Who is this for?

Beginner sound designer

Wants to explore what oscillators, filters, envelopes and modulation do in the rehearsal studio, and is looking for controls that make it easy to create original sounds.

Band musician who plays chords

Wants to design original sounds and play chords, so compares voice architecture, key feel and connections.

Pattern maker in the rehearsal room

Wants a compact setup for programming short phrases and playing along with existing equipment.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you mainly want to build sounds, play chords or create compact patterns. Then compare the controls and connections with your own rehearsal setup.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Building sounds Try the oscillator, filter, envelope and modulation controls on the exact model. Check whether functions are directly accessible or hidden in menus. If you want to hear how a sound changes as you adjust its parameters while practising, you share this priority with around 36% of consumers.
Connecting and listening Compare the audio outputs with the inputs on your mixer or interface. Also check the headphone connection, power supply and the MIDI connection you need. For around 29% of consumers, being able to connect a synthesiser to existing studio equipment and listen through a suitable setup is a top priority.
Chords and keys Check how many voices are available with your preferred sound settings, and try the keyboard or pads for yourself. If you want to play both original sounds and chords, pay particular attention to how many notes can sound at once and how the instrument plays; around 21% of consumers put this need first.
Compact patterns Compare the input method, pattern options and controls with the space and workflow in your rehearsal room. For consumers who want to create repeatable phrases in a small setup, this is the main priority; they make up around 14% of consumers.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming a high voice count guarantees better sound design lessons

    The maximum number of voices alone doesn’t tell you how easy the instrument is to use or how well it suits your lessons. Korg lists up to 60 voices for the multi/poly, depending on the settings.

    Try playing your own chords and adjusting a few parameters as you play before basing your choice on the voice count.

  • Treating pads or a flat touch keyboard like regular keys

    The Arturia MicroFreak has a flat touch keyboard, while the Roland S-1 has multifunctional pads. They feel different from a conventional keyboard; Roland also notes that deeper editing uses key combinations.

    Try the controls if key feel matters to you, or compare it with a model that has conventional keys.

  • Focusing only on sound generation and forgetting about studio connections

    Audio outputs, MIDI connections and power supplies vary between models. A synthesiser may therefore need different connections from those in your existing setup.

    Make a note of the inputs on your equipment and compare them with the connections and power supply on the exact model. Also check whether you’ll need suitable cables.

Brands to compare

Arturia

The MicroFreak is designed for experimenting with digital oscillator modes, while the MiniFreak combines sound experimentation with polyphonic playing.

  • Arturia says the MicroFreak has digital oscillator modes and an analogue filter. According to the manufacturer, the MiniFreak has six voices.
  • Try the MicroFreak’s unusual keyboard for yourself; the playing experience of one model won’t necessarily tell you what another is like.

Korg

The minilogue xd combines analogue and digital sound generation, while the multi/poly uses analogue modelling.

  • Korg lists four voices for the minilogue xd and up to 60 voices for the multi/poly, depending on the settings. Both models have keys, headphone connections and audio outputs.
  • The multi/poly’s stated voice count varies with the settings and doesn’t mean that its sound generation is entirely analogue.

Novation

The Bass Station II is an option for learning to programme analogue bass and lead sounds from the keyboard, while the MiniNova offers a distinct digital approach.

  • Novation lists two analogue oscillators, filters and 25 full-size keys for the Bass Station II. The MiniNova manual states that it has up to 18 voices and a vocoder.
  • Novation describes the Bass Station II as paraphonic. This is a different voice architecture from that of a standard polyphonic chord synthesiser.

Roland

The AIRA Compact S-1 is designed for a small workspace and for creating and editing short patterns.

  • Roland lists four voices, 26 multifunctional pads and a 64-step sequencer.
  • The pads aren’t a conventional keyboard; according to Roland, deeper editing on the S-1 uses key combinations.

Products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a polyphonic synthesiser for the rehearsal studio?

Not if you mainly want to design individual bass or lead sounds. If you want to play chords, compare the voice architecture: Korg lists four voices for the minilogue xd and Arturia lists six for the MiniFreak. Novation describes the Bass Station II as paraphonic.

How do I connect the synthesiser to the equipment in the rehearsal studio?

First compare the audio outputs with the inputs on your mixer or interface, then check the headphone connection, MIDI and power supply separately. Korg lists L/MONO and R outputs, a headphone connection and MIDI IN/OUT for the minilogue xd and multi/poly. Check that the connections and any cables are suitable for your setup.

How can I reduce the risk of hearing damage while practising?

Start with the volume low. Novation’s MiniNova manual warns that very high sound levels can damage your hearing. If your workspace has employees, the relevant workplace rules also apply; Arboportaal explains employers’ responsibilities when workers are exposed to noise. These rules don’t automatically apply to private rehearsals.

What are my rights if I buy online in the Netherlands and the synthesiser turns out to be faulty?

According to the Dutch government, when you buy from a business at a distance, you usually have 14 days to change your mind; exceptions and the type of purchase may be relevant. If a product is faulty, the seller is your point of contact for an appropriate solution, such as a repair or replacement. This is separate from any additional manufacturer’s warranty.

Does a CE mark prove that a synthesiser sounds good or is right for me?

No. According to Dutch government information on CE marking, the mark indicates that the manufacturer declares the product meets the applicable EU requirements; it isn’t an independent quality mark. CE says nothing about your sound preferences, how easy the synthesiser is to use or whether it will connect to your studio.