Who is this for?

Sketching melodies quietly

You want to try out melodies in a shared home without using speakers. A suitable headphone socket and an easy way to enter notes matter more to you than built-in drum tracks.

Making beats and melodies together

You want to combine a melody with drums straight away, so you’re looking for multiple tracks in one device. Consider how it’s operated and whether you want to work independently, without a computer.

Playing keys or designing sounds

You want to play notes deliberately or shape your own lead sound. The playing surface and sound generation vary by model and could influence your choice.

What should you look for when choosing?

First, decide whether you mainly want to sketch a melody quietly, add a beat or play notes on keys. Then compare the headphone socket, controls and tracks on the exact model you’re considering.

What to consider What should you check? Who is this important for?
Practising quietly Check the headphone socket and whether other outputs remain active when you plug in headphones. If I want to try out melodies without using speakers, I consider the connections as well as any agreements with my housemates. For around 33% of consumers, being able to sketch quietly is the top priority.
Melody and beat Check how many synth and drum tracks the device has and whether you can use it without a computer. If I want to combine my melody with drums straight away, built-in tracks matter more than traditional keyboard controls. Around 27% of consumers prioritise having melody and beat in one device.
Playing in notes Compare the playing surface on the exact model, such as pads, a touch surface or keys. If I’d rather play melodies on keys, I want to know how the keyboard feels and how much space it takes up. For around 20% of consumers, playing melodies is the top priority.
Creating your own sounds Compare the sound generation and check that the connections suit your recording equipment. If I want to shape my own lead sound and use it in a production, I look at the sound-design options and my recording setup. Around 20% of consumers prioritise sound design.

Buying pitfalls

  • Assuming headphones mute all speakers

    According to Novation, the main outputs on Circuit Tracks remain active when you plug in headphones. So headphones alone don’t guarantee that connected speakers will be silent.

    Switch off external speakers separately and check the connections on the exact model. Also agree with your housemates on music and timings; the Dutch Government recommends discussing the issue together first when noise is causing a nuisance.

  • Mistaking a single-part synth for a complete beat setup

    The Korg volca keys specifications list one sequencer part. According to Novation, Circuit Tracks has separate synth and drum tracks, so the two devices work in different ways.

    Decide in advance whether you only want to write a melody or programme drums at the same time. If you want to make a more elaborate beat later, you may need a separate drum solution or recording software.

  • Comparing models by voice count alone

    Korg specifies up to four voices for the minilogue xd; Roland also lists four voices for the S-1. That figure alone doesn’t mean the models sound the same or work in the same way.

    Compare the playing surface, sound generation and connections for each exact model, as well as the number of voices.

Brands to consider

Roland

The AIRA Compact S-1 is a compact option for synth melodies and short patterns; this doesn’t automatically apply to other Roland synthesizers.

  • Roland specifies four voices, playable multifunctional pads and a 64-step sequencer for the S-1.
  • Pads offer a different way to play from standard keys; specifications aren’t an independent product test.

Novation

Circuit Tracks is a groovebox for sketching melodies and drums on one device.

  • Novation specifies two synth tracks, four drum tracks and a 32-step sequencer. The manual states that using headphones doesn’t switch off the main outputs.
  • The main outputs may remain active when headphones are plugged in; you may need to switch off external speakers separately.

Korg

The volca keys is a compact synth option, while the minilogue xd has a keyboard. They’re different models with their own features.

  • Korg specifies a headphone output and 16-step sequencer for the volca keys. For the minilogue xd, Korg lists 37 slim keys and up to four voices.
  • The playing style and features vary by model; features of the volca keys don’t automatically apply to the minilogue xd, or vice versa.

Arturia

The MicroFreak is an option if you’re looking for an unusual playing surface and sound-design capabilities.

  • Arturia describes digital oscillators, an analogue filter and a flat, pressure-sensitive keyboard.
  • Check whether this type of keyboard suits the way you play melodies; the product description can’t tell you what will feel comfortable to you.

Synthesizers at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are headphones enough to avoid disturbing anyone at home?

Not always: according to Novation, the main outputs on Circuit Tracks remain active when you plug in headphones. Check the connections on the exact model, switch off speakers separately if necessary and agree ground rules with your housemates. The Dutch Government recommends discussing the issue together first when noise is causing a nuisance.

Do I need a computer to sketch a melody with drums straight away?

Not with every option: Novation describes Circuit Tracks as a standalone groovebox with two synth tracks and four drum tracks that can be used without a computer. Whether you’ll need a computer later depends on how you want to record and edit your sketch.

How do I record my first pattern?

It varies by model. Roland describes both live recording and step-by-step note entry for the S-1; Korg specifies a 16-step loop sequencer for the volca keys. Choose the input method that suits your melody and consult the manual for your chosen model.

What are my rights if the synthesizer I bought online disappoints me or breaks too soon?

For online consumer purchases, ACM ConsuWijzer states that you generally have up to 14 days from delivery to change your mind; exceptions may apply. A product must also do what you can reasonably expect with normal use. If it doesn’t, the seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee.