Arturia Minifreak // The Evolution of DIGITAL/ANALOG Hybrid Synths
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- Опубліковано 20 чер 2024
- / starskycarr
How does the Arturia Minifreak sound compared to one of the best hybrid digital/analog synths ever created? Not really a comparison but a look at how the Minifreak stands up against vintage class. and the Prophet VS is pure vintage class!
They're 2 Different synths so I'm not doing a strict like for like comparison - that wouldn't make sense - but I'm exploring if there's a start difference between modern and vintage units. Do vintage units have a certain je ne sais quoi do they have a life, depth and fizz we just don't seem to be able to recreate in new instruments?
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• From The Studio
0:00 intro
1:51 Plucky Pad
6:15 Bass
9:19 Pads/Strings
12:36 Final Thoughts
@ArturiaOfficial @SourceDistributionTV
The fact that the Minifreak can even get in the ballpark as the Prophet V is pretty amazing.
What I do like about these small synths is not just are they PACKED with features, but it now forces more synth companies to release great synths at competitive prices which is great for the consumer.
Deepmind 12 was intended for just that
That Prophet. Man that sounds nice. I didn't't knew it. The MiniFreak sounds close but second.
Minifreak sounding nice! And that is the cleanest VS I've ever seen, looks practically brand new!
its got a couple of nicks here and there but generally it's in great condition. Its had an overhaul, and feels nice and reliable. Gets v hot though. I've been enquiring about a new power supply.
Only Starsky can bring in a different perspective on the MiniFreak...well done! 👏
The prophet sounds more lush, round and warm but the minifreak is a damn good synth as well.
Prophet filter is a thing of beauty
The VS‘s filters were some of the best ever. Same Curtis filters in the Microwave 1 make both instruments sound beautiful.
They both sound great. I personally could do a lot with the extra coins in my pocket. Someone else would prefer the prophet. As long as we both are making noise and happy, that’s what matters. Well done sir.
Minifreak does a lot at about 90% regarding sound quality. If you look at the prices and are somewhat reasonable you buy it. What's holding me back is the mini keys and 3 octaves. But I'm confident Arturia will release something between a Minifreak and a Polybrute. Great video, again!
Got a minifreak on the way can’t wait! Dig your vids man I get inspired watching them so thank you
Thanks.. that’s nice to hear. Glad you like them.
Great man! I was looking for this comparison since the minifreak was released hahaha
I just got a minifreak as a starter synth for my daughter. I think it sounds great and has an excellent feature set. The hydrasynth might edge it in a few areas but for a starter unit I wanted something with as much knob per function (+/- shift) and as little menu diving as possible. I tried it out in store and came to the conclusion that the freak is an awful lot of fun in a little package and at a competitive price (take note TE). I had looked at several Behringer options and Korg ‘logues but the included effects, the feature set and the interface kept bringing me back to the Freak. I also hope that they expand with a vocoder and wave table engines as firmware updates in the near future as that would really ice the cake. It has the ability to go quite deep or as shallow as you’d like if starting out and can route external audio through it. Their mod matrix interface is also very user friendly. Nice work Arturia.
Thanks Starsky, always enjoy your content.
great, I'll be putting the Minifreak against the Hydrasynth Explorer together soon - not as a direct comparison but more like what you were thinking - what's the best option for my needs. I might throw in the monologue and Cobalt as well.
@@StarskyCarr I look forward to it.
it was very hard for me to imagine what the differences could be, but this video really helps to get a grip on the concept of "warm liveliness" of old synths. thank you very much.
I’m still not sure … maybe everyone has their own interpretation! Maybe your blue is my red etc… 🤷♂️😂 glad it was helpful..
Im back here again…got amazed with my Arturia Prophet VS V recently (I aslo have MiniFreak) and after playing for a while with both it is interesting to watch this video again…Prophet VS V is marvellous 🤩 Ive just felt in luv with it!
i loved the microfreack to death, but one year after its release. the first year i just wanted to throw it out of the window bcause of its buggs. now i am completely blown away by minifreack after couple of days. what an amazing synth!!!
You’ve done it again. This is the best review hands down. Nick Batt is always going to be my hero, but you are in second place out of all the UA-cam synth tech pundits.
