Start by thinking about how many notes you want to play at once. For sustained or overlapping chords, a model with more voices gives you more room, while four voices may be enough for simpler chord changes. Then choose between a synthesiser with a keyboard and a desktop module, and check how you want to listen and which effects you need.
If you hold notes and start playing the next chord before the previous one has faded away, compare the voice limit with the way you play. Korg specifies four voices for the minilogue xd; Arturia specifies six for the MiniFreak; Yamaha specifies eight for the reface CS in polyphonic mode; and Novation specifies eight for the Peak.
Decide whether you want to listen through headphones or speakers, then check the connections on your chosen model. Yamaha lists built-in speakers and a headphone socket for the reface CS; these features aren’t standard on every type of synthesiser.
If you want to shape chords with modulation and effects, compare the sound-shaping options as well as the controls. You can play a keyboard model straight away; Novation says the Peak desktop module needs a separate controller.
When playing ambient chords in a loft, your choice mainly depends on how many notes you let ring out, how you want to listen and whether you want to shape the movement of the sound yourself.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sustained chords | Compare the voice limit with your chord changes: Korg lists four voices for the minilogue xd, Arturia six for the MiniFreak and Novation eight for the Peak. Yamaha specifies eight for the reface CS in polyphonic mode. | If I let one chord ring out while playing the next, I want to know how many notes can sound at once. That’s why around 33% of consumers prioritise overlapping notes. |
| Listening in your loft | Check for a headphone socket and audio outputs; Yamaha also lists built-in speakers for the reface CS. | I want to be able to choose between headphones and speakers, depending on my setup. Around 27% of consumers put that choice first. |
| Moving sounds | Check which effects and modulation features are built in. Korg lists modulation, reverb and delay; Arturia lists reverb and delay, among other effects; Novation lists reverb, delay and chorus. | If I want to change a sustained sound without constantly playing new notes, I look for effects and sound-shaping options. Around 20% of consumers choose mainly for this reason. |
| Keyboard and setup | Check the key size and whether you need a separate controller. Korg specifies 37 slim keys for the minilogue xd; Novation describes the Peak as a desktop module without a keyboard. | I want to know whether I can play straight away and whether the instrument will fit into my setup. Around 20% of consumers base their choice mainly on the keyboard and where they’ll put it. |
Korg says the minilogue xd has a maximum of four voices. Sustained notes use up some of this capacity, leaving less room for new notes.
Try out the chord changes you actually want to play and compare them with the stated voice limit.
The Novation Peak is a desktop module without keys, so you’ll need a suitable way to control it.
Before choosing, check whether you already have a suitable MIDI keyboard or another compatible controller.
If you don’t already have a suitable controller, you may need to buy a separate MIDI keyboard.
Yamaha lists delay and chorus/flanger, among other effects, for the reface CS, but doesn’t list built-in reverb.
Compare the effects on the exact model with the sounds you want to create.
If built-in reverb is essential for you, you may need a separate effects unit.
The minilogue xd is a compact keyboard for anyone who wants to shape sounds and use effects built into the instrument.
The MiniFreak combines a keyboard with hybrid sound generation, modulation and stereo effects.
The reface CS is designed for a compact setup that’s ready to play straight away.
The Peak is an eight-voice desktop module for use with an existing MIDI setup.
Count the notes you press at once, as well as any notes still ringing out when you change chords. Compare the total with the official voice limit and check the playing mode: on the reface CS, the portamento setting can switch it from polyphonic to monophonic mode.
Not always: Yamaha lists built-in speakers for the reface CS. For other models, check the headphone and audio outputs and decide how you want to listen. Don’t assume a model has built-in speakers unless its specifications say so.
Use the power supply and connections specified for your particular model. In the reface manual, Yamaha warns against using a power supply other than the one described or specifically recommended. Always check the manual for your model.
According to ACM ConsuWijzer, online purchases generally come with a 14-day cooling-off period from the date of delivery, subject to exceptions. Faulty products are covered by your statutory rights, in addition to any seller’s or manufacturer’s guarantee. If the conditions are met, the seller must offer an appropriate solution.
According to the Dutch government, electrical appliances placed on the market in the EU must meet the applicable safety requirements and carry a CE mark. Check the marking and information for the specific version; a model’s inclusion in a comparison doesn’t confirm that a particular unit meets the requirements.
