MiniBrute 2S Review - Analog Synthesizer with a Powerful Sequencer
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- Опубліковано 18 вер 2024
- This is my review of the Arturia MiniBrute 2S. It is the sequencer version of the MiniBrute 2 and you can find my review on the MiniBrute 2 here: • MINIBRUTE 2 REVIEW - E...
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I wanted to clarify some small things:
7:56 - Erase pattern to start from scratch = Erase+Pad X for pattern X. Erase+Page only erase the page of the current track
10:16 - Pattern was not erased, this track is not in Velo but in 8V (see display). When in Velo mode, steps are still On because they are linked to the main Pitch/Gate track
10:40 - The Velo/Mod1 CV is routed by default to "Metal Mod", no need to patch it, except if you want it on something else
11:26 - Pattern was not erased, this track is not in Velo but in 2V (see display). When in Press mode, steps are still On because they are linked to the main Pitch/Gate track
11:40 - The Press/Mod2 CV is routed by default to "Att1 Cutoff", no need to patch it, except if you want it on something else
Note that the stand being used (CremaCafé Spike XL: cremacaffedesig... )works really well with the MiniBrute 2S but not with the MiniBrute 2 (keyboard version)
Arturia sent this unit to me early so I could review it.
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Sold. Great presentation, and I'm buying one tomorrow. I've been a huge fan of Arturia for years, based on their virtual emulations and controllers. This will be my first synth from them, but your presentation did a great job of dispelling whatever misgivings I might've had.
Ha ha, i thought almost the same , because i thought to find it in a sale or maybe retour hopefully find between 3 days to a week. For me peronally it could be a bit cheaper if you ask me.
Just got one of these. I watched your review once or twice already (part of what made me get it). Now, however, this "review" is my beginners tutorial. Thanks Mr Bo! Indeed, thanks twice!
first tutorial imo that properly explains most functions in a way that a 'noob' can understand. Much appreciated!! This helped me a lot!
really cool. I think it's great that Arturia offers a sequencer version of this synth, and a keyboard version of this synth.
Yep "MiniBrute 2R" would be nice . (Rack)
a1o1 Rack synths should make a comeback.
Wow this company is the future of analog!!!!
Great job Bo !
Yesterday was wow and today is WOW. And I almost bought a Mono Station.....
Awesome! I’m loving this analogue revival.
Thanks for the great preview/reviews! Can't wait to see what's next tomorrow. Synthmas in January :)
I can't wait for them to make a sampler/sequencer
I’ve just ordered mine thanks to this great video .
Thanks for the review, Bo! That was fast- sweet! 😃👍 Great job as always 👏
Great review Bo, loving this week's coverage so far!
You got it first! Lucky bastard! :) Great demo!
Would be really cool to have like an desktop version without the sequencer or the keyboard.
I think this is the one I’m going to get I don’t need the keyboard. Great video Bo!
Sounds SO DOPE at 25:40!!! Thanks for making this video, I'm def sold on this. I think its going to
be rad on its own but im excited to pair it with my Mother 32 and my Eurorack System, and especially stoked for the idea of using the sequencer / quantizer with my eurorack modules. Can't beat it for the price.
I like it. The two CV sequencer outputs is a really useful touch.
Bo, you're killing me with these new Arturia Synths!
Well that was quick!
Great job man
I want to see a module with no keyboard or sequencer for even more affordability, but i love it so far. Addresses everything i would have added to my microbrute.
yes a module would be fucking fantastic. My dream setup is actually a model D, 0-coast and the new minibrute. And a minibrute module would fit even better :D
Seriously, right? Arturia are killin' it, for sure!
The 0-Coast is a lot of fun- you'll enjoy it!
Got me wanting one, great review. Thanks Bo :)
Excellent, very comprehensive review!
This machine is awesome!
Now I wish there also was a Korg Minilogue 2S 😂😅 hahaha
yes please get into that patch bay in a video, Another great tutorial, thanks
wow. I liked the minibrute 1 but these two have impressed me
I guess price range similar to the keyboard version?
