Who is this suitable for?

Beginner sound designer

You want to hear how oscillators, filters and modulation each affect a sound, and would rather control these elements yourself. Ableton’s Dutch-language browser lesson lets you explore the basics without any equipment.

Flatmate with limited workspace

You want to practise at a small desk using headphones. So, also consider the playing interface, the headphone output and whether connected speakers stay on. Roland describes the S-1’s pad controls, while Novation says the Bass Station II’s main outputs remain active when headphones are used.

Keyboard player and home recordist

You want to play chords or record your own sounds. The voice architecture and the difference between audio and MIDI connections can help you decide whether a model suits your playing and recording plans.

What should you look for?

If you want to find out whether hardware suits your learning goals, start with Ableton’s browser lesson. According to Ableton, it requires no previous experience or equipment. Then choose a playing interface and check that the connections and setup will work in your home.

What to consider What to look for Who this matters to
Shaping sounds yourself Compare the controls for the oscillator, filter, envelope and modulation. Also check whether the model can save your own sounds. If I want to learn how sounds are made by adjusting the controls myself, I’m looking for knobs and sliders I can follow while I play. Around 36% of consumers prioritise direct control over sound.
Quiet practice at a small desk Measure the space available and check the headphone plug, whether you’ll need an adapter, and what happens to connected speakers. In a shared flat, I want to practise in a compact space and listen without sound coming from the speakers. Around 29% of consumers prioritise compact, quiet practice sessions.
Chords and playing interface Compare the number of independent voices with the keyboard or pad layout; paraphonic playing is not the same as standard polyphony. If I want to practise chords on a keyboard, the voice architecture needs to suit the notes I want to hear at the same time. Around 21% of consumers prioritise chords and the playing interface.
Recording your own sounds Decide whether you want to record audio or MIDI, and check which connections your computer and any audio interface require. If I want to use my own sounds in my recording setup, I need to know how the audio signal leaves the instrument. Around 14% of consumers prioritise recording connections.

What to consider when buying and using a synthesiser

  • Headphones don’t always mute the speakers

    According to Novation’s manual, the Bass Station II’s main outputs remain active when you plug in headphones.

    Check how the outputs work on the model you choose, and mute or disconnect any connected speakers if needed.

  • Paraphony isn’t the same as standard polyphony

    Novation describes the Bass Station II as paraphonic. Korg specifies up to four voices for the minilogue xd; these are different ways of handling notes played at the same time.

    Choose based on the chords you want to practise, and check the voice architecture of the exact model.

  • USB doesn’t automatically mean USB audio

    Novation describes the Bass Station II as having USB MIDI and a separate line output for its sound.

    Check whether your model’s specifications explicitly mention USB audio, or whether you need to record the sound via an audio output.

    Recording through a line output may require a suitable, compatible audio signal chain.

  • Don’t assume the reface CS uses the same headphone plug without checking

    Yamaha’s manual describes a 6.3 mm headphone socket and says you’ll need an adapter for a 3.5 mm plug.

    Check the connection on the specific unit before choosing a cable or adapter.

Brands to compare

Roland

The AIRA Compact S-1 is a compact, pad-controlled way to explore sounds and short patterns.

  • Roland describes controls for the oscillator, filter, envelope and LFO; according to Roland, the model has four voices.
  • Pads offer a different playing experience from a traditional keyboard.

Korg

The minilogue xd combines a keyboard with analogue sound shaping and a digital multi-engine.

  • Korg specifies 37 slim keys and up to four voices.
  • Bear the voice limit in mind when playing chords, and check that the instrument will fit on your desk.

Arturia

The MiniFreak is a hybrid synthesiser with a keyboard, designed for exploring different sound engines and modulation.

  • Arturia describes two digital engines with analogue filters and six voices.
  • Consider the controls and the space you’ll need, based on where you plan to use the instrument.

Novation

The Bass Station II focuses on analogue sound shaping, with a keyboard and hands-on controls.

  • Novation specifies two oscillators and two filters.
  • Novation describes the model as paraphonic, not as a standard polyphonic chord synthesiser. According to the manual, the main outputs remain active when headphones are connected.

Yamaha

The reface CS is a compact keyboard for experimenting with virtual analogue sounds.

  • Yamaha describes a 6.3 mm stereo headphone socket; the manual says you’ll need an adapter for headphones with a 3.5 mm plug.
  • Check the connection on the specific unit and whether you’ll need an adapter.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I learn sound design without buying hardware first?

Yes. According to Ableton, its Dutch-language interactive lesson runs in your browser and requires no previous experience or equipment. You can explore the basics, but you won’t be able to test the key feel of a specific instrument.

Are headphones enough to stop my flatmates hearing any sound?

Not always. According to Novation’s manual, the Bass Station II’s main outputs remain active when headphones are connected. Check whether speakers or an amplifier remain connected with each model, and mute them separately if needed.

Can I record any synthesiser’s sound via USB?

No. USB connections don’t automatically carry audio. Novation describes the Bass Station II as having USB MIDI and a separate line output for its sound. Check whether your model explicitly supports USB audio and whether it’s compatible with your recording equipment.

What size headphone plug does the Yamaha reface CS use?

Yamaha’s manual describes a 6.3 mm stereo plug and says you’ll need an adapter for headphones with a 3.5 mm plug. Check the connection on the specific unit before choosing accessories.

What are my rights if a product is faulty or I buy online in the Netherlands?

The Dutch government says you can claim under the statutory guarantee from the seller if a product is faulty; there is no fixed statutory guarantee period in the Netherlands. For distance purchases from a business, you generally have 14 days to change your mind, although exceptions apply. Purchases from private individuals are not covered by the stated distance-selling rules.