Bad Gear - Arturia Microbrute

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  • Опубліковано 30 чер 2024
  • You want full tracks, extended jams, sample packs, confidential information about gear featured in the next episode, vocoder shoutouts and/or general awesomeness? Become a Patron!!!
    / audiopilz
    Chapters:
    00:00 Intro tune
    01:13 Overview
    04:18 Hate
    04:41 Jam 1
    05:42 Jam 2
    06:50 Finale
    07:19 Verdict
    08:31 Patreon Vocoder Shoutout
    Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about the Arturia Microbrute. Does this stripped-down version of the OG Minibrute punch above its weight?
    Check out Sandro aka Bydl:
    bydl.bandcamp.com
    soundcloud.com/bydl
    / b6tjeq_lpo3

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,1 тис.

  • @skywatchernorth
    @skywatchernorth 2 роки тому +136

    It's not Friday without Florian. Thanks for being a rock in these uncertain times.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +16

      Thanks! have a nice weekend!

    • @skywatchernorth
      @skywatchernorth 2 роки тому +4

      @@AudioPilz Bless you Florian, you too

    • @Nervejam
      @Nervejam 2 роки тому +2

      Totally agree.

    • @Nervejam
      @Nervejam 2 роки тому +1

      Btw, I sent the monologue back, now looking for a microbrute..

    • @cubanheelsbeerbelly
      @cubanheelsbeerbelly Рік тому

      What's so uncertain?

  • @rars0n
    @rars0n 2 роки тому +206

    When it first came out, the Microbrute was practically a no-brainer for anyone who wanted a cheap, compact analog synth. Its oscillator structure is similar to that of the SH-101, in which you can combine square, triangle, sawtooth, and suboscillator together, with the Microbrute giving you some extra tweaking of each type. The Supersaw, for instance, is kinda cool because it gives the saw wave a sort of "detuned oscillators" sound, making the single oscillator sound... well, like more than a single oscillator. Likewise it has the ability to mix in a fifth which is an awesome trick for a single-oscillator synth. It can make lots of sounds that belie its small stature!
    I think it's also an excellent starter synth, as it's easy to use, with a very nice layout, but gets more complex the more you dig into it. On the surface level, this can seem like a very boring synth, but the more you learn about it, the more it surprises you. Even the simple little patch panel is enough to open up a number of options with how you make sounds with it.
    No doubt one of the biggest complaints will be with the oscillator and filter, which everyone loves to complain about on Arturia synths, until they hear someone use them properly. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't make Moog sounds and it can be harsh at times, but I'm just not an oscillator or filter snob, and I don't buy a Microbrute expecting to get Moog Grandmother sounds out of it. I expect a Microbrute to be... well, a Microbrute! And that's an apt name for this thing. This little thing can sound very gnarly!
    For anyone that has one of these and wants to learn more about it, I highly recommend Marc Doty's 6-part dive into the Microbrute. I learned quite a few things about it by watching. It can be found here: ua-cam.com/video/3R_b2f74uZE/v-deo.html
    Great video! The Microbrute isn't my favorite synth that I own, but it's one I'll never get rid of, in part because it's a lot of fun to just pick up and play with. I like to think of little ones like this as a sort of "scratchpad synth," something you can play around with to work out song ideas before taking a seat in front of a larger, more complicated synth.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +17

      Thanks! I have to check out Marc Doty's vids

    • @hillie47
      @hillie47 2 роки тому +10

      First modular module I bought as an ADSR to use with the microbrute. That patchbay is useful.

    • @ToyKeeper
      @ToyKeeper 2 роки тому +10

      I

    • @rars0n
      @rars0n 2 роки тому +4

      @@ToyKeeper Yeah, it's cheap enough that it's worth keeping for its fairly unique sound alone, even if that's not the sound you always want.
      Personally, I have an affinity for synths like this that force you to remember how the various knobs affect the sound. To me, that's where the relatively simple layout turns into a benefit on the Microbrute. There aren't a thousand settings to remember. I believe it even came with some blank templates to keep track of your favorite sounds?

    • @erlannderrantem6972
      @erlannderrantem6972 2 роки тому +3

      @@rars0n it did, but i never used them, because you can just take a picture of it.

  • @skummelkatt
    @skummelkatt 2 роки тому +51

    People dislike this!? It was great for it’s time and it sounds nice. I liked the all white one with the stackable patch cables. I miss mine actually.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +8

      I'd like to have one in another color as well!

    • @SuperPogu
      @SuperPogu 2 роки тому +2

      Stackable/pigtail cables help a lot. The patch Bay is small, but you can get creative.