I really wish I knew what the heck you are talking about in some of this. Most people who watch your videos know about this stuff, but I am a newbie, so i don't know how everything works in regards to what each knob will do and why. Very frustrating because I would love this untit and the keyboard version. I wouldn't know how to use that sequencer at all. I don't own any gear as of yet, but I was looking at these and the Korg Minilogue and Monologue. Not sure what I would use them for other than playig with sound. I don't know how I would apply them to make music with just the one unit. I would imagine after a while playing with some of these sounds it can get ear exhausting. I appreciate your videos. It does help me to comrehend some stuff. As much as Euro also excites me, the modular pad thingy on the right...I wouldn't have a clue how to use thos patch cables to control anything. So confusing. What would you use this synth for? Bass parts only or other random stuff for modular style?
I use this synth mostly for arpeggios thru my modular.
Top notch review bo. :D
Ps. Very effective use of metalizer.
Thank you Mason!!
Dude this is well done!
Thank you! :
Its too much !!! I can't take this much excitement !!!
I KNOW :D
Thanks !!
The minibrute 2s will certainly be m'y first analog synth.
I can found it as second hand under 300€.
I've been looking for something to replace my virus C (I'm sick of all the menu diving) I think you sold me on this, it seems like it has the instant control I'm looking for and I have a soft spot for step sequencers. can't wait to start messing with that patch bay!
Great video Bo!
DWAM! very cool but I'm still hoping for a microbrute 2
Hey Bo, great review. I'm still munching on the popcorn while watch this lol. I think the MiniBrute 2S is more suited to what I want to do. The sequencer is very important to me so I'm sold on this one. Once again the money for the Korg ARP Odyssey is being diverted for another piece of gear. Damn lol
I bought the Korg ARP Odyssey at last yesterday lol
It had to be done. I've been playing it the store every week for about 6 months. I already know how to use it lol. It sounds great in my studio. Now I just have to raise the money to get the MiniBrute 2S and hope nothing comes up to divert that money lol
why not just hook up a table top modular synth to it? that would open new sonic possibilities at less cost
That's what the MiniBrute 2S will be for. The ARP is great for recreating some of the sounds of the early 80's synth sounds for me. That's my purpose in acquiring it
cool yeah the packaged deal with a Minibrute 2s+Eurorac case/supply and patch cables is pretty sweet plus add in a few modules and roll. I like the new Bitbox modules.
As someone who wants to get into the hobby.....this is like my dream starter unit. Just right now dont have much extra cash as a single father of 2 also taking care of my mother.....
Did you treat yourself to the MB2S ? I got a used one a couple of years ago at a good price. Just got a Drumbrute too for £106. Crazy to see some eurorack modular set ups that are well over £10k. Best wishes to you : )
Excellent review
me thinks this would be good for making down tempo music like the sneakerpimps with the one electronic synth line in the background adding layers of guitar and live drums.
I accidentally bought one of these and all my patches seem to be variations of wind (weather wind, not farts wind). Serves me right for being dazzled by all the knobs and sliders and thinking I was a latter day Pete Townshend. ;)
Best comment.
lovely demo sir ...thank you
Thank you for this excellent tutorial
Now i understand why you were not athorized to answer yesterday.....ok , see you tomorrow for the next arturia’s surprise ;) the s2 is even more interesting than the mini mk2. Could be two more voices for the matruxbrute « linked » to this baby brute...yeah i said linked like « arturia link « you know what i mean? Lol wish a drumbrute s2 ;) basically we got a mini with a keystep and velocity, and the s2 with a beatstep and pressure......great
Very helpful review. thanks!
6:30 Donna Summer - I Feel Love?
this is an awesome combination bravo Arturia
Very cool I like this version better.
Thanks for the video man!
This or the Korg MS-20 are fun synths to add to Eurorack.
Great explanation of this synth! Now I want one! Ugh... Hey, do you set the points where ads get inserted? If so, you should be considerate of those points when you do your edit, bc ads popping up in the middle of your sentences is super jarring when we're paying close attention to what you're explaining!
I like the idea of combining this with a beatstep pro to let the beatstep pro control drums and 2 other parts. I bet you could build some really sick arrangements with this as the lead synth, plus drums and 2 other parts controlled from the beatstep pro
Thanks mate! I will remember the advice about the adds!
