Arturia MicroFreak vs Yamaha Reface CS
| Arturia MicroFreak | Yamaha Reface CS | |
|---|---|---|
| Key action | 25-key capacitive keybed with polyphonic aftertouch | HQ mini (High-Quality mini) keyboard, initial touch |
| Polyphony | 4 | 8 |
| Sounds / presets | 512 | — |
| Sequencer | 64-step sequencer; 2 patterns per preset; 4 automation tracks | — |
| Sound engine | Digital oscillators (14 types incl. Pluck/Granular) + analog filter | AN (Analog Physical Modeling) synthesizer with 5 oscillator types |
| Effects | 4 FX slots | Distortion, VCM Chorus/Flanger, VCM Phaser, Delay; built-in Phrase Looper |
| Speakers | None (line out only) | 4 W |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| USB audio | Yes | No |
| Pads / faders | — | no |
| Weight | 1.02 kg | 1.9 kg |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | — | [530, 60, 175] mm |
| Battery power | 6× AA | yes (6 x AA batteries, approx. 5 hours) |
| Released | 2019 | 2015 |
| Status | current | legacy |
| Keys | 25 | 37 |
Which one should you buy?
- Choose the Arturia MicroFreak if budget is the priority — it is about $400 cheaper (approx.).
- Choose the Arturia MicroFreak if lighter to carry to gigs and lessons (1.02 kg vs 1.9 kg).
- Choose the Yamaha Reface CS if you layer sounds or use the sustain pedal heavily (4 vs 8).
- Choose the Yamaha Reface CS if you practise out loud without an amp (None (line out only) vs 4 W).
- Choose the Arturia MicroFreak if you play away from mains power.
Full spec sheets: Arturia MicroFreak · Yamaha Reface CS. Rows with a highlighted background differ.