    • @marsensound
      @marsensound 2 роки тому +3

      I got the transparent red one, looks like an old PS2 or N64 controller where you can see the circuits inside.... even more reason that I don't think I'll part with mine, in case I could only find the grey one again down the line haha

    • @nonono8788
      @nonono8788 2 роки тому +2

      People will dislike ANYTHING.

  • @odiroot
    @odiroot 2 роки тому +60

    Microbrute is not my jam but I can see why people love it. Didn't expect it to appear here!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +9

      I didn't really like it the first time I tried it. Had much more fun with it now

    • @SkooterBrother
      @SkooterBrother 2 роки тому +11

      No synth is safe lol

    • @alancarmody8848
      @alancarmody8848 2 роки тому +9

      @@SkooterBrother looking forward to the Moog One episode!

    • @tru4158
      @tru4158 2 роки тому +1

      @@AudioPilz hehehe , yay, this makes me happy 😁

    • @marike1100
      @marike1100 2 роки тому +1

      Microbrute SHOULD NOT appear here, there is literally nothing bad about it, on the contrary, it’s a classic. He’s trolling for clicks but definitely owes Arturia and his subscribers an apology.

  • @Angelstarscotland
    @Angelstarscotland Рік тому +17

    I have to admit.,..... I am totally addicted to watching these videos. Great Job

  • @caleblaughlin8351
    @caleblaughlin8351 Рік тому +18

    I am now officially addicted to your videos. They are hilarious! I love that you stick to the exact same formula for each video. Probably some of the most entertaining, honest and to the point synth review videos out there. Keep it up!

  • @sparabo3780
    @sparabo3780 2 роки тому +41

    Didn’t know the Romans had synths - the MinimeBrutus. Arturia copied that. This is why I love this channel - it’s entertaining, relaxing and educational. The way television was meant to be.

    • @GlenBerry
      @GlenBerry 2 роки тому +3

      Fun fact: "Minime" is Latin for "Not at all".

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +2

      Gratias tibi ago.

    • @GlenBerry
      @GlenBerry 2 роки тому

      @@AudioPilz You're welcome. Minime is one of the very few words I still remember from Latin classes I took in 1979. 🙂 It's nice to finally put that education to good use! 😂

    • @solinvictus2018
      @solinvictus2018 2 роки тому +3

      Brutus invented italo disco. True story

    • @sparabo3780
      @sparabo3780 2 роки тому

      @@solinvictus2018 Every new instrument lead to new genres, so that makes sense to me.

  • @gamma_noize
    @gamma_noize 2 роки тому +53

    Ah! The MicroBrute... It was my first all analog synth and i loved it. It also helped me through a stay in a hospital. 🙂
    Sadly, i had to sell it, cause i needed some money not long after these 6 weeks in hospital...
    And that "nod of approval" after the last shoutout made me laugh more than it probably should. 😂
    Nicely done!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +5

      Thanks! Yeah, that one is a great starting point

    • @HenritheHorse
      @HenritheHorse 2 роки тому +4

      It was my first analog synth too and I had to sell it, but now I got Minibrute 2s!

  • @mCKENIC
    @mCKENIC 2 роки тому +15

    Love the Micro - I think people forget it came out in a pre-Clone-The-Planet Behringer world. For the price, simple mono, midi-to-cv, mini seq, different flavour of filter... it was killer!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +5

      Agreed! Game changer back then

    • @shottskies
      @shottskies 2 роки тому +1

      Yes. And Probably the most key feature about this instrument - it's a budget synth

    • @rars0n
      @rars0n 2 роки тому

      If not for Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals right now, the Microbrute would still be the best thing available at $250. Because everything else is now $100 over MSRP (Monologues at $399, Microfreak at $349, even the Minilogue XD went up to over $700) and there's NOTHING analog with keys available for $250 anymore.
      Thomann has some really good deals going on right now (Korg Monologue for $229? What?!). Don't browse their synths if you're trying to keep your wallet tight! As it is, I had to buy the Behringer Odyssey from Amazon because $399 is a stupid good price.

    • @valdir7426
      @valdir7426 2 роки тому

      ​@@rars0n I picked up the microfreak and the neutron for 260 euros each approximately from thomann ; I don't remember they were in sale; so they did went up in price. must be linked to the chip shortage. although the microfreak did increase a bit in value thanks to the noise engineering algorithms (honestly my favorites)

    • @rars0n
      @rars0n 2 роки тому

      @@valdir7426 Yeah I think between the chip shortages and the pandemic, prices in general have gone up quite a bit. The Microfreak seems to be retailing for about $350 now. I remember Guitar Center had it on sale not long after release for $225. I'm still kicking myself for not jumping on that! But you're right, synths like the Microfreak do tend to creep up a little in price over time and stay there. The Bass Station II is now solidly above $400 and that's another synth that has received meaningful updates long after launch. That's why I appreciate companies like Arturia and Novation for supporting their products!

