On top of everything that you've said, I've put a lot of mileage with this thing with my Eurorack. Having another sequencer that can transpose and create randomization has been a lot of fun to control other devices that don't have as good of a sequencer.
i love the Microfreak keyboard because for me, it's a CV Source and not a keyboard, Just like when I learned on a Buchla in college in the 80's. You can use it as a keyboard when you need to but it's much more interesting as a CV source with aftertouch.
I've been considering this guy for a few years now. Went with a Hydra for my first main piece, and now with this update, the Micro is even more tempting for a supplementary synth. Thanks for the overview and the comparison to Mini.
One small correction; only the Filter is Paraphonic.Once you switch the Microfreak to "Paraphonic" mode, the single Analog Envelope switches over to a 4 Voice Digital Envelope. So, pretty cool actually...
I do like my micro freak, and I do understand the majority of synth players aren’t guitar junkies as well, but I personally would rather use a great reverb or flanger or whatever than a built in stripped down one. I have always added my own FX even back in the Prophet 600 days, which also (if I recall correctly) had none. Back then an ARP was the big deal. Over the years I’ve accumulated more FX than anything let alone the last few years guitar synths that don’t require a MIDI pickup, although that’s the way to do it right! Like it or not, I used to tell myself I will not get into VST or modular rabbit holes, that’s impossible to get what I like without it, now at least! The second main reason the DeepMind 6 and 12 or so damn great sounding (the first being damn near analog circuits, argue all you want with digital control, whatever, it feels like prophet 600 souped up) is it was designed with FX being essential to the overall sound creation process. My point is Arturia is doing it right. Major system functions update, BYOFX, Awesome stuff!
I just bought a used microfreak for $220. I’m having a lot of fun, it’s the first synth I’ve ever bought. My musical inspiration is Radiohead. And I’ve been really enjoying the “folding space” super big modular self generating setup ambient videos on UA-cam.. feels like a new world has opened up to me.
I've just ordered one too- Radiohead also being a big influence (I learned about my Korg Volca 2 by programming Everything in Its Right Place... although I didn't quite get every note in its right place ;)
such dope timing. I finally ordered one after a deal I saw online for the original color way with vocoder. I wanted the stellar but the deal was too good to pass up and I was considering a oversynth overlay anyway. stoked to give this a full listen after work
I didn't know the MicroFreak has no FX. It's a bummer. I always wanted to have one but after I started using the Mini Freak V soft synth, I know I NEED FX to give the sound more space and life. I don't have much space in my apartment and I like small hardware but in this case I'd rather go with the MiniFreak hardware synth in combination with the soft synth. Very nice video!
Very nice review, we agree, the new osc-types are ace! The CV-keyboard is very special, especially when you use the CV connectivity. Together with the ability to modulate the OSC-types and different keyboard-source modes it is is such a feature rich killer synth. Especially since, thanks to you, we now know that together with the Analog Heat +FX it even gets better. Thanks for showing this combo!
I still feel that the Microfreak is some of the best bang for buck anyone can spend on a synth. I wouldn't use it for my bread and butter, though you could. But it is so good at being sampler food, FX, textures, etc. Pairs so great with an h9.
nice review, do you think Microfreak would sound amazing paired with an analog synth like Pittsburgh Modular TAIGA and have both synth mono inputs plugged into say a Digitone for seperate effect processing?
I’ve been on the hunt for a good but not so expensive synth that I intend to use with an effect pedal… never been much excited about the MicroFreak but you are demonstrating just how it can be reborn into something else… 👍👍
Stellar version : I love the look, but as a ‘newbie’ to playing keyboards - does the normal lighter keyboard make it easier to see the notes in darker surroundings ???
I really like the microfreak. It has its very unique character and i use it a lot for destinct melodies or chords. However, not a big fan of the keyboard and sometimes i wish i would have a second oscillator to add another sound layer. But for the money you get a really usefull tool which is fun to mess around with. Minifreak without wavetable is currently not an option for me.
The bang for the buck is beyond belief now. If Roland had this sound engine in the AE-30 wind synth I would be ecstatic! I'll just have to settle for using the AE as a controller for it.
The Microfreak is insane. I love mine, had it for two years now. It's an actual creative take on synthesis in my opinion. Aftertouch can be immensely expressive.