High praise indeed ;) Cheers.
Fantastic video! Hybrids - both new and old - are definitely having their day in the sun. I love the Microfreak (fantastic for coming up with excellent original sounds) and the Super 6. Ambika is an absolutely superb machine for those lucky enough to find one or who are willing to build. In terms of "vintage", the Kawai K3 sounds absolutely stunning and begs for new patch creation. Keep up the great work - loved your vid on the Matrix 1000 vs the new Oberheim.
Summit! 😏
I'm just waiting for the Behringer blister pack Prophet, the Pro VS mini. For the price of a plugin!
very nice demonstration of your concept. minifreak is an amazing member of hybrid family
I know your patches will be amazing when you do them.
@@dankeplace thank you. I'll do them as soon as possible
Excellent
Interesting that the VS sounds like it's almost got a shimmer reverb built it. I think put a big sky in the Minifreak and it will blow the VS out the water 😅
Very nice and powerful MiniFreak. However, I must say that the Prophet VS may be one of the most beautiful sounding **and** looking things ever. It is amazing. RIP Dave Smith.
One of the most interesting, fun, deep and unconventional synthesizers up to date.
Despite the Keystep 37 inspired keybed (if not the same one), I can't wait to have one in my hands.
Hybrid synths are my favorite kind, and this will have a nice place along Peak and my other digitals (not hybrids) Modwave, Blofeld, Hydra and Argon 🐵
P.S. That VS Chorus is so damn lush. Really deep.
Chorus (and especially Reverb!) on the Peak (Summit) ain’t too shabby, either … What a great hybrid!
That Prophet chorus on the opening sound is luscious! I’ve already got a MiniFreak on pre-order and am very anxious to get some time with it. However based on Mr. Carr’s revealing demonstration here, the vintage Prophet has character that just can’t be matched with the new stuff.
Completely disagree.. the prophet VS isn't even an analog synth. There's nothing inherent to prevent a VST or other digital synth from being identical. If you think something is missing from the sound, just run the synth through a vintage preaml
Also the chorusing is a huge difference on the 1st sound. It’s stealing the test. He could really have taken the synths with no effects, and added them through the same analog chorus pedal for a more accurate test.
Personally i prefer Prophet filter to almost anything, except maybe classic Moog. So i get there being a difference between the Prophet and SEM filters.
That said, the SEM is an amazing filter and I wouldn’t hesitate to get a MiniFreak for its own strengths.
You really are the master of emulation and comparison. I have a prophet 6 mainly based on your video's. I personally think the minifreak is brilliant and will be buying one. I have the polybrute too and we live in a golden age of synths. Opsix and ASM are other great options IMHO. love the videos. They wont bring a larger form factor because of the Maxi and Poly.... but who knows. Cheers for the great work you do.
Thanks, its always nice to hear people enjoy the vids.
@@StarskyCarr It is important to have people of your quality on UA-cam. You do a great service and people really do appreciate it. I certainly do. Cheers. Ps. Minibrute vs PolyBrute might be fun and the Waldorf Iridium.
I wonder of they will release a desktop module version? If they do, I think I’d get one. As I posted already, I’ve bought a Minifreak for my daughter but I’d love to have one to tinker with too especially if a module was a little cheaper, it’d be a relatively easy decision for me. Interested to see how the build quality holds up over time. And on the price point, agreed; the Freaks are a lot of synth for the money and the likes of Teenage Engineering would do well to look at this model. Their pocket operators are great little cheap modules but their “higher end” units don’t seem to represent value to me. Certainly not compared to something like a Freak.
I love this comparison!!! I love my VS, but I stil pre-ordered a Minifreak! Sounds extremely powerful; in such a small package.
P.S. There were ~3400 Prophet VS produced (Keyboard + Rack)
Thanks. - I thought 250 seemed low, so looked for a s/n on this one but couldn’t find one. 3400 sounds a lot more likely.
@@StarskyCarr David Abernethy's book on the history of Sequential cites 1500 keyboards and 500 racks for the VS. An excellent read if you don't have it yet. Plenty of technical stuff, history, interviews etc.
