Which approach is right for you?

DAW composer

You build scenes and make revisions in your course’s software, and mainly need keys to play virtual instruments. Novation and MAGIX Nederland describe DAW control and MIDI input respectively for this kind of workflow.

Sound designer

You want to create your own synthesiser sounds for motifs, atmosphere or effects, then use them as audio in your project. The features described by Roland, Korg and Arturia are suited to hardware sound design.

Making music in a shared room

You need to take the available workspace into account and be able to listen to your sounds privately. Roland and Yamaha list connections worth checking when planning your setup and recording connection.

What should you consider when choosing?

First decide whether you need keys to control software, or an instrument that generates its own sound and whose audio you want to record.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this most relevant to?
MIDI and DAW input Check which DAW, controller integration and virtual instruments are available on your course computer. If I want to edit scenes in the school DAW, editable notes are my priority. Around 33% of consumers prioritise DAW input.
Recording your own sounds Compare the instrument’s sound generation and audio outputs with the inputs on your recording setup; USB-MIDI does not automatically mean USB audio. If I want to design my own sounds and record them in my project, I need a suitable hardware sound source. Around 27% of consumers give recordable sounds of their own the highest priority.
Room setup Check the dimensions, power supply and headphone socket, and whether the keys or pads feel comfortable to use. If I use my instrument in a shared room, I want to be able to position it and listen privately. Around 20% of consumers prioritise a compact setup with the option to listen privately.
Chords and melodies Check the maximum number of voices specified for the exact model, and try out the controls for the parts you want to play. If I want to play chords or sustained layers, I look at the number of simultaneous voices and the key size. Around 20% of consumers give playing multiple notes at once the highest priority.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a MIDI controller is a synthesiser with its own sounds

    MIDI sends performance and control data; it is not the sound of an instrument itself.

    Check which software instruments are available on your course computer. Choose hardware sound generation if you need your instrument to make sounds on its own.

  • Assuming USB-MIDI also records audio

    The Yamaha reface DX lists USB-MIDI and separate audio outputs, while Roland specifies USB audio/MIDI for the S-1. Connections therefore vary by model.

    Check how audio from the exact model gets into your DAW, and which audio input is available on your recording setup.

  • Comparing only the number of keys

    Key size, pad controls and the maximum number of simultaneous voices are different features that affect how you can play parts.

    Try the controls with the chords and melodies you want to use in your soundtrack, and compare the voice limits of each model.

Brands to consider

Novation

The Launchkey Mini 37 MK4 is a MIDI controller for composing with software instruments.

  • Novation lists 37 mini keys, 16 velocity-sensitive pads and DAW control.
  • A controller does not generate the sound of a hardware synthesiser on its own. For the Ableton Live integration described, Novation lists support from Live 11.3.26 and Live 12.0.25; check which version is available.

Roland

The AIRA Compact S-1 is a compact hardware synthesiser for creating sounds and patterns.

  • Roland specifies four-voice polyphony, a 64-step sequencer and USB audio/MIDI.
  • Using the small pads feels different from playing a conventional keyboard. Check how to record its sound with your computer and DAW.

Arturia

The MiniFreak is a hybrid synthesiser with a keyboard for designing sounds on the instrument itself.

  • Arturia specifies six-voice polyphony, 37 keys and stereo audio outputs.
  • Its sound-design features do not automatically make this model a better choice if your project is made entirely with software instruments.

Korg

The minilogue xd combines analogue sound generation with a digital multi-engine.

  • Korg specifies a 37-key keyboard and up to four voices.
  • For parts with more than four notes playing at once, bear in mind the specified voice limit.

Yamaha

The reface DX is a compact FM synthesiser with a mini keyboard.

  • Yamaha specifies eight-voice polyphony, a headphone socket, USB-MIDI and separate audio outputs.
  • Use the audio outputs to assess the recording connection; don’t assume USB-MIDI sends the sound to your project as an audio track.

Joybuy product for making music

This selection includes a keyboard option for melodies and chords, with built-in sounds and MIDI for further work in a DAW.

61-key keyboard with MIDI, built-in speakers and recording function

61-key keyboard with MIDI and recording function

Suitable for playing melodies and chords and capturing ideas; the description mentions built-in sounds and USB-MIDI for further processing.

The product description lists 61 keys, 500 sounds, a recording function, audio inputs and outputs, a headphone socket and built-in speakers. Check that the connections suit your course’s recording setup.

View at Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is a MIDI keyboard the same as a synthesiser with its own sounds?

No. MIDI sends performance and control data; it does not automatically produce the sound of an instrument. If you’re using a controller, check which virtual instruments are available on your course computer.

How do I record the sound of my hardware synthesiser?

Check whether the exact model sends audio via USB or has separate audio outputs, and what input your recording setup offers. Roland lists USB audio for the S-1; for the reface DX, Yamaha lists USB-MIDI and separate audio outputs.

What should I check about software on a course computer?

Check which DAW and version are available, which connections you can use and whether you’re allowed to install software. For the Launchkey MK4 integration described, Novation lists specific supported versions of Ableton Live.

What warranty and cancellation period apply to a purchase in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, the retailer is your point of contact for statutory guarantees; there is no fixed statutory guarantee period. Online purchases generally come with a 14-day cancellation period after delivery, subject to legal exceptions. The Dutch government and ACM ConsuWijzer explain these rules.

Can I use existing music or samples in a game without permission?

Don’t assume you can. According to the Dutch government, you need permission to use other people’s copyrighted music; personal use does not mean you can make the work publicly available. Also check the licence terms for sound libraries.