Who is this for?

Making a single short synth loop

You want to enter notes quickly, repeat a pattern and find it again later without separate equipment. Korg specifies one sequencer part and 16 steps for the volca keys.

Producing at home and practising quietly

You want to listen to the loop through compatible headphones and keep the volume low yourself. The World Health Organization points out that sound level, listening duration and repeated exposure all matter.

Making patterns with multiple parts

You want to programme synth melodies and rhythms, or several sounds, on separate tracks. Novation and Elektron describe models with multiple tracks designed for this kind of arrangement.

What should you look for?

Start with the input method and the number of parts you need. Then check the headphone connection and power supply for the exact model.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Entering and saving patterns Check the input method, pattern length and storage options. If I want to enter a short phrase, edit it and find it again later, the controls and storage need to suit the way I work. Around 33% of consumers make pattern entry and storage their top priority.
Listening quietly Check that the headphone output matches your headphone plug, and start at a low volume. At home, I want to listen without speakers and be able to keep the volume low myself. Around 33% of consumers prioritise quiet listening over extra sequencer tracks.
One part or multiple tracks Count the parts you want to programme separately, and distinguish between drum tracks and synth tracks. If I want to record rhythms or other sounds as well as a synth phrase, I need separate tracks. Around 17% of consumers make multiple parts their top priority.
Power and connections Check which power supply and connections come with the exact model and offer. For my existing setup, I want to know how the device is powered and which connections I’ll need. Around 17% of consumers prioritise power and compatibility with their own equipment.

Common pitfalls

  • Confusing lots of sequencer steps with multiple tracks

    A sequencer with more steps doesn’t automatically let you programme multiple parts separately. Korg specifies one part and 16 steps for the volca keys; Circuit Tracks has separate synth and drum tracks.

    First, count how many parts you want to record at once. Then compare the number of tracks and the pattern length.

  • Assuming every headphone plug will fit

    The models mentioned don’t all have the same headphone jack size.

    Before you buy, check the output on the exact device against your headphones.

    If the plugs don’t match, you may need a suitable adaptor or a different cable.

  • Overlooking the power supply and box contents

    According to Korg, the volca keys can run on batteries, and the mains adaptor is optional. Elektron lists a power supply as included with Model:Cycles.

    Check how the exact offer is powered and which accessories are included.

Brands to consider

These brands are relevant to different ways of making patterns. Their inclusion doesn’t imply that every model is available or suitable for you.

Korg

The volca keys is a compact analogue synth for anyone who mainly wants to make a single short loop.

  • Korg specifies three voices, one sequencer part, 16 steps and a 3.5 mm headphone output for this model.
  • Its single part is less suitable if you want to programme synth and drum tracks separately on the same device.

Novation

Circuit Tracks is a groovebox for anyone who wants to combine synth and drum tracks in one device.

  • Novation specifies two synth tracks, four sample-based drum tracks and a 32-step sequencer. The manual explains how to use headphones.
  • The extra tracks and controls may be more than you need for a single, simple synth phrase.

Elektron

Model:Cycles is designed for melodic and percussive FM patterns across multiple tracks.

  • Elektron specifies six tracks, patterns of up to 64 steps and a 6.35 mm headphone output.
  • Six tracks and a more advanced sequencer may be unnecessary for a single short phrase. Check that your headphone plug fits, too.

Roland

The S-1 is worth considering if you’re looking for a compact synth with live and step input.

  • Roland lists a 64-step sequencer, 64 patterns and both input methods for the S-1.
  • Check separately that the headphone connection suits your quiet listening setup.

Arturia

MicroFreak is worth considering if sound experimentation and a touch keyboard matter more to you than a conventional keyboard.

  • Arturia describes digital oscillators with an analogue filter and two sequences that can be saved per preset.
  • The touch keyboard doesn’t have conventional moving keys. Check the headphone connection separately.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are headphones enough to practise safely at a low volume?

No. Headphones let you listen without speakers, but they don’t automatically protect your hearing. The World Health Organization identifies sound level, listening duration and repeated exposure as factors, so start at a low volume and limit prolonged listening to loud sounds.

Can I plug my headphones straight in?

It depends on the model and the plug. Korg specifies a 3.5 mm stereo output for the volca keys, while Elektron specifies a 6.35 mm stereo output for Model:Cycles. Novation’s manual explains headphone use with Circuit Tracks. Check the connection on the exact version.

Do I need drum tracks for a short loop?

Not if you only want to repeat a synth phrase. If you want to record a rhythm on a separate track in the same device, Novation’s Circuit Tracks has four sample-based drum tracks alongside two synth tracks. Elektron describes Model:Cycles as having six tracks for melodic and percussive FM sounds.

What power supply should I check?

It varies by model. Korg says the volca keys runs on six AA batteries and that the mains adaptor is optional; Elektron lists a power supply as included with Model:Cycles. Check the contents of the exact package.

What are my rights if a device I bought online isn’t suitable or doesn’t work properly?

ACM ConsuWijzer says that online purchases come with a cooling-off period of up to 14 days after delivery, subject to legal exceptions. This is separate from your statutory guarantee rights: if a product doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect when used normally, you have rights against the seller. A manufacturer’s warranty period doesn’t, by itself, determine how long those statutory rights apply.