Donner Essential L1 Synthesizer Now Available To Pre-Order
Chinese manufacturer Donner has been building quite the reputation over the past few years, as it steadily expands its catalogue of accessibly-priced gear and instruments to encompass such wallet-friendly wonders as the Medo and 303-inspired Essential B1 bass synth.
2025 NAMM Show: Donner has announced that the L1 synthesizer – a budget and unique new synth that has a removable keyboard – is now available to pre-order.
The Donner L1 is a new design, but builds on the sound architecture of the Roland SH-101. It’s the first of their Essential Synth Series, and has two sections that connect with magnets – a synth module, and a keyboard:
L1 is built around a 3340 analogue oscillator and 3109 voltage-controlled four-pole filter, a recreation of the SH-101’s original filter chip that features the same self-oscillation abilities. L1’s oscillator can produce saw, pulse and triangle waves, along with noise and a sub-oscillator.
These are joined by a single multi-waveform LFO and two envelope generators – one more than the original SH-101 – the first can modulate several parameters including pitch and filter cutoff, while the second shapes the VCA. The synth also features a 64-step sequencer, with storage space for 128 patterns and 32 songs, and a multimode arpeggiator.
The most striking element of the L1 is its detachable keyboard: connecting to L1 via the S2C (Snap2Connect) magnetic keyboard system, the 32-key KB-32M also features dual touch strips for pitch bend and modulation, and will be compatible with future Donner products in the Essential range. It’s sold separately, and you can also use it as a basic standalone MIDI keyboard.
Here are the features of the two components:
- Donner Essential L1 Synthesizer:
- 3340 VCO, outputs multiple waveforms
- 3109 VCF & 662 VCA for most faithful recreation in sound wise
- Extra envelope as modulation source, to enhance the possibility in sound
- Drone mode for ambient type of sound
- Powerful and easy-to-use step sequencer
- Wide variety connections: 1)cv/gate out 2)sync i/o 3)external audio i
- Optional magnetic keyboard (KB-32M)
- Donner KB-32M Keyboard
- Synth-Action Keyboard – 32-key spring-loaded keyboard provides a better tactile feel and faster rebound speed.
- Four Velocity Curves with Adjustable Sensitivity – Three levels of sensitivity customization to match your playing style.
- Intuitive One-Touch Settings (OLED Display) – (Almost) all settings can be easily adjusted via the SHIFT key combination and OLED graphical display. Simple, quick, and user-friendly.
- Magnetic Connector for Essential Synth Series – Snap2Connect (S2C) interface for seamless integration.
- MIDI Keyboard Functionality – Connect to your computer or smartphone to use as a MIDI controller.
- Software Bundle – Includes Cubase and Melodics to support your creative journey.
The Donner Essential L1 is available to preorder now, with the following pricing:
- $237.99 for the synth
- $109.99 for the keyboard
- $329 for the combo