It just keeps getting better with Arturia
How's the range/calibration of the oscillators? If you go from the lowest C up 5 or 6 octaves, is it still in tune?
I think its pretty good actually. The OSC 1 seems very stable while the OSC 2 might need a little adjusting sometimes. Could also be due to the fact that I never tune using a tuner but by ear.
I like this, nice idea
Pair this up with a Moog Mother32 and Moog DFAM and you can rock anything. That is what the Minibrute is screaming for besides connection to a hardcore sampler/sequencer like the Elektron Octatrack.
Love your videos 😝
Great video, thanks man...
Very effective session thank you. Yes a follow up video would be nice.
love it. mmm patch bay
Thanks for the review! How’s the feel and build quality? (Are the step buttons/pads identical to the Beatsteps? Is the case plastic or metal and are the ends faux or real wood?)
dank je wel BOBeats for good advice!
Hi Bo, thanks for the pre/review. What are the midi in and outs on this? USB Midi, Midi In and Midi Out? Does it have MIDI THRU? Can I attach a keyboard to it and basically get a Minibrute 2?
Midi in/out, yes with an added keyboard it should function similarly to a MiniBrute 2. No midi thru. Headphones out. Master volume out.
Would love to see more on the arpeggiator.
And this is why I don't buy synths at christmas time. NAMM is in January XD
Yesss, very nice!
It would be sick if Arturia could make a groovebox in the style of the Yamaha RS7000 with full featured sequencer, sampler, and synth engine with 16+ parts as Yamaha and even Roland don't seem to be making another groovebox ever again.
heck yeah!
I just restored a RS7000, I put all new tactile switches in and replaced 6 knobs. Its definitely a workhorse sequencer. I love how you can drop in and out of realtime record mode so easily. its really a fun machine.
I keep looking at a combo of RS7000 and an MC-909 as a dynamic duo for the cheap. It seem that both of them are appreciating in price these days though. I know Elektron stuff is great albeit complex to operate and the Pyramid and Engine are floating around for sequencers but that late 90's, early 2000's feel is something I want.
simplyuri yeah I had a MC-909 that thing was really fun also. Mine was kind of glitchy though, it wouldn't save my work so I sold it but I kinda miss it.
These old grooveboxes still outshine all of the newer stuff, at least if you know how to operate them. I sold my MC-505 and my MC-909 eight years ago, really because they were a bit over my head back then. I then used a Korg EMX-1 which is still the best tool for learning synthesis in my opinion. I always wanted to apply all the things I learned to the MC machines so I finally decided to buy them again on eBay and what can I say: They are freaking phenomenal, especially the 505! If you plan on getting one make sure to get one with a fixed display and you might consider getting it cleaned so that the keys won't give you any trouble. Applying envelopes to an entire drum kit and making cool realtime effects with the key transpose function and all that stuff combined with a truly flexible poly sequencer is pure joy. Watch out for the 505 everyone, it's coming back at you! :)
Hi Bo! Great Video! I'm wondering what kind of stand do you have that synth propped up on?
Crema Cafe Design stand
Tack för en grym video sex år senare! Vad är det för ställning du har under synthen?
CremaCafe Design
Hi BoBeats, where do you get the little wooden stand from? thanks in advance.
CremaCaffe Design !! :)
Cool review. FYI - Mixolydian and Harmonic Minor
Thanks! Always good to know!
I hear a lot of clipping in the sound sequence at around the 2 mins and on for a few minutes. Is this a user error, or would I be massively disappointed with this synth ?
What is that stand you use in all your videos? - The one that's holding up the 2S. I can't find them anywhere. Would love to know, maybe you could even do a video about that and other non-music-making accessories that you like?
Crema Cafe Design
Anyone wants to weigh in on a choice between the Novation Mono Station vs the Arturia MiniBrute 2S? I really like both synths and both companies too, but only have money to buy one of these. I'm kinda leaning toward the Mono Station, but that's not written in stone. I'm very, very openminded. Both synths seem similar in their target audience and general layout. I can imagine in the very near future, someone, maybe even BoBeats himself will do a comparison between the two.
