rated the reverb especially highly. You don’t need external pedals to get a finished, wide stereo sound.

Connectivity for Studio and Modular Rigs

The rear panel has two balanced stereo outputs, a headphone output, an audio input, full-size MIDI in and out, USB for MIDI, and CV/Gate in and out. That means the UNO Synth Pro can sequence or be sequenced by Eurorack modules, sync to a DAW or drum machine, and slot into an existing rig. The free UNO Synth Pro Editor runs on Mac and Windows as a standalone app or plug-in, so you can edit and recall sounds from inside your DAW. Record it cleanly through one of our audio interfaces for home studios.

UNO Synth Pro vs UNO Synth Pro Desktop vs UNO Synth PRO X

All three share the same core idea of three analogue oscillators and dual OTA/SSI filters, but they suit different players:

• UNO Synth Pro (this model): 37-key Fatar keybed with aftertouch, physical pitch and mod wheels, metal chassis, included power supply. The pick if you want to play it as a keyboard instrument.
• UNO Synth Pro Desktop: the same synth engine, controls and connections in a plastic tabletop unit with 32 capacitive touch keys and touch strips. Lighter and powered over USB, but the touch keyboard suits auditioning sounds more than playing.
• UNO Synth PRO X: a newer desktop module with many more dedicated knobs, three envelopes with loop and retrigger, and a Bassline mode. Best if you’ll play it from a MIDI keyboard and want fewer menus.

Browse the full range of analogue and hybrid synthesizers to compare.

Who Is the UNO Synth Pro For?

• Keyboard players who want a real analogue synth with a quality keybed in a compact size
• Producers adding hardware analogue basses, leads and pads to a DAW setup
• Modular and Eurorack users looking for a keyboard with CV/Gate in and out
• Beginners stepping up to a deeper synth that’s still logical to program

It’s not the right choice if you need full polyphony for chords of more than three notes, or if you want one knob per function with no menus. For that, look at a polyphonic synth or the UNO Synth PRO X.

Setup Tips

• Use the included power supply. Reviewers noted that USB power can add noise on these synths.
• The synth calibrates its analogue circuits at every power-up, so switch it on a little before you need it.
• Use both balanced outputs into a stereo pair of inputs to keep the stereo effects intact, and monitor on accurate active studio monitors.
• Install the UNO Synth Pro Editor to back up presets and edit deeper parameters on screen.

Key Features

• 3 discrete wave-morphing analogue oscillators with PWM, sync, FM and ring modulation
• White noise generator
• Dual filters: 2-pole OTA multimode and 2/4-pole SSI low-pass with self-oscillation, 24 modes
• Mono, legato and 3-voice paraphonic modes
• Two LFOs and a 16-slot modulation matrix
• Analogue overdrive plus 12 digital effects in 3 slots
• 64-step sequencer with up to 84 parameters per step
• 10-mode arpeggiator
• 256 user-editable presets
• 37-key Fatar semi-weighted keybed with aftertouch
• Two balanced outputs, headphone out, audio input
• MIDI in/out, USB MIDI and CV/Gate in/out
• Free UNO Synth Pro Editor for Mac and Windows (standalone or plug-in)

UNO Synth Pro FAQ

Is the UNO Synth Pro polyphonic?

No. It’s a three-oscillator analogue synth that can run in paraphonic mode, where each oscillator plays a separate note. That gives you up to three notes at once through a shared filter, which is good for simple chords and intervals but not full polyphony.

What’s the difference between the UNO Synth Pro and the Desktop?

The sound engine, controls and connections are the same. The UNO Synth Pro adds a 37-key Fatar keybed with aftertouch, physical pitch and mod wheels and a metal chassis. The Desktop uses 32 capacitive touch keys and runs on USB power.

Can the UNO Synth Pro run on battery?

It comes with a power supply. IK also lists the optional UNO Synth Power Bank as a power option for the keyboard model.

Does the UNO Synth Pro work with modular synths?

Yes. It has CV and Gate inputs and outputs, so it can control Eurorack modules or be played by an external sequencer.

Can I edit the UNO Synth Pro from my computer?

Yes. The free UNO Synth Pro Editor runs on 64-bit macOS and Windows as a standalone app or a plug-in inside your DAW. It needs firmware 2.0.0 or later on the synth.

Can I process external audio through it?

Yes. The audio input can feed the filters, the effects, or pass straight through. So you can run drums, vocals or another synth through its analogue filters and effects.