Another question: with the newly added sample functionality, how is the Microfreak responding if you hold a note? Does it just run out the sample, or does it actually hold (in a nice way)?
Question: is there a difference (besides the colour obviously) between the 3 different versions of the Microfreak? So the main one (like the one in your vid), the Vocoder version and the newly released Stellar version?
You mentioned that you would not recommend that MicroFreak as a first-time hardware synth. I'm not to bothered about using external effects since i've got a decent collection of guitar pedals including a Poly Effects Beepo. What would you recommend as an alternative?
Totally disagree about the microfreak keyboard. Logically, it’s not what you suggest “ it’s more for someone who knows how to play on a keyboard and wants to go onto something new”, more so it’s for people like me who don’t play keyboards. This is more intuitive.
I had a Microfreak a few years ago, and ended up selling it to fund... something? The addition of granular synthesis is making me consider getting another one.
How about this? I already have a Keystep 37. I also have a Roland MV-1 which makes the sequencer and most of the Keystep's features obsolete. So the keystep is really just keys. But I have been wanting a funner synth with tweak ability. Should I just pick up a used micro freak for $250 or sell the Keystep 37 and get a mini freak, allowing the mini to be my keys and my fun tweak synth? I'd save a few bucks that way. But is the micro freak deep enough that micro freak + keystep = mini freak? Or would I missing out on quite a bit still? FX seems like a big miss even though the MV-1 has multiFX. Better than asking what should I do: what would YOU do? If saving a few hundred bucks mattered.
Hmmm Keystep 37 is smaller in size than the MiniFreak. But the MiniFreak has a lot more power than the MicroFreak. I'd probably sell the 37 and get the MiniFreak has my main midi controller and bonus awesome synth. The MiniFreak is currently missing a few OSC types, but that could change in the future.
I don't own a minifreak, but I do have a micro and given what I've read about the mini, you'd probably be better off with the mini. The micro is fun and useful, but having such a powerful synth at that low a price point comes with certain limitations. As good as arturia has done with minimizing those limitations, they're still present. As much as I love my microfreak, I do yearn for things like true polyphony or a dedicated filter envelope or a proper mod wheel/slider and as a piano player I find that 4 voices can be limiting at times, like when I want extra colourful chords in a pad or I'm attempting a drone with a flashy lead and suddenly notes drop out because I ran too many together too fast
It doesn't, but using certain oscillator modes and modulation combinations it can fake verb, delay and even stuff like phase/flange to a reasonable extent
Nobody here had a huge noise floor with this thing? I bought the new stellar version and returned it to guitar center for $350USD. I just bought the older version for $200USD. Hoping maybe the one i had was a bad batch. I read posts on forums other people had the problem too.
If only they could update the polyphony to 6 voices or 8, its digital so to me it seems theyre just refusing to do this so as not to compete with the minifreak.
anyone know how to sync midi seq and arp without the weird delay? * ableton11suite/focusrite 2i4/ trs jack from microfreak to mono inputs summed to stereo. midi out from focusrite out to send my usb from the keyboard with only usb. not really sure if im doing stuff rtight but i have not been creative with it when playing my arrangements and recordings its ,...off escpecially sequencing and arp and midi recording and playback -- like the arp wont even make noise until i reboot the hardware device sometimes...
Does anybody know if it is possible, that Arturia could come up with at least some kind of basic onboard FX for the Microfreak in a future update? Thanx!
Highly doubt it. The circuit board and DSP is designed for a set of tasks with a bit of wiggle room. FX require a lot more DSP power in general and usually requires chips that support those types of calculations. I'm not an engineer though, so I could be proven wrong!
Your critical flaw is that you don’t think like a guitar player. This is basically the problem of any musician who isn't an electric ⚡️guitar player with a lot of gear already. You buy an instrument that’s worth 300$ but then you spend 800-2800$ on pedals, accessories and amplification that make it do other things. We do this all the time and it’s justified. Just keep buying more stuff and eventually you’ll be a better musician.
Ive had the MKF for 2 years and have had so many different things happening with the exact same settings and connectivity its ridiculous. Recording onto Ableton with this has been a fucking nightmare. Idk how many times I've thought I had it down pact with presets saved only to open a new project file and experiences new issues. reaching my breaking point with this piece of shit.
