Who is this buying guide for?

Chord player looking for long, lingering notes

You play sustained chords and want to know how many notes will remain audible when you play the next chord.

Maker of evolving ambient textures

You want to make a chord change as you play, using modulation and effects, rather than simply choosing a fixed sound.

Producer with a MIDI keyboard

You already have a keyboard to control a module and want to find out in advance how MIDI control and audio recording will work in your studio. Novation describes these connections for the Peak as separate steps.

What should you look for when buying?

First, decide which limitation matters most for the way you play: polyphony, sound shaping, studio connections, or choosing between a keyboard and a separate module.

What to consider What to look for Who is this important for?
Polyphony when chords overlap Compare the number of voices with your chord changes and sound settings. Korg lists a maximum of four voices for the minilogue xd and up to 60 for the multi/poly, depending on the settings. If I let chords ring out while I carry on playing, I want to know whether the notes I want will remain available. Around 33% of consumers prioritise polyphony for overlapping chords.
Sound movement and effects Check which modulation options and effects the exact model has, and whether you can use them in your sounds. The number of effects alone doesn’t tell you whether they’ll suit the sound you have in mind. If I want a sustained chord to change gradually, I look for useful modulation and effects. Around 27% of consumers prioritise evolving sounds and spacious effects.
Connections and recording Decide whether you want to record MIDI, audio or both. Check the MIDI connections, audio outputs and any USB audio functionality on the exact model. If I want to record my playing in a DAW, I want to know in advance how note control and audio recording work. For around 20% of consumers, practical studio recording is the top priority.
Keyboard or existing controller Check whether the instrument has its own keyboard, how many keys you want and whether you already own a compatible MIDI controller. If I’d rather play directly on the synthesiser or use my existing controller, I want a version that suits my setup. Around 20% of consumers make playing style and controller use their main consideration.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming the maximum number of voices is available for every sound

    Korg states that the multi/poly’s maximum polyphony depends on the settings.

    Try your own chord changes with the sound layers and settings you plan to use.

  • Assuming a USB port always sends audio to your computer

    For the Novation Peak, Novation describes MIDI via USB alongside a separate audio connection. Roland lists a USB-C audio/MIDI interface for the JX-08, so connections vary by model.

    Check the USB audio functionality and available audio outputs for the exact model.

    Depending on your existing setup, you may need extra audio cables or a suitable recording input.

  • Mistaking a desktop module for a standalone keyboard

    The Novation Peak is designed to be played with a master keyboard; Roland lists a separate keyboard unit as an option for the JX-08.

    Take your existing controller and preferred way of playing into account when choosing.

    If you don’t already have a compatible controller, you may need one to play the module from a keyboard.

Brands to consider

Korg

The multi/poly and minilogue xd we looked at offer different approaches to ambient chords: a keyboard with polyphony that varies according to the settings, and a four-voice model with an analogue signal path and digital multi-engine.

  • Korg specifies up to 60 voices for the multi/poly, depending on the settings, and up to four voices for the minilogue xd.
  • The stated maximums don’t tell you how many voices will be available for every sound setting or chord combination.

Arturia

The MiniFreak we looked at is a keyboard with two digital engines and analogue filters, designed for shaping your own sounds.

  • Arturia specifies six voices, modulation and stereo effects.
  • Its six voices offer less stated polyphony than the Korg multi/poly’s maximum of 60, which depends on the settings. Arturia’s description of the sound is the manufacturer’s own, not the result of an independent listening test.

Novation

The Peak we looked at is an eight-voice desktop module for a setup with external control.

  • Novation lists reverb, delay and chorus.
  • You’ll need a controller to play it. Novation describes MIDI control and the audio connection for sound as separate parts of the setup.

Roland

The JX-08 we looked at is a compact module for use with a controller or DAW, with built-in sound controls.

  • Roland lists chorus, phaser, delay and a USB-C audio/MIDI interface.
  • The module doesn’t come with a conventional built-in keyboard; Roland lists a separate keyboard unit as an option.

Yamaha

The reface CS we looked at is a compact keyboard with a virtual analogue sound engine.

  • Yamaha specifies eight-voice polyphony and built-in effects.
  • Check that the compact keyboard and available effects suit the way you play ambient chords.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How do I connect a desktop module to play and record chords?

For the Novation Peak, Novation describes a MIDI connection to a master keyboard and a separate audio connection from the outputs to the equipment you use to listen or record. Decide whether your DAW needs to record MIDI, audio or both, and check the connections on the model you choose.

Are USB MIDI and USB audio the same thing?

No: MIDI carries control data, while audio is the sound you hear. For the Peak, Novation describes MIDI via USB alongside a separate audio connection; Roland explicitly lists a USB-C audio/MIDI interface for the JX-08. So don’t assume a USB port does everything.

How do I back up patches before updating the software?

Check the backup procedure for the exact model before installing an update. For the MiniFreak, Arturia describes activation, software linking and firmware updates through the Arturia Software Center; the same process won’t necessarily apply to other models.

What are my rights when buying online from a business in the Netherlands?

According to the Dutch government, when you buy at a distance you usually have a 14-day cooling-off period. You’re also entitled to receive a product that works as it should; if there’s a fault, contact the seller. The Dutch government states that the Netherlands doesn’t have one fixed statutory warranty period for all products.

What should I check to make sure a synthesiser is safe?

Check that the specific product complies with the relevant EU product rules and carries the required CE marking. The Dutch government warns that compliance may be unclear when buying from outside the EU. According to Business.gov.nl, CE marking is not a quality mark.