Who is this for?

Keyboard player with a small workspace

Wants to improvise straight away on a compact keyboard and needs to make room for both the instrument and the recording setup.

Recorder who needs USB audio

Wants to record the synthesiser’s sound on a computer and checks whether the USB connection actually carries audio.

Quick loop sketcher

Wants to repeat an idea while playing and check whether the looper saves the recording when the instrument is switched off.

What should you look for?

What to consider What to look for Who should pay particular attention?
Recording the sound Check whether the model sends audio via USB or whether you need to connect its audio outputs to a suitable input. Roland says the S-1 sends only its own sound via USB; Novation says the MiniNova does not have a built-in USB audio interface. I want to save my performance as audible audio, not just MIDI notes; around 33% of consumers prioritise the recording connection.
Making room for the whole setup Measure the available width and depth, and allow for any additional equipment and cables. Compare dimensions using the same units. If my workspace is limited, I need room for the recording setup as well as the instrument; around 33% of consumers prioritise available space.
Keys and polyphony Compare the type of keys and the number of voices available in the playing mode you want to use. Korg lists eight voices for the microKORG2 in Single mode and four in Dual mode. I want to play melodies and chords comfortably on physical keys; around 27% of consumers prioritise the keyboard.
Looping an idea Check what the looper records and whether the recording is kept when the instrument is switched off. Korg says the microKORG2’s recorded audio is erased when it is switched off. If I want to repeat an idea while improvising, a loop function matters to me; around 7% of consumers prioritise immediate looping.

Common pitfalls

  • Confusing USB with USB audio

    A USB connection does not automatically send the synthesiser’s sound to a computer as audio. Novation says you need to connect the MiniNova’s audio outputs to a suitable input for DAW recording; the Roland S-1 does send its own sound via USB.

    Check the audio capabilities of the exact model before putting your recording setup together.

    A suitable audio interface, input and cables can take up extra space if you need them.

  • Measuring only the instrument

    Even a small instrument without a conventional keyboard can take up more room if you use it alongside an external keyboard, audio interface and cables.

    Measure the entire setup you plan to use for playing and recording, not just the instrument.

    An external keyboard and other recording equipment will need extra workspace.

  • Treating a looper as a permanent recording

    Korg says the audio recorded with the microKORG2 looper is erased when you switch off the instrument.

    Record any improvisation you want to keep somewhere other than the looper too.

  • Assuming the stated voice count applies to every mode

    According to Korg, the microKORG2 has up to eight voices in Single mode, but four in Dual mode. The number therefore depends on the mode you choose.

    Compare the polyphony in the mode you plan to use for melodies or chords.

Brands to consider

Yamaha

The reface CS is a compact model with a built-in keyboard for playing straight away.

  • Yamaha specifies that the reface CS has 37 keys, eight voices and dimensions of 530 × 175 × 60 mm.
  • Check separately how to record this model’s sound; these specifications do not automatically apply to other Yamaha instruments.

Korg

The microKORG2 pairs a compact mini-keyboard with an audio looper for sketching ideas as you play.

  • Korg specifies 37 velocity-sensitive mini-keys, with eight voices in Single mode and four in Dual mode.
  • Korg says the looper’s recorded audio is erased when the instrument is switched off.

Roland

The AIRA Compact S-1 is a very small model with performance buttons and USB audio for its own sound.

  • Roland specifies dimensions of 188 × 106 mm, four voices and USB audio for its internal sound.
  • The model has no conventional keyboard. Roland also says that sound via MIX IN is not sent to the computer over USB.

Novation

The MiniNova pairs a 37-key keyboard with an extensive range of sounds.

  • Novation lists up to 18 voices and 37 velocity-sensitive keys.
  • Novation says the MiniNova does not have a built-in USB audio interface; you need a suitable audio input for DAW recording.

Arturia

The MiniFreak is a hybrid synthesiser with 37 keys, suited to players who want to shape sounds as they play.

  • Arturia describes this model as having two digital sound engines, six voices and stereo outputs.
  • Check that the model and the audio input you need will fit in your workspace; these specifications do not automatically apply to other MiniFreak variants.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I record the sound of any synthesiser via USB?

No, it varies by model. Roland lists USB audio for the S-1’s internal sound, while Novation says the MiniNova does not have a built-in USB audio interface. Check the audio connections on the exact model; a USB connection alone does not confirm that audio is sent.

How do I connect the MiniNova for audio recording in a DAW?

Novation says to connect the MiniNova’s audio outputs to an external audio interface or a suitable line input on your computer. On this model, USB does not replace that audio connection.

Is a loop saved on the microKORG2 when I switch it off?

No. Korg says the looper’s recorded audio data is erased when the instrument is switched off. So make a separate recording of any idea you want to keep.

Who can I contact in the Netherlands if a synthesiser I’ve bought is faulty?

According to the Government of the Netherlands, the seller must provide a solution. There is no fixed statutory guarantee period for all products in the Netherlands; what you can expect from a product depends in part on the product and how it is normally used. A manufacturer’s guarantee does not replace your statutory rights.

Do I have a cooling-off period when buying a synthesiser online?

According to the Government of the Netherlands, for many applicable distance purchases from a business, you have a 14-day cooling-off period. Check the terms of the specific purchase; according to the Government’s guidance, buying online from a private individual does not count as a distance purchase.