Who is this choice relevant to?

Improviser who wants to save audio straight away

You want to capture the sound of your performance, so first decide whether to record on the instrument itself or through a computer.

Keyboard player who plays with both hands

You play passages and chords where the keyboard’s range, key size and ability to play multiple notes at once may matter more than having the most compact instrument possible.

Player in a shared music room

You regularly move and set up the instrument, and want to consider its dimensions, power supply and options for practising quietly.

What should you look for when buying?

First decide how you want to save your performance: as audible audio, editable MIDI notes or both. The right connections and keyboard depend on that choice and on the space where you play.

What to consider What to check before buying Who will find this important?
Recording the sound of your improvisation Check whether the model records audio internally, sends audio over USB, or needs its audio outputs connected to a recorder or interface. If I want to save the sound I hear, I first decide whether I can record without a computer or will use a computer-based setup. Around 36% of consumers prioritise capturing audio.
Keyboard and notes played at the same time Try a passage you actually play and compare the key size, number of keys and stated maximum polyphony of the exact model. For passages played with both hands, I want to know whether the keyboard and number of available voices will suit my chords. Around 29% of consumers prioritise playing range.
Space and portability Measure the available space and check the model’s dimensions, weight, power options and headphone socket. In a shared music room, I also consider how much space the instrument takes up and how I can move and connect it. Around 21% of consumers prioritise space and portability.
Shaping sounds as you play Compare the synthesis and controls of the exact model, and check that its voice limit and audio connection suit your playing style. If I want to shape sounds as I play, I also consider what my chosen recording setup and the voice limit will allow. Around 14% of consumers prioritise sound design.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming USB means you can record audio

    USB-MIDI and recording the instrument’s own sound are different functions. Check what the USB connection on the exact model sends, and how the audio signal reaches your recorder.

    Find out whether your setup needs a compatible audio interface and audio cables.

  • Confusing a sequencer or phrase looper with a full audio recorder

    A pattern or phrase function doesn’t necessarily mean you can save a continuous performance as an audio file. Look specifically for an audio recording function and check how you can save the recording.

  • Choosing based only on compactness or the number of sounds

    Key size, keyboard range and maximum polyphony can affect passages played with both hands and chords. Try a passage you want to record and compare the specifications of the exact model variant.

Brands and product ranges to consider

Korg

The KROSS 2 workstations are one option if you want to combine a keyboard with a built-in stereo audio recorder.

  • Korg lists 61 velocity-sensitive keys and a built-in stereo audio recorder for the KROSS 2-61.
  • Maximum polyphony varies with the oscillator settings. Also check what storage and controls the recording workflow requires.

Roland

The JUNO-D6 is a 61-key synthesiser for a setup where you can use a computer.

  • Roland specifies USB-C audio/MIDI and an eight-track pattern sequencer for the JUNO-D6.
  • A pattern sequencer doesn’t guarantee that you can save a complete performance as an audio file without a computer.

Yamaha

The compact reface DX and the MODX M6 offer different keyboard and recording setups.

  • Yamaha specifies 37 mini keys and up to eight voices for the reface DX. For recording its own sound through a computer, Yamaha describes connecting the audio outputs to an interface. Yamaha specifies multichannel USB audio for the MODX M series.
  • These product ranges have different keyboards and connections, so don’t assume that the recording connection on one model also applies to another.

Arturia

The MiniFreak is an option for players who want to shape a hybrid synth sound while improvising.

  • Arturia lists two sound engines, stereo outputs, 37 keys and six-voice polyphony.
  • The 37 keys and six voices may matter when playing wide chords with both hands. A USB connection alone doesn’t prove that audio can be recorded over USB.

Novation

The Launchkey 49 MK4 is worth considering as a comparison for a computer or external synthesiser setup, but it isn’t a standalone synthesiser with its own sound source.

  • Novation describes the controller as suitable for controlling a DAW and playing software or connected hardware.
  • If you’re looking for an instrument that produces sound on its own, you’ll need an external sound source as well as this controller.

Products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is USB-MIDI enough to record the sound of my improvisation?

No. MIDI saves performance data; you need a suitable audio connection to capture the sound you hear. For a reface setup with a computer, Yamaha describes connecting the audio outputs to an audio interface. Roland specifies USB-C audio/MIDI for the JUNO-D6.

What should I check when setting up in a shared music room?

Check that the instrument will fit, what power supply it uses, how you can run the cables and whether you can practise with headphones. Follow the exact model’s manual for connections and maintenance; a compact keyboard won’t necessarily have the same features as a 61-key model.

Do I need anything else to use a MIDI controller?

Yes. If you want to hear a sound or record audio, you’ll also need a sound source and a suitable audio connection. Novation describes the Launchkey as a controller for software or connected hardware, so check how your chosen sound source sends audio to your recording device.

What are my rights when buying online from a company in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period when buying at a distance. Products must also be of satisfactory quality; the Dutch government states that there is no fixed statutory guarantee period for all products in the Netherlands. If there’s a fault, contact the seller.

Can I record my improvisation and put it online?

According to the Dutch government, copyright in your own musical work arises automatically. If you use someone else’s protected work, you can’t distribute or make a copy for personal use available to the public without the necessary permission. Also consider any rights held by others who contributed to the recording.