Who are the different synthesizers suited to?

Beginner sound designer

Wants to hear what oscillators, filters and envelopes do, and prefers hands-on controls to a long list of presets. Korg, Novation and Yamaha explain these sound-shaping features for specific synthesizer models.

Maker with a small, shared room

Wants to practise without turning the room into a permanent studio. The way you enter notes and the option to connect headphones are important considerations; Yamaha describes headphone use and built-in speakers for the reface series.

Chord and texture maker

Wants to play several notes at once or create evolving sounds. Korg, Arturia and Yamaha list polyphony for their respective minilogue xd, MiniFreak and reface CS models; the voice architecture varies from model to model.

What should you look for when choosing?

What to consider What should you look for? Who is this important for?
Controls for learning synthesis See how you control the oscillators, filters, envelopes and modulation, and whether you can save your own sounds. If I want to understand how sounds are built, I want to be able to adjust the relevant settings directly and hear the effect. Around 33% of consumers put learning about sound design first.
Quiet practice and space Check the dimensions, headphone socket, compatible plug and how you enter notes. In a shared room, I want to practise without turning the space into a permanent studio, and the way I enter notes needs to suit my workspace. Around 27% of consumers prioritise a quiet, compact practice setup.
Chords and evolving sounds Compare the polyphony and modulation options of the exact model; don’t infer them from the number of keys. If I want to make chords or layered, evolving sounds, the voice architecture needs to suit what I want to play. Around 20% of consumers prioritise polyphonic sounds and textures.
Working with a computer Decide whether you want to exchange MIDI, record audio or do both; check the connections on the exact model. If I want to work with a computer, I want to know in advance how MIDI and audio connect and what equipment I’ll need. Around 20% of consumers make computer compatibility their main consideration.

Common mistakes when buying

  • Mistaking paraphony for regular polyphony

    Paraphony and polyphony describe different voice architectures. Novation describes the Bass Station II as paraphonic; Korg lists the minilogue xd separately as having four-voice polyphony.

    If you want to learn how to shape chords, compare the voice architecture of the exact model before basing your choice on the number of keys.

  • Expecting a small synth to work like a full keyboard

    The Roland S-1 uses multifunction pads for notes and patterns. This is a different way of entering notes from a conventional keyboard.

    First decide how you want to enter notes, then check whether the instrument will fit your workspace.

    If pad input doesn’t suit the way you work, you may need a separate MIDI keyboard.

  • Confusing USB MIDI with audio recording

    For the reface series, Yamaha describes USB MIDI and separate audio connections. A USB MIDI connection alone doesn’t mean that sound can also be sent to recording software via USB.

    Map out the route you want to take from the synthesizer to your headphones or recording software, then check every required connection in the manual for the exact model.

Notable synthesizer brands

Korg

The minilogue xd lets you explore analogue oscillators and a digital multi-engine from a single control panel.

  • According to Korg, the minilogue xd has four-voice polyphony and lets you save your own programmes.
  • Four voices are a limit if you want to play more notes at once; this specification doesn’t automatically apply to other Korg models.

Arturia

The MiniFreak is designed for exploring different forms of synthesis and modulation.

  • According to Arturia, the MiniFreak has two digital engines, analogue filters, six voices and a modulation matrix.
  • More sound-shaping options don’t automatically make an instrument easier to learn; consider whether the controls suit what you want to practise.

Roland

The compact S-1 combines sound editing with pad input and a pattern sequencer.

  • According to Roland, the S-1 has four voices and 26 multifunction pads.
  • You also use key combinations to access deeper functions; if you want to play conventional keys, bear in mind that it uses pad input.

Novation

The Bass Station II focuses on shaping oscillators, filters, bass and lead sounds, and patterns.

  • Novation lists 25 keys, two oscillators plus a sub-oscillator, and a paraphonic mode.
  • Paraphony is not the same as the voice architecture of a dedicated polyphonic synth.

Yamaha

The reface CS combines a compact keyboard with different oscillator types and polyphonic playing.

  • According to Yamaha, the reface CS has five oscillator types and eight-voice polyphony. Yamaha describes headphone use and built-in speakers for the reface series.
  • Check the CS designation when choosing: the reface series also includes other types of instrument.

Synthesizers at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need anything else to practise quietly with a synthesizer?

Check that the version you choose has a suitable headphone socket and that your headphone plug will fit. Yamaha advises against listening at high volume for long periods. Using headphones doesn’t automatically mean that no one else in your home or your neighbours will be able to hear anything.

Can I record audio directly to my computer via USB from any synthesizer?

No. Check MIDI and audio separately in the manual for the exact model. Yamaha describes USB MIDI and separate audio outputs for the reface series; USB MIDI alone doesn’t mean that USB audio recording is supported.

What cooling-off period and warranty apply to an online purchase in the Netherlands?

For many online purchases from a business, the Dutch government states that you have a 14-day cooling-off period, subject to applicable conditions and exceptions. In the Netherlands, statutory consumer rights also apply, but there is no single fixed statutory warranty period: if a product is faulty, the seller must provide an appropriate solution.

Can I practise on a synthesizer in my spare room?

Dutch government guidance does not set a single nationwide noise limit for noise between neighbours; local rules may vary. This doesn’t mean there is a guaranteed permitted noise level for your room. If you have a specific situation in mind, check which local council rules and housing agreements apply.

Is a CE logo, by itself, a complete safety certification?

No. According to the European Commission, the manufacturer uses the CE marking to indicate that the product meets the applicable EU requirements; there is no central EU body that routinely issues a CE certificate. The requirements that apply depend on the specific product.