Choose based on how you want to build your soundtrack: a compact sequencer suits short motifs, a groovebox works well for patterns and scenes, while a keyboard instrument is ideal for playing chords and shaping sounds. For quiet use, check for a headphone socket and keep the listening volume low. If you want to record into a DAW, check whether the exact model supports USB audio, as USB-MIDI is different. Also check the voice limit and track layout: these determine how many notes or separate parts can play at the same time.
Wants to try out motifs and sounds without monitor speakers. Korg specifies a headphone socket for the minilogue xd, and Novation describes using headphones with Circuit Tracks. Thuisarts advises keeping the listening volume at a comfortable level.
Wants to programme several musical parts on the device and combine ideas into scenes, potentially without a computer. Novation describes separate synth, drum and MIDI tracks for Circuit Tracks; Elektron specifies tracks and voices for Digitone II, with voices shared between the synthesiser machines in use.
Wants to create original synthesiser sounds and use them in a computer project. Roland confirms that the S-1 transfers audio and MIDI via USB; with other models, it’s important to distinguish MIDI control from transferring audio from the hardware.
First decide whether you mainly want to listen through headphones, arrange parts independently or record sound into a DAW. Then compare the connections, tracks and voices available on the exact model.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Listening through headphones | Check for a headphone socket and a compatible plug. Start at a low volume and use a volume limiter if your headphones have one; Thuisarts advises keeping the sound at a comfortable level. | If I want to compose without monitor speakers, I want to listen comfortably without turning the volume up unnecessarily. This could be the first buying priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Arranging independently | Compare the number of separate synth and drum tracks, the available voices, and how patterns or scenes are saved. Novation lists two synth tracks, four sample-based drum tracks and two MIDI tracks for Circuit Tracks. | If I want to programme soundtrack parts on the device itself, I’ll consider how many parts it can handle for my workflow. Arranging independently could be the main buying concern for around 25% of consumers. |
| Recording into a DAW | Check the exact model for explicit support for USB audio, USB-MIDI and audio outputs. Decide how you’ll get the hardware’s sound into your project. | If I want to finish my sounds in a computer project, I want to know in advance how to record the audio from the hardware. Recording connectivity could be a top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Chords and sound design | Compare the number of keys, maximum polyphony and sound sources. Korg specifies 37 velocity-sensitive keys and up to four voices for the minilogue xd; Arturia lists six voices and two digital engines for the MiniFreak. | If I want to play chords or create my own atmospheric and effect sounds, I’ll look for the right combination of keys, voices and sound-shaping options. This could be the main priority for around 19% of consumers. |
MIDI control and USB audio are different functions. The Roland S-1 manual confirms that this model supports both, but you can’t assume the same is true of another instrument.
Before buying, work out how the synthesiser’s actual audio will make it into your soundtrack project.
If a model doesn’t offer USB audio, you may need to use a different audio connection or additional recording equipment.
According to Elektron, Digitone II has 16 voices available across the synthesiser machines in use. So 16 tracks doesn’t mean that each track has 16 voices.
Compare the voice limit of the exact model with the number of notes that need to play at once in your busiest passage.
Headphones mean you don’t need monitor speakers, but the sound in your headphones can still be too loud.
Start with the listening volume low and use a volume limiter if your listening equipment has one. Thuisarts advises keeping the sound at a comfortable level.
The S-1 is a compact synthesiser for creating short patterns and sounds.
Circuit Tracks is designed for sketching out synth parts and sample-based drums on the device, then shaping them into scenes.
The minilogue xd is a keyboard instrument for playing chords and shaping synthesiser sounds.
The MiniFreak is a keyboard instrument for sound design, with MiniFreak V as its companion software instrument.
Digitone II offers a programming-focused way to create multiple digital synthesiser parts.
No. You can listen without speakers, but the volume in your headphones can still be too high. Thuisarts advises keeping the sound at a comfortable level and using a volume limiter if your headphones or earphones have one.
No. Check explicitly whether the exact model supports USB audio; USB-MIDI and USB audio are different functions. Roland confirms that the S-1 supports both and lists connection requirements, including using a suitable cable and connection.
According to Novation’s manual, you can connect headphones instead of a monitor system. Start with the listening volume low, and decide how you want to record the finished track.
Electrical and electronic equipment sold in the Netherlands must meet the applicable European product safety and compatibility requirements. Business.gov.nl also explains CE marking and an EU Declaration of Conformity for equipment covered by those requirements. This is an obligation for the sales chain, not proof that an individual item for sale has already been checked.
For an online consumer purchase covered by the rules, you generally have a 14-day cooling-off period starting the day after delivery; some exceptions apply. You’re also covered by the statutory guarantee if the product doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect under normal use. ACM ConsuWijzer explains that the seller is responsible for providing an appropriate solution.
