Who is this relevant to?

Student who builds sounds from scratch

You want to hear in class what happens when you change an oscillator, filter or envelope, rather than just choosing presets.

Student who plays chords and layers

You want to design sounds while playing several notes on the keys at the same time. That makes the specified number of voices and the key layout important.

Student sharing a workspace

You need to be able to set the instrument up on an available table, and may want to avoid disturbing others with speakers. So check its dimensions, listening options and audio connections.

What should you consider when choosing?

Start with what you want to explore in class: building sounds from scratch, playing chords or experimenting with digital sound sources. Then check how well the instrument will work in your shared workspace.

What to consider What should you look for? Who is this important for?
Hands-on sound shaping Check which parts you can adjust on the exact model and whether you can save the sounds you create. I want to hear for myself in class how an oscillator or filter changes the sound, rather than just choosing presets; around 33% of consumers therefore prioritise hands-on sound creation.
Playing chords Compare the specified number of voices and, if possible, try out the keys. Don’t assume that paraphony works in the same way as separate polyphonic voices. If I want to play chords while designing sounds, I need enough voices for several notes to sound at once; around 25% of consumers prioritise this combination.
Exploring digital sound sources Check whether your lesson requires digital oscillator waveforms, wavetable or wavemorphing sounds, and how to control the relevant parameters. I want to try different digital approaches to sound creation; around 25% of consumers prioritise this kind of exploration.
Practising in a shared workspace Measure the available space and check the headphone socket, audio output, power supply and what the USB connection transfers on the exact model. When I’m sharing an instrument with others, I want to know in advance whether it will fit on the table and how I can listen or connect it; around 17% of consumers prioritise these practical workspace requirements.

Common things to look out for

  • Assuming a USB port confirms USB audio connectivity

    The Korg minilogue xd specifications list USB-B, MIDI and separate audio outputs, but they do not confirm USB audio functionality.

    Decide whether you want to record audio or just performance data, then check the listed features and connections for the exact model.

  • Treating four-voice, six-voice and paraphonic designs as interchangeable

    Manufacturers describe different voice and playing configurations. This can make a difference in lessons focused on chords or individually shaped notes.

    Compare the specifications for each model and try the note combinations you need for your lesson.

  • Choosing an instrument without checking how it plays or where you’ll use it

    Arturia describes the MicroFreak as having a flat playing surface, while the Roland S-1 uses multifunction pads. These interfaces are different from traditional keys.

    Check whether your course requires conventional keyboard keys, measure the available table space and find out how to practise with headphones on the exact model.

Relevant brands to consider

Korg

The minilogue xd is an option for exploring analogue oscillators, a digital multi-engine, a keyboard and a sequencer.

  • Korg lists 37 keys, up to four voices, a 16-step sequencer, a headphone socket and separate audio outputs for the minilogue xd.
  • The voice limit matters if you want to play chords; these features apply to the minilogue xd, not all Korg synthesisers.

Arturia

The MicroFreak and MiniFreak offer different ways to explore digital sound sources with analogue filtering.

  • According to Arturia, the MicroFreak has several digital oscillator waveforms and a flat, pressure-sensitive playing surface. Arturia lists six voices for the MiniFreak.
  • The MicroFreak’s playing surface is different from a traditional keyboard. The MicroFreak and MiniFreak specifications are not interchangeable.

Ashun Sound Machines

The Hydrasynth Explorer is suited to exercises involving wavemorphing and per-key expression.

  • ASM lists 37 mid-size keys, polyphonic aftertouch and power from eight AA batteries for this model.
  • These model specifications don’t indicate how quickly students will learn; check in advance which connections you need for your lesson.

Roland

The S-1 is an option for synthesis and pattern programming using pads instead of a traditional keyboard.

  • Roland lists four-voice polyphony, 26 multifunction pads and a 64-step sequencer for the S-1.
  • Pad-based playing and functions accessed through key combinations may be less suitable for a course that requires conventional keyboard keys.

Novation

The Bass Station II is designed for exercises involving analogue oscillators, filters, bass sounds and lead sounds.

  • Novation lists two main oscillators, a sub-oscillator, two filters, sequencing and 25 full-size keys.
  • Novation describes the Bass Station II as paraphonic. For lessons focused on chords, don’t assume it has the same voice configuration as a polyphonic synthesiser.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I practise chords on a four-voice synthesiser?

Yes, as long as you stay within the specified voice limit: Korg specifies up to four voices for the minilogue xd. If your lesson requires more notes to sound at once or overlap, compare the voice configurations of other models; Arturia describes the MiniFreak as having six voices.

How do I connect a synthesiser for individual practice or recording?

Check the connections on the exact model and the equipment at your workspace. Korg lists a headphone socket, separate audio outputs, MIDI and USB-B for the minilogue xd. Choose the connection that suits listening or recording, and don’t assume USB also transfers audio; follow the manual for your specific version when connecting it.

What can I expect when buying online or if the product is faulty?

For distance purchases from a business, Dutch government guidance says you’ll often have a 14-day cooling-off period; check the terms and any exceptions that apply to your specific purchase. In the Netherlands, there is no fixed statutory time limit for the legal guarantee: you’re entitled to a product that works properly, and you can contact the seller if there’s a fault. A commercial manufacturer’s warranty does not replace this right.

Which product safety rule is relevant to a synthesiser in a Dutch music room?

Products covered by EU rules that require CE marking must carry it; the European Commission makes clear that this depends on the rules applying to the specific product. The marking alone does not prove that an unassessed listing or power adapter is suitable for your room. So check the exact version and its power supply.