Keyboard Workstations to Consider 2020
By: The Gear Dude | Date: 14th September 2020
Keyboard workstations are versatile electronic instruments that integrate a keyboard with sound module and sequence hence making a keyboard ideal for the creation of original music through convenient production features. To achieve originality, keyboard workstations have high quality synthesizer sounds, more effects and other features such as advanced patch editing and mixing.
Pointing out five most suitable keyboard workstations for a music-maker is a subjective endeavor; nevertheless, creating a list of the best workstations would act as an eye-opener for a budding player and will help them avoid make confident purchases. We live in a time when high quality, yet affordable keyboard workstations are a commonplace and so purchasing a musical instrument shouldn’t be much of a fuss; especially because the prices are less daunting. Keyboards workstations are a pretty serious investment which you will treasure for the rest of your musical career. What’s more is that if you decide to sell them, you would get a good chunk of your money back. However, the terminologies used during purchases can still make choosing a keyboard workstation feel quite intimidating for a new and less experienced player or producer.
There are several functions that set apart keyboard workstations from synthesizers, arrangers and other professional keyboards including editing features, MIDI recording, audio recording and built-in effects that are helpful in music creation. Some workstations have a microphone or line inputs that allow you incorporate your audio to sequenced tracks. Manufacturers of keyboard workstations include massive sound libraries and a wide array of musical instruments all into the keyboards. Most of them also have quality synthesizers that can be used for composing full-length multi-voice tracks. Additionally, the type of memory you will find in a workstation is ROM and RAM. ROM lets you switch different sound cards to access a variety of sounds while RAM is the amount of memory that can be recorded or sampled. It is best that you prioritize the amount of ROM if the workstation would be used in performance. On the other hand, if you prioritize the workstation for recording, then look for a larger amount of RAM. Some workstations provide removable and expandable memory slots for memory cared and drives too.
Sound quality and quantity matters whether you want to get a workstation for production or playing purposes. As alluded earlier, workstations have a wide array of instrument presets such as pianos, horns, strings and percussions that produce just as much quality sounds as a dedicated synthesizer. For workstations with in-built synthesizers, you would come across the ‘analogue’ vs ‘digital’ distinction- the former meaning that the synthesizer is powered by a real electronic circuit and the latter means that it is powered by some form of digital signal processing (DSP) which replicates the behavior of a real circuit. It is widely held that analogue automatically means better, but that may not be the case always. While it is true that synthesizers powered by analogue engines are best for classic and vintage sound, digital engines produce cleaner sounds than analogue powered synthesizers. If you plan to incorporate electronic music, a workstation with an analogue modelling synthesis feature would work very well.
Lately, manufacturers have embraced hybrid engines; having a mix of both the analogue and digital worlds. Therefore, there is a sheer amount of choice out there and all you need to do is choose one that will suit your style, budget, set up and recording demands. The other term to look out for is polyphony- this means the number of notes a synthesizer can play simultaneously. For instance, a monophonic synthesizer has only one voice available while a polyphonic synthesizer would have more voices available, and would mean more flexibility. The other rather uncommon synthesizers are paraphonic synthesizers. These allow multiple notes to be played by dividing the oscillators within a single synthesizer voice- the result is not as good as that of a true polyphony. It is highly recommended to look for a workstation that can handle and provide enough polyphony for playing and recording. The more notes a keyboard workstation can handle, the more you can maximize your use of sequencing and recording multiple tracks. So, what are the best keyboard workstations for you? Here is a list of five of the best you can buy right now. Now let’s check out some amazing keyboards workstations.
Roland FANTOM-8
Music Workstation Keyboard- V-piano engine for breathtaking realism and expression
- Polyphony; 256 notes, provide diversity of sounds
- Deep integration with DAW and plug-ins for sequencing
- High resolution controls with dedicated synth control section
- Analog filter
- 16-part multitimbral music workstation keyboard
- 88 note, aftertouch sensitive, touchscreen (DAW control),
- PHA-50 progressive hammer-action keybed escapement
- Balanced XLR main outputs
- 4 pedal jacks
- 2 sets of CV/ Gate outputs
- Fluid workflow no confusing modes, technical limitations or sonic compromises
- Expandable ZEN-core sound engine that delivers acoustic and electronic sounds
- Too expensive
- Steeper learning curve


