Arturia Microfreak: Are we living in a golden age for standalone synths?
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- Опубліковано 30 січ 2021
- In this video, I talk about the Arturia Microfreak - a hybrid synth that takes some of its DNA from modular synth world. More info here: www.arturia.com/products/hard...
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I'm disabled and this is the first 'keyboard' I can actually play without horrible pain. I'm so happy, I can finally try music like I wanted
As someone who plays piano (badly, I don't even have hand independence), I initially wasn't used to the velocity pads, but they're extremely useful.
I think you can use the microfreak keyboard to control other synths too
@@c4shguy224 YES! and it makes a great physical controller for unique software synths like Animoog (and Animoog Z) that have virtual little touch strip pads very much just like the Arturia
I know it's been awhile but I still hope you've found success and are having fun
@@stefanwangcho8716 it's still very much baby steps as I have only a bit of spare time outside of university work but I am greatly enjoying what I am able to work on. Many thanks for your kind and encouraging comment ^^
I don't need another synth, I don't need another synth, I don't need another synth.... After watching this video, I might need another synth.
the Microfreak is bound to appear on every synthesists rack.
What synths do you have?
Totally understandable. I never owned a synth, never played one. And even I think I need one now :-)
The G.A.S. is strong with this one. Give in to your feelings…you need another synth…and so do I.
This video got me to save up for and buy one. This is my first synth. Amazing.
Just ordered one of these today and I'm in that excited twilight zone where I have to watch endless youtube videos of people messing around with them and reviewing them and such. Pumped..! :) Haha
Mine arrived last night and my new guitar came today but I'm at work so I'm dying. Lol
Hi, I was wondering if the purchase was worth the money. Did you create some great music with the synthesizer? Also seriously interested in buying one
@@Sebastian-er8uf although it would be nice to have one or two octaves more on the keyboard, already from cycling through the presets I find myself exploring a wide variety of playstyles and trying to understand the melodic theory behind it. It's really delightful compared to my usual workflow when using software synths like serum which can become quite reptitive, for me at least.
I never planned to start learning analog since i’m only into producing for like 10-11 months, but 2 days ago i’ve won a Korg Volca Keys, and now im in the rabbit hole of watching people create sounds and beats with analog 😱😱😱
@@quinxx12 in the same boat. i think i’ll check it out
It’s very much a “gateway”. I started with a Microfreak, was so inspired by the modulation matrix that I bought a 4U 62hp pallet case and POOF, a few months later I’ve filled a 7u 104hp performance case... the great thing though is that is a fantastic community around Eurorack and DIY community, half of my modules I built myself. Thanks for the video and good luck!
Kudos to them for the actually decent price on this.
The answer is YES!
I was into synths since the 1970s, have had many, including Eurorack, and I can easily say that the MicroFreak is amazing, and would much rather have it than a Mini Moog.
I like it so much, I have two. Nothing else comes close, for the price.
I am also a big fan of the Korg Volca series, love my Model:Cycles, and am a fan of the Behringer synths, like the Deep Mind.
I'd also like to add that the Minilogue series is great (I'd call my experience with it magical), and Behringer Neutron is the best intro to modular synthesis I could've asked for. Can't wait to expand it with some modules. Nu:Tekt NTS-1 looks great too, even just as an FX box.
Volca Modular and FM get thumbs-ups from me too as "toe-dippers" into their respective styles of synthesis. The Volca FM is a DX7 in a small box plus a nice sequencer considering the form factor, and the Volca Modular is almost like a Buchla Easel in a portable box with a better sequencer plus scale modes and sequencer memory slots + pattern chain.
@UnderBridge Rock I now have the Behringer Poly-D, and love it too, but still thinking the MicroFreak, is more versatile, and better bang for the buck.
Yep, so many people talk as if they wish they grew up in "the golden era of synths" when they're talking about the stone age and we're in the golden era right now.
A quick note to say I really appreciate your videos, and the blog content. Please keep it up.
Just discovered your channel and I just gotta say thank you for making a channel where I can see the greatest collection of synths being played on. its awesome!