It's kind of funny how the Synth goes for like 330 bucks but the effects unit used is at 1k. Elektron needs to tone it down a bit.
You just buy a Korg nts-1, it's like 90-100$. Then you hav a powerfull mono synth and effect box.
Mine has a used $40 Zoom MS50G permanently on its output .
@@Death_By_Media yes is a good pedal, not got one yet. But here is to make i better.
ua-cam.com/video/oG3KO1EbFd4/v-deo.html
@@martinhansen6466 I use the NTS-1 too
Ms70-cdr is another good pedal to pair with it or any synth.
On top of everything that you've said, I've put a lot of mileage with this thing with my Eurorack. Having another sequencer that can transpose and create randomization has been a lot of fun to control other devices that don't have as good of a sequencer.
Great point!
i love the Microfreak keyboard because for me, it's a CV Source and not a keyboard, Just like when I learned on a Buchla in college in the 80's.
You can use it as a keyboard when you need to but it's much more interesting as a CV source with aftertouch.
That's a great point! (CV with the keyboard)
I like it as an alternative synth interface - I do things that I'd never think of with a regular keyboard (and I'm not short of those).
I've been considering this guy for a few years now. Went with a Hydra for my first main piece, and now with this update, the Micro is even more tempting for a supplementary synth. Thanks for the overview and the comparison to Mini.
Micro would be a great companion with the Hydra! Thanks for watching 🙏
One small correction; only the Filter is Paraphonic.Once you switch the Microfreak to "Paraphonic" mode, the single Analog Envelope switches over to a 4 Voice Digital Envelope. So, pretty cool actually...
Thanks for pointing that out! I had no idea it switched to a digital envelope in 4 voice mode 👀
@@teftymusictech You're welcome. Yeah, it's like a hidden feature.
I didn't know that
I do like my micro freak, and I do understand the majority of synth players aren’t guitar junkies as well, but I personally would rather use a great reverb or flanger or whatever than a built in stripped down one. I have always added my own FX even back in the Prophet 600 days, which also (if I recall correctly) had none. Back then an ARP was the big deal. Over the years I’ve accumulated more FX than anything let alone the last few years guitar synths that don’t require a MIDI pickup, although that’s the way to do it right! Like it or not, I used to tell myself I will not get into VST or modular rabbit holes, that’s impossible to get what I like without it, now at least! The second main reason the DeepMind 6 and 12 or so damn great sounding (the first being damn near analog circuits, argue all you want with digital control, whatever, it feels like prophet 600 souped up) is it was designed with FX being essential to the overall sound creation process. My point is Arturia is doing it right. Major system functions update, BYOFX, Awesome stuff!
I just bought a used microfreak for $220. I’m having a lot of fun, it’s the first synth I’ve ever bought. My musical inspiration is Radiohead. And I’ve been really enjoying the “folding space” super big modular self generating setup ambient videos on UA-cam.. feels like a new world has opened up to me.
I've just ordered one too- Radiohead also being a big influence (I learned about my Korg Volca 2 by programming Everything in Its Right Place... although I didn't quite get every note in its right place ;)
such dope timing. I finally ordered one after a deal I saw online for the original color way with vocoder. I wanted the stellar but the deal was too good to pass up and I was considering a oversynth overlay anyway. stoked to give this a full listen after work
U mos def will not regret it🎉🎉🎉
I didn't know the MicroFreak has no FX. It's a bummer. I always wanted to have one but after I started using the Mini Freak V soft synth, I know I NEED FX to give the sound more space and life. I don't have much space in my apartment and I like small hardware but in this case I'd rather go with the MiniFreak hardware synth in combination with the soft synth. Very nice video!
Very nice review, we agree, the new osc-types are ace! The CV-keyboard is very special, especially when you use the CV connectivity. Together with the ability to modulate the OSC-types and different keyboard-source modes it is is such a feature rich killer synth. Especially since, thanks to you, we now know that together with the Analog Heat +FX it even gets better. Thanks for showing this combo!
Thanks alot mate, youve just cost me £250 and a night on the couch!
