Who are these synthesizers for?

Short-loop creator

You want to enter notes quickly, repeat a pattern and find your ideas again later. Roland describes both step and real-time input for the S-1, along with 64 pattern slots.

Musician with a small workspace

You want to create a pattern without a conventional keyboard dictating your setup. As well as the instrument itself, leave room for the controls, cables and your listening setup.

Creator of multi-part sketches

You want to play notes simultaneously or add extra parts and rhythms. A synth with a playing surface and a groovebox with separate tracks offer different options, as described by Arturia and Novation.

What should you look for when choosing?

For a short loop, the way you enter notes and retrieve patterns matters just as much as the number of steps. On a small workspace, the controls also need to be within easy reach, with room for connections and listening equipment.

Consideration What to look for Who is this important for?
Entering and saving patterns Compare step input, live recording, pattern length and the memory capacity of the exact model. If you want to record short ideas and return to them later, the workflow matters a lot. Around 36% of consumers give pattern input and storage top priority.
Workspace Measure the available space and leave room for the controls, cables and your listening setup. When every bit of desk space counts, you’ll want to know whether you can still reach the instrument’s connections. Around 29% of consumers put available workspace first.
Playing notes Compare the controls and stated voice architecture; a flat touch keyboard plays differently from conventional keys. If you want to play in a pattern with your fingers or sound several notes at once, the playing method is key. Around 21% of consumers put playing method and simultaneous notes at the top of their list.
Multiple parts Check which tracks are available and which connections you need for other equipment. Multiple parts are useful for combining a melody with beats or external MIDI equipment. Around 14% of consumers give this combination top priority.

Common buying mistakes

  • Looking only at the number of sequencer steps

    A long sequencer isn’t automatically convenient if the input method or pattern retrieval doesn’t suit your workflow.

    Check the input method and pattern storage separately for the model you’re considering.

  • Treating a groovebox and a compact synth as the same instrument

    A multitrack groovebox gives you room for more parts, but you may not need those extra tracks for a single short synth loop.

    Choose multiple tracks if you want to use them for rhythm, extra parts or external equipment.

  • Measuring only the casing

    You’ll also need easy access to the connections and controls, so don’t just consider the space taken up by the casing.

    Measure your entire setup and check which cables, listening equipment and power supply you’ll need.

Relevant brands

Roland

The AIRA Compact S-1 is an option for short synth patterns in a compact setup.

  • Roland specifies four voices, a 64-step sequencer and 64 patterns for the S-1, with step and real-time input.
  • The multifunction pads are not a conventional keyboard.

Korg

The volca keys is a compact analogue synth with a loop sequencer for creating and repeating a synth part.

  • Korg lists three voices, a 27-key interface, battery power and a built-in speaker.
  • Check whether the small playing surface and pattern storage suit your workflow.

Arturia

The MicroFreak is worth considering if a touch keyboard and sound design are important when creating patterns.

  • Arturia describes digital oscillator modes, an analogue filter and two paraphonic sequencers that, according to Arturia, can record and play back up to four voices.
  • The flat keyboard has no conventional moving keys, so it calls for a different playing style.

Novation

Circuit Tracks is a groovebox for anyone who wants to sequence rhythms or external MIDI parts as well as synth parts.

  • Novation specifies two synth tracks, four sample drum tracks, two MIDI tracks and a 32-step sequencer.
  • You may not need the extra tracks for a single short synth loop.

Elektron

Model:Cycles is designed for melodic and percussive FM patterns across multiple tracks.

  • Elektron describes six FM-based tracks, direct controls and step-based parameter editing.
  • Its extensive sequencing calls for a different set of considerations than an instrument for a single synth part.

Products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I create a pattern without a computer?

Choose a model with an internal sequencer and decide whether you’d rather enter notes step by step or play them in live. Roland describes both methods for the S-1, while Korg describes a loop sequencer for the volca keys.

Can I use one device to add a beat under my synth pattern?

Yes, if it has drum tracks or suitable percussion sounds. Novation specifies four sample drum tracks alongside two synth tracks for Circuit Tracks; Elektron describes Model:Cycles as an instrument with six tracks for percussion and melodic FM sounds, among other things.

What should I look out for in the Netherlands when buying an electronic instrument from outside the EU?

The Dutch government states that electronic devices placed on the market in the EU must carry a CE mark. For the specific offer, also check the mark, the seller and the delivery terms; a Dutch-language webpage does not in itself tell you where the seller is based.

What should I do if a product is faulty, and where can I take used batteries?

If a product is faulty despite normal use, the seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee, according to the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). A suitable solution could be a free repair, replacement or refund. Take used batteries to a separate collection point rather than putting them in general waste.