Prophet VS... what a magical synth. You can get almost the same synth engine at a much lower cost with the Prophet 2000 sampler. Same beautiful sound, but instead of vector synthesis you can load all the waveforms you want.
Super cool
11:31 DAMN that Prophet VS sounds good!
The VS sound is so smooth and warm.
Nice work, convinced me to invest in a microfreak and a mini-vs (on release)
The mini Vs looks like fun. And slightly nuts in such a tiny package.
Yes, from what I understand to work with the variety of oscillators the filter had to limited, if that's the correct term.
Great start of this video with all these other hybrids. Kudos for getting these all 'in the ring' Starsky, all have their qualities. Effect wise the MiniFreak could perhaps win ;-)
Effect wise it 100% wins.. I’ve even found some of the bigger reverb sounds now 😂 but a nice shimmer or submarine wouldn’t go amiss. not complaining though.
@@StarskyCarr Shift+Effect.Type FTW! 😁
@@SolidtraxNL haha… yeah demo’d that yesterday for my Clubbing TV show. Thanks for the tips. I’m now looking for page 2 on the assigns. ;)
@@StarskyCarr You are welcome. Sound Edit + Almost Any Button does wonders too ;)
chorus and tail on VS is just magical. maybe i could get it with the minifreak and soundtoys. VS has that infinite decay thing… try the minifreak with a KT dimension D clone and it’ll get closer
Thanks for the comparison, Starsky Carr! It's really valuable. And the design of VS' and MiniFreak's matrices looks similar!
Yes, MiniFreak def. need a deeper modulation! I'm not sure if it's somehow limited by the filters. Maybe they've balanced that for the mod. matrix so it will not give some platos... But actually from a pure physical point of view - nothing stops Arturia to make their filters sound wider! If it's not intentionally... My bad thoughts leads me to the possible competition with PolyBrute :D Marketing managers actually can be crazy up to the stupid boundaries.
Thanks.. I think you're right in that it's probably more to do with the limitations/issues of adding from multiple sources - which is probably why more flexible modern synths seem to have less range (they've more options to modulate).
@@StarskyCarr But it can be switchable or tunable actually. Arturia is well known for their great firmwares/updates.
Just got a Minifreak early for Christmas from my girlfriend last night. So far it’s awesome!!!
Long time listener, first time caller. Great video as always.
I’m curious if you can alter the envelope shape and speed in the Freak to get it as “lively” as the prophet?
I suspect not. Knowing you aren’t doing head to head sound design comps, Both sound good, but the Prophet just sounds “better” to my ears.
You can adjust the curves on the 2nd envelope on the MF - but the amp is hardwired to the 1st on which you have 2 settings - percussive or normal. Percussive is too exponential. I prefer the prophets envs on that sound. But would only really notice when comparing.
Arturia makes solid products. This will be on the market for some time.
i have micro and mini both great i am a complete amateur enjoyed your comparason
Prophet VS sounds like a dream.
Now I want a Prophet VS :) Will try the one in Arturia collection, which is kinda irony - to replace Arturia original hardware for another hardware, emulated by Arturia :)
you made me buy the osiris wavetable oscillator now you are making buy this
Interesting and fun comparison, and definitely a fun video as always.
Specifically commenting on the bass section starting at 6:15. There's a vastly different filter design on the Sequential as compared to the Arturia. As you say, they're different instruments. Sequential's 4-pole filter has a very distinct sound, and the I believe the Arturia is a 2-pole, so no matter what, even with an identical envelope shape, you're going to get a distinctly different sound between them. That would definitely account for the different in the way the filter cuts -- that difference in depth. The question is whether or not you can get sounds that satisfy you.
I agree it would be really nice to get that user wave option from the MicroFreak added ....
Cheers!
Ah ha… I should’ve read the specs!
@@StarskyCarr They're not really clear about the exact specs that I've seen, I don't think, but they do specify on their web site that the MicroFreak filter is 12db-per-octave, so it follows that the Mini would be the same. I failed to mention that they also mentioned in one of the videos I saw that it's a Steiner-Parker filter, which also has its own distinct character.
One of the things we were hoping for was a switchable filter, like in the PolyBrute, but at the price .... I still think it sounds great, though.