Is the sequencer on this more powerful than the sequencer on the matrixbrute? I ask as I am considering the matrixbrute
Hm, very different. This sequencer is better for sequencing external stuff over CV and the Matrix I think is more powerful for internal use.
A great reply, thank you, I go get the 2s, like you I have the sub37 but just not sure of the matrixbrute but the 2s looks great.
Looks dope but man am I tired of Mono synths. Can't they figure out how to make a Mono/Poly synth in the same unit? With a switch between modes? When you have one good mono they really all do start sounding the same. Why I skipped the Matrixbrute and got a Rev2 instead. Even though I loved playing with the Matrix Brute it was pretty limited to the type of sounds you could get too many bass line type of sounds even if you used Paramode. It was nice though but when you have a mono already....
Ameretsu Shidori Dave Smith Instruments may be what you are looking for?
Mono is (mostly) the only way to fly with CV. The Oberheim 4 voice was a poly key bed that sent mono CV to individual synths (sem). Thats a fairly unusual way to do poly or mono.
Ameretsu Shidori I did exactly the same. Adored the Rev 2 but sadly wasn’t exactly the sound I wanted.
I read a little of the manual & it has a USB port. The Minibrute can be used as a DAW controller as well via the USB cable. So it'll support polyphony for VST instruments at least. So not a total loss.
Bo can you do a review on the cool new Eurorack Bitbox modules? Been curious on those as they add touchscreen features to modular gear.
BoBeats, the boss!!!
Bob William's RS Intergrator Envelope module RS-60 also loops, it's a fantastic tool!
Does the sequencer have any features that the matrix brute sequencer does NOT have? Some reviewers are claiming this thing has 2 "tracks", so you can create 2 different sequences, then play them back simultaneoualy. If thats true can you mute one track and say fade in the 2nd track while the 1st seq track is playing?
supercommando440 this sequencer is much much deeper than the Matrix. It has a couple of tracks (I think its 3) which you can set up to send CV values. Unfortuneatly I did not have enough time with it to really get into that. But its quite deep!
BoBeats would I be able to "play" this brute2s if I connect say, a microkorgs or rolandjdxi to it, via midi? Seems like a keybd would help make it a little easier to use to sequencer... turn a dial for every button to "dial in" the note??? I'd rather press a keyboard key. Also fun to dial in a cool sound by messing with osc, lfo, etc, then actually play the sound on a keyboard instead of those 2s buttons. I almost sold on it! I'm having a ton of fun with the microkorg and rolandjdxi (playing one thru the other) so I have 5 tracks playing (4 on jdxi, 1 from korg) and so I can see adding in a killer sequencer might be more fun than adding a matrixbrute. I know some of these are apples and oranges but i'm still a beginner. The brute is a little too much for me but its pretty easy to use, no need for patch wiring thanx to its big matrix BUT, that 2s sequencer is really cool and Im guessing the sound engine isnt far from the matrixbrute. So... thinking about exchanging the brute for the 2s. Cant keep both infortunately. My Korg and Roland are also must haves so its matrixbrute vs minibrute2s. Between the roland and korg, i'm set with keyboarding/playing... the 2s will give me a sweet sequencer. The matrix not really offering as much accept a very "cool" matrix factor that makes it easy to use. Any advice, I'm all ears!!
I think the 2 or 2s is probably better to start with than the Matrix. And yes you can connect a keyboard but I am not 100% certain how that will work with the sequencer. Better check the manual :-)
If you want a synth with a great sequencer get the DSI pro 2. It has 16 tracks and 4 cv outputs so you can sequence 4 tracks of another synth
BoBeats hey there, i guess the patch bay is what interests me in the 2s. But does it have any preset patches or sequences? And can you save anything onboard or do we have to connect to Arturia's "control ctr" software via pc/usb? Last thing I want is to bust out my pc, connect usb and fire up software, just to save a sequence or patch. Backing up all creations saved on the device is a good thing todo once it a while but can any creation be saved on the 2s or, once you power off, all changes are lost?
hey man!! great review, can you please make a video just for the patch bay, i have one of these, and its a giant monster i need help!!
Bo, I doubt you still have the unit, but what are the dimensions? I'm wondering if the wood ends were removed if it is 19" rack compatible.