- Type: Workstation keyboard
- Sound Engine Type: ZEN- Core, V-Piano Technology
- Analog/Digital: Analog
- Number of Keys: 88
- Type of Keys: PHA-50 keyboard with escarpment
- Aftertouch: Yes
- Pads: 16 x Programmable Pads
- Other Controllers: Pitchbend, 2 x Mod wheels
- Polyphony: 256 notes (ZEN core), Unlimited (V-piano)
- Presets: Over 3500 tones, over 90 drum kits
- Filter: Analog filter
- Effects Types: 90 multi-effects, 8 x chorus 6 x reverb, 6 x mic reverb, master EQ, Master Compressor
- Arpeggiator: Yes
- Sequencer: 16-track
- Sampling: 16-bit linear, 44.1/48kHz, WAV/AIFF
- Audio Recording: real-time recording, step recording, TR recording
- Audio Inputs: 2 x XLR- 1/4” combo
- Storage: USB flash drive
- Audio Outputs: 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4", 4 x 1/4”, 2 x 1/4" (filtered)
- Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
- USB: 3 x Type A (external device), 1 x Type A (memory), 1 x Type B
- MIDI I/O: In/Out/Thru
- Pedal Inputs: 1 x 1/4” (expression), 3 x 1/4" (control)
- Other I/O: 4 x 1/8” (CV/gate)
- Power Supply: Standard IEC AC cable
- Height: 6.1”
- Width: 56.3”
- Depth: 17.3”
- Weight: 61.1 lbs.
ROLAND JUNO-DS88
88-Key Synthesizer- 88 note velocity sensitive keyboard with progressive hammer actions
- Loaded with performance ready sounds including updated piano and additional organs
- Sample import function for playing your WAV files
- Easy sound manipulation and editing using the hands-on knobs and sliders
- 8 phrase pads for enhanced performance
- 8 track pattern sequencers with non-stop recording for developing song ideas quickly


- Type: Synthesizer
- Sound Engine Type: Updated JUNO engine
- Analog/Digital: Digital
- Number of Keys: 88
- Type of Keys: Weighted action, Roland Ivory Feel- G keyboard
- Pads: 8 x Phrase Pads
- Other Controllers: Pitchbend/Modulation lever
- Polyphony: 128
- Presets: Over 1200 patches, over 30 drum kits, over 64 performances
- Filter: Analog filter
- Effects Types: 3 x multi-effects, 3 x chorus, 5 x reverb, 8 x mic reverb, master EQ, vocoder
- Arpeggiator: Yes
- Sequencer: 8-track
- Audio Playback: WAV, AIFF, MP3
- Audio Inputs: 1 x 1/4” (mic), 1 x 1/8” (aux)
- Storage: USB flash drive
- Audio Outputs: 2 x 1/4” (R/L)
- Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
- USB: 1 x Type A (Stored trigger samples), 1 x Type B (audio/MIDI)
- MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB
- Pedal Inputs: 1 x 1/4” (hold), 1 x 1/4" (control)
- Power Supply: DC 9V adapter, 8 x AA batteries
- Height: 68”
- Width: 75”
- Depth: 43”
- Weight: 35 lbs. 12 oz.
Yamaha Montage 8
88-Key Workstation Synthesizer- Aftertouch enabled
- Sound expansion available
- Polyphony allows sound diversity and experimentation
- Almost ten times waveform of the MotifXF
- Super knob allows you to modulate multiple controls at the same time
- Powerful DSP effects engine for fully realized patches
- Expensive
- Not graded hammer action