Cheers!
@@GerenM63 the S-P is 12dB so that makes sense. Sounds a lot smoother than it does in my minibrute! 😂
FWIW: If you want to sacrifice OSC2, you can use an extra multimode filter with 6, 12, 24 and even 36db filters (HP, BP, N and LP). The normal filter is a SEM-style 12db resonant multi-mode filter.
@@SolidtraxNL thanks… yeah I’ve been playing with them. Here I was trying to show the analog/hybrid approach. But if you want something more aggressive it’s got it. … and a lot more!
The Mini is an amazing synth in a compact form that delivers great sound bang per buck.
People complain about the keys, they work fine, I have a KSP and have no problem using them.
Use a different keybed to control it and your problems are solved but the synth delivers on all levels imo.
The sequencer is top notch and goes that extra level, teh lack of PCB keybed was smart as it would alienate those who wants to use this as a regular keybed but just cannot play PCB keybeds.
People complain too much when solutions already exist.
The synth sounds great and that's all that matters.
Gota love Rob Miles playing as background music.
Iøm definitely going to buy the Minifreak despite it’s less then adequate keyboard.
The prophet seems to have some detuning modulation in its tails, compared to the minifreak where the tail is a lot more stable. Is there any way to get a modulation on the tail only rather than the overall patch?
I think thats the envelopes tbh. They're both detuned precisely and don't introduce any slop or LFO.. the modulation is the eating between the 2 oscillators. But the release curve on the VS is somewhere between the MF's percussive and default values. If I create a longer release on the MF it doesn't sound as plucky overall.. but by reducing it the VS sounds like its got a longer tail (it does).. but reducing that affects the transient etc... which is why comparing like-for-like doesn't make sense here. On the MF you could maybe make it mod only on the tail with a bit of lateral thinking (or at least after a certain time using the shaper LFO) but not really.
@@StarskyCarr Thanks, yeah I always thought the "aftertouch" would be "after you release the key" and we could use that to modulate only the release / tail of the sound, but it appears not. I tried a lot to modulate only the release from the ADSR on my Cobalt8 and on a few VSTs, it seems like it's difficult. But I believe a great deal of why that VS sounds so good, is the release has a modulation in it while the sound when played is really clear. That difference can make a huge difference overall imo.
@@speakingcolors interestingly the Hydrasynth has a release velocity parameter so you can do just that. A qu I push down and release is a mod source so you can do all sorts of cray stuff on release.
Just gonna chuck the Novation Peak/Summit into the hybrid mix here. Superb bit of kit, the Peak, but doesn't get enough mention I think!
Good call! I've still got to get my hands on them, so can't really give any opinion yet. But they're definitely there in the mix, as are the Prophet X and DW8000.
Great comparison. I just got the MF and I LOVE it. I'm a huge fan of weird little digital synths. I will say though that the analog filter on the MF is BY FAR the worst part about it. They should have not included it, and instead just used the digital multi-filter from OSC 2 as the main filter, because it sounds so much better. The analog filter is really wimpy.
Thank you for this unbiased eye opening demo. You've managed to silence the QWERTY keyboard warriors as an IVORY keyboard warrior while making both camps feel good about their synth's. This reminds me of speaker shopping, side by side the differences are clear but when you bring home the lesser pair and use them your brain adjusts and you love what you have.
Thanks… but I’ve not silences ALL of them 😂 cheers
When you played that string chord. All I heard was 'PKA- let me hear you say yeah.'
Is the mini freak supposed to be loosely based or inspired by the VS? I see that they have a similar sort of matrix thing
It does have a similar looking matrix graphic… so maybe it was one of the inspirations. Never thought about that but yeah!
It's "just" an expanded version of their own MicroFreak -- definitely they're own thing. It addresses of the requests that users had during a live stream during the virtual NAMM in 2021.
There still are some vintage hybrids that won't set you back more than a minifreak: ESQ-1, DW-8000, K3. The only vintage-synths I own (and can afford).
those three are amongst my favourite synths. Esp. that K3 has so much depth and sounds so big. The DWs sounds just mix so well inside tracks. And the Ensoniq has so many classic 80ies presets in it. Wonderful setup! Make sure so give those a decent hardware reverb like Yamaha Rev7 or Roland SRV2000.
