Who is this for?

The quiet home player

You play in a shared home and want to listen through headphones without sound coming from connected speakers. Korg, Yamaha and Novation specify headphone sockets on the models discussed here.

The long-chord player

You sustain notes or let chords overlap, so you want to compare polyphony and effects in particular. Korg, Yamaha and Arturia publish specifications for voice counts and available effects.

The space-conscious player

You’re looking for a compact keyboard, or you already have a MIDI controller and are considering a separate sound module. Korg and Yamaha specify keyboard models; Novation describes the Peak as a module you can play with a master keyboard.

What should you consider when choosing?

Compact synthesizer with keyboard

Best for: anyone who wants to play chords straight away in a limited space, without a separate MIDI controller.

Bear in mind: key size and voice count. Korg specifies up to four voices for the minilogue xd, while Yamaha specifies eight voices for the reface CS.

Polyphonic keyboard with built-in effects

Best for: anyone who wants to play chords and shape sounds further on the instrument itself.

Bear in mind: specifications vary by model. Arturia lists six voices for the MiniFreak, along with chorus, delay and reverb; Korg states that the multi/poly has up to 60 voices, depending on its settings.

Desktop module with an external controller

Best for: anyone who already has a compatible MIDI keyboard and wants to position the sound module separately.

Bear in mind: you’ll need a controller to play the keys. Novation says the Peak’s main outputs remain active when headphones are plugged in.

What to consider What should you look for? Who is this important for?
Listening without disturbing others Check for a headphone socket and whether connected speakers need to be muted separately. Start with the headphone volume turned down low. If I want to play at home through headphones, I want to know whether sound will still come from connected speakers. Around 33% of consumers prioritise quiet listening.
Sustained and overlapping chords Compare the stated polyphony and try your chords with the sound and settings you want to use. The stated maximum may vary depending on the settings. If I let notes ring out while playing new ones, I want to know how many voices are available at once. Around 27% of consumers prioritise having room for long chords.
Space and equipment needed Measure the space available and check whether a desktop module needs a MIDI keyboard and compatible connections. If my workspace is limited, I want to know whether the instrument is ready to play straight away or whether I’ll need a controller as well. Around 20% of consumers focus mainly on space and additional equipment.
Effects and sound design Check whether the exact model includes the reverb, delay, chorus and modulation you want. If I want to shape ambient sounds on the instrument itself, I want to know which effects are built in. Around 20% of consumers prioritise sound design.

Common buying mistakes

  • Assuming headphones automatically mute the speakers

    Novation says the Peak’s main outputs remain active when you plug in headphones. Other models may work differently.

    Check how the exact model handles its outputs, and mute or switch off connected speakers separately.

  • Assuming the maximum voice count is fixed

    Korg specifies up to four voices for the minilogue xd and up to 60 for the multi/poly, although the multi/poly’s voice count depends on its settings.

    Try sustained and overlapping chords using the sound and settings you actually plan to use.

  • Buying a desktop module as if it had a keyboard

    The Novation Peak has no built-in keyboard; Novation says you can play it using a connected master keyboard.

    Before you buy, check whether you already have a compatible controller and whether the connections match.

Relevant brands

Korg

A good option to compare if you’re considering a compact keyboard model or a polyphonic synthesizer with more sound-shaping options.

  • Korg specifies 37 slim keys, a headphone socket, reverb and delay for the minilogue xd.
  • Korg specifies up to four voices for the minilogue xd. The multi/poly’s stated maximum of 60 voices varies depending on its settings.

Yamaha

The reface CS is a compact keyboard model for anyone who wants to play chords straight away.

  • Yamaha specifies eight voices, 37 mini keys and a headphone socket for the reface CS.
  • The CS effects list includes delay and chorus/flanger, but not reverb.

Arturia

The MiniFreak is a keyboard synthesizer for anyone who wants to create polyphonic chords with different sound sources and effects.

  • Arturia lists six voices, two engines, and built-in chorus, delay and reverb.
  • These details describe specifications and manufacturer claims; they don’t determine how the sound will work for every player.

Novation

The Peak is a desktop module for anyone who has, or wants to connect, a master keyboard.

  • Novation specifies eight voices and built-in reverb, delay and chorus.
  • The Peak has no built-in keyboard. Novation also says its main outputs remain active when headphones are used, and that the headphone output can deliver a high level.

Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Will connected speakers go quiet when I plug in headphones?

Don’t assume they will. Novation says the Peak’s main outputs remain active when you plug in headphones. Mute or switch off connected speakers, and check how the exact model behaves.

Do I need a keyboard for a desktop synthesizer?

If you want to play chords on keys with the Novation Peak, you’ll need an external controller. Novation describes connecting a master keyboard via MIDI. Check that your controller and the connections are compatible.

How many voices do I need for ambient chords?

It depends on the chords and notes you want to hear at the same time. Compare the stated polyphony and try sustained and overlapping notes with the sound you want. The multi/poly’s stated maximum varies with its settings.

How can I use headphones sensibly during long playing sessions?

Start with the volume turned down low and avoid listening at high volumes for long periods. The risk of hearing damage depends on both the sound level and how long you’re exposed to it. Novation warns that the Peak’s headphone output can deliver a high level.