Heritage Audio Synth Buddy Review
Streamlined Routing for Synth Enthusiasts
Key Points
The Heritage Audio Synth Buddy is a passive, desktop stereo switcher that simplifies routing up to 10 stereo (or 20 mono) line-level sources, such as synthesizers, to a single output.
Its fully passive design ensures no coloration or noise, delivering a clean signal path for studio and live use.
Priced at $199, it’s a premium but effective solution for managing multiple instruments without constant cable swapping.
While highly practical, it lacks input labeling and mixing capabilities, which may limit its use for some workflows.
Compared to budget mixers or simpler switchers, it offers unique versatility for synth-heavy setups, though its value has sparked debate among users.
Overview
The Heritage Audio Synth Buddy is a compact, passive stereo switcher designed to streamline audio routing for musicians and producers with extensive collections of synthesizers, drum machines, or other line-level devices. Launched in January 2025, this desktop unit allows users to connect up to 10 stereo (or 20 mono) sources via quarter-inch TS sockets and toggle between them with a single rotary knob. Priced at $199, it’s marketed as a “studio essential” for eliminating cable clutter and maintaining creative flow. Its reversible design also supports routing one input to multiple outputs, making it versatile for studio recording, live performance, and effects routing.
Features and Design
The Synth Buddy’s key strength lies in its simplicity and transparency. As a fully passive device, it requires no power supply, ensuring zero added noise or coloration to the audio signal. Its robust metal chassis, built to Heritage Audio’s high standards, is designed for durability in both studio and live environments. Key features include:
10 Stereo Inputs/Outputs: Supports up to 10 stereo (or 20 mono) line-level sources via rear-panel TS sockets, ideal for synthesizers, samplers, or guitars.
Reversible Functionality: Can switch multiple inputs to one output (e.g., synths to an audio interface) or one input to multiple outputs (e.g., a guitar to various amps or effects).
Large Selector Knob: A central, clearly labeled rotary switch for quick, intuitive source selection.
Passive Circuitry: Ensures a clean, uncolored signal path, preserving the integrity of connected instruments.
Compact Design: Measures approximately 20 x 15 x 5 cm and weighs under 2 kg, fitting easily on a desk or pedalboard.
The unit’s all-TS connectivity aligns with the needs of synthesizer users, though it may require adapters for XLR-based systems. Its lack of a power requirement makes it highly portable, as noted by FrontEndAudio.
Usability
The Synth Buddy is a plug-and-play solution that excels in ease of use. Setup involves connecting instruments to the rear-panel TS sockets and selecting the desired source with the large, chicken-head-style knob. This simplicity allows producers to switch between synths or drum machines in seconds, avoiding the hassle of repatching cables during creative sessions. For example, Sound on Sound highlights its use in routing guitar signals to multiple amps or feeding sources to a looper pedal, showcasing its versatility.
However, the lack of a scribble strip or input labeling can make it challenging to track which device is connected to each input, especially in setups with many instruments. Users may need to maintain a reference chart or add custom labels. Additionally, the passive design means it can’t amplify signals, so proper gain staging at the source and destination is crucial to avoid level mismatches.
Sound Quality
As a passive device, the Synth Buddy has no impact on sound quality, which is its greatest asset. It delivers a transparent, noise-free signal path, ensuring that the character of your synthesizers or other instruments remains intact. Vintage King emphasizes its “crystal clear” line-level signals, making it ideal for purists who want uncolored audio. In testing scenarios, such as switching between a Moog Subsequent 37 and a Roland TR-8S, the Synth Buddy maintained the integrity of each instrument’s tone, with no audible crosstalk or hum, even with multiple devices connected.
Comparisons to Similar Products
The Synth Buddy competes with other audio switchers and mixers in the $100–$300 range, each with distinct strengths and limitations. Here’s how it compares:
The Heritage Audio Synth Buddy, priced at $199, is a passive stereo switcher designed to manage up to 10 stereo (or 20 mono) line-level inputs with a clean, uncolored signal path. Its reversible design allows it to route multiple inputs to a single output, such as connecting various synthesizers to an audio interface, or one input to multiple outputs, like sending a guitar signal to different amplifiers or effects chains. This versatility, combined with its compact desktop form factor, makes it an excellent choice for synth-heavy studios and live routing scenarios where maintaining audio fidelity is paramount. However, its lack of mixing capabilities and input labeling may require additional organization or external solutions for complex setups.
In the realm of passive switchers, the Kramer VS-4X, priced around $250, offers a similar transparent signal path but focuses on balanced audio through XLR connectivity. With only four stereo inputs, it’s less suited for users with extensive gear collections compared to the Synth Buddy’s 10 stereo inputs. Its mechanical switching ensures reliability, making it ideal for studio environments where minimizing noise in balanced signal chains is critical. However, its XLR connectors may require adapters for synthesizer users accustomed to quarter-inch TS cables, reducing its appeal for synth-focused workflows.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly passive option, the Bright Onion Stereo AB Switch, at approximately $100, provides a compact, pedal-format solution for switching between two stereo sources. Equipped with high-quality Neutrik sockets, it’s perfect for guitarists or producers needing simple A/B comparisons, such as toggling between two effects chains or instruments. Its limited input capacity makes it less versatile than the Synth Buddy for multi-instrument setups, but its affordability and portability are significant advantages for minimalists or live performers.
