Who is this for?

Melody player

You want to try out melodies and chords on keys, so you’re looking at the keyboard, polyphony and headphone socket. The Korg minilogue xd is an example of a polyphonic keyboard synthesiser, as described by Korg.

Pattern builder

You’d rather write dance melodies as repeatable steps and want to choose between a pattern synth and a groovebox with drum tracks. Roland describes the S-1 as a synth with a 64-step sequencer; Novation describes Circuit Tracks as having separate synth and drum tracks.

Producer with a small workspace

You make music in a spare room and need to weigh up how much space the controls take up, how you’ll listen through headphones, and how the device connects to your existing equipment.

What should you look for when choosing?

Polyphonic keyboard synthesiser

A good fit if: you’d rather explore melodies and chords directly on keys.

Bear in mind: Korg describes the minilogue xd as having four-voice polyphony. The number of voices limits how many notes can sound at once.

Compact pattern synth

A good fit if: you mainly want to programme a lead, bassline or short repeating melody step by step.

Bear in mind: the Roland S-1 uses pads, while the Arturia MicroFreak has a touch keyboard rather than a conventional keyboard. Arturia lists up to four paraphonic voices for the MicroFreak; this is not the same as four independent polyphonic voices.

Groovebox for melodies and beats

A good fit if: you want to sketch out drum patterns and multiple parts on the same device as well as a melody.

Bear in mind: you play the Novation Circuit Tracks using pads; according to the manual, the main outputs remain active when you plug in headphones.

What to consider What to look for Who should pay extra attention?
Playing melodies and chords Check the keyboard type, the number of simultaneous voices, and whether the voice architecture is polyphonic or paraphonic. If I want to explore a melody and chords as I play, I look at the keys and voice architecture. Around 36% of consumers prioritise melodies and chords.
Creating patterns and beats Compare how notes are entered, the pattern length, and whether the model has drum tracks. If I want to programme a repeating dance melody, perhaps alongside drums, I look at the sequencer and the available tracks. Around 29% of consumers prioritise pattern programming and beats.
Listening and using the controls in a small space Measure the available workspace and check the headphone socket, power supply and how the other outputs behave. If I have limited workspace and want to listen through headphones, controls that suit my setup are important to me. Around 21% of consumers prioritise quiet operation and limited workspace.
Recording and connecting equipment Check the MIDI connections, audio outputs and available audio input on your recording setup separately. If I want to record my melody using my existing recording equipment, I check both the MIDI and audio connections. Around 14% of consumers prioritise connecting to their DAW.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming four voices mean the same thing on every model

    Arturia lists up to four paraphonic voices for the MicroFreak, while Roland describes the S-1 as having four-voice polyphony. This distinction affects how notes and chords sound together.

    As well as checking the number of voices, find out whether the model is monophonic, paraphonic or polyphonic.

  • Assuming USB MIDI also carries audio

    The Dutch product listing for the Korg minilogue xd distinguishes between MIDI over USB and audio over USB. MIDI data and the sound from the synthesiser are different signals.

    Before buying, work out separately how note data and audio will reach your recording equipment.

  • Expecting the headphones to mute the speakers

    According to the Novation manual, the main outputs on Circuit Tracks remain active when you plug in headphones.

    Check whether you can mute your connected speakers or the relevant mixer output separately.

Brands worth comparing

Korg

The minilogue xd is a keyboard option for playing melodies and chords.

  • Korg describes the minilogue xd as an analogue synthesiser with four-voice polyphony.
  • Its four voices limit how many notes can sound at once.

Roland

The AIRA Compact S-1 is a compact option for lead or bass melodies and step patterns.

  • Roland specifies four-voice polyphony and a 64-step sequencer for the S-1.
  • The pads offer a different way to play from a conventional keyboard.

Arturia

The MicroFreak combines a touch keyboard with ways to explore different sounds.

  • Arturia describes it as having digital oscillators and an analogue filter.
  • Arturia lists up to four paraphonic voices; this does not mean it has four independent polyphonic voices.

Novation

Circuit Tracks is a groovebox option for anyone who wants to sketch out drum patterns as well as melodies.

  • Novation specifies two polyphonic synth tracks and four sample-based drum tracks.
  • You play it using pads rather than conventional keys; according to the manual, the main outputs remain active when headphones are in use.

Products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a polyphonic synthesiser for chords?

If you want several notes to sound at once, check both the polyphony and the voice architecture. Arturia lists up to four paraphonic voices for the MicroFreak; this is not the same as four independent polyphonic voices.

Is a MIDI connection enough to record synth audio in my DAW?

No. Check MIDI and audio as two separate connections. The Dutch product listing for the Korg minilogue xd mentions MIDI over USB, but not audio over USB. Check the audio output on your model and make sure your recording setup has a suitable input.

Will my speakers go quiet as soon as I plug headphones into Circuit Tracks?

No, not automatically: according to the Novation manual, the main outputs on Circuit Tracks remain active. Check whether you can mute the speakers or mixer separately.

What can I do if a synthesiser I bought online isn’t working properly?

With normal use in the Netherlands, you can expect a product to do what you were entitled to expect from it. ACM ConsuWijzer states that if a fault appears too soon, the seller must put it right free of charge, for example by repairing or replacing the product or refunding you. Online purchases also generally come with a 14-day cooling-off period from the day the product is delivered, subject to legal exceptions.

Is there one noise limit for making music in my spare room?

No, local rules may apply to noise affecting your neighbours. The Dutch government says local authorities set rules where national noise standards do not apply, so check the rules in your local area and be considerate of those living nearby.