I’m so glad you made this. I’ve been wondering about this gorgeous little thing
Great demo. This synth is on my possible-next-purchase list, along with several of others - hahaha. There's so much choice at the moment. It is indeed a golden age of synthesizers. There are so many types of synths available, offering different kinds synthesis across numerous price points. We're spoiled for choice really.
"Hi. I'm Dave Hilowitz."
In such a calming voice too.
I love your videos. Not only are the incredibly helpful in my own music creation but I really appreciatte the time and effort you put into each and every one of them. Keep the rock rollin man! :D Cheers.
Absolutely love your style, subscribed, and thanks.
I like your approach to music making. YT has been recommending this synth to me and I'm glad it showed me your channel. Subbed for more.
Really enjoyed this post 👍 The amount of love out there for the Microfreak is thoroughly deserved. Insane amount of modulation options for the price. I personally love the ability to route a slow random/s&h LFO to the wave/timbre and let it evolve and drone away 😎
David, you’re great at showcasing these things and, because of your other videos, I trust you opinions and musicality. You may have talked me into running to guitar center tomorrow to grab one of these.
This was an awesome video, great intro to whats possible with a small synth
Yes We are living in a Golden age of stand alone Sythersizors, Micro Korg, Mini Moog, MiniNova, Aturia Micro brute, and on and on. I think it's great.
Great video, love the style & have subscribed!
I absolutely love my MicroFreak... I wish they'd make a Pro Version with a real keyboard and I would love to have a plugin version too (Arturia certainly has the expertise to do that - one can only dream... ;)
Can’t you add a real keyboard to it?
@@legniak1 you can.
The "pro" version of the Microfreak is called a Hydrasynth. Same designer, different company.
Plugins DO exist, Noise Engineering released few in vst format, plus there are Reason extensions, as for the Mutable Instruments, there are basically perfect recreations in both VCV Rack and MiRack, either can be used as a plugin, so yeah, just look around and you'll find basically everything microfreak can do and more in software, it's kind of funny, there was a big move to hardware but now most of the interesting hardware synths and modules are digital so it all moves back to software...
@@sonomute That wasn't the point I was trying to make... of course you can recreate all the elements with third party plugins. What I was talking about is a perfect plugin emulation of the MicroFreak that could load the patches as we create them in the hardware and also use the hardware as a perfect controller for the plugin. That would be extremely valuable for multi-tracking the MicroFreak and for patch management.
This was a wonderful and informative video. Everything I've seen of the Microfreak is so fascinating, and its popularity shows (I hope) the commercial viability of a synth that's quirky and different.
Ever since they released the Noise Engineering-oscillators for Microfreak I've been obsessed.
Same!
absolutely
I deeply love my Microfreak and its touching keyboard, I don't need another synth, it has a lot of features that it will make take me a lot of years to explore and learn!!!
I love my Microfreak. I've had it for a couple years now. I never grow tired of it. and it was so inexpensive. Very unique and very powerful.
/oh BTW... the keyboard. the Buchla has this keyboard and has had it since the 70's. When I was in college in the 80's I loved the keyboard on the Buchla because it worked as a keyboard or as just a controller not tied to any pitch. at the time I had never seen an instrument that wasn't tied to pitch. It is the main reason why I fell in love with electronic music.
in the 16 or 17 months i've had my microfreak i have become such a hude fan of it. right after i got it they updated it to add the noise oscillator and then a few months later came the vocoder update, and most recently the noise engineering update. the sheer depth and complexity provided by the mod matrix is amazing. and the keyboard . . . anyone who complains about wanting "real keys" has clearly not taken the time nor the effort involved in learning how to make good use of them. i wouldn't mind having *more* keys but i find the level of expressiveness available through appropriate use of them to be utterly remarkable.
and then there's the price. i can't think of a piece of gear anywhere near the pricepoint of the microfreak that allows for any substantial fraction of its versatility.
nice video btw.
Very informative exploration of this product. Thank you.
Can confirm. The Microfreak was my gateway drug into modulars 😝
Great video. Thank you!
dust on my MicroFreak, and now, in re-watching this, it will be dust free. Thanks, David!
Yes, yes we are! Thanks man, nice vid!!
