Choose a synthesizer based on how you want to capture its sound. A headphone socket lets you listen quietly, but it won’t save the sound for you. Roland specifies USB-C audio/MIDI for the JUNO-D6; with compact models such as the reface CS, minilogue xd and MiniNova, bear in mind their individual recording limitations or plan to use a separate audio connection. Then compare the keyboard size, range and polyphony with the way you play.
If you want to play without amplified room speakers, look for a headphone socket, a keyboard that suits you and an easy-to-adjust volume. Yamaha, Korg and Novation list a headphone socket on the reface CS, minilogue xd and MiniNova respectively.
If you want to save what you hear, compare USB audio with separate audio outputs and check which recording input you’ll need. Roland specifies USB-C audio/MIDI for the JUNO-D6; Novation describes a separate audio connection for recording with the MiniNova.
If you want to try out chords and change sounds as you improvise, consider the number and size of the keys, and how many notes can sound at once. Yamaha specifies up to eight voices for the reface CS; Korg specifies up to four for the minilogue xd.
Best if: you want to send the instrument’s sound directly via USB to a compatible computer or suitable mobile device.
Things to consider: the Roland JUNO-D6 has 61 keys and takes up more space than the compact 37-key models reviewed here. Check that your recording device and software support the connection.
Best if: a compact keyboard and hands-on sound control are important to you. According to their manufacturers, the Yamaha reface CS and Korg minilogue xd both have a headphone socket and audio outputs.
Things to consider: to record the instrument’s sound, connect an audio output to a suitable recording input. The reface CS has 37 mini keys and up to eight voices; the minilogue xd has 37 slim keys and up to four voices.
Best if: you want to tweak digital sounds as you play. The Novation MiniNova has 37 velocity-sensitive keys and a headphone output.
Things to consider: Novation states that the MiniNova does not have a built-in USB audio interface. To record in a DAW, connect the audio outputs to an external audio interface or a suitable line input.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Playing quietly | Check whether there’s a headphone socket and whether your headphones are compatible. Start at a low volume and adjust the recording or monitor level separately. | If I want to play without amplified speakers, I look for a headphone socket and an easy-to-adjust volume. Shoppers who prioritise playing quietly make up around 33% of those considering this purchase. |
| Recording the instrument’s sound | Check whether the model sends audio over USB or whether you need to connect its audio output to a suitable recording input. Also check that your computer or recorder supports the connection. | I want to capture the instrument’s sound, not just MIDI performance data, so I check the entire connection to my recording device. Shoppers who want to record the instrument’s sound make up around 27% of those considering this purchase. |
| Keys and chords | Compare the number and size of the keys, and the stated maximum polyphony, with the way you play. The models reviewed have 37 or 61 keys; the reface CS has up to eight voices and the minilogue xd up to four. | If I want to play chords and several notes at once, I consider the keyboard’s size and feel. Shoppers who prioritise the keys and chord playing make up around 20% of those considering this purchase. |
| Saving an idea | Decide whether you need an audio file, MIDI notes or just a temporary performance loop. Yamaha states that recorded loop phrases cannot be saved on the reface CS. | I want to listen back to an improvisation later, so I check whether the recording will actually be saved. Shoppers who prioritise saving ideas make up around 20% of those considering this purchase. |
Capturing MIDI performance data is not the same as recording the sound you hear from the instrument. Novation confirms that the MiniNova does not have a built-in USB audio interface.
Check whether the exact model sends audio over USB, and map out the connection from the audio output to the recording input. If your recorder or computer doesn’t have a suitable input, you may need an external audio interface and the right cable.
Yamaha states that loop phrases recorded on the reface CS cannot be saved. So a loop function doesn’t automatically mean you can listen to a saved audio file later.
If you want to listen back to the full improvisation later, choose a recording connection that saves a file.
For a permanent recording, you may need a separate recorder or recording connection as well as the instrument.
The models reviewed differ in keyboard range, key size and the maximum number of notes they can play at once. This can matter when you’re playing chords or sounding several notes simultaneously.
Try the keyboard if you can, and compare its stated polyphony with the number of notes you want to play at once.
The JUNO-D6 reviewed here is an option if you’re looking for a 61-key keyboard with a specified USB-C audio/MIDI interface.
The reface CS reviewed here is a compact synthesizer with 37 mini keys, a headphone socket and hands-on sound controls.
The minilogue xd reviewed here has a compact keyboard and separate audio outputs.
The MiniNova reviewed here is a compact digital keyboard for anyone who wants to tweak sounds while improvising.
This selection includes a 61-key keyboard for quiet practice, recording compositions and listening back to them.
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The headphone socket is designed for private practice; the product description also mentions a function for recording and playing back compositions.
61 keys. Before buying, check that the connections and recording function suit your recording device and the way you play.
No, it depends on the model. Roland specifies USB-C audio/MIDI for the JUNO-D6; Novation states that you need an external audio interface or a suitable line input to record the MiniNova’s sound.
Connect compatible headphones and start at a low volume. Adjust the recording or monitor level separately; the Novation MiniNova manual warns that extreme sound levels can damage your hearing.
No. According to Yamaha, loop phrases recorded on the reface CS cannot be saved. Use a separate recording connection if you want to keep your improvisation.
If your computer or recorder doesn’t have a suitable audio input, you may need a compatible audio interface and cable. For recording the MiniNova in a DAW, Novation recommends an external audio interface or a suitable line input.
According to the Dutch government, distance purchases usually come with a 14-day cooling-off period, although there are exceptions. You’re also entitled to a product that meets the legal guarantee requirements; if there’s a problem, contact the seller.
