Who are these synthesisers for?

Melody player who also plays chords

You find a hook by playing the keys and sometimes want to sound several notes at once.

Loop programmer

You build a melody step by step and want to edit patterns during rehearsal or bring them back later.

Bass and lead creator

You start with a single rhythmic bass or lead line and prioritise hands-on sound control over freely playing chords.

What should you look for?

The percentages below relate to consumers who want to write a dance melody in a rehearsal room. Each consumer has one top purchasing priority.

What to consider What to look for when buying Who should prioritise this?
Playing melodies and chords Compare the playing style and number of voices. According to their manufacturers, the MiniFreak and minilogue xd each have 37 keys, but different voice limits. If I want to play hooks on the keys and try out chords, I look at the keyboard and the number of voices. Around 33% of consumers put melodies and chords first.
Programming patterns Check the input method, sequencer length and pattern storage for the exact model. If I want to enter a phrase step by step and edit it during rehearsal, I look at the controls and how easy it is to recall patterns. Around 25% of consumers prioritise pattern programming.
Creating a bass or lead line Check whether you also want to play standalone chords; paraphony is not the same as separate polyphonic voices. If my dance hook is mainly a bass or lead line, hands-on controls for that part may matter more than freely playing chords. Around 25% of consumers start with a bass or lead line.
Connecting and recording Plan your connections and check the audio outputs, MIDI, USB function, cables and power supply for each model. If I want to record the sound or notes using my existing rehearsal or recording equipment, I check the connections first. Around 17% of consumers make connectivity or recording their top priority.

Avoiding common buying mistakes

  • Assuming paraphony means you can freely play polyphonic chords

    The Novation Bass Station II is paraphonic. That is not the same as having separate polyphonic voices for freely playing chords.

    First decide whether your hook needs separate parts or simultaneous chords, then compare the voice architecture of the models.

  • Assuming a USB connection automatically means USB audio

    A listed USB connection alone doesn’t tell you which recording signals a model sends.

    Check the USB function in the manual for the exact model, and map out the route from the audio output to your recording equipment.

    Depending on your set-up, you may need a suitable audio cable and audio interface.

  • Choosing pads when you really want to improvise on keys

    The Roland S-1 has multifunctional pads, while the Arturia and Korg models mentioned have physical keyboards.

    Try out the input method if you can, and choose based on how you come up with melodies during rehearsals.

    If you want to play on keys, you may need a separate MIDI keyboard with a pad-based device.

Brands worth considering

Arturia

The MiniFreak combines a keyboard with a sequencer, making it worth considering if you want to play melodies and create patterns.

  • According to Arturia, the MiniFreak has 37 velocity-sensitive keys, six polyphonic voices and a 64-step sequencer.
  • Check whether the Slim-key keyboard suits your playing style; these features don’t automatically apply to other Arturia models.

Korg

The minilogue xd is a keyboard synthesiser for comparing keys, sound controls and a built-in sequencer.

  • Korg specifies 37 keys, up to four voices, a 16-step polyphonic sequencer and separate audio outputs for the minilogue xd.
  • Four voices may be limiting if you want to sound more notes at once.

Novation

The Bass Station II is designed for those who shape a melody mainly as a bass or lead part.

  • Novation lists 25 keys, an arpeggiator, a step sequencer and paraphony.
  • Paraphony is no substitute for freely playing polyphonic chords.

Roland

The AIRA Compact S-1 is a compact alternative for entering ideas using pads and patterns.

  • Roland specifies four voices, multifunctional pads, a 64-step sequencer and 64 patterns.
  • Pads offer a different way to play from conventional keys.

Related products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a polyphonic synthesiser for dance melodies?

Not if you’re only writing a standalone bass or lead line. If you also want to play chords, compare the number of voices: Arturia lists six voices for the MiniFreak and Korg lists up to four for the minilogue xd.

How do I connect a synthesiser to record my ideas?

First decide whether you want to record the sound you hear, MIDI notes or both. Then check the connections on the exact model and the inputs on your recorder or audio interface. Korg lists audio outputs, MIDI and USB as separate connections for the minilogue xd.

What warranty applies when buying in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, statutory consumer rights entitle you to a product that is of satisfactory quality, with no fixed statutory warranty period. The Dutch government advises contacting the seller if there’s a problem. When considering an additional warranty, check what extra rights and terms it offers.

Is there a cooling-off period when I buy online?

For distance sales from a business, a 14-day cooling-off period applies in many cases, according to the Dutch government. Check the applicable terms and exceptions; buying online from a private individual is not the same type of distance sale.

What product regulations apply to an electric synthesiser in the Netherlands?

An electric synthesiser must comply with the EU product rules that apply to that device. Business.gov.nl explains the requirements for CE marking and an EU Declaration of Conformity; the specific rules depend on the device. CE marking is not an independent quality mark.