Really well made. Cheers
This is great! Subbed :) Getting one in the mail this week and look forward to playing with it. Quick question: how have you hooked this up to Ableton? Is this an external instrument track? Is the MIDI coming via ia some kind of mini MIDI cable or USB? And do you also grab the audio out? I'm keen to use MIDI and Live's effects (since I don't own any outboard FX), but am unsure how to hook it all up.
Edit: I just jumped on your channel and the first video I see is "how I record my synths" 😁
Cool stuff, I just got the moog werkstatt as a birthday present earlier this month for my first analog synthesizer. Synths are weird and fun! We definitely are in the golden age for a couple of things music wise!
Oh, the Werkstatt looks really cool! Have you been enjoying it?
thank you for the overview... never really considered buying this synth... but i will now
That's some beautiful beat you created
I was sceptical about this but wow... Great video
Got one too and already made song with it. Still, so much to learn and dive deeper into. This video did show some very useful Stuff. Thanks for explaining that and giving this insight. And can only agree. Feel kinda blessed to dig into making music with this phenomenal equipment. All the best to you!
I just got mine it sounds cool but it’s overwhelming at the same time lol
@@smitty80 hahah. I feel you big time!! Enjoy it!
Great video David! Eurorack type of synthesis with the ability to save presets - what's not to like about that! The NoiseBuster preset sounds very familiar😉- We like your style of presenting this little gem tech and music wise and agree on all points you mention. And now with OS4 it is even better, especially when modulating the engines per step, the custom wavetable option, chord mode that can be sequenced and/or uneven sequencer step lengths. Insane power for the masses 🙂
Answer : Yes
(And I was a synth head in the 80s... 😉)
Great video!
I like the melody you made, it has a bit of aphex twin flavor. Can't wait for my microfreak to arrive.
Nice presentation of this great synth! It's the first hardware synth I bought in years. I was out to buy a Keystep but ended up with this instead.
To answer the question: YES, we do. Not only function-wise but also price wise. Never before have analog and digital hardware synths been more affordable and exciting than today and it is a great time for beginners too who wanna ditch software and go hardware. Also, yea i too don't call the different sound sources of the Microfreak "Oscillators" but rather Synth Engines. Similar to the Elektron Monomachine from 2003.
Very understandable. Thank you very much.
This was a nice video !
Damn... ok, you’ve sold me on this over the dreadbox typhon. For now. I’ll probably end up with both in the end. But there’s nothing else like this. Great video, thank you.
Thanks David! I’d love it if you did a basic synthesizer training on the microfreak
Beyond a doubt this is an amazing time for synths. I say a time like no other.
A very straight forward run through, thanks. I am a vintage synth guy really for hardware but this is different enough to have really piqued my interest. Only thing that has put me off is the multi parameter access - having ME my brain finds it hard to cope with "complex" - but the way you explained the interface made it seem simpler than other vids I've seen. Many thanks (although my wallet may not thank you, haha!).
Oof, also have ME and totally relate. I mean, I think simple & focused is always better for creativity-one knob, one function is better for most people-but with ME, complexity often just breaks my brain.
@@rlitt2op ME doesn't do a lot for creativity either!
Thinking about getting this snyth this month!
lovely setup this synth has
11:10 love this.. Looks like a tiny synth but it can do so much..
No need for modular if you've got a Synth with matrix modulation. Several advantages:
1. You can store every sound!
2. As a consequence you can switch between sounds, ie patches of different "wirings" instantly in a song.
3. It is much quicker to work with than hustling with cables.
4. There are no cables that can glitch.
5. It takes up less room
6. It's much, much cheaper!
All great points. But different workflows lead to different results!
I'm not sure modular is for me. I'd love to play around with a modular setup to find out but it's prohibitively expensive...
@@GregVKMusic And to counter my argument, I have some Synths that are patchable in a "semi modular" way. Behringer Model D and Td3. It's fun enough for me. Very cheap. Model D have a weird but (to me) great sounding high pass filter as "an extra" (it was not in the original moog) that, if you you overdrive the filter and then modulate it, can make interesting sounds. "Crave" looks like another cheap thing to make "interesting" fresh "sounds like a real modular" in the realm of a Pro-1 (minus some oscillators).
