Who is this buying guide for?

Hands-on beginner

Wants to discover how an oscillator, filter and envelope work together to shape a sound using physical controls, and may also want to play chords.

Sound experimenter

Wants to explore different synthesis and modulation methods rather than simply playing existing sounds.

Home producer

Wants to use their own sounds with an existing computer or recording setup, so pays attention to the difference between audio and MIDI connections.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you mainly want to learn using physical controls, explore more sound possibilities or record your synth as part of an existing studio setup. Then compare the controls, voice allocation and connections that suit the way you work.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Controls for learning Check whether the oscillator, filter, envelope and modulation controls are accessible in the way you want to practise. If I want to build sounds step by step, I want to be able to adjust the key settings directly. Around 33% of consumers prioritise clear, physical controls.
Sound variety and chords Compare the number of voices and how they are allocated, as well as the available synthesis engines and modulation options. If I want to explore different sounds and play chords too, I look at both voice allocation and sound-making methods. Around 27% of consumers prioritise sound variety.
Studio connections Check the audio outputs and MIDI/USB connections separately, and compare them with the inputs on your recording equipment. If I want to record hardware sounds in my home studio, I want to know which connection carries the audio signal. Around 20% of consumers prioritise studio integration.
Starting with a compact setup Decide whether you need physical keys and controls. For software, also check compatibility with your computer and music software. If I have limited workspace or want to start without extra hardware, I compare software with the space and connections needed for a physical instrument. Around 20% of consumers prioritise a compact setup to get started.

Common buying mistakes

  • Confusing USB-MIDI with USB audio

    For the Novation Bass Station II, the manual describes USB as being used for MIDI, power and patches, among other things. Novation points to the line output for audio.

    Check the audio route for the exact model and compare it with the available inputs on your recording equipment.

  • Treating paraphony and polyphony as the same thing

    The Novation Bass Station II is paraphonic, while the Korg minilogue xd has up to four voices. These features suit different needs when it comes to playing notes at the same time.

    Decide whether you mainly want to make individual bass and lead lines or play chords too, then compare the voice architecture.

  • Buying a different version without checking the details

    The model name alone does not confirm which power supply comes with the item on offer or which version you will receive.

    Ask the seller for the exact model and the power supply included. For hardware, check that the specific item on offer carries the applicable CE marking.

    A power supply or other component that does not suit your setup may mean you need to source additional equipment.

Brands to compare

Korg

The minilogue xd combines analogue sound generation with digital sound expansion and a sequencer.

  • Korg specifies four voices, a digital multi-engine and a 16-step polyphonic sequencer for the minilogue xd.
  • The four-voice limit matters if you want to play more notes at once; it does not automatically tell you anything about other Korg models.

Arturia

The MiniFreak is a hybrid hardware option for exploring different sound-making methods and modulation.

  • Arturia lists two digital engines, six voices, analogue filters and a modulation matrix for this model.
  • Check that the features of the version on offer and its firmware meet your learning needs.

Novation

The Bass Station II is an analogue hardware option with hands-on controls for designing bass and lead parts.

  • Novation specifies two main oscillators, a sub-oscillator, filters and sequencing.
  • Its paraphonic operation is not the same as unlimited polyphonic chord playing. The manual distinguishes USB-MIDI from the line output for audio.

Elektron

The Digitone II combines digital synthesis with a workflow built around machines and multiple tracks.

  • Elektron lists 16 tracks and a total of 16 voices, allocated across the selected synth machines.
  • The voices are not available as 16 voices per track. This workflow suits a different way of learning from directly adjusting a single sound.

Vital Audio

Vital is a software synth for exploring wavetable synthesis visually on a suitable computer setup.

  • Vital Audio says the software displays waveforms and modulation, among other things. A free Basic version is available.
  • Software does not offer physical controls or a standalone hardware instrument, so check that it is compatible with your system.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I record the sound from a hardware synth using just a USB cable?

Not necessarily. For the Bass Station II, Novation describes USB as being used for power, MIDI and patches, while the line output carries the sound. Check the connections on the exact model and the inputs on your audio interface or other recording equipment.

How can I start creating my own sound instead of always choosing a preset?

Change one element at a time, starting with an oscillator, for example, then moving on to the filter, envelope or modulation. This helps you hear the effect of each adjustment. Before you buy, check that you can control these settings in the way you prefer; Korg lists these components separately for the minilogue xd.

What can I do if my synthesiser develops a fault after purchase?

For a consumer purchase in the Netherlands, the product must be of satisfactory quality. If it is not, the seller is your point of contact. The Dutch government says there is no fixed statutory warranty period: what you can expect depends, among other things, on the product, how it is used and the circumstances.

Can I return a synthesiser bought online?

When you buy from a business at a distance, you will often have a 14-day cooling-off period, according to the Dutch government. There are exceptions, and the rules are not necessarily the same when buying from a private seller, so check the terms that apply to your purchase.

Which product safety rule applies to hardware in the Netherlands?

Electronic equipment covered by the applicable EU rules must carry the required CE marking. The Dutch government explains this requirement for products offered on the EU market. Check the marking on the specific item, as the model name alone does not confirm it.