Who is this choice relevant to?

Improviser who wants to record the sound

If you want to listen back to the synthesiser sound you actually heard while playing, start by checking the audio connection. A MIDI recording saves control information, not sound.

Player who’s considerate of housemates

Headphones can help you avoid listening through speakers. The Dutch government advises people dealing with noise nuisance to agree arrangements first, so bear in mind your listening volume and the agreements in your home too.

Player who shapes sounds and patterns

If you want to change sounds or build patterns while improvising, compare the controls and sequencer. Also check separately how you can save the final sound as audio.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Saving the recording you want Decide whether you need audio, MIDI or both, and check that the connections on the exact model are compatible with your recorder or computer. If I want to listen back to the sound I played, I prioritise the recording connection. Around 34% of consumers put audio recording at the top of their buying concerns.
Listening without disturbing housemates Check whether there’s a headphone socket, which plug you need and how the speakers are used. If I play in a shared home, I want to tailor my monitoring to the people around me. Around 33% of consumers prioritise quiet monitoring.
Key range and chords Compare the number and size of the keys with the space you have to play, and check the polyphony for your playing style. If I play with both hands or use chords and sustained notes, I pay attention to the range and the number of voices that can sound at once. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers.
Shaping sounds and patterns Consider the controls and pattern length you want to use, and how you’ll record the final sound. If I want to change sounds and patterns while playing, I look for controls that suit the way I play. Around 13% of consumers put live sound shaping at the top of their buying concerns.

Common buying mistakes

  • Confusing USB MIDI with USB audio

    MIDI contains control information, not the sound you hear from the instrument. A MIDI connection on its own isn’t enough if you want to save audio.

    First decide what you want to record, then check that the audio connection on the exact model is compatible with your recording device.

    With a model that has separate audio outputs, you may need a suitable audio input or audio interface.

  • Buying a MIDI controller when you want to play without a computer

    According to Novation, a Launchkey has no built-in sounds: you’ll need a software instrument and a suitable computer setup.

    Choose a standalone synthesiser if you want to play instrument sounds without software.

    With a controller setup, you’ll also need to set up the software sounds and a suitable computer and listening setup.

  • Mistaking a sequencer or phrase looper for an audio recorder

    A pattern function doesn’t prove that a complete, continuous improvisation will be saved as an audio file.

    Check which recording format you need, how to record and where the file will be saved.

    You may need a separate recording setup to capture the final audio.

Brands to consider

Roland

The JUNO-D6 we looked at is a standalone synthesiser with 61 keys and, according to Roland, a USB-C audio/MIDI connection.

  • Roland also specifies an eight-track pattern sequencer for the JUNO-D6.
  • The larger keyboard needs more space. The sequencer doesn’t automatically save a complete improvisation as an audio file; also check that the USB connection works with your recording device.

Yamaha

The reface CS we looked at is a compact, standalone synthesiser with hands-on controls.

  • Yamaha specifies 37 mini keys, eight-note polyphony, a headphone socket, USB MIDI and separate audio outputs.
  • To record its sound as audio, you’ll need to connect the audio outputs to a suitable audio input. USB MIDI isn’t the same as USB audio.

Korg

According to Korg, the minilogue xd we looked at combines analogue and digital sound generation with hands-on controls.

  • Korg specifies a headphone socket and a 16-step sequencer.
  • The stated maximum polyphony is four voices. Check that this suits the number of notes you want to play at the same time.

Arturia

The MiniFreak we looked at is a standalone hybrid synthesiser for shaping sounds and patterns as you play.

  • Arturia specifies six voices, 37 keys, effects, a 64-step sequencer and separate audio outputs.
  • For the version you’re considering, check that the headphone connection suits the way you want to listen quietly. The stated USB connection doesn’t prove that it supports USB audio recording.

Novation

The Launchkey is a MIDI controller for a computer-based setup with recording software, not a standalone synthesiser.

  • You can use the MIDI controller to control software if you’re looking for a computer-based setup.
  • According to Novation, MIDI contains no sound. The sound and listening output depend on the software and computer setup.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a MIDI recording the same as recording the sound of my synthesiser?

No. MIDI contains control information, not sound. Use an audio output or a USB audio connection that’s explicitly supported if you want to save the instrument’s sound.

What do I need to set up after connecting everything?

Select the intended audio input and listening output in your recording software. If you’re using MIDI, also choose a software instrument that makes sound. Check the manual for the exact model and make a short test recording first.

Will a phrase looper save my entire improvisation as an audio file?

Don’t assume it will without checking. Yamaha lists a phrase looper for the reface CS, but that doesn’t automatically mean it saves an audio file of a complete performance. Set up an audio recording connection if you want to save a file like that.

What costs and rights should I consider when buying online in the Netherlands?

Check whether you’ll need an audio input, cable or suitable headphone plug for your setup. When you buy as a consumer from a business, your statutory guarantee applies alongside any commercial guarantee. For distance purchases, you generally have 14 days to change your mind, although there are exceptions.

Can I make music without limits in a shared home if I wear headphones?

Wearing headphones doesn’t automatically mean there are no agreements about noise. The Dutch government advises people dealing with noise nuisance to agree arrangements first, such as what time music can be played. Also check which agreements apply in your home.