Nice review.
i really like the flow and delivery in your video, you remind me of some kind of synthesizer rick steves :3
Great video
Put this synth into a Chase bliss mood pedal then a nice tape delay and top it off with some stereo Reverb enjoy
My man played something forbidden in 7:24
Great video. I've been considering this synth for a while. Almost wish they made a rack version. I have so many tiny synths and not enough desk space.
Haha. I know what you mean. I've been toying with the idea of adding a shelf to my desk for it.
Thanks for the video its been awhile for me and I am rekindling motivation to get back into the swing of the new keyboards and machines. Very very interesting wondering how many layers you can go.
After careful observation & analyzation of synths, I figured Arturia's Microfreak would be a better choice for a beginner who's interested in LoFi-like music composition. Currently waiting for it to arrive, both eager and nervous about not being able to improve on it.
I’ve so often made analogy between this MicroFreak and the DSI PolyEvolver, going on to claim that MicroFreak provides a good 1/3 to almost 1/2 of the PolyEvolver. But I can’t afford it, wish I could. But my MicroFreak has a similar sort of ‘this element can modulate that one’ sort of box full of surprises. It’s done a bit of evolving on its own with the last two updates. And who can’t admit to wanting to touch an FR4 keyboard? If even just to see how it responds to you? It’s really perfect for me. If i was to be honest about the limits of my brain’s powers, and seek out a synth that tests those limits, fairly enough I believe my brain could not grasp much beyond the capabilities of the MicroFreak. Thanks for sharing about this!!
I actually think the Korg Minilog Xd is the modern equivalent "more budget" version of the Poly Evolver. A mix of real VCO analog oscillators and digital oscillators. True 4 voice polyphony (no paraphony with a shared filter). And built in great sounding effects.
The Microbrute is more unique in the way of pure digtial oscillators combined with matrix modulation and analog Oberheim SEM filters. (Curtis in the Poly Evolver).
Although the Poly Evolver is probably in a class of its own compared to any of them.
@@Magnus_Loov Microfreak is actually polyphonic with a shared filter.
@@LukezyM And when a Synth has one shared filter, it is paraphonic, not polyphonic.
@@Magnus_Loov Yeah, but you can think of filter as an effect. DX7 didn’t have filter for instance.
@@LukezyM But it could do similar things with different algorithms where a modulator acted like a filter and where could sweep it with an envelope generator.
For non-pure digital Synths a filter is crucial. That's why it's part of almost every sampler produced. It's not an effect.
New oscillators by Noise engineering work on West Coast folding principle. Of course they are different, but what you get essentially is a wave source, a noise source and control over folding one with another, control over symmetry/asymmetry of the folding etc.. Some of them have saturation which can be pretty brutal, but you can get all those nice gritty West Coasty gnarly sounds. Also, you can mimic LP gate with modulating decay and filter intensity, thanks to incredible matrix MF is given. Really, i was surprised Arturia did not push MF2, since they added enough new oscillators and features like unison that they could ve cashed in the form of the new device. I own Matrixbrute and Minibrute 2S as well, those are different beasts, but MF is definitely the best hybrid you can get for really cheap price. Just think how much would it take to purchase all Mutable Instruments and Noise Engineering modules (ofc you dont really get ALL the features of the module but the most of the things are there). Plus, its great for understanding architecture of a synth, modulation, to feel analogue filter, maybe it will steer some people in certain direction - I would love if they would add more wavetables or custom wavetable option in the next update.
Almost seems like the SYNTH1 plugin but in hardware form. Loving it!
Synth1 modeled after nord lead actually, so if you want a hardware piece don't look any further...
I kinda want this. I went with a Minilogue xd for my first synth. It's quite similar but different. Community plugins really transform it into something new. It's wild, my idea was always that good synths were expensive but these are relatively cheap. Yes, I love the sounds that come out of my friend's Moog Matriarch, but I also don't envy the fact that he has to take pictures of every patch he creates.
