Who is this buying guide for?

Creator of original game sounds

You want to design effects, textures and distinctive short motifs, and are mainly looking for accessible sound shaping.

Composer of layered cues

You want to develop chords, multiple parts or programmable patterns for longer pieces of music.

Producer with a compact loft studio

You’re looking for an instrument that fits your workspace and that you can record and listen to with your neighbours in mind.

What should you look for?

First decide whether you’ll mainly be designing sounds, playing chords and layers, or programming patterns. Then check how the synthesiser will fit into your recording setup and workspace.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this for?
Original sounds and effects Compare the synthesis methods, hands-on modulation controls and options for saving sounds. Arturia describes the MicroFreak as having digital oscillators and an analogue filter. If I mainly want to create my own effects and textures for a game, I prioritise hands-on sound shaping; around 33% of consumers put sound design at the top of their list when buying.
Chords and layers Distinguish polyphony from the number of tracks. Arturia specifies six voices for the MiniFreak; Korg lists up to 60 voices for the multi/poly, depending on the settings. Elektron specifies 16 voices in total for the Digitone II. If I want to develop chords and multiple parts for my cues, I look at the voices, tracks and note-entry method; around 27% of consumers prioritise chords and layers.
Audio to your DAW Check whether the exact model sends audio or MIDI only over USB, which audio outputs it has and what your interface supports. Novation states that the Peak’s USB port carries MIDI only; Elektron specifies USB audio for the Digitone II. If I want to get sound directly into my existing recording setup, I check the connections before choosing a cable or interface; around 20% of consumers prioritise DAW recording.
Compact setup and considerate listening Compare the dimensions, note-entry method and whether there’s a headphone socket. Korg lists a headphone socket and dimensions of 500 × 300 × 85 mm for the minilogue xd; Elektron gives the Digitone II dimensions as 215 × 176 × 63 mm. If I work in a shared living and working space, I want an instrument that fits practically and lets me listen on my own; around 20% of consumers prioritise a compact setup and considerate listening.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming USB-MIDI means USB audio

    MIDI notes and audible synthesiser sound aren’t the same thing. According to Novation’s manual, the Peak’s USB port carries MIDI only, not audio.

    Check the connections and manual for the exact model, and compare them with your existing recording setup.

  • Assuming a high voice count means the same number of independent parts

    Polyphony, tracks and individual sounds describe different capabilities. According to Elektron, the Digitone II’s 16 voices are a shared capacity, not 16 voices per track.

    Sketch out a typical game cue and work out how many simultaneous notes and separate parts you’ll actually want to use on hardware.

  • Choosing a compact synthesiser without considering how you’ll enter notes

    A flat keyboard, conventional keys and a desktop workflow each call for a different way of playing or programming.

    Decide how you want to enter notes, then check the controls and dimensions of the specific version.

Synthesiser brands to consider

Arturia

The MicroFreak is worth comparing for experimental sounds; the MiniFreak is also worth considering if you’re looking for conventional keys and polyphony.

  • Arturia describes the MicroFreak as having digital oscillators, an analogue filter and a flat keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch.
  • According to Arturia, the MiniFreak has six-voice polyphony and 37 keys. These features don’t automatically apply to the MicroFreak.

Korg

The multi/poly and minilogue xd offer different keyboard options to compare.

  • Korg specifies up to 60 voices for the multi/poly, depending on the settings.
  • According to Korg, the minilogue xd has up to four voices; this difference doesn’t, on its own, tell you anything about other Korg models.

Elektron

The Digitone II is a desktop instrument worth comparing if you want to programme multiple synth or MIDI tracks on hardware.

  • Elektron specifies 16 tracks, 16 voices in total and USB audio for the Digitone II.
  • A desktop workflow is different from playing a conventional keyboard; the 16 voices are shared across the tracks you use.

Novation

The Bass Station II is worth comparing for individual analogue parts; the Peak is a desktop option to include when comparing polyphonic models.

  • Novation lists a paraphonic mode and built-in sequencing for the Bass Station II. It describes the Peak as an eight-voice desktop synthesiser.
  • According to Novation’s manual, the Peak’s USB port carries MIDI only, not audio; don’t assume this limitation applies to other models.

Roland

The JUPITER-Xm is a compact keyboard option worth comparing if you’re looking for multiple synthesised layers and sound models.

  • Roland describes the JUPITER-Xm as offering multiple layers and the ZEN-Core synthesis system.
  • Descriptions of historic instrument sounds are claims made by the manufacturer, not independent assessments of how closely they match.

Synthesisers at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I record a synthesiser directly into my DAW as an audio source over USB?

It depends on the model. According to Novation, the Peak’s USB port carries MIDI only, while Elektron specifies USB audio for the Digitone II. Check the manual for the exact version before deciding which cable or interface you need.

How can I listen in a loft without using speakers straight away?

Check whether your chosen model has a headphone socket; Korg, for example, lists one for the minilogue xd. If you’re concerned about disturbing your neighbours, the Dutch government advises agreeing together on acceptable music volumes first. This isn’t blanket permission to play loudly at a particular time.

What can I do if a synthesiser I bought online doesn’t suit the way I work or is faulty?

For online purchases by consumers in the Netherlands, there is generally a 14-day cooling-off period from delivery; check which exceptions apply. Faulty products are also covered by statutory consumer protection. The Dutch government states that there is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands and that the seller must provide a solution.

Can I use another creator’s music in a game I publish?

Not without permission: according to the Dutch government, you need the creator’s permission to use someone else’s copyright-protected music. You must not distribute or make public a copy for personal use. Check the usage rights when using existing material or a sound library, too.