Who is this choice relevant to?

Improviser who wants to capture audio

You want to capture more than just the notes you play: you want to record the sound you hear from the synthesiser. The available recording connection is therefore an important part of your choice.

Chord-focused keyboard player

You play longer passages or layered chords and want to check in advance that the keyboard and polyphony suit the way you play.

Improvising sound designer

You want to adjust the sound as you play, and may be considering a more compact keyboard or lower polyphony to do so.

What should you look for?

For recording-focused improvisation, start by deciding on the signal path. Then weigh up the keyboard and polyphony against hands-on sound controls and the space available in your studio.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Recording audio Check whether USB transmits audio on the exact model, or find out which audio outputs are available. Roland lists USB-C audio/MIDI for the JUNO-D6; Novation describes USB for MIDI and a line output for audio on the Bass Station II. Compare these with the inputs on your studio equipment. I want to listen back to the sound I actually heard while playing, not just the notes I pressed; around 36% of consumers give audio recording their top priority.
Keyboard and polyphony Play your usual chords and sustained notes on the model. Roland and Yamaha specify 61 keys for the JUNO-D6 and MODX M6 respectively; Korg lists four voices for the minilogue xd and Arturia lists six for the MiniFreak. For longer chord passages, I want enough keys and voices to let notes ring out; around 29% of consumers prioritise playing range and polyphony.
Sound controls Try adjusting the sound settings you want while playing. Compare the controls and sound-generation options on the exact model with the way you work. I want to shape the sound myself while improvising, even if that means fewer keys or voices; around 21% of consumers prioritise hands-on sound design.
Studio setup Measure the space available and check the audio inputs, cables and power supply. Yamaha lists the MODX M6 as 882 mm wide and weighing 6.6 kg; Novation specifies 25 keys and a line output for the Bass Station II. If space in my practice room is limited, I want to know in advance whether the instrument and recording setup will fit comfortably; around 14% of consumers give setup and connections top priority.

Pitfalls to avoid

  • Assuming USB MIDI records the synthesiser’s sound

    MIDI captures performance data, but it doesn’t automatically record the sound. Novation describes MIDI via USB for the Bass Station II and uses the line output for the audible signal.

    Decide whether you want to record audio or just performance data, and check the signal path for the exact model.

  • Choosing a compact synth without testing your chords against its voice limit

    Korg specifies four voices for the minilogue xd and Arturia specifies six for the MiniFreak. The number of available voices can matter when you hold notes and play new chords.

    Try playing your usual sustained chords and melodies on the model before you decide.

  • Planning for the instrument but forgetting the studio setup

    An audio output needs to connect to suitable recording equipment. The right input and cable are part of the signal path.

    Before buying, check the inputs and available space in your practice studio.

Synthesiser brands to compare

Roland

The JUNO-D6 is a 61-key option for playing and working with a computer via USB-C audio/MIDI.

  • Roland specifies USB-C audio/MIDI and an eight-track pattern sequencer for the JUNO-D6.
  • Check that its USB workflow suits your recording software. A sequencer doesn’t necessarily record the final audio on its own.

Yamaha

The MODX M6 is a 61-key option for anyone looking for a more extensive keyboard and multiple sound engines.

  • Yamaha specifies three sound engines, a semi-weighted FSB keyboard and a weight of 6.6 kg for the M6.
  • Weigh up its more extensive controls against the simplicity you want for an impromptu session.

Arturia

The MiniFreak suits improvisation centred on hybrid sound design.

  • Arturia specifies six voices, two digital engines, analogue filters and stereo outputs for the MiniFreak.
  • Bear the six-voice limit in mind if you play long, sustained or layered chords.

Korg

The minilogue xd combines analogue and digital sound design in a compact synthesiser.

  • Korg lists four-voice polyphony, a digital multi-engine and a sequencer for the minilogue xd.
  • The four-voice limit may be more noticeable with sustained chords than with individual melodies.

Novation

The Bass Station II is particularly relevant if basslines, leads and short patterns drive your improvisation.

  • Novation specifies 25 keys, filters and sequencing for the Bass Station II.
  • According to the manual, USB carries MIDI; use the line output to send the sound you hear to recording equipment.

Synthesisers on Joybuy

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I record the sound of any synthesiser via USB?

No, it depends on the exact model. Roland lists USB-C audio/MIDI for the JUNO-D6; Novation describes USB for MIDI on the Bass Station II and uses the line output for the audible signal. Check what the USB connection on your model can do.

What should I connect if my practice studio already has an audio interface?

Compare the available inputs on the interface with the synthesiser’s audio outputs. Novation says the Bass Station II’s line output can be connected to a mixer or audio interface, among other equipment; turn off or mute your monitoring system while connecting, as the manual advises.

How can I stop a session sounding too loud through my headphones?

Start at a low volume and turn it up carefully. Novation specifically warns that the Bass Station II’s headphone amplifier can produce a high signal level.

When buying online in the Netherlands, am I always entitled to exactly two years’ legal guarantee?

No. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that the legal guarantee doesn’t have a fixed two-year duration: what you can reasonably expect from the product and normal use are the deciding factors. If a product breaks too soon under normal use, the retailer is your point of contact for a solution.

Can I return a synthesiser bought online if I don’t like the keyboard?

For a standard online consumer purchase, you generally have up to 14 days after delivery to change your mind; ACM ConsuWijzer lists some exceptions. Check the terms that apply to your purchase.