I still feel that the Microfreak is some of the best bang for buck anyone can spend on a synth. I wouldn't use it for my bread and butter, though you could. But it is so good at being sampler food, FX, textures, etc. Pairs so great with an h9.
whats your bread and butter
I sold my Minifreak and paired my Microfreak with the new H90 ;)
@@nika_251 Virus Ti2, and a modular.
@@ChristopherOrth shouldnt have asked my bad
Great video. I was thinking of using this with the effects from my Quad Cortex (which has many effects)...
nice review, do you think Microfreak would sound amazing paired with an analog synth like Pittsburgh Modular TAIGA and have both synth mono inputs plugged into say a Digitone for seperate effect processing?
I’ve been on the hunt for a good but not so expensive synth that I intend to use with an effect pedal… never been much excited about the MicroFreak but you are demonstrating just how it can be reborn into something else… 👍👍
Stellar version : I love the look, but as a ‘newbie’ to playing keyboards - does the normal lighter keyboard make it easier to see the notes in darker surroundings ???
I really like the microfreak. It has its very unique character and i use it a lot for destinct melodies or chords. However, not a big fan of the keyboard and sometimes i wish i would have a second oscillator to add another sound layer. But for the money you get a really usefull tool which is fun to mess around with. Minifreak without wavetable is currently not an option for me.
Minifreak has wavetable.
The bang for the buck is beyond belief now. If Roland had this sound engine in the AE-30 wind synth I would be ecstatic! I'll just have to settle for using the AE as a controller for it.
I bought mine a few months after you and love it. I now have three 😏
The Microfreak is insane. I love mine, had it for two years now. It's an actual creative take on synthesis in my opinion. Aftertouch can be immensely expressive.
Another question: with the newly added sample functionality, how is the Microfreak responding if you hold a note? Does it just run out the sample, or does it actually hold (in a nice way)?
If you use one of the granular modes it'll extend 👍
I love this thing! I don't like the 1/8 inch MIDI, but other than that, I like the micro better than the mini.
You have an Analog Heat FX. FIVE WORDS: Syntactical Expressions Mega FX Edition!!!
Question: is there a difference (besides the colour obviously) between the 3 different versions of the Microfreak? So the main one (like the one in your vid), the Vocoder version and the newly released Stellar version?
Nope, just cosmetics. If you buy the vocoder edition you get a gooseneck microphone that works with the headphone jack.
Great video, I'm gobbling up all the info I can find before my microfreak arrives tomorrow! Any other resources you can suggest?
Bit late I know but this dude's sequencer explanation is the most straightforward I found when I got mine. 👍
ua-cam.com/video/M44JEQTvT88/v-deo.htmlsi=V3k7B8EMKtm8JvMM
Ive also had issues with the Midi Control center on the microbrute already
Can you load MicroFreak presets into MiniFreak?
@@johnjohnpetterson8428 that's dope as hell
You mentioned that you would not recommend that MicroFreak as a first-time hardware synth. I'm not to bothered about using external effects since i've got a decent collection of guitar pedals including a Poly Effects Beepo. What would you recommend as an alternative?
Totally disagree about the microfreak keyboard. Logically, it’s not what you suggest “ it’s more for someone who knows how to play on a keyboard and wants to go onto something new”, more so it’s for people like me who don’t play keyboards. This is more intuitive.
what if I got a nice midi controller, like an mpk mini plus?
You can have a lot of fun combining the Microfreak with a guitar MFX board like a Headrush MX5, Boss GT series, Line6 etc ..
There's an input on my Loopstation that's waiting impatiently for my Microfreak to arrive...
I had a Microfreak a few years ago, and ended up selling it to fund... something? The addition of granular synthesis is making me consider getting another one.
Definitely a welcome addition the Micro. Honestly makes me excited to see a granular option in the MiniFreak 👀
How about this? I already have a Keystep 37. I also have a Roland MV-1 which makes the sequencer and most of the Keystep's features obsolete. So the keystep is really just keys. But I have been wanting a funner synth with tweak ability. Should I just pick up a used micro freak for $250 or sell the Keystep 37 and get a mini freak, allowing the mini to be my keys and my fun tweak synth? I'd save a few bucks that way. But is the micro freak deep enough that micro freak + keystep = mini freak? Or would I missing out on quite a bit still? FX seems like a big miss even though the MV-1 has multiFX. Better than asking what should I do: what would YOU do? If saving a few hundred bucks mattered.