I have been using my microfreak since last summer (in fact i'm using it now), this thing was a synth i could really get into. I came from experimenting with digital audio production starting with FL studios 3 and knowing nothing of audio production, no fancy midi controllers (did they exist then the way they do now?) audio interface, just a pair of speakers, a mouse and a keyboard. Im not what i consider professional but ive learned a thing or 2 and while i would use the test keyboard I would manufacture all the notes and beats by mouse (and crtl+c/p) listening over and over till the loop sounded "right", this includes events and automation all being done the same way and some of my tracks would have anywhere between 50-100 automation points to now....now im mostly hardware and loving midi!!! i dont understand a lot about MIDI but the microfreak really help bridge that gap for me as its very much what i understand and see digitally like a VST but with the hands on feel of analog. While it is monophonic, you can tend to forget that as it does emulate it quite well, the ability to change your midi input and output at will makes doing live recording a pleasure. Its great for someone starting out in the synth world and while it isnt like its cousin the matrix brute, it has its charm. highly recommend and while some say its a no no for midi recording, this synth is fantastic for daisy-chaining other synths. as i do more improv recording and spend less time with a DAW. Thanks for the video review about the recent updates on the Mircofreak. Ps. I pair in from my Arturia keystep for a more controlled feel using the microfreak as my "Master Slave" lol
It's actually paraphonic you just have to change the synthesizer to paraphonic mode you can play Four notes at a time , as far as permit e goes you can simply hook it up to your Daw record midi notes into your sequencer which will trigger the synthesizer including all automation
@@LoVeAmBiEnT dont forget that it will now do Unison up to 4 voices and 12 ST which can sound like creepy whining ghosts to a pirates billow organ aboard a dreadnaught freighter from back in the yar! I have noticed the velocity is less for paraphonic but thats because of the voices being split to allow them all through and I know its impossible to get away from latency, which i try to comp. With a 2 sec empty for my recording but i still find it a bit off then the audio recorded and i turn off snapping to grid and the like but still get offsetting. Best i can hope for is matching waves together and then check the offset.
Brilliant 👍
Amazing video! How did you create the first patch in the video? At around 10s in? The modulation sounds amazing!
I had my doubts at first, but this synth really put the icing on the cake for my synth collection capabilities. Bravo Arturia - ya nailed it!
Great video. Seems like the Moog Grandmother is another good entry point to modular
Yes. I’ve heard so many good things about that synth.
This is so cool, I can’t play music but I want this synth.
mine just arrived!
The microfreak microflattened me out! how amazing it is!
Dave, you don't have a UA-cam 'join' channel. I really enjoy your style and content. I would have 'joined' today. I have seen this video a number of times already and my MicroFreak is arriving this week. Please wish me luck.
you inspire me
Just need to tell you that you are accidentally(?) an excellent advertising influence and I hate it! Started with my becoming obsessed with the omnichord and spending ages to obtain specifically the OM-84. A few months ago I bought a Keystep (along with a talkbox) and today whilst I was trying to shop around for a new electric piano, instead I ended up getting a Microfreak. As a complete noob to hardware synths and messing around with filters in general, I'm loving it! Please don't stop making videos, but please do start making full versions of your songs! Everytime, from this to the miku video, I wish there was a full version.
The track you created sounds like digging sand in Minecraft as the acid kicks in.
I've never tried minecraft.
Nice one buddy, I LOVE 💘 JAMMING WITH microfreak TOO...
KEEP ON JAMMING POSITIVE 👌 vibrations 💛❤💚✌✌✌
you sold me on this synth
I want one!
nice. I like that little song. reminds me of a game over screen in a video game.
Great Vid, quick question. is the MicroFreak multi timbral, or are you recording each part as audio in Ableton before moving to the next one.
Cracking gadget.
Hi - Lovely track, and great walk-through of the Microfreak. Question - what are your thoughts on making something like this entirely in software? I've mostly been making music in Reason and also more recently with Korg Gadget on my iPad. I'm thinking of making the leap to hardware. What would you say are the pros/cons of physical gear versus all virtual? Thanks!!
Hey, I am using Reason too, and now in combination with Microfreak. There is a midi out device in reason that lets you very easily control your Hardware synths. The fun begins when you bring in Reason's Players and feed the Microfreak with the midimaterial they create (for example lectric Panda's "evolution"), while you Play with the parameters of the Microfreak.