Aaah the DW8000 … and I’ve got one! How did I forget that. 🤦♂️
I also have these three classic 1980's hybrid synths (and a JX-8P to boot). Thought i was the only one, lol !!
If you'll pardon the digression I currently own almost 40 hardware synths and am finally starting to sell some off in hopes of getting down to "just" 10 ~ 15 or so. These digital-analog hybrid synths in particular are quite nice for both buyer & seller because they've held their value pretty well. E.g. i scored my K3 relatively cheaply some 10+ years ago; it's likely to sell for the same price now that i had paid back then, and i can feel good in knowing that the buyer is getting a great deal on it too.
I appreciate this video for A) getting me to dig my Yamaha SY35 out of storage so i can try running it through a Zoom MS-70 CDR, and B) making it easier for me to part with some of this older gear -- we really are quite fortunate these days with all the wonderful products that've come out in just the past 5 years or so.
K3 is pretty simplistic, but those SSM filters sure sound good.
But...as someone who has always wanted a VS...the strength is in the vector joystick and the wavetables. How does mini stack up in that unique feature that essentially defined the VS?
It doesn’t. As I say in the video they’re completely different. This is about the character of the analog/digital combination. VS was quite advanced for its day - looping 5 point envs - AFP’s almost a sequencer, basic wavetable editing etc. it stands on its own there. The MF stands on its own with 22 osc types. Miles apart functionally.
Thanks. The Exactly the comparison I’ve wanted to hear. Sadly the Microfreak doesn’t impress at all. Great UI/ form factor, but where’s the je ne sais quoi..
I’m holding out for a new Reface SY. Yamaha synths just sound good.
Where does the Polyevolver fit into these types of synths ? (novice here)
And never forget! Vintage gear can be a pain with weight!!! That’s something I don’t miss :)
I actually prefer the more digital sound on the Minifreak for the pad and bass patch, but the first patch on the Prophet VS sounded amazing compared to the MiniFreak.
Yeah that’s my favourite on the VS. Really simple, but there’s something about that chorus and the way the envelop falls on those notes that’s special. I deliberately used that one as I wanted to put it up against the reason the VS is revered (could you imagine the grief I’d get if I didn’t make it sound it’s best 😂).
Thoughts on minifreak vs hydra explorer as a first hardware synth?
On its way soon :)
Exellent review ,(should i say as usual ) for this type of test to be more fair , someone needs to use the same keyboard for both , a lot of subtilitries happen in the velo curves and reaction of the key bed ...
Thanks! I think the keybed is part of the story. The evolution involves smaller keys 😂
Prophet VS instantly a better sound, deeper, richer. But no where near the price difference. BUT if price, size, weight etc is no object then the Prophet...
I agree with the cat as usual on this one 😺
She wasn't impressed!
Regarding the square wave comparison... I thought that Minifreak had analogue filters? So surely they both should be able to go as "deep". Maybe it is just the way the filters are designed? (EDIT: ah you did mention this lol. I just think it is more to do with the signal chain / levelling etc rather than the analogue vs digital debate)
Yeah just throwing it in there again in case anyone forgot they were analog 😂 but someone’s just mentioned it’s a 12dB on the Minifreak which explains a lot - still not as much range in the mod though. Which tbh didn’t surprise me. Hence not looking deeper into the filter specs.
The bass from the Prophet VS sounded much weaker compared to Minifreak. Maybe due to linear envelopes on the VS?
All of the original waveforms from the VS are onboard the Korg Wavestate 👍
AHH nice.
@@StarskyCarr very cool video, thanks! 🎹
On the Plucky Pad, the reverb on the VS sounds nicer, probably accounts for at least some of its sonic niceness? Or am I talking poppycock?
Hah yep… poppycock. There’s no reverb in either 😂
@@StarskyCarr see, I knew it! 😊
The chorus of the VS makes it sound much nicer than the Mini
Pro vs sounds incredible
Yes, the MiniFreak sounds great, but does it have ENTER+2? I think not.
