Number of keys
The greater the number of keys — the wider the range of the instrument, the lower and higher notes you can take on it right during the game, without resorting to tricks like octave shift (see below). By comparison, a full size piano keyboard has 88 keys. However, in synthesizers, such an amount is rare, because. the instrument would have turned out to be too bulky and expensive, and not every musician, even a professional one, needs such an extensive range. Thus, 88-key keyboards are used primarily in high-end workstations (see "Type"). For ordinary synthesizers, the standard is
49, 61 or 76 keys ( there are also options for
73 keys) — this is usually quite enough (while the "golden mean" option is considered to be
61 keys). And small children's models can have 32 keys.
Built-in acoustics
Rated power of the built-in acoustics of the synthesizer.
This indicator characterizes, first of all, the volume at which the instrument's built-in speakers can sound. At the same time, one should not forget that in most cases such speakers are intended rather for individual use — so that the music can be heard by the musician himself and the people in close proximity to him. With this application, high power is not needed for normal hearing; and if you still need a loud sound, you can connect the instrument to an external speaker.
Therefore, it makes sense to pay attention to the power of the
built-in acoustics if the synthesizer is planned to be used for more serious tasks than individual listening, and if external acoustics may not always be available.
Power consumption
Rated power consumed by the tool during operation. Modern synthesizers, even the most powerful and advanced ones like workstations (see "Type"), consume very little energy — up to 100 W, and often noticeably less. Therefore, it is rarely necessary to pay attention to this parameter in fact, mainly in rather specific situations — for example, when working from an autonomous generator, when you need to take into account the entire load connected to such a power supply.
Operating hours
Synthesizer operating time from autonomous power supply (see above) without replacing or recharging batteries. This parameter is quite approximate, because. Actual power consumption of the instrument may vary depending on the length of the songs, the duration of the breaks in the game, the volume of the built-in speakers, the additional functions used, and other factors. In addition, the capacity of replaceable batteries can also be different, depending on the brand. However, the run time listed in the specifications gives some idea of the synthesizer's capabilities and how many sets of batteries may be needed for long-term autonomous use.
