Who are compact synthesisers for?

A budding sound designer

Wants to hear what oscillators, filters, envelopes and modulation each do, so looks for accessible controls and a good range of sounds to create. Korg, Arturia and Roland describe these features for their respective models.

A maker with a small workspace

Needs to be able to set the instrument up and put it away again. Compare the dimensions of the exact model and check that its power supply and headphone connection will work with your setup. Roland and Korg list model-specific dimensions and connections.

A maker of short patterns

Wants to play sounds repeatedly to hear how they change, so compares the sequencer and pattern storage on the model they’re considering. Korg and Roland publish these specifications for the volca keys and S-1 respectively.

What should you consider when choosing?

Start with what you want to learn and how you want to play the instrument, then check that its size and connections will suit your workspace.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Learning how sounds are built Compare the controls for the oscillator, filter, envelope and modulation; consider whether you want to explore a defined analogue signal path or several types of oscillator. I want to understand how sounds are created and changed before choosing extra features. Around 36% of consumers put sound design first.
Workspace space Measure the space available and compare the width and depth of the exact model; leave room for the controls and connections. I need to fit the instrument into my available workspace and be able to put it away after use. Around 29% of consumers prioritise a suitable size.
Playing style and patterns Compare pads, touch controls or a flat keyboard; check the model’s number of sequencer steps and patterns, as well as its voice architecture. I want to enter notes in a particular way or repeat patterns while adjusting sounds. Around 21% of consumers start with the playing style and pattern options.
Listening and connections Check the headphone plug, power supply and ports on both devices; don’t assume audio, MIDI or sync connectivity without checking the model specifications. I want to use the instrument with my headphones or existing equipment and choose compatible connections. Around 14% of consumers prioritise connections and power.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a small instrument has a familiar keyboard

    Compact models may have pads, multitouch controls or a flat keyboard. This means they won’t feel the same to play as a conventional keyboard.

    Compare both the dimensions and the type of controls, especially if you also want to practise your keyboard skills.

  • Confusing paraphony with full polyphony

    Arturia states that the MicroFreak can play up to four notes at once in paraphonic mode. This doesn’t mean it has four independent synthesiser voices.

    Check that the voice architecture suits the chords and sounds you want to create.

  • Leaving power and connections until the last minute

    The power supply and cables you need depend on the model and your setup. Korg lists the KA-350 mains adaptor as an optional power supply for the volca keys.

    Compare the connections and power requirements of the exact model with what you already have and what you want to connect.

    Your setup may need a compatible power supply, headphone adaptor or connection cable.

Brands to compare

Korg

The volca keys is a compact analogue option for practising with a simple signal path and short loops.

  • Korg specifies three voices, 16 sequencer steps and dimensions of 193 × 115 × 46 mm.
  • It has multitouch controls, and the KA-350 mains adaptor is listed as an optional power supply.

Arturia

The MicroFreak is an option for exploring several oscillator types using a flat, pressure-sensitive keyboard.

  • Arturia lists 17 oscillator types and an analogue filter.
  • Arturia states that up to four notes can be played at once in paraphonic mode; this is not the same as having four independent, full synthesiser voices.

Roland

The S-1 from the AIRA Compact range combines sound processing with saved patterns in a compact unit.

  • Roland specifies four voices, 64 user patterns, up to 64 sequencer steps and dimensions of 188 × 106 × 36,2 mm.
  • The multifunction pads are not a substitute for a conventional keyboard.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a synthesiser with a traditional keyboard to learn sound design?

No, a traditional keyboard isn’t essential for exploring sounds. The models discussed use pads, multitouch controls or a flat keyboard; if playing the piano or the feel of moving keys matters to you, compare how the exact model plays before you buy.

How can I practise without disturbing others through a speaker?

Check whether your chosen model has a headphone output and what type of plug it uses. Roland specifies a stereo mini headphone socket for the S-1; Korg lists a 3,5 mm stereo output for the volca keys. Start at a low listening volume.

What power supply does the Korg volca keys need if I don’t want to use batteries?

Korg lists six AA batteries or the KA-350 mains adaptor as an optional power supply. Check whether the adaptor is included with the specific offer.

What can I do in the Netherlands if a synthesiser I bought online doesn’t meet the terms of the agreement?

According to the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets, the seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee and must offer an appropriate solution if a product is faulty, such as a free repair or replacement. This is separate from any commercial manufacturer’s warranty.

Can I return a synthesiser bought online if I don’t like the controls?

For an online consumer purchase, ACM ConsuWijzer says you generally have a statutory cooling-off period that ends 14 days after delivery; there are legal exceptions. Check the seller’s returns information and handle the instrument carefully when trying it out.