Pity is not 8 poly because 8 voice SHOULD BE THE MINIMUM "MUST" for any poly in the world, also , please @Arturia make it multitimbral pleaaaaaseee , so that many of us will be buying this Freak for sure :P _
Other than that this Freak is just AMAZING !! And .. @Waldorfmusic (kings of wavetables) must only learn from this Freak . The way is builded and the Matrix its something to learn . This is a real performance synth with balls.....Not the usual spucky design for aliens with no arms .
#arturia
#waldorfmusic
#wavetables
I hope this channel turns into the Peter McKinnon of all things music and audio
Such original content
Me too. Just looked him up. I may have to become more attractive so looking for filters 😂 any suggestions on how to improve the content is more than Welcomed btw. I’m always looking to improve the demos. If you look at my very early stuff there’s hopefully a marked improvement 🤞
@@StarskyCarr Between the Minifreak 2-pole and the VS 4-pole filter, you don't need any other filters to surpass Peter McKinnon. 😊
Please do a Hydrasynth Explorer vs Minifreak comparison video!
@@sinewaymusic that’s up on the list. I borrowed an explorer to do just that but it had an issue so didn’t want to put it at a disadvantage. Hoping to get another before I give the Minifreak back to its owner as well!
@@StarskyCarr Can't wait! I have the Explorer myself but I'm considering switching because I really enjoy the hybrid workflow in the DAW and it looks so convenient to switch to the VST. As a sound design tool, I'm sure the Hydrasynth is deeper, but I don't think I need all that depth.
Matybe to balance the keybeds, use another KB controller via midi so when you play them, at least you will be equal.
Good idea but I couldn’t fit any more on the table 😂
You could have just used the Prophet VS and the Minifreak V(softsynth version). Still looking for a review of the vst version. Nothing yet.
Great video again Mr Carr.. 😉
@@dtscape thanks… I don’t think the plug-in version has been released yet.
The first test is very misleading because of the different choruses. Better test would be running both synths dry through the same chorus pedal. Also the Prophet filter is simply very different from the SEM. Personally i prefer the Prophet filter over practically anything else (which is why i saved up for a Prophet myself). But the MiniFreak is absolutely insane value and it sounds stunning, particularly when you use external processing.
Well I do compare them without later… and do get accused of making things sound rubbish when I don’t use FX - I can’t win even when I do a bit of both 🤷♂️
The more comparable synth with the Prohet VS nowadays should be the Korg Wavestate. Am I wrong?
Except it’s all digital. I did this because these are both hybrid. Also don’t have a wavestate!
I think the VS sounds fuller and perhaps richer. However, unless you’re writing very minimalist music, in a full mix, you would never hear the difference
Comparing it to the Hydrasynth Explorer would be a lot more logical? Same generation, same price, same targetted audience? And one thing that makes the comparison justified: Glen Darcey was head of the dev team of Arturia for the MicroFreak and and he moved to ASM and worked on the Hydrasynth (Explorer) . So the Hydrasynth Explorer and the MiniFreak are both loosely based on the MicroFreak as a successor?
Send me one and I will 😀
@@StarskyCarr i got one when it came out. Sold it 3 days later and bought the full Hydrasynth keys. Knew it after a day, best little synth ever. I am sure ASM will lend you one :)
I was wondering about the differences between the Minifreak and Hydrasynth Explorer as well. Both are intriguing.
This or Hydrasynth Explorer?
Difficult choice but my money is on the Hydra, the synth engine is huge, it’s also got 3 osc as opposed to 2. Also a huge mod matrix compared to Minifreak. The digi filters on the explorer sound very analogue too and there are nearly 20 different types.
I have recorded with a Moog and digital synths! Plus guitars and to be brutally honest! Most people don’t care what’s making what sound :) and none of them sound bad :) yes, something might sound a bit warmer or deeper etc. but again! Most people don’t care or notice :) I’m not bashing on the vintage stuff! It’s wonderful! Just don’t get into the habit of being a synth snob! Be a synth geek instead
Pour le prix il n'y a clairement rien à dire. Moi j'aimerais le mini mais en rack, sans clavier.
Pareil que Miguel
The MiniFreak actually looks nice, and more attainable than a Prophet VS rack unit.
