Who is this choice for?

Chord player with limited space

Wants to play several notes at once, so compares the voice architecture, keyboard and space required. Roland describes the S-1 as a four-voice synthesiser; Arturia specifies six voices for the MiniFreak.

Producer with a small desk

Has little free surface space and is considering pads or existing MIDI equipment. Don’t just look at the casing: the controls and connections you need are also part of the setup.

Ambient sound designer

Wants to shape sounds with modulation and effects, and checks that the chosen model includes the features needed for the desired sound. Korg describes the minilogue xd module as having built-in stereo effects.

What should you look for when buying?

First decide whether you want to play directly on keys or already have suitable MIDI input. Then compare the number of voices, the total space required and the effects.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Chords and sustained notes Check the polyphony and voice architecture of the exact model, and try the chord changes you intend to play. If I play chords and let notes ring out, I want to know how many voices are available at once and how they work. Around 29% of consumers say having enough voices for chord playing is their top priority.
Space for the instrument and controls Measure the available width and depth, and allow for plugs, controls and any equipment already on your desk. When there’s barely any free space on my desk, I want the whole playing setup to fit, rather than choosing a small casing on its own. Around 29% of consumers put the overall space required first.
Sound and effects Check the effects list for the exact version, paying particular attention to the reverb and delay you want. If my ambient sound depends on reverb or delay, I want to know whether those effects are built into the instrument. Around 24% of consumers say sound shaping and effects are their top priority.
Connections and playability Check the MIDI, audio and power connections, and what you’ll need to use the synthesiser with your existing equipment. If I already have equipment, I want a new module to connect to it without needing an unexpected extra way to play. Around 18% of consumers put compatibility with their existing setup first.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming four voices means four independent polyphonic voices

    According to Arturia, the Arturia MicroFreak’s four paraphonic voices share one filter. This differs from a four-voice polyphonic architecture and can make a difference when changing chords.

    Compare the voice architecture and try the chord changes you want to play.

  • Measuring only the width of a desktop module

    A module without keys doesn’t automatically make a complete playing setup. A separate keyboard, cables and space for connections can all take up room too.

    Plan the whole setup and measure both the width and depth you’ll need before choosing.

    A module may need extra equipment, such as a MIDI keyboard and the necessary cables. Bear this in mind when setting up your workspace.

  • Assuming ‘effects’ always means built-in reverb

    Effects vary from model to model. Yamaha lists delay among the effects on the reface CS, for example, so don’t assume it has built-in reverb unless that appears in the effects list for the specific model.

    Check the effects list for the exact version and decide whether you might want to use an external effect.

    If the instrument doesn’t include the reverb you want, you may need an external effects solution to create that sound.

Brands to compare

Roland

The AIRA Compact S-1 is a pad-based synth for a compact setup. Roland specifies four-voice polyphony and dimensions of 188 × 106 × 36,2 mm.

  • Its compact size could suit you if desk space is limited.
  • Pads aren’t a traditional keyboard, so consider how you’ll play it as well as the stated voice limit.

Korg

According to Korg, the minilogue xd module is a keyless desktop option with four-voice polyphony and built-in digital stereo effects.

  • The module has its own stereo effects section.
  • You’ll need suitable external input to play directly on keys; four voices remains the stated polyphony.

Arturia

Arturia specifies six voices for the MiniFreak. The MicroFreak is a different option, with four paraphonic voices that share a filter.

  • The MiniFreak has more stated voices than the four-voice MicroFreak.
  • The MicroFreak isn’t directly interchangeable with a synthesiser that has four independent polyphonic voices.

Yamaha

Yamaha lists up to eight voices for the reface CS. If reverb is important to your sound, check the effects list for this version.

  • The reface CS has its own keyboard and can be played straight away.
  • Yamaha lists delay in the model-specific effects list; don’t assume it has built-in reverb if that isn’t mentioned.

Waldorf

The Blofeld Desktop is a keyless module. Waldorf lists up to 25 voices.

  • Its stated maximum could be worth considering if you want to compare models with a higher voice count.
  • Up to 25 voices doesn’t mean every sound uses that many; also check how you plan to play the module.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is four-voice polyphony the same as four-voice paraphony?

No. According to Arturia, the MicroFreak’s four paraphonic voices share one filter. So compare not just the number of voices, but also the voice architecture for the chord changes you want to play.

What do I need to connect to play a desktop module?

Check that you have suitable MIDI input, audio connections and a power supply for the exact model. If you need a separate MIDI keyboard and cables, include those in your measurements of the available space.

How do I use a compact synthesiser safely?

Follow the manual for the exact model when connecting the power supply and using the instrument. For reface models, Yamaha says to use only a power source or adaptor specified in the manual, shown on the rating plate or specifically recommended by Yamaha.

What product safety information is relevant when selling in the Netherlands?

Electrical and electronic equipment sold on the Dutch market must comply with the applicable European rules. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that CE marking is mandatory for electrical products. Don’t assume a specific listing is compliant just because of the brand name.