Hmmm Keystep 37 is smaller in size than the MiniFreak. But the MiniFreak has a lot more power than the MicroFreak. I'd probably sell the 37 and get the MiniFreak has my main midi controller and bonus awesome synth.
The MiniFreak is currently missing a few OSC types, but that could change in the future.
I don't own a minifreak, but I do have a micro and given what I've read about the mini, you'd probably be better off with the mini. The micro is fun and useful, but having such a powerful synth at that low a price point comes with certain limitations. As good as arturia has done with minimizing those limitations, they're still present. As much as I love my microfreak, I do yearn for things like true polyphony or a dedicated filter envelope or a proper mod wheel/slider and as a piano player I find that 4 voices can be limiting at times, like when I want extra colourful chords in a pad or I'm attempting a drone with a flashy lead and suddenly notes drop out because I ran too many together too fast
I’d like to hear how you write one of your songs with this..:-/
Can you use the sample feature to upload something like an Amen break? or is it mainly for short synth sounds
You can put in any sample ! I think there is a length limitation (?) but any sound is eligible !
There is actually already an amen break sample loaded into it by default with the V5 updates presets
@@julzsadventuresinmusic7492 oh Really? Sweet I should update mine Soon!
I was told on another UA-camrs review, that this does have reverb.
It doesn't, but using certain oscillator modes and modulation combinations it can fake verb, delay and even stuff like phase/flange to a reasonable extent
Nobody here had a huge noise floor with this thing? I bought the new stellar version and returned it to guitar center for $350USD. I just bought the older version for $200USD. Hoping maybe the one i had was a bad batch. I read posts on forums other people had the problem too.
any budget alternative for heat +FX ?
Zoom cdr170 or whatever it's called, lots of budget setups using those.
Awesome video! What would you like Arturia to add and improve with a future firmware update?
Maybe MIDI effects
Vertical pitch bend as you slide up and down each key like roli
If only they could update the polyphony to 6 voices or 8, its digital so to me it seems theyre just refusing to do this so as not to compete with the minifreak.
Does it have fx?
did you watch the video?
It looks like a great, fun little synth. But I hate that floral decoration above the keyboard, I mean why?!
That's the sensors
I agree it doesn't look good, the white and stellar look much better.
anyone know how to sync midi seq and arp without the weird delay? * ableton11suite/focusrite 2i4/ trs jack from microfreak to mono inputs summed to stereo. midi out from focusrite out to send my usb from the keyboard with only usb. not really sure if im doing stuff rtight
but i have not been creative with it when playing my arrangements and recordings its ,...off
escpecially sequencing and arp and midi recording and playback
-- like the arp wont even make noise until i reboot the hardware device sometimes...
Does anybody know if it is possible, that Arturia could come up with at least some kind of basic onboard FX for the Microfreak in a future update? Thanx!
Highly doubt it. The circuit board and DSP is designed for a set of tasks with a bit of wiggle room. FX require a lot more DSP power in general and usually requires chips that support those types of calculations. I'm not an engineer though, so I could be proven wrong!
@@teftymusictech Thank you! I guess the experimental character of the Freaks will continue to surprise anyway!
Not sure what is freakier. How bad a$$ this device is or it's already been four years 🤯
Your critical flaw is that you don’t think like a guitar player. This is basically the problem of any musician who isn't an electric ⚡️guitar player with a lot of gear already.
You buy an instrument that’s worth 300$ but then you spend 800-2800$ on pedals, accessories and amplification that make it do other things. We do this all the time and it’s justified. Just keep buying more stuff and eventually you’ll be a better musician.
sold it bought a monologue
Ive had the MKF for 2 years and have had so many different things happening with the exact same settings and connectivity its ridiculous. Recording onto Ableton with this has been a fucking nightmare. Idk how many times I've thought I had it down pact with presets saved only to open a new project file and experiences new issues. reaching my breaking point with this piece of shit.
Sounds like a faulty unit. I've never experience any of those issues. Or could be a faulty usb connection/port/cable. Good luck!
Non capisco le grandi differenze
what I am trying to say is usb 2.0 does not work with alot of their software so they need to update to the usb 3.0 so their SOFTWARE WILL WORK!!!!