M1 beats both DX7 and D-50 in units sold. We are living through the death and simultaneous revival of synthesizers, there probably won't be any characteristic bestsellers anymore. Last I checked MicroKorg was bestselling (in nr of units) current synth still in production but it can't leave the same mark on the current era of music like DX7 presets did.
The Microkorg is pretty popular with indie bands, bedroom producers and was big in the mid-2000s indie-electro fad. But I agree that it didn't leave a mark as big as DX7 or M1! :(
I think the biggest synth from the current era will be the eurorack. Yes, it’s really a form factor and not a synth but it’s taken off in the past few years in a really startling way.
Maybe in influence... it helped kickstart the modular revival and even made other form factors popular again.
But in number of absolute units in operation, I don't know... Unless we compare number of modules sold vs number of Microkorgs. Modulars are expensive!
I think the difference is that units like the microKORG will come and go, but new units will often be in Eurorack form or be somehow compatible.
Eurorack can be expensive, but Behringer came out with a line that includes the Model D, Neutron, Pro-1, K-2, Wasp, and CAT—they’re all cheap, they’re all complete synths, and they’re also all Eurorack modules that can be plugged into a larger system.
Moog is also selling synthesizer modules that are actually Eurorack form, but upscale from Behringer.
I don’t have a modular synth, but it’s getting harder to avoid Eurorack.
So often eurorack synth building ends up in addiction like gear acquisition syndrome that it's almost like gambling. The only reasonably priced building is via DIY kits, but it still end up expensive and even more so time consuming, so it suits those who like soldering more than making music. I'm excited for a few digital eurorack modules, like Erica Synths Black Wavetable VCO, but no one could argue that it's affordable for a hobbyist.
Was the Korg M1 affordable for a hobbyist? It cost $2,166 at launch in 1988, or about $4,800 adjusted for inflation in 2020. You can get into eurorack for under a grand easily these days.
Considering that you might easily spend more money if your hobby is playing the violin or piano, or taking photographs, it doesn’t sound outrageous to me.