Yeah I passed it along to another reviewer :-) still got the MiniBrute 2 here tho!
Break out yer tape measure! :)
Price for the minibrute 2S?
:-) Looks very cool. Gret video Bo.
Looking forward to tomorrow already :-)
Should be 649 as the Mini 2
Some interesting things to be out soon. Just saw the Moog DFAM in a clip. And all around €649, impressive.
The "BIG" stores waffle on about their price of the Arturia MiniBrute 2S but set in~ stone~price today is £575.00 not a penny more in the England.
Hello- may I ask, where did you get that great stand for your Minibrute? I want one like that!
Crema Cafe Design
Good video, synth looks great.. but too many ads
Bo, I own a MatrixBrute and I've been intrigued with learning CV patching to/from the MB patch bay. I have no modular experience and own no modular gear. So....I was thinking of going the route you went with the Moog Mother 32 but after seeing this it looks equally appealing. Would it be sonically uninteresting pairing this with my MatrixBrute? Thoughts?
Thanks for the overview video, though I can't help but wonder if the world really needs this synth to exist
Please make a follow up video. Very informative.
Also: odd that the attenuator patchpoints have a... fixed voltage? Am I seeing that right? There's no way to control the amount, apply an offset, or invert? Oh well, not a huge deal, I was actually quite pleased when I saw they included these points.
thnx bo for the vid ! any chance for a test vs. matrixbrute ? can't decide actually, which one i should either buy ? i know the mini 2 doesn't have a ladder filter and 3 osc & sub osc.... as an owner of a roland se-02 (ladder plus delay fx) i could use the external in of the mini 2 = almost a matrixbrute ?? ;)
So what's coming tomorrow?
Secrets! But I am not making a video about it because I have a slightly different plan :)
Rackbrute eurorack case that attaches to the Link connectors on the side of the Minibrute 2/2S. At least, that's what /r/synthesizers has figured out so far.
Hazel Shanks that was my guess too, arturia are on fire
The U.S. Bobeats for the review. As usual great job. How much are they going to cost?
I would like to see some patches and sound demos on followup video. For example kick drum. Also make sure to incorporate resonance modulation. I think that may sound cool.
got two music demos made, and working on more :)
BoBeats, does it have factory preset or patches? Of it's own like the Minilogue XD
Hey Bo, great video! Can i use this sequencer as stand alone to sequence other synths via midi out?
yes
I wonder whether there will be a trade in option were you can pay less because I got a MiniBrute for Christmas and now this has come so I'm pretty disappointed. You would think that they would release it before Christmas for better business.
Don't be disappointed. I have the original Minibrute and I'm not at all tempted by these new ones. The core sound and functionality are very, very similar.
Minibrute 2 and 2S?
Bo - I've been researching this for some time and still can't seem to find videos showing pros/cons/considerations for using 2S to sequence a modular rig. I'm only thinking of starting with the 3U for synth modules since I'm happy with my other drum machines. How well does this do to sequence modular gear, is it better to add a small sequencer to the 3U and use that or will the 2S do the job? I considered just using a Beatstep pro but it seems like the patchbay has more options since I don't really need to use the drum track triggers for this particular setup. Any help is appreciated!
The four track sequencer allows muting of individual tracks on any step within a pattern. It also allows tracks 3 and 4 to send pitch data, envelopes, LFOs, and various cv signals. As a result, the sequencer is able to provide timing, pitch and envelope control over two independent voices at the same time. You can use that functionality to play duophonically within the Minibrute 2s or you can control a second simultaneous external voice such as a modular or a synth that is controlled by MIDI or CV. Muting is not covered thoroughly in the manual, but it is a versatile tool for sequencing 2 simultaneous independent voices once you get the hang of it.
Anyone know in what ways the Minibrute 2 and Keystep vary as controllers? I was going to pick up a Keystep - I don't have a midi keyboard at the moment, but if the Minibrute 2 can do everything the Keystep can, then I might as well just get that.
this is really cool BUT, you know it, i know it, we all know it , MAKE IT SOUND LIKE A 303 ARTURIA! jeeeeeeeepers
Hi, is it possible to play non regular tuning with the sequencer, like quarter tones for example ?