Definitely more attainable than any Prophet VS.
Definitely more attainable than any Prophet VS.
Even the vst version doesn't sound half bad for those who didn't buy the MiniFreak.
This makes me want to buy the Prophet VS instead
Haha.! It’s a lovely synth. But will cost about 6 minifreaks! I do like it though but it’s not as useful as modern stuff tbh.
i would be first in line, if they did a modern day take on the Prophet VS. maybe that could be Groove Synthesis' next project.
PVS has known problems one major is the dying osc chips and there is no replacement.
Yeah... I've got spares!
@@StarskyCarr if you play to fast on the keybed the chips can also explode and cause house fires!
The Minifreak's patch is simply not using OSC detune, the filter envelope is not the same, velocity is not the same, and the VS has a chorus enabled, and it doesn't sound like the Minifreak has its chorus enabled. For such a simple patch, the Minifreak should have EASILY done a sound from a VS.
Oscillators are matched exactly. Osc 2 is detuned exactly the same one both to within 1 cent. Chorus is on the Minifreak. I video all this and edit it out as most viewers believe me when I say they’re matched as closely as I can get them. The extra 20 minutes is rather boring to watch. The major difference is the envelope, which makes a huge difference between the tail/transient. Chorus’s can’t be matched perfectly either.
@@StarskyCarr I think that calls for a night of Guinness and patch matching...
The Minifreak sounds great and at that price it can't be beat. But those sounds are not representative of what the Prophet VS can do.
I know… I do say that. It’s not representative of what the Microfreak can do either. Once again, this isn’t about what the synths can do but the overall character of the tone.
Make more sense to compare it to similar priced synths such as hydrasynth, cobalt, minilogue or nymphes.
@@galifettetv1238 can't do it all in a single video. they're on their way.
Mini freak sounds good….bit those minikeys take it out of contention as a player’s’ instrument…..
It an interesting development in synth design. I completely understand why they would do it (less cost and more sales) but it would definitely have more stature as a full sized 5 octave design. I bet they’d sell less and it’s be a riskier investment for them. I’d rather they made this than nothing but would like to see a big one.
I miss PCB keybed 😐
Also they could add the multitimbral mode. I don't see the reason "why not".
It's just ready to be implemented in FW! Everything is controlled digitally, so it's "there".
Those other synths are old and the tech is not as good. It makes perfect sense that as time goes on and technology improves things becomes more cost effective.
I have a VS, and you didn't show of it's greatest sounds... vector sweeps in unison!
Haha.. I know... I have one too :) I didn't show the Minifreak's greatest sounds either
@@StarskyCarr Then why? Why even do the demos if you're not doing your best?... "I'm going to compare my Poly 800 to an Oberheim Xpander"..
@@mitchelstephen7536 because I’m showing the sonic character not the best bits. One can do this…. The other can’t … this can do this… this one can’t… this does this… this one doesn’t. It’s not a walkthrough of both synths or a list of specs. It’s not a demo of the best features or uniques aspects. Like I say all the way through and in the description. I’m looking at sonic characteristics of 2 hybrids and if modern ones can match vintage in that indescribable vibe that so many like so much.
@@mitchelstephen7536 and do compare your P800 to your Poly expander if that’s what you’re interested in. Go for it.
@@StarskyCarr LOL... no, I have an Xpander, and that wouldn't be fair. I also have an MKS 80 and an MKS 50 with the programmers, that would be an interesting video to make.
Difference in sound is probably vca and its response…maybe it is your overheated vca. 😂
Haha I’ve got a new power module waiting to go into the VS. The back of it feels like I could fry an egg on it!
you have all Synths home? strange
I have some synths... some are loaned to me by nice folks. I buy some, I sell some... but yeah, I've got a few.. after 30 years there tends to be some you want to keep :)
@@StarskyCarr strange is that comment 😂
Hey man, I'm just here for the synth porn... It's very effective.
