Start with a polyphonic synthesizer that lets you play chords and suits the way you listen and the equipment you already own. Korg lists four voices for the minilogue xd; Yamaha Netherlands lists eight for the reface CS, but does not list built-in reverb for that model. These are manufacturer specifications, not the results of a listening test. The right choice also depends on your chord changes and the sound you want.
You want sustained chords to overlap, so you check the number of available voices first and the sound second. Korg, Arturia and Yamaha provide model-specific information about polyphony in their manufacturer specifications.
You want to play on your own keyboard in a spare room and tailor the sound output to the room and the people you live with. Korg lists a headphone socket for the minilogue xd, while Yamaha lists built-in speakers for the reface series.
You want to add movement, space and repetition to your chords, and are weighing up built-in effects against your existing studio setup. Korg, Arturia and Novation list effects for the models mentioned here.
Ideal for: anyone looking for a small instrument with its own keys and speakers, who values eight voices.
The trade-off: Yamaha Netherlands lists delay and chorus/flanger for the CS, but not reverb; it has mini-keys.
Ideal for: anyone who wants to use modulation and built-in effects to create evolving sounds.
The trade-off: Arturia lists six voices, so bear this in mind if notes continue to ring out as you change chords.
Ideal for: anyone who wants to shape the sound using hands-on controls and have reverb and delay on the instrument.
The trade-off: Korg lists four voices, which matters if you let chords overlap.
Ideal for: anyone who already has a suitable MIDI keyboard setup and wants eight-voice synthesis with built-in effects.
The trade-off: Peak is a desktop module without keys; you’ll need a suitable controller and connections to play it from a keyboard.
| What to consider | What should you look for? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Sustained chords | Compare the maximum number of voices on the exact model with the overlapping chord changes you play. | If I let notes ring out while playing a new chord, I want to know how many voices are available at once. Around 36% of consumers prioritise overlapping chords. |
| Quiet, self-contained playing | Check for a headphone socket and any built-in speakers, and consider what equipment you already own. | If I want to play in a shared home, I’m looking for a listening setup that suits the room and the people I live with. Around 29% of consumers prioritise playing independently and quietly. |
| Spacious, evolving sounds | Check which effects are included on the exact version and whether you want to shape the sound with built-in effects or an existing setup. | If I want an ambient chord to change in sound, effects and modulation are my priority. Around 21% of consumers prioritise sound design. |
| Space and existing equipment | Measure the space available and check whether you already have a keyboard, MIDI connection and audio output. | If I have limited space or already own studio equipment, I want to know whether a desktop module or keyboard instrument will fit my setup. Around 14% of consumers prioritise space and existing equipment. |
An effect changes the sound, but it doesn’t automatically increase the stated maximum number of simultaneous voices.
Compare the polyphony of the exact model with the notes you sustain and the chord changes you play.
Yamaha Netherlands’ specifications list different effects for the CS than for some other reface models.
Check the effect list for the CS itself rather than assuming it has the same features as the whole reface series.
If reverb is essential for you, you may need an external effect or a different setup.
Novation describes Peak as a desktop module, not a standalone keyboard instrument.
Check in advance that you have a suitable controller, MIDI connection and listening setup.
Without a suitable controller, you may need an additional MIDI keyboard to play it from the keys.
According to Korg, the minilogue xd combines an analogue sound generator with a digital multi-engine and built-in effects.
According to Arturia, the MiniFreak is a hybrid keyboard instrument with modulation options and built-in effects for shaping sounds.
According to Yamaha Netherlands, the reface CS is a compact virtual-analogue synth with keys and built-in speakers.
According to Novation, Peak is an eight-voice desktop module for use with an existing MIDI setup.
That depends on how many notes you let ring out at once, and whether notes from the previous chord are still sounding when you play the next one. Korg lists a maximum of four voices for the minilogue xd, so try out your own chord changes rather than playing just one chord on its own.
Yes, if you want to play chords from a keyboard: Novation describes Peak as a desktop synthesizer. Make sure an existing or additional MIDI controller and your audio connections are right for your setup.
Use a suitable headphone socket and set your listening volume carefully. Korg lists one for the minilogue xd; check for one on other specific models too. Playing and touching the keys may still make some noise.
According to the Dutch government, when you buy from a business online you’ll generally have 14 days to change your mind; purchases from private individuals, among others, aren’t covered by the distance-selling rules. If a product is faulty, the seller is your point of contact for the statutory guarantee. The Netherlands has no standard general guarantee period.
The Dutch government states that electronic devices placed on the market in the EU must have a CE mark. Check the product information and marking on the specific instrument; general model specifications don’t confirm that an individual item for sale has been checked.
