Who is this for?

Creating bass sounds on a keyboard

For anyone who wants to play notes themselves and adjust the oscillator, filter and modulation while playing. Korg and Novation describe keyboards with built-in keys and hands-on controls.

Producing quietly in a loft

For anyone who wants to create basslines without constantly using speakers, and therefore considers headphones, listening volume and the effect of the room on the mix.

Producing with a compact MIDI setup

For anyone who already has, or wants to use, an external controller and is looking for a small bass module with patterns, presets or further sound-shaping options. Dreadbox describes these desktop features for the Typhon and Hades Reissue.

What should you look for?

Analogue bass keyboard

A good fit if: you want to play bass notes on the instrument and adjust the sound directly using knobs.

Consider: key size, sound-shaping features and connections vary by model; the Korg monologue is monophonic.

Compact desktop module

A good fit if: desk space or pattern programming is your priority, and you have or want to use a suitable MIDI source.

Consider: the Dreadbox Typhon and Hades Reissue don’t have built-in keyboards; check the power supply and headphone connection for each model too.

Versatile hybrid synth

A good fit if: you want to create other sounds or polyphonic parts as well as bass sounds.

Consider: a wider range of sounds isn’t automatically necessary for a dedicated bass setup; check that the extra playing and sound-shaping options suit your workspace.

Use the table to match your main considerations with specific connections and features.

What to consider What should you look for? Who is it important for?
Sound design Compare the oscillators, filters, envelopes and controls on the exact model. If I want to shape the bass sound myself, accessible sound controls matter more than a long list of features alone. Around 31% of consumers say sound design is their main purchasing concern.
Listening in a loft Check the headphone socket and plug size; start at a low volume. If I mainly want to work with headphones, I also want to know whether connected speakers need to be muted separately. Around 25% of consumers prioritise controlled listening.
Keys and patterns Check the keyboard or the required MIDI source, the input method and the sequencer. If I want to play notes myself or recall patterns, the keys and storage options determine how I enter the bassline. Around 25% of consumers say playing and saving patterns is their main purchasing concern.
Connections and setup Check the complete route from the controller or keys to the audio output and recording equipment, as well as the supplied power supply. If I want to connect the synth to my existing recording equipment, I want to know in advance which cables and inputs I’ll need. Around 19% of consumers prioritise having all the necessary connections.

Buying pitfalls

  • Assuming headphones mute the speakers

    According to Novation, the Bass Station II’s standard outputs remain active when you plug in headphones. So in a living space, sound may still come through connected monitors.

    Check how the chosen model handles its outputs, and switch off or mute any connected monitors separately.

  • Confusing USB with USB audio recording

    Novation describes USB on the Bass Station II as being for power and MIDI; the manufacturer directs you to the LINE Output for the audio signal.

    Before you buy, check how the exact model sends its sound to your recording equipment.

    Depending on your recording input, you may also need a suitable audio cable and an audio input or audio interface.

  • Assuming a desktop module is a complete, ready-to-play setup

    The Dreadbox manuals state that the USB power adapter is not included; the Hades Reissue also needs a MIDI or CV source.

    For the exact version, compare what’s in the box with your controller, power supply and cables.

  • Setting up your bass from just one spot in the loft

    According to Genelec, the room and speaker placement affect the frequency response, including at the low end. So listening from one position doesn’t necessarily give you the full picture of the bass.

    Where possible, compare your results using another suitable listening setup before adjusting the bass further.

Brands to compare

Korg

Korg describes the monologue as a compact analogue bass keyboard with built-in keys and hands-on controls.

  • Korg lists 25 slim keys, 23 panel controls, a 16-step monophonic sequencer and a 6.3 mm headphone socket.
  • The monologue is monophonic; the mains adaptor is optional rather than included as standard.

Novation

The Bass Station II is an analogue keyboard for bass sounds, with full-size keys and built-in pattern features.

  • Novation lists two oscillators, a sub-oscillator and two filters. USB provides power and MIDI; the LINE Output is the audio output.
  • According to Novation, the standard outputs remain active when you plug in headphones. Check how to mute your monitors separately.

Dreadbox

The Typhon and Hades Reissue offer different desktop options: presets and effects, or a more direct semi-modular bass voice.

  • Dreadbox lists 256 preset slots and a 32-note sequencer for the Typhon. The Hades Reissue features sub-octaves and patch points, among other things.
  • The manuals state that a USB power adapter is not included with either model. Also check which MIDI controller suits your setup.

Arturia

The MiniFreak is a hybrid keyboard for anyone who wants to combine bass sounds with a wider range of sound-design options.

  • Arturia describes digital sound sources and analogue filters.
  • Compare the sound and playing options with what you actually need: for a compact, dedicated bass setup, a desktop module may suit your workspace better.

Moog

Moog describes the Minitaur as a compact, monophonic desktop synthesizer designed for bass and integration with MIDI or a computer.

  • Moog lists two oscillators and control via an external controller or editor.
  • The Minitaur has no built-in keys, so it suits an existing controller setup rather than anyone who wants to play directly on a keyboard.

Synthesizers on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use headphones without sound coming from my speakers?

Not always: according to Novation, the Bass Station II’s standard outputs remain active when you plug in headphones. So switch off or mute any connected speakers separately. Start with the headphone volume low; the World Health Organization recommends safe listening.

Will my computer automatically record the Bass Station II’s sound over USB?

No. Novation describes USB as being for power and MIDI, not as the Bass Station II’s audio output. The manufacturer directs you to the LINE Output for the audio signal. Check which audio input or audio interface you need for your recording setup.

How can I assess the bass if I mainly use headphones?

Use headphones to work without speakers, but where possible, also check the final mix using another suitable listening setup. Genelec explains that the room and speaker placement affect the frequency response, so one speaker position isn’t always a reliable guide to the low end in your loft.

Is there a nationwide legal volume limit or set time for playing music near neighbours in the Netherlands?

The Government of the Netherlands states that there is no nationwide legal decibel limit for noise between neighbours; local authorities may set their own rules. So any permitted volume or time depends on local rules and your living situation. This doesn’t mean that audible music is always allowed.

What does the warranty mean if a synthesizer bought in the Netherlands doesn’t work properly?

According to the Government of the Netherlands, you’re entitled to a product that meets the terms of the agreement and can, in principle, contact the seller if there’s a fault. There is no fixed statutory warranty period that applies to every product; a manufacturer’s or extended warranty doesn’t replace your statutory rights.