First, decide how you want to capture your improvisation: as audio you can hear, as MIDI notes, or both. A compact model with audio outputs can work well in a small space, but recording its sound may require a separate audio connection. Roland specifies a USB-C audio/MIDI interface for the JUNO-D6, while Yamaha lists USB-MIDI and separate audio outputs for the reface DX. The right choice also depends on how many keys you need and the feel you prefer.
You want to capture not just the notes you play, but the sound of the synthesizer too. Yamaha lists separate audio outputs alongside USB-MIDI for the reface DX, so check which connection will work with your recording setup.
You’re looking for an instrument that fits in your practice room and can be played with headphones if needed. Compare the dimensions and keyboard of the exact model; Yamaha specifies 37 mini keys for the reface DX.
You want to tweak sounds or build patterns as you play. Look beyond the controls and sequencer to the voice limit too: Korg specifies a maximum of four voices for the minilogue xd.
First decide how you want to record audio. Then compare the space you have, the keyboard and the controls with the way you like to improvise.
The points below are for shoppers looking for a synthesizer to play and record a keyboard improvisation in a small practice room.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Recording the sound you hear | Check whether the exact model sends audio over USB, or whether you need to connect its audio outputs to a recorder or audio interface. | If I want to capture the sound of my improvisation, not just the notes, I’ll check the complete audio connection. Shoppers whose first priority is audio recording account for around 33%. |
| Fitting in and practising quietly | Measure the available space and check the model’s dimensions, headphone socket and required power plug. | If I have little desk space and want to practise with headphones, the layout and connections are crucial. Shoppers whose first priorities are space and quiet practice account for around 27%. |
| Playing range and simultaneous notes | Compare the number and type of keys, and the stated voice limit, with the passages and chords you want to play. | If my improvisations call for a wider keyboard range or several notes at once, I’ll compare those specifications for the exact model. Shoppers whose first priority is playing range account for around 20%. |
| Shaping sounds and patterns | Decide whether you want conventional keys or a capacitive touch keyboard, and distinguish a sequencer from the final audio recording. | If I want to tweak sounds or create patterns as I play, I’ll look at the controls and playing surface. Shoppers whose first priority is experimenting with sound account for around 20%. |
USB-MIDI and USB audio are not the same thing. Yamaha lists USB-MIDI alongside separate audio outputs for the reface DX, while Roland specifies a USB-C audio/MIDI interface for the JUNO-D6.
Check explicitly whether the exact model sends audio over USB. If it doesn’t, plan how to connect its audio outputs to your recording device.
A model may take up little space but have mini keys, a capacitive playing surface or a lower voice limit. These features can affect the way you play your improvisations.
Compare the dimensions with the playing surface, and also check the keyboard, playing feel and stated number of voices.
A phrase looper or sequencer is a performance or pattern feature. It doesn’t, by itself, confirm how you can save a complete audio recording.
Decide which file you want to keep, then follow the audio signal path all the way to your computer, recorder or audio interface.
The reface DX is a compact FM synthesizer with a small keyboard.
The minilogue xd combines a compact keyboard with analogue and digital sound generation.
The MicroFreak is designed for sound experimentation, with an unconventional playing surface.
The JUNO-D6 is an option if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard and a USB audio/MIDI connection.
According to Novation, the MiniNova combines 37 keys with stored sounds and a vocoder.
USB-MIDI alone doesn’t prove that the sound you hear will be sent to your computer as audio. Yamaha lists USB-MIDI and separate audio outputs for the reface DX, so plan a suitable audio connection if you want to record its sound.
Don’t assume so. Yamaha lists a phrase looper for the reface DX and Korg lists a 16-step sequencer for the minilogue xd. You’ll also need to work out how to send the sound you hear to your recording device.
Check the audio and headphone outputs, the cables you’ll need and the power specifications for your exact model. Use software and drivers in line with the instructions for your model and computer system; Novation, for example, offers separate MiniNova drivers.
An extended warranty is not the same as your statutory rights. According to the Dutch government, if a product is faulty, you’re entitled to a solution and the seller is your point of contact; there is no fixed statutory warranty period for every product in the Netherlands. Compare any additional cover with the rights you already have.
According to the Dutch government, distance purchases usually come with a 14-day cooling-off period. Check the terms of the specific order: under this government guidance, an online purchase from a private individual is not covered by the same distance-selling rules.