@@danieldv6171 OK awesome - thanks
I feel guilty that I've ignored my Moog Little Phatty lately for the MicroFreak, but it's so much fun. I use MI Braids in my Eurorack, but this synth makes me want to add Plaits, too.
Thanks for the video - it was one of the ones that made me buy the MF as my first synth a couple of weeks ago. I'm overwhelmed - to say the least - by its possibilities. Once I powered it up and starting twiddling randomly, it felt as if I have ordered a Cessna, but got a fighter airplane, and I started to think "maybe I should have gotting something more straight-forward".
One of the reasons I bought it, was its ability to create really dirty bass, but after having used it for the first couple of hours, I'm actually a little disappointed with the factory patches - they are all designed to be more or less metallically dirty. But, that is ONLY because I am simply not experienced in sound tweaking. And maybe I should turn up my subwoofer a little (sorry, sleeping toddlers of mine, but you'll better get used to it) - the MF can very obviously generate bass below the hearable (but feelable) range. Me like!
Make sure you don't damage your toddlers ears with that resonance, lol! Told my 6 year-old step sister not to touch that knob because it could hurt her ears-her first response? To touch it.
@@TheNinja94a Toddlers in a nutshell... Theyre getting older, but still touch everything! :)
I had a behringer crave a while back. This might be fun.
the golden age of afforadable standalone synths for sure!
nice melody.
Hello.
Love your videos. Just getting started on my Microfreak, currently connected to an avalanche run pedal, Yamaha AGO3 mixer, Yamaha monitors, but no sound. Would you be so kind as to offer any suggestions? Does the utility knob matter? Thank you! I’m a newbie here, but you’re one of my favorites.
Polyphonic Aftertouch-amazing.
Nice vid. Yep, there's so much cool stuff out there now. And this one is really affordable. What I'm really wondering about though, is how easily does ableton 11 record the press (poly aftertouch) from the microfreak
Thanks! Yeah, I was actually wondering that, too. I’ll test it out later.
Is the Bass oscillator for Bass? I heard it was named after the person who created it. Either way I love it.
✨Stand alone synth Golden age ✨
Great video, also works as midi controller to plugins ?
Yes, it does!
alright. I am interested in buying this.
First synth I owned was an ARP Odyssey. Wish I still had it...
I related so hard when he said this may be my gateway drug 🤣
I never really considered the MicroFreak, until this video. Thanks, I guess... :D
Kinda wish I got the Microfreak instead of the Minibrute 2, but I really wanted the semi-modular aspect.
I feel the same got the microbrute instead. I'm about to sell it and trying to decide between microfreak and Yamaha reface dx.
@@crowfoot7355 I definitely prefer my Minibrute 2 over any of the Reface series, personally, but then I really wanted something fully analog cus I already had a virtual analog synth and dont really want a hardware FM one . Honestly, I really do love my Minibrute 2, I just am a bit jealous of all the updates the Microfreak gets lol - Some people have called the oscillators on it a bit "harsh", but I tend to produce noisey electro-industrial so that suits me well. and the patch bay allows me to dip my toes into modular synthesis a bit. It also has a real keyboard :P
My other synth is a Korg Miniloge XD though - I honestly suggest one of them if you can afford it.
@@crowfoot7355 how much?
I'm very happy with my Minibrute 2S, but the microfreak is definitely the first standalone synth I'd get to add to it; the odd touch keyboard is a big part of that.
(I'm currently debating whether getting it or modules would be a better move; I've got a homemade Eurorack case but only a few homebrew modules. It's difficult when you realize that for the price of, say, a MATHS, a Wogglebug, and a modDemix, you could buy two Microfreaks.)
first of all i am not a synth guy, but i am fascinated by sound and music. i play instruments and i write music and love to talk about it all. right now, i have question for you: how do you feel about the niche synths currently occupy? what sounds on this synth can i not get on my computer software? sometimes i wonder if all a hardware synth really does at this point is streamline workflow and change the approach to sound crafting. that's awesome, but can synths push the sound envelope any further? obviously synthesizers have an important place in music history and people have used them to pioneer genres and expand parameters, but i am moreso talking about the new and latest synthesizers. in other words, what hasn't been done? am i purchasing sound or workflow when i look for a synth?
straight minecraft vibes from the song you made. great synth. great video