- Type: Workstation synthesizer
- Sound Engine Type: AWM2, FM-X, Motion Control Synthesis
- Analog/Digital: Digital
- Number of Keys: 88
- Type of Keys: Balanced hammer effects
- Aftertouch: Yes
- Other Controllers: Pitchbend, Mod wheels, Ribbon controller
- Polyphony: 128 notes stereo mono, 128 note FM-X
- Presets: 128 live sets, 2048 User presets
- Filter: 18 types
- Effects Types: DSP effects engine: 12 x reverbs, 15 x master effects, 76 x variation types, 5 x band master EQ, 1st part 3 band EQ
- Arpeggiator: Yes
- Sequencer: 16-track, 64 songs, performance recorder version 2, motion sequencer
- Audio Recording: real-time recording
- Audio Inputs: 2 x 1/4” (L/Mono, R)
- Audio Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (R/L), 2 x 1/4” (R/L assignable)
- Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
- USB: 1 x Type A (external device), 1 x Type B
- MIDI I/O: In/Out/Thru/USB
- Pedal Inputs: 2 x 1/4” (foot control), 1 x 1/4" (assignable), 1 x 1/4" (sustain)
- Power Supply: Standard IEC AC cable
- Weight: 63 lbs. 15oz.
Yamaha MODX8
88-Key Workstation Synthesizer- Great onboard effects
- Incredibly expressive piano owing to the Super knob
- 192 note polyphony, 128 notes stereo AWM2 and FM-X sounds
- Live sets allow performance organization and without copying, renaming or changing order
- Direct control assignments assign controls at the touch buttons
- Huge amount of voices
- Powerful sound engine


- Type: Workstation synthesizer
- Sound Engine Type: AWM2, FM-X
- Analog/Digital: Digital
- Number of Keys: 88
- Other Controllers: Pitchbend, Mod wheels
- Audio Inputs: 2 x 1/4” (R/L mono)
- USB: 1 x Type B, 1 x Type A
- MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB
- Pedal Inputs: 2 x 1/4” (sustain, assignable), 2 x 1/4" (controller)
- Power Supply: 12 VC power supply
- Height: 6.29”
- Width: 52.48”
- Depth: 15.9”
- Weight: 30.7 lbs.
Korg Kronos
88-Key Workstation Synthesizer- Comprehensive keyboard workstation with nine sound engines, thousands of sounds and effects, extensive hands-on controls and everything you would need to create original sounds on board.
- RH3 weighted hammer action keys with resistance zones provides and authentic piano feel
- SGX-2 engine capable of producing German and Japanese grands, including string resonance and una corda modeling
- CX-3 sound engine leverages decades of PMC digital synthesis developments to produce wavetable tones ranging from perennial classics to unparalleled futuristic synths
- Powerful songwriting platform includes 16-track sequencing and 16-track audio recorder that allows you to create an entire song via an intuitive workflow
- Advanced Kay Algorithmic Real-time Music Architecture (KARMA) technology provides natural sounding and responsive accompaniment that adapts to your style of music
- Complex yet easy-to-use drum tracks from the M3 synthesizer allows you to quickly add compelling drums and rhythmic elements to your music


- Type: Workstation synthesizer
- Sound Engine Type: 9 x sound engines
- Analog/Digital: Digital
- Number of Keys: 88
- Type of Keys: Weighted, Real weighted hammer action 3
- Other Controllers: 1 x 4-way joystick, 1 x vector joystick, 1 x ribbon controller, 9 x sliders, 8 x knobs
- Polyphony: Variable per engine
- Presets: 1792 memory programs, 78 drum kits
- Number of effects: 197
- Effects Type: various
- Sequencer: 16-track (MIDI), 16-track (audio)
- Sampling: Yes
- Audio Inputs: 2 x ¼” (mic/line)
- Audio Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (R/L), 4 x 1/4” (individual outs)
- Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
- USB: 2 x Type A, 1 x Type B
- MIDI I/O: In/Out/Thru/USB
- Power Supply: Standard IEC AC cable
- Height: 5.83”
- Width: 56.42”
- Depth: 14.61”
- Weight: 53.13 lbs.