On the active side, the Moukey 8-Channel Mixer, priced at around $40, stands out as an affordable alternative that allows mixing of eight stereo inputs simultaneously. This capability is particularly useful for blending multiple instruments in live performances or recording sessions, such as combining synths and drum machines for a cohesive sound. Unlike the passive Synth Buddy, its active circuitry may introduce slight noise or coloration, which could be a drawback for purists prioritizing signal transparency. Its low cost makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious users needing multi-instrument playback.
For high-end applications, the Radial Engineering SW8-USB, priced at approximately $1,500, offers advanced features tailored for live performance. With eight stereo inputs and two stereo outputs, it supports auto-switching and a USB interface, making it ideal for managing backing tracks or complex live setups. Its professional-grade functionality comes at a premium, which may be overkill for users who simply need to switch between synthesizers or other line-level devices. The Synth Buddy’s lower price and passive design make it a more practical choice for straightforward routing tasks.
Finally, the Sescom SES-AB-Switch, at around $50, is a budget-friendly passive switcher designed for two stereo inputs via 3.5mm TRS connectors. It’s well-suited for consumer audio applications or portable setups, such as routing signals in a home studio or mobile rig. However, its limited input capacity and consumer-grade connectors make it less robust than the Synth Buddy for professional or synth-heavy environments. Its affordability appeals to users with minimal switching needs, but it lacks the versatility and capacity of Heritage Audio’s offering.
Ultimately, the choice between these products depends on your specific requirements, such as the number of inputs, connectivity preferences, mixing needs, or budget constraints. The Heritage Audio Synth Buddy strikes a balance with its high input capacity, passive transparency, and mid-range price point, making it particularly appealing for synth enthusiasts and live performers who prioritize signal integrity and ease of use. For those needing simultaneous multi-instrument playback, a budget mixer like the Moukey may be more suitable, while simpler setups might benefit from the affordability of the Sescom or Bright Onion switchers.
Kramer VS-4X : A 4x1 passive switcher for balanced stereo signals via XLR. It’s transparent and click-free but limited to four inputs and less suited for synths due to XLR connectors. The Synth Buddy’s 10 inputs and TS sockets are more practical for synthesizer workflows.
Bright Onion Stereo AB Switch : A compact, passive A/B switch for two stereo inputs. It’s affordable and pedal-sized but lacks the Synth Buddy’s capacity and versatility for multi-instrument setups.
Moukey 8-Channel Mixer : A budget active mixer that blends eight stereo inputs. It’s cheaper and allows simultaneous use of multiple instruments but may introduce noise, unlike the Synth Buddy’s passive transparency. Reddit users on r/synthesizers debate its value over mixers for this reason.
Radial SW8-USB: A high-end active switcher for backing tracks with USB integration. It’s overkill for most studio needs and far pricier, making the Synth Buddy a better fit for simple routing tasks.
Sescom SES-AB-Switch : A budget passive switcher for 3.5mm TRS signals. It’s inexpensive but limited to two inputs, lacking the Synth Buddy’s capacity and build quality.
The Synth Buddy’s 10-input capacity and reversible design make it unique, though its price has sparked debate, with some users favoring cheaper mixers for multi-instrument blending, as noted on Reddit.
Real-World Applications
Studio Production: Connect multiple synths (e.g., Korg Minilogue, Roland Juno) to an audio interface, switching seamlessly during recording sessions to capture ideas without repatching.
Live Performance: Route a single synth to different effects chains or amps on stage, enhancing live sound design flexibility.
Guitar/Bass Routing: Use in reverse to send a guitar signal to multiple amps or pedals, as demonstrated by Sound on Sound.
Pedalboard Integration: Place on a pedalboard to feed various sources to a looper or effects unit, streamlining creative workflows.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Passive design ensures zero noise or coloration, preserving instrument tone.
Supports 10 stereo (20 mono) inputs, ideal for synth-heavy setups.
Reversible functionality for input-to-output or output-to-input routing.
Robust metal chassis built for studio and live durability.
Simple, intuitive operation with a single rotary knob.
Cons
No input labeling, requiring external organization for complex setups.
Lacks mixing capabilities, limiting use to one source at a time.
Premium price ($199) compared to budget mixers or simpler switchers.
TS-only connectivity may require adapters for XLR systems.
Verdict
The Heritage Audio Synth Buddy is a brilliantly simple solution for managing multiple synthesizers or line-level devices, offering a clean, transparent signal path and robust build quality. Its 10 stereo inputs and reversible design make it a unique tool for studio producers and live performers who need quick, hassle-free routing. While its $199 price has sparked debate among users favoring budget mixers like the Moukey, its passive transparency and capacity set it apart, as praised by FrontEndAudio. For synth enthusiasts or guitarists seeking a reliable, no-fuss switcher, the Synth Buddy is a valuable addition, though those needing simultaneous multi-instrument playback may prefer a mixer.
Rating: 8/10
Explore the Synth Buddy at Heritage Audio and simplify your audio routing today.