As you begin to consider your options, you’re prepared to make the investment in a new keyboard that can perform every task. The Workstation Synthesizer world is one of those options, and the Arranger Keyboard is the other. A Workstation Synthesizer and an Arranger Keyboard initially appear to be more similar than different and both offer a number of the same features, but the Arranger Keyboard’s key feature is its built-in “auto-accompaniment,” and a microphone input where you can apply effects to your vocals such as a harmonize whereas the Workstation Synthesizer generally does not. An Arranger Keyboard will automatically produce backing tracks that match the style, rhythm, sophisticated chord recognition and tempo of what you’re playing with the push of a few buttons.
A keyboard arranger, such as the New KORG Pa5x or the Yamaha Genos, has transitioned from the stage to the recording studio and has become essential for the professional performing musician. A special tool for composers who need to produce music quickly in a style they might not be familiar with is the “auto-accompaniment.” Without having to hire musicians, even songwriters who are unable to programme drums or play the guitar can use the arranger to hear their songs performed by an “accompaniment” band. The advantage of sounding like a full band allows the working solo performer or small music combo to add new dimensions to their sound.
As opposed to a workstation synthesiser, such as the KORG Nautilus, the Kurzweil K2700 or the Yamaha Montage, which has tools for both composers and performers. Professional keyboards frequently include basic “bread-and-butter sounds,” but a workstation typically has more synth sounds, more effects, the ability to sample, and other music-creation tools like sophisticated patch editing and sequencing. The workstation can handle pretty much all of your musical needs, whether you’re a “one-man band,” playing in a group, or creating original music.
Workstation synthesisers and keyboard arrangers may appear to be at the top of the keyboard food chain because of their abundance of sounds and effects, built-in sequencers or audio recorders, and other “bells and whistles,” but there are many entry-level workstation or arranger synthesiser models that are an excellent place to start. There are options like the Roland FANTOM-06 workstation synthesiser and the KORG Kross, as well as the KORG EK-50 and Casio CT-S1000V Keyboard Arrangers.
Why Use a Keyboard Arranger?
Think of the keyboard-only performers you see at small bars and wedding receptions when you think of arrangers.
There is an art to mastering arrangers, and serious keyboard players can make these things sound incredible. With just one instrument, you have the ability to form an entire band.
Why Use a Synthesisizer Workstation?
As mentioned previously, a synthesiser workstation typically includes a sequencer, sampler, drum pattern designer, multi-effects processor, audio interface, and synthesiser engine. You can create a new sound by using preset sounds or by using sophisticated sound editing. Your song can be directly recorded and played back into the sequencer. You can record external audio like your voice, a guitar, other synths, etc. because in most cases it has an audio interface. The best feature is how simple it is to combine (split and layer) different instrument sounds, manipulate and be totally creative.
So which should you buy?
What you are looking for will determine everything. You’ll need an arranger if your main objective is to perform live and you want to be able to have a backing band.
Synthesizer workstations are better if you intend to do extensive editing and track creation for the studio, or play in a band where you want to contribute an original aspect or, be able to reproduce sounds and sequencers for a cover band as shown by creative sound designer Narfsounds.