How does it compare to Hydrasynth Explorer sonically and keybed-wise? Thanks!
a little attack on the filter and you are done
Synth forums, and musical instrument forums in general, are full of antiquity bias. I'd hazard the guess that 99% of the people on them have never played or even heard one of those instruments in person, in a space where they could 'judge' the sound. The bias is based on rhetoric and something they heard on a recording somewhere. The first time we experience anything, a sound, a taste a feeling, it sets a standard in our mind. We think 'that's the best or the way it's supposed to sound/taste/feel' and then spend the rest of our lives complaining that nothing compares. It's human nature and it is flawed beyond repair. Instead of spending insane amounts of money trying to recreate that initial experience we would be better served reveling in all of the new possibilities and sounds available to us today. Musicians used what was available at the time, we need to do the same. Create music today that will be the classics of tomorrow and let the past be a foundation to build on by being progressive instead of regressive.
Rant over.
Great video as always.
Peace ✌️
Well said. Although I’ve a few vintage units that I’ll never sell 🤦♂️😂👍
@@StarskyCarr I totally understand! ✌️
Wow the VS sounds (and is) expensive! Arturia the opposite
why not move the VS joy stick to the centre see how the mini freak compare,vs can use four Osc in a voice,you could get an sy55 to sound like a VS if you just wanted to compare a filtered saw. how much is arturia paying you:?
OMG… how many times do I have to say I’m not comparing features? What not about sonic characteristics is too difficult to understand? 😂 really… I don’t get it. Perhaps people just click through and don’t listen to what I’m trying to do? 🤷♂️ and then I have to write it numerous times as well? Do people not realise the VS is mine, I bought it because I like it, I’ve kept it because I love it? I’m allowed to also like new things and be impressed by them… but you may not be you may think the minifreak sounds dull or lifelesss or whatever. I’m not trying to get them to sound the same (I say it about 10 times) I’m listening to the overall sonic character (I say that about 20 times). So I pull up some tones and listen - is one a lot brighter/warmer/interesting? They’re not the same synth but they’re 2 hybrids separated by 35 years. If you want a hybrid does the minifreak have ‘that’ sound? If it doesn’t … now you know. Simple.
@@StarskyCarr Omg Mr Carr ! Dont think my comment mentioned Comparing features either, and was referring to the sonic character of the VS had been Ham strung and limited to make it sound comparable to the sonic character of the Mini.
@@martinhudson1513 not at all… the character shines on simple tones. The complex oscillator shapes and vector mod are the features which can’t be compared… hence it’s a classic 🤷♂️
@@StarskyCarr No Worries Mr Carr, your Blogs are always interesting and illuminating and some of the best synth content on U-tube tinter web
Again, Novation (Summit/Peak) gets snubbed … What gives?! 🇬🇧
I don’t have either. I can’t buy EVERY synth on the market!!
I have to say I'm truely impressed by the sound of this little synth, the only drawback is the fact that it has pictures of an exploding frog on the front pannel and inside the screen animations, I'll pass just because of that.
If you don't mind me asking, why is the frog worth passing on the synth? Seems a bit too cartoonish to take seriously imo
Someone lend me £530!
Who s playing bass so high.
Not even close..
Never liked Micro.. neither the Mini. Sterile AF. Hydra eats the Mini.
Thanks!!
I’ll put them together and take a listen. A few have asked about that now. Interesting that the hydra is less sterile than something with analog filters. I bet I’ll get incoming from both sides 😂
The Hydra also sounds sterile. Honestly both of these seem great for sound design / fun, but really don’t sound very musical.
Prophet VS sounds like a cheap old VST from years back
such as?
Nope.
However: no way.
On the other hand: not at all.
Clearly you never used one.
Even through my shorty phone speaker the VS sounds rich and lush compared to Arturia
No, the Prophet VS clearly belongs to the 20 best sounding synthesizers of all times. Everyone knows. The filters alone are unmatched. You probably need a hearing aid.😂😢
The VS is a unique instrument. (I 've owned one back in the 90's) The Minifreak is nice, but why the heck only 6-voices?? in 2023 all technology is available and then they (Arturia) come with keychain synths with only 6 voices... Wot?? We, euh I expect 12-16 or even 24 voice synths with, dual, and 2-part layering option synths. At least. If you put a Novation Summit aside (agreed 4x the price, it simply blows away this Arturia toy... Sorry.