First, decide whether you want to play arpeggios live or capture patterns step by step. Then check how you’ll listen quietly and record the sound. Roland confirms that the S-1 transfers audio and MIDI over USB, but a USB connection on another model does not automatically guarantee USB audio. If you want to play chords or several notes at once, it’s also worth checking the voice limit and controls of the specific model.
Your choice comes down to playing arpeggios live or programming patterns to repeat. Check whether the arpeggiator and sequencer work together as you’d like on each model. For example, Roland says that the S-1’s sequencer does not trigger its arpeggiator.
You want to capture the sound of the synthesizer without needing speakers. Distinguish between audio and MIDI, and check that the connections suit your computer, interface and recording setup.
You want to adjust patterns and sounds as you play. So, look beyond the keys and sound-shaping features: check how many notes the model can play at the same time, too.
First, decide how you want to create and repeat patterns. Then work out which listening and recording connections will suit your existing equipment.
| What to consider | What to look for when buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Arpeggiator and patterns | Check whether you play the arpeggiator using keys or pads, which patterns you can save, and whether the sequencer controls the arpeggiator. Roland notes this last limitation for the S-1. | If I want to control an arpeggio live or repeat it accurately, the controls need to suit the way I work. Around 29% of consumers give pattern control their highest priority. |
| Recording audio | Check whether the exact model transfers audio over USB or only MIDI. Otherwise, compare its audio outputs with the inputs on your interface; Focusrite says a stereo synthesizer needs two interface inputs. | If I want to use the sound of the synthesizer directly in my recording, MIDI alone isn’t enough. Around 29% of consumers prioritise audio recording. |
| Listening quietly | Check whether the instrument or your interface has a suitable headphone connection and volume control. Novation warns that the Bass Station II’s headphone output can deliver a high level. | When I want to work on arpeggios without speakers, I want to be able to control the listening volume myself. Around 24% of consumers prioritise quiet listening. |
| Sound and voices | Compare the voice limit and controls of the exact model. Arturia specifies six voices for the MiniFreak and Korg specifies four for the minilogue xd; Novation describes the Bass Station II as paraphonic. | If I want to combine chords or different notes while a pattern is playing, the sound options and voice limit are key. Around 18% of consumers consider sound and voices their most important priority. |
A USB connection doesn’t automatically mean that the sound you hear will go to your recording software over USB. Roland confirms USB audio for the S-1; Novation describes USB for MIDI and a separate line output for audio on the Bass Station II.
Check the audio connection on the exact model and compare its outputs with the inputs you already have.
If the instrument doesn’t have a suitable direct USB audio connection, recording may require an audio interface and suitable audio cables.
According to Roland, the sequencer on the Roland S-1 cannot trigger the arpeggiator, even though the instrument has both features.
Before choosing a pattern-based workflow, check how the features work together on the specific model.
According to Novation, the main outputs on the Bass Station II remain active when headphones are connected. The headphone output can also deliver a high level.
Mute any connected speakers separately, and start with the headphone volume turned down low.
The AIRA Compact S-1 we looked at is a compact option for patterns and direct USB transfer of audio and MIDI, according to Roland.
The MiniFreak we looked at combines a keyboard with a range of sounds and patterns.
The minilogue xd we looked at combines a keyboard with arpeggio and latch controls, a 16-step sequencer, and separate headphone and audio connections.
The Bass Station II we looked at is designed for shaping analogue lines using a keyboard and arpeggiator.
No. A USB port doesn’t prove that the instrument transfers audio over USB. Roland confirms that the S-1 transfers audio and MIDI over USB; for the Bass Station II, Novation describes USB for MIDI and a separate line output for the sound. Check the connections on the exact model.
Connect the synthesizer’s audio outputs to suitable line inputs on the interface. Focusrite says a stereo synthesizer needs two interface inputs. Select the corresponding inputs in your recording software and check the levels to avoid clipping.
Roland says the external device must send MIDI Clock as well as Start/Stop. Check these settings on both devices. This does not change the separate limitation that the S-1’s sequencer cannot trigger the arpeggiator.
According to the Dutch Government, online purchases from a business in the Netherlands often come with a 14-day cooling-off period, although exceptions and the specific type of purchase may matter. If a product is faulty, the Dutch Government says the seller must provide a solution. There is no fixed two-year legal guarantee that applies to all products.
