Who is this choice relevant to?

Home recorder who wants to edit takes

Wants to capture both the instrument’s sound while improvising and, if needed, MIDI data so they can edit notes later.

Chord player

Plays chords or two-handed passages, so pays attention to the keyboard range and how many notes can sound at once.

Sound experimenter

Wants to shape the sound while playing, or mainly record basslines and melodies. These playing styles don’t necessarily call for the same instrument.

What should you look for?

What to consider What should you check? Who should consider this?
Recording connection Check USB audio, USB-MIDI, audio outputs, and the inputs on your computer or audio interface separately. If I want to save the sound and performance data together, I’ll find out which connections I need. Around 29% of consumers give the recording connection top priority.
Voices for chords Try your widest chord with the release time you want. Korg specifies four voices for the minilogue xd; Arturia specifies six for the MiniFreak. Chord players will want to know whether previous notes continue to sound when a new note is played. Around 23% of consumers prioritise having enough voices for playing chords.
Keyboard range and key size Compare both the number and size of the keys, and try the hand positions and passages you play yourself. Korg describes the minilogue xd’s 37 keys as slim. If I want to play with both hands or cover a wider range, I’ll check whether the keyboard can handle the passages I usually play. Around 18% of consumers choose mainly on playing range and key size.
Sound editing See which parameters you can access while playing and whether the sound architecture suits the changes you want to make. Korg and Arturia describe different sound setups for the models mentioned here. If I want to shape the sound myself while improvising, the controls matter as well as the recording connection. Around 18% of consumers give sound design top priority.
Basslines and solo playing Check the playing modes, keyboard range and audio output. Novation describes the Bass Station II as essentially monophonic, with a paraphonic mode as well. Playing a separate bass or melody line calls for different considerations from playing full chords on the same instrument. Around 12% of consumers prioritise bass or solo playing.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming every USB connection records the sound

    USB can carry MIDI data without sending the synthesiser’s sound to your computer. Korg’s recording example uses audio outputs for the sound and USB for MIDI.

    Before buying, map out the route from the keys to a MIDI track and from the audio output to an audio track. Check that your computer or interface has suitable audio inputs.

    A separate audio route may require suitable line inputs and audio cables; what you need will depend on your existing equipment.

  • Confusing oscillators with the number of playable voices

    The number of oscillators doesn’t tell you how many notes can sound at once. According to its manual, the Novation Bass Station II is essentially monophonic; the manual also describes a paraphonic mode. Korg specifies four voices for the minilogue xd.

    Check the polyphony and try a chord with the release time you use on the exact model.

  • Choosing based only on the number of keys

    The number of keys doesn’t tell you how wide or familiar the keyboard will feel. Korg lists 37 slim keys for the minilogue xd, so try your own fingerings too.

    Compare the range and key size, and play the passages you want to record at home.

  • Confusing an extended warranty with your statutory rights

    The Dutch government states that the Netherlands has no fixed statutory warranty period and that the seller must provide a solution if a product is faulty. An extended warranty is separate from this.

    Read exactly what additional cover a warranty product offers and compare it with your statutory rights.

Brands to consider

Roland

The JUNO-D6 is worth considering if you’re looking for a keyboard with 61 keys and USB-C audio/MIDI.

  • According to Roland, the JUNO-D6 has a sound library, sequencer and USB-C audio/MIDI.
  • The specifications don’t tell you whether the key feel will suit your hands. Its keyboard has more keys than the compact models discussed here.

Korg

The minilogue xd is a compact option for anyone looking to combine sound editing with playing chords.

  • Korg specifies 37 slim, velocity-sensitive keys, four voices and separate audio outputs.
  • In Korg’s recording example, the hardware sound and MIDI use separate connections; USB-MIDI is not the same as USB audio.

Arturia

The MiniFreak is an option if you want to combine polyphony with shaping hybrid sounds.

  • According to Arturia, the MiniFreak has six voices, two digital sound engines and analogue filters.
  • The number of voices and sound architecture don’t tell you whether the recording connection will suit your computer setup; check how you want to record the instrument’s sound.

Novation

The Bass Station II is best suited to anyone who wants to play basslines and melodies on a compact hardware instrument.

  • Novation lists 25 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch. The manual describes a monophonic instrument with a paraphonic mode.
  • The manual distinguishes USB-MIDI from the LINE audio output; playing full chord parts may not be the most suitable style.

Products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I also record my synthesiser’s sound using USB-MIDI?

Not with USB-MIDI alone. In Korg’s recording example, the audio outputs connect to the line inputs on an audio interface, while USB carries MIDI data. Roland lists a USB-C audio/MIDI interface for the JUNO-D6; check the function of the exact model.

How can I record both the sound and notes I can edit later?

One option is to connect the audio outputs to suitable line inputs on an interface and use USB for MIDI. This lets you record audio and performance data in your DAW; check the connections and settings on your equipment.

What should I save so I can recreate the sound after improvising?

Save the patch or settings you used if you’ll need them again later. The Bass Station II manual warns that unsaved changes are lost when you switch patches; check how to save settings on your own model.

What cooling-off period and warranty apply to an online purchase in the Netherlands?

For an applicable online consumer purchase, you generally have 14 days to change your mind, although there are exceptions; the Dutch government lists purchases from a private individual among them. The Netherlands has no fixed statutory warranty period. If a product is faulty, the seller must provide a solution.

Does a synthesiser need a CE mark in the Netherlands?

A CE mark is required when the applicable EU rules stipulate this for the specific product. The European Union’s Your Europe advises checking the rules for the product, so check the instrument and power supply separately. A CE mark is not a certificate issued by the EU.