Start by deciding how you want to enter notes, then work out whether one synth part is enough or whether you also want to create separate rhythm and synth parts. A compact synth could be right for a single short loop, while a groovebox offers options for multiple parts and a keyboard synth suits players who prefer to play notes in. Also consider the controls, space and connections you’ll need.
Wants to enter, edit and save a short part without first setting up multiple tracks. Roland describes the S-1 as having a step sequencer and pattern storage; Korg describes the volca keys as a synth with a loop sequencer.
Wants to programme synth and rhythm parts separately on a single device. Novation and Elektron describe models with multiple tracks, each offering different sound sources and capabilities.
Wants to create a pattern on playable keys rather than using only a pad grid. Arturia lists the MiniFreak as having a 37-note keyboard with velocity-sensitive keys.
Choose this if: you mainly want to enter and save one short synth part. Roland describes the S-1 as having a step sequencer and pattern storage; Korg describes the volca keys as having a loop sequencer.
Trade-off: controls vary by model, so compare pads with the volca keys’ compact keyboard. Korg describes this model as having a single sequencer part.
Choose this if: you want to programme rhythm as a separate part alongside a synth pattern. Novation lists two internal synth tracks and four sample-based drum tracks for Circuit Tracks; Elektron describes Model:Cycles as having six FM-based tracks.
Trade-off: Circuit Tracks’ drum tracks use samples, while Model:Cycles’ sounds are based on FM machines. Check whether these sound options suit your assignment.
Choose this if: you’d rather play notes on keys and then programme a pattern. Arturia lists the MiniFreak as having 37 velocity-sensitive keys and a 64-step sequencer.
Trade-off: Arturia lists the MiniFreak as 578 mm wide, so check that its keyboard will fit on the available table.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Entering and saving a single part | Check step and live input, and how to save a pattern. | If I mainly want to enter and find one short part, pattern controls are my first priority. Around 33% of consumers give a single loop the highest priority. |
| Separate synth and rhythm parts | Check which tracks produce sound themselves and which control external MIDI devices. | If I want to build synth and rhythm parts separately on one device, I need to know what each track actually does. Around 27% of consumers prioritise separate parts. |
| Playing notes on keys | Compare the model’s keyboard and dimensions with the way you play and the space available. | If I’d rather play a phrase on keys than use pads, I’ll look for a keyboard that suits the way I play. Around 20% of consumers give playing notes on keys the highest priority. |
| Working in a shared music room | Check the headphone socket, power requirements and dimensions. | If I need to consider table space, power and listening through headphones, I want to check these practical requirements against the room in advance. Around 20% of consumers prioritise space and standalone use. |
A device may have tracks that control external MIDI equipment without every track producing sound itself. Novation distinguishes between internal synth tracks and external MIDI tracks on Circuit Tracks.
Check whether the exact model has its own sound source and whether its tracks do what you need for your pattern.
If a device only controls external instruments, you’ll also need a suitable sound source to hear anything.
Tracks and polyphony describe different features. Elektron lists six tracks for Model:Cycles; Attack Magazine describes the model as mainly monophonic in practice.
Check separately how many parts you can programme and how many notes can sound at once within a part, especially if you want to play chords.
Power and connection options vary between the models described. The specific listing determines which items are included.
Compare what’s included in the listing and the connections available with what you can use in the music room.
Depending on the model and connections available, you may need a suitable power supply, cable, battery or adapter.
The AIRA Compact S-1 is a compact synth for anyone who wants to create a single part using pads and a built-in sequencer.
The volca keys is a compact analogue synth with a loop sequencer, designed for short synth phrases.
Circuit Tracks is worth considering if you want to programme separate synth and rhythm parts.
The MiniFreak is a keyboard synth with a built-in sequencer, suited to anyone who mainly wants to play in a phrase.
Model:Cycles offers an FM-based way to programme melodic and rhythmic parts on separate tracks.
Not with the MIDI sequencer function alone. Check whether the device has its own sound source or only controls external instruments; Novation distinguishes between internal synth tracks and tracks for external equipment on Circuit Tracks.
Follow the instructions for saving on the exact model before switching it off. The Roland S-1 manual covers both editing steps and saving a pattern.
Compare your headphone plug with the device’s socket and check that you can use it in the room. Elektron specifies a 6.35mm stereo headphone socket for Model:Cycles; the Novation manual also describes a headphone socket on Circuit Tracks.
For normal use, the seller must put right a product that doesn’t do what you could reasonably expect, at no cost to you, according to ACM ConsuWijzer. For online purchases from a business, you’ll also usually have a 14-day cooling-off period under the Dutch Government’s rules. This doesn’t automatically apply to a purchase from a private seller.
CE marking is relevant when the applicable EU rules for that product category require it. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency explains that CE marking is a conformity mark, not an independent quality mark or a guarantee of the safety of an individual device.
