First decide whether you mainly want to create rhythmic patterns, play chords or make individual game sound effects. Then compare the controls and the desk space you’ll need. Above all, check how the sound gets into your computer recording: depending on the model, USB may transfer audio or MIDI only.
You want to create evolving sounds and textures for scenes, then arrange them later. The controls and recording setup matter more than a large traditional keyboard; Arturia describes the MicroFreak as a synth with digital oscillators and a touch keyboard.
You want to play parts yourself, so you’ll need to weigh up the keyboard controls, the number of notes you can play at once and the space available on your desk. Arturia, Korg and Novation list different voice limits for the MiniFreak, minilogue xd and MiniNova respectively.
You make repeatable patterns for gameplay and want a sequencer to build rhythms and melodies. Elektron describes the Model:Cycles as a groovebox with six tracks for percussive and melodic sounds.
Start with the parts you want to create on the instrument itself. Then compare the controls, space requirements and audio connections that suit the way you work.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sound design for scenes and effects | Compare how the sound is generated, the modulation options available and how you save and recall sounds. | If I want to shape effects and textures myself, the controls matter more than a traditional keyboard. Around 25% of consumers put sound design first. |
| Rhythmic loops and patterns | Check the number of tracks and steps, whether you can change parameters on each step, and how you can use the patterns in the rest of your production. | If I want to build recurring rhythms and melodies on the instrument, I look at the sequencer and the sounds available with it. Around 20% of consumers prioritise loops. |
| Playing melodies and chords | Compare the model-specific number of voices, the keys or pads, and the dimensions. | If I want to play parts and chords myself, the controls and voice limit need to suit the way I play. Around 20% of consumers prioritise playing melodies and chords. |
| Recording audio on your computer | Check whether USB transfers audio or MIDI only. If it doesn’t transfer audio, check which audio outputs and inputs you’ll need. | If I want to record the sound of the synth directly, I check the audio connection on the exact model I’m considering. Around 20% of consumers put direct audio recording first. |
| Desk space and quiet working | Measure the space, including room for cables, and check the headphone socket and power supply for the version you’re considering. | If my workspace is small or I want to listen through headphones, the instrument and its connections need to fit on my desk. Around 15% of consumers prioritise limited space and quiet working. |
A USB connection can transfer MIDI data without recording the sound you hear. Novation confirms that the MiniNova doesn’t have a built-in audio interface.
Before you buy, check how the exact model sends audio to your computer.
To record audio from the MiniNova, you’ll need a suitable audio interface or line input on your computer, plus the right audio cables.
According to Elektron, the Model:Cycles offers six FM tracks for percussive and melodic sounds. A keyboard synth such as the Korg minilogue xd offers a different way to sequence and play. Neither feature, on its own, means you can make a complete soundtrack without further editing.
Decide which parts you want to create on the instrument and which you’ll arrange later on your computer.
Korg specifies four voices for the minilogue xd, Arturia specifies six for the MiniFreak, and Novation specifies up to 18 for the MiniNova. The number of voices varies by model.
Think about how many notes you want to play at once, then compare the keyboard and controls too.
The Model:Cycles is designed for creators who want to build rhythmic and melodic patterns on a compact FM groovebox.
The MicroFreak is geared towards experimental sound design; the MiniFreak is a separate keyboard synth for playable parts.
The minilogue xd combines a playable keyboard with a polyphonic sequencer.
The MiniNova is a keyboard synth for played parts, presets and vocoder sounds.
The S-1 from the AIRA Compact range is designed for use in a small workspace and has a built-in sequencer.
No, it depends on the model. Novation says the MiniNova doesn’t have a built-in audio interface, while Elektron lists audio and MIDI over USB for the Model:Cycles with compatible devices. Check which signals the USB connection on the exact model transfers.
Think about your main way of working. For rhythmic and melodic patterns, Elektron lists six tracks on the Model:Cycles. If you mainly want to play parts and chords, compare the keyboard controls and voice limit of models such as the Arturia MiniFreak or Korg minilogue xd. These are different ways of working, not a general ranking of quality.
Measure the available desk space and leave room for cables. Korg gives the minilogue xd dimensions as 500 × 300 × 85 mm and lists a headphone socket. Also check the power supply and connections on the version you want to buy.
According to the Dutch government, in many cases you have 14 days to change your mind after making a standard distance purchase from a business online; exceptions and the type of seller can make a difference. You’re also entitled to a product that is of satisfactory quality in the Netherlands. There’s no fixed statutory guarantee period for every product; contact the seller if there’s a problem.
According to Business.gov.nl, sellers of electrical and electronic equipment must ensure that the products they offer comply with the relevant European rules. For products that comply, the manufacturer must affix the applicable CE marking and draw up an EU Declaration of Conformity. General model specifications don’t, on their own, confirm that an individual listing meets these requirements.
