Arturia MiniFreak

Although it has some limitations, these are justified by its price.
The sound is great and has a myriad of sound generating algorithms, and the modulation matrix allows a good number of assignments.
It's packed with a lot of features.

Its digital design allows for the product to evolve updating the software.
Thanks to the firmware updates, now counts with granular algorithms and a vocoder on the same hardware.

Another great thing to consider is the fact that it comes with a digital standalone/vst version, allowing to connect the minifreak to the application and real time edit both through hardware or software and managing content banks.

It took me MONTHS of research before I decided on the Arturia Minifreak as my first ever synth. I had no idea at all of how synths worked but time and again, the Minifreak was recommended by some very well repected Youtubers who know FAR more than I do about these machines and I can honestly say, buying the Arturia Minifreak is one of the best decisions I've ever made - yes, it really is that good!

Now, there is a caveat here: you MUST be prepared to spend some considerable time learning how it works because there is a learning curve if you have never owned a synthesizer before. I am still getting to grips with it and what you can do with it is honestly limitless - incredible machine that will keep me busy creating amazing sounds, sequences and arpeggios for the rest of my life.
If you're like I was and wavering, just bite the bullet and buy one; you will be so very happy that you did!