If you want to play melodies and try out chords, start with a polyphonic synthesiser with a keyboard. For bass or lead lines, a more specialised instrument may be a better fit. If you prefer programming patterns, compare the sequencer and input method, and check separately how both MIDI and audio get into your DAW.
You come up with hooks by playing notes on keys and sometimes want to add chords. So compare the keyboard and polyphony of the model you’re considering; Arturia and Korg provide these details for their MiniFreak and minilogue xd.
You’d rather write dance melodies step by step than play them as a keyboard part. Roland and Elektron describe the sequencer and track features of the S-1 and Digitone II respectively.
You work on a computer and want to know whether the synthesiser sends MIDI, audio or both to your project. Roland describes USB audio and MIDI for the S-1, while Novation describes USB-MIDI and a line output for the Bass Station II.
First, decide whether you want to play melodies, create bass or lead lines, or programme patterns. Then check how the model you choose works with your DAW and studio connections.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Playing melodies and chords | Check the keyboard’s size and playing feel, and how many notes the model can play at the same time. | If I want to try out hooks on keys and add chords, I look at the keyboard and the number of simultaneous voices. Around 31% of consumers prioritise playing melodies and chords. |
| Bass line or lead as a hook | Compare the playing method, arpeggiator and sequencer. Don’t treat paraphony as the same as fully playable polyphony. | If I mainly want to create a rhythmic bass or lead line, I look at features for those parts rather than just the number of keys. Around 25% of consumers give bass and lead lines top priority. |
| Audio and MIDI to your DAW | Check USB audio separately from USB-MIDI, as well as the audio outputs, cables required and inputs on your studio equipment. | If I want to record notes and use the hardware’s sound in my DAW, I check both signal paths. Around 25% of consumers prioritise connecting to a DAW. |
| Patterns in a compact workspace | Compare the input method and pattern length, and check whether you’ll also need a keyboard for free playing. | If I prefer working with steps and patterns rather than playing a keyboard part, I look at the controls and the space available. Around 19% of consumers are mainly looking for compact, standalone pattern programming. |
On the Novation Bass Station II, MIDI runs over USB; Novation identifies the line output as the connection for its sound. For the S-1, Roland describes audio and MIDI over USB, subject to connection requirements.
Before buying, map out the MIDI and audio routes to your DAW separately.
Novation describes the Bass Station II as paraphonic, while Arturia and Korg specify polyphony limits for the keyboard models mentioned here. This distinction matters if you want to play several notes at once.
Choose based on the notes you actually want to play simultaneously, not just the general label ‘synthesiser’.
The Roland S-1 uses pads for playing and step input; the Arturia and Korg models mentioned have a keyboard. These controls suit different ways of creating melodies.
Before buying, decide whether you mainly want to play notes or programme them.
The MiniFreak is a hybrid keyboard synthesiser for anyone who wants to develop melodies by playing and programme patterns.
According to Korg, the minilogue xd combines analogue sound generation with a digital multi-engine.
The AIRA Compact S-1 is a compact synthesiser with pads for programming melodic patterns.
The Bass Station II is designed for creating bass lines and lead parts.
The Digitone II is a digital synthesiser designed around tracks and programmed parts.
Compare the number of simultaneous notes with the parts you want to play. Korg specifies four voices for the minilogue xd and Arturia specifies six for the MiniFreak; that limit matters less for a single lead.
Not automatically: check the audio route for the exact model. Novation lists USB-MIDI and a separate line output for the Bass Station II, while Roland describes audio and MIDI over USB for the S-1.
Check which cable and connection the model needs, and how to save sounds or patterns. Roland warns that some USB cables only charge devices; Novation says unsaved changes to a patch are lost when you switch to another patch.
No. The Dutch Government says there is no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands: you’re entitled to a product that works properly, and the seller must handle your statutory guarantee. A manufacturer’s warranty is separate.
For many distance sales from a business, you have a 14-day cooling-off period. The Dutch Government lists exceptions and distinguishes these from purchases from private sellers, so check the terms of your specific purchase.
