Who is this for?

Beginners who want to build their own sounds

You want to hear what changes when you adjust an oscillator, filter or envelope, rather than simply choosing presets.

Loft dwellers who want to practise quietly

You may share walls or floors with other people, so you’ll want to be considerate of your neighbours and keep your headphone volume at a safe level. Noise rules can vary between homes and local authorities.

Sound and pattern makers

You’re mainly interested in exploring timbres, evolving patterns, or rhythm and melody tracks, and deciding which controls suit you best.

What should you look for?

What to consider What should you look for? Who is this important for?
Learning the basics of synthesis See how you control the oscillators, filters and envelopes, and whether you can save your own sounds. If you want to build sounds yourself and hear the effect of every adjustment, hands-on controls are a priority. Around 33% of consumers prioritise learning to programme.
Practising quietly Check the audio output, the plug or adapter you’ll need, and the volume control. If necessary, discuss music use with your neighbours. If you want to practise in a shared living space, consider your listening setup and how to be considerate of your neighbours. Around 27% of consumers prioritise quiet practice.
Chords or new timbres Compare the number of independent voices, the sound sources, and the feel of playing keys versus touch controls. If you want to play chords or explore unusual sounds, voice architecture, sound sources and controls all matter. Around 20% of consumers prioritise a wide range of sounds.
Patterns in a small workspace Compare the sequencer, number of tracks, controls and space needed for your full listening setup. If rhythms and programmed patterns matter more to you than a conventional keyboard, a compact workflow is worth considering. Around 20% of consumers prioritise compact pattern-making.

Pitfalls when choosing a synthesizer

  • Assuming headphones solve every noise problem

    Headphones can prevent sound coming from speakers, but they won’t necessarily stop your neighbours from hearing you. Listening at high volume for long periods is also a separate risk to your hearing.

    Start at a low volume. The Dutch Government recommends agreeing with your neighbours how to manage noise; local by-laws may vary between local authorities. The World Health Organization highlights both listening volume and the length of exposure.

  • Confusing paraphony with polyphony

    Novation describes the Bass Station II as paraphonic, while Korg specifies the minilogue xd as four-voice polyphonic. This difference matters if you want to play several independent chord voices.

    Decide how many notes you want to shape at once, then check the voice architecture of the exact model before you buy.

  • Considering only the synthesizer itself when planning your setup

    The Novation Bass Station II manual distinguishes between a headphone output, line output and USB functions. So don’t assume that a USB connection replaces an audio interface without checking first.

    Plan in advance how you want to listen or record, then compare the connections on the version you’re considering. Depending on your existing equipment, you may also need suitable headphones, a cable or an audio interface.

Brands to consider

Korg

The minilogue xd is one option for exploring analogue and digital sound sources while playing chords.

  • Korg specifies four analogue voices and a digital multi-engine.
  • The four-voice limit is worth bearing in mind when playing fuller chords.

Arturia

The MicroFreak offers digital oscillator waveforms and a different playing experience from a traditional keyboard.

  • Arturia describes an analogue filter and a flat keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch.
  • Try it for yourself to see whether its unusual feel suits you.

Roland

The S-1 combines sound editing with pattern programming in a compact control unit.

  • Roland specifies four-voice polyphony, multifunction pads and a 64-step sequencer.
  • Pads don’t necessarily offer the same playing experience as standard keys.

Novation

The Bass Station II is one way to explore analogue sound design on a keyboard.

  • Novation specifies two oscillators, filters and 25 keys; the manual confirms a headphone output.
  • The paraphonic playing mode described by Novation is not the same as having four independent voices.

Elektron

The Model:Cycles is worth considering if FM sounds, percussion and melodic tracks are all part of what you want to learn.

  • Elektron describes six FM-based tracks and sequencing.
  • This is a different way to learn from using a synthesizer with a conventional keyboard.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are headphones enough to practise in a loft without disturbing anyone?

No. Headphones can’t guarantee that your music won’t be audible or bothersome to your neighbours. The Dutch Government recommends agreeing how to manage music noise; any local by-laws depend on your local authority. Keep your headphone volume low, too.

Should I buy speakers or an audio interface first?

Not necessarily. First decide whether you want to listen directly from the synthesizer or record audio on a computer. The Novation Bass Station II manual confirms a headphone output and describes the line output for connecting to equipment such as an audio interface. Check the connections on each model.

How can I protect my hearing during long practice sessions?

Keep the volume low and take regular breaks. According to the World Health Organization, the risks depend on both the sound level and listening time. Don’t turn the volume up just because you’re using headphones.

What are my rights if a synthesizer I bought online isn’t suitable or is faulty?

For many purchases made online from a business, you have a 14-day cooling-off period; check whether it applies to your purchase. The Dutch Government also states that you’re entitled to a product that works properly, and that if there’s a fault, you should contact the seller to resolve it. In the Netherlands, there is no single fixed statutory guarantee period for all products.