The Arturia MicroFreak is a testament to innovation and uniqueness in the realm of synthesizers. This hybrid synthesizer combines analog and digital technology to create a unique musical experience. Let’s take a deeper look…
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Arturia MicroFreak Synth Expert Review: Best Mini Synths 2024
Overview
Boasting a digital oscillator with multiple modes and an analog filter, the MicroFreak is the epitome of versatility. This synth offers incredible versatility and the amount of musical depth it provides in such a small form factor is astounding.
- Synthesizer with 512 preset slots and 320 factory presets
- 21 digital oscillator modes, from wavetable to sample playback & granular processing, plus engines from Mutable Instruments and Noise Engineering as well as the Vocoder mode
- Analog State Variable Filter, 12dB/octave, resonant, Low Pass, Band Pass, High Pass
- Modulation matrix with 5 sources and 7 destinations (3 custom destinations)
- Monophonic, Paraphonic, or Unison modes – Up to 4 voices
- Chord Mode: This lets you program a chord shape and play it on any note
- Scale Quantize lets you set a specific scale for the white notes to simplify the creative process
- 25-key capacitive keybed with polyphonic aftertouch
- Capacitive touch strip
Sound
When diving into the oscillator, the MicroFreak showcases a variety of algorithms, ranging from the classic Superwave to more experimental modes like Texturer and Harmonic OSC.
Such variety paves the way for a broad spectrum of sounds, ensuring that the synthesizer is not just a piece of equipment but a powerful tool for creative exploration.
An LFO is included with Sync, Sine, Tri, Saw, Square, Random, and Slew Random. There is so much to explore with the Microfreak that you can get lost in the sonic possibilities for hours!
Keyboard
The capacitive keyboard is another feature that distinguishes the MicroFreak. Unlike traditional keys, the flat, touch-sensitive surface creates a unique playing experience that is different from the traditional keyboard design.
The poly-aftertouch, a feature often found in high-end models, further elevates the expressiveness of this hybrid synthesizer.
Arpeggiator and Envelope
- The cycling Envelope offers two modes.
- Arpeggiator with Up, Order, Random, Pattern Modes, Spice & Dice Gate randomizers
Screen
A crisp OLED display is included onboard the Microfreak for seamlessly editing your parameter values and effects.
Modulation
Modulation is another area where the MicroFreak shines. With its mod matrix, users can easily assign sources to destinations, opening up a universe of sound-shaping possibilities.
Sequencer
The sequencer and arpeggiator, coupled with the Spice and Dice features, allow you to manipulate the randomness and probability in your sequences, ensuring each performance is unique.
- 2 patterns per preset
- 4 automation tracks per preset
Connections
The various connectivity options, including CV/Gate, MIDI, and USB, ensure that the MicroFreak can integrate smoothly into any setup.
- CV / Gate / Pressure outputs
- USB, Clock, and MIDI in and out
- 6.35mm master and 3.5mm headphone output
What’s Included?
- MicroFreak Unit
- Universal PSU
- Registration card
- 2x MIDI port adapters
Instrument Dimensions
- Size: 12.2 x 9.2 x 2.2 inches (311 x 233 x 55mm)
- Weight: 2.3 lbs. (1.02 Kg)
FAQ
1. What Is It Good For?
The Arturia Microfreak is an awesome mini synth. It is an ideal companion for music composers and producers in the studio, across multiple genres, and it is an excellent creative tool for synth enthusiasts and pianists who want to expand their sound palette.
2. What Artists Use It?
The following artists are known for using the Arturia Microfreak in their music, though this only names a few:
- Moby
- David Guetta
- Trentemølle
- Fennesz
- Jean Michel Jarre
- Andrew Huang
3. Is It Polyphonic?
Yes, the keyboard, sequencer, and key pressure are all four-voice polyphonic, and the four oscillator parameters can be modulated per voice.
4. Is It Good for Techno?
The presets in the Arturia Microfreak are very versatile and they can be utilized effectively for various genres of music including drum and bass, techno, house, synth wave, and many other forms of electronic music.
5. Can You Use It as a Midi Controller?
Yes, the MicroFreak can be used as a MIDI controller. It has USB and MIDI ports that allow for easy connectivity to your computer or other MIDI-compatible devices.
6. What Kind of Synth Is It?
The Microfreak is described as a Hybrid Experimental Synthesizer. It utilizes 18 digital sound engines (algorithms) to synthesize raw tones. This digital oscillator is then fed into a multi-mode analog filter, giving the MicroFreak its hybrid sounds.
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Conclusion
The Arturia MicroFreak Hybrid Synthesizer stands out as an extraordinary instrument, embodying a fusion of digital flexibility and analog warmth.
Its innovative features like the versatile digital oscillator, capacitive keyboard, and powerful modulation matrix make it an invaluable asset for musicians and producers looking to explore beyond the conventional sonic landscapes.
