Who are these compact instruments for?

Melody writer short on space

You want to play melodies or chords straight in and need an instrument that fits in a small practice space.

Producer who also sketches beats

You want to build a melody alongside separate drum and synth parts without a computer. Novation describes the Circuit Tracks as a groovebox with built-in synth and drum tracks.

Maker of short synth patterns

You want to programme leads or melodic loops and shape the sound as they play. Roland and Korg describe compact models with sequencers for creating these kinds of patterns.

What should you look for when choosing?

Start with how you want to capture a melody: play it in, programme it, or build it alongside a beat.

Compact synth with keyboard

Choose this if: you want to play notes and chords straight in; Yamaha lists mini keys and eight-voice polyphony for the reface CS.

Trade-off: check that the keys suit your playing style and the space you have available.

Pattern synth

Choose this if: you mainly want to programme a lead or melodic loop in a small space; Roland and Korg describe sequencers for their compact models.

Trade-off: pads or touch controls feel different from a traditional keyboard, and a melody sequencer does not automatically give you separate drum tracks.

Groovebox

Choose this if: you want to sketch a melody and beat on one device without a computer; Novation lists synth and sample-based drum tracks for the Circuit Tracks.

Trade-off: the Circuit Tracks uses pads rather than a traditional keyboard.

What to consider What should you check? Who should pay extra attention?
Playing melodies and chords Try the keys, pads or touch controls and check that they suit the way you play. Also look at the difference between polyphony and paraphony. If I want to play melodies and chords straight in, the controls need to feel comfortable for the way I write. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this.
Sketching a melody with a beat Check whether the device has separate built-in synth and drum tracks; MIDI tracks for external equipment are not additional built-in sound sources. If I want to build a dance beat alongside my melody, I’ll look for separate tracks on the same device. Around 27% of consumers see this as their main need.
Working quietly in a compact space Check the headphone socket, the plug you need, the dimensions and whether batteries or a power adapter are included in the bundle. If I want to practise in a small space without speakers, a suitable headphone socket and a setup that’s easy to put away are important. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this.
Shaping sounds and connecting equipment Look at the sound controls and check MIDI and audio connections separately. Don’t assume USB audio recording is possible just because USB MIDI is available. If I want to create my own sounds or connect my instrument to other equipment later, I need to know which controls and connections I’ll need. Around 20% of consumers see this as their main need.

Things to check before you buy

  • Assuming a sequencer is a complete beat-making studio

    According to Korg, the volca keys has one sequencer part; that doesn’t mean it also gives you separate drum tracks.

    Decide beforehand whether you only want to make a melodic loop or also want to sketch a rhythm on the same device.

    You may need additional equipment or software for separate drum tracks.

  • Treating MIDI and USB audio as the same feature

    Yamaha specifies USB MIDI and separate audio outputs for the reface. So a MIDI connection doesn’t automatically mean the audio signal is recorded through the same USB cable.

    Check the MIDI features, audio outputs and cables you need for your chosen model separately.

    You may need a different connection or additional recording equipment to record audio.

  • Not checking the power supply against what’s in the bundle

    According to Korg, the volca keys runs on six AA batteries or an optional KA-350 adapter. What’s included with the power supply can vary by model and offer.

    Compare the instrument’s specifications with the accessories listed for the specific bundle.

    You may need to buy batteries or a compatible adapter separately.

Brands to consider for this choice

Roland

The AIRA Compact S-1 is a small synth for leads and programmed melody patterns.

  • Roland specifies four voices and a 64-step sequencer for the S-1.
  • The pad controls feel different from a traditional keyboard; the specifications listed don’t mean the device has separate drum tracks.

Korg

The volca keys is a compact analogue pattern synth for melodic loops and hands-on sound control.

  • Korg specifies three voices, one sequencer part, 16 steps and a headphone output for this model.
  • According to Korg, the KA-350 adapter is optional; check which power supply is included in the specific bundle.

Arturia

The MicroFreak combines melody writing with experimental sound design and a flat touch keyboard.

  • Arturia describes digital oscillators, an analogue filter and sequencing.
  • Arturia lists up to four simultaneous voices when using paraphonic sequencing; these aren’t four independent analogue synth voices.

Novation

The Circuit Tracks is a groovebox for anyone who wants to sketch melodies alongside drum tracks.

  • Novation specifies two built-in synth tracks, four sample-based drum tracks and two MIDI tracks for external equipment.
  • The pad controls don’t replace a traditional keyboard. For more detailed sound editing and your own samples, Novation points to Components.

Yamaha

The reface CS is a compact keyboard option for melodies and chords you can play straight in.

  • Yamaha lists eight-voice polyphony, mini keys and a headphone socket for the reface CS.
  • Yamaha lists USB MIDI separately from the audio outputs; don’t assume you can record audio via USB.

Related products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a groovebox to make a beat to go with my melody?

If you want to programme a beat and several synth parts on the same device without a computer, Novation lists two synth tracks and four sample-based drum tracks for the Circuit Tracks. A melody or pattern synth is another option if you mainly want to write one part.

Can I play in a small practice space without speakers?

Yes, with a model that has a suitable headphone socket; manufacturers list one on models including the Korg volca keys and Yamaha reface. Start at a low volume: the RIVM warns that loud music through headphones can cause permanent hearing damage.

What should I look for if I want to connect the instrument to a computer or another device?

Check MIDI, audio outputs and the cables you need separately. Yamaha specifies USB MIDI and separate audio outputs for the reface; this doesn’t mean the synth’s audio can be recorded via USB.

Do I need to buy batteries or a power adapter separately?

It depends on the model and bundle. Korg lists six AA batteries or an optional KA-350 adapter for the volca keys; Yamaha lists battery power and an included adapter for the reface. Check what’s included in the offer before ordering an additional power supply.

What are my rights if I buy a synthesiser online in the Netherlands?

According to ACM ConsuWijzer, for a standard online consumer purchase you generally have up to 14 days after delivery to change your mind, subject to legal exceptions. The ACM says the seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee if a product doesn’t meet what you could reasonably expect from normal use.