  • @iyamzach
    @iyamzach 2 роки тому +3

    this was my first synth! it was a gift from my dad and it completely changed the way i thought about music and made it possible for me to explore the types of music production i do now, and for that im super grateful to it, and i still use it in my music from time to time since its the only analog synth i have

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      Yeah, playing synths can be a life-changing experience

  • @danklin-xb1in
    @danklin-xb1in 2 роки тому +1

    You made me get one…. I love the show!! I had a bad year but you have made it special thanks!! Keep the gear rolling.. ⚡️⚡️⚡️

  • @MICRO_KORG
    @MICRO_KORG 2 роки тому +1

    This was my first synth years ago. I still come back to it whenever i wanna crank the metalizer and it’s always satisfying.

  • @daionsavage
    @daionsavage 2 роки тому +6

    I always thought that the unique timbres of the brutes were their main selling point. Great work, as always!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      I would say it's a love/hate thing...

  • @kenfusion
    @kenfusion 2 роки тому +3

    Always great to hear the texture of Arturia analog synthesizers. I love what chorus and echo do to the different waveforms . I looked for one of these when I bought my Korg Monologue . Glad I went with the monologue instead (arturia stopped making the micro ) . Got Arturia Minibrute 2S years later and the Monologue are very powerful together .

  • @olivierdemeyere4021
    @olivierdemeyere4021 2 роки тому +1

    Always a pleasure to watch your videos. So much "second degree" ! And many times a synth I wanted to get or really had part of my gear once...
    Keep up man! ✌

  • @toushevtsurpe8568
    @toushevtsurpe8568 2 роки тому +1

    I was waiting for a microbrute bad geat episode for AGES thank you so much audiopillz!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      It was about time! Thanks for watching!

  • @Trig242
    @Trig242 2 роки тому +4

    Love my microbrute!! It taught me about analog synthesis and signal flow!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      Great beginner's synth

  • @glenesis
    @glenesis 2 роки тому +3

    This is hysterical, Happy Friday! I'm in session with my Microbrute right now 😂 My Microbrute was my first Analog synth. It infected me with bad GAS. Cheers brother!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      The GAS is strong! Have a nice weekend!

  • @concorde__
    @concorde__ 2 роки тому +1

    The difference in quality between your newer and older videos is incredible!! Bad Gear just keeps getting better.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +1

      Thank you so much!!!

  • @remowo_
    @remowo_ 2 роки тому +1

    Man! your videos are a joy to watch. Keep walking El dudo

  • @crossdimension4031
    @crossdimension4031 2 роки тому +7

    Like many others in the comments, Microbrute was my first synth. I still have mine even though I now own bigger and more complex instruments, I find the Microbrute is just fun to sit down and have impromptu jam sessions and requires very little set up to sound good. It is very easy to set up and start using because of its simplicity. I don't think I will ever get rid of mine.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +2

      I'm currently thinking about trading it for my Mini;)

  • @raspberry1440kb
    @raspberry1440kb 2 роки тому +4

    My Microbrute has gotten me from some very dark times and it's the synthesizer I brought with me to New Mexico when I had to live with my aunt for a month

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +1

      Yeah, it's a great companion❤️❤️❤️

  • @dredsirius
    @dredsirius Рік тому +1

    I remember drooling for the Mini and Micro for years and years. I love the aggressive harsh arturia sounds!

  • @LouisSerieusement
    @LouisSerieusement 2 роки тому +2

    Very cool and useful to hear you using "less bad" gear !
    thanks a lot for sharing !

  • @jukesjointOG
    @jukesjointOG 2 роки тому +3

    “aaaaAAAAAAAH THE FRENCH!” Florian, LOVE this show and look forward to it every week. Musical and technical commentary, writing, production/editing, all top notch. If I had one wish, it would be for you to leave the memery on the screen just a little longer so I could join in on 50% more of the fun. As to this episode, excellent once again, but I must admit I kind of zoned-out on the ending; once I got a glimpse of Barney, I was too terrified to hear anything else you said...

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +1

      Thanks! Did you catch all the monsters (eg. cookie monster;)

    • @jukesjointOG
      @jukesjointOG 2 роки тому +1

      @@AudioPilz Missed him. But he doesn’t scare me. When my kids were little, I banned Barney from our home.

  • @lalberts
    @lalberts Рік тому +3

    I honestly love how straightforward these things are. Shame that people think poorly of them.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  Рік тому +1

      It certainly as a distinct sound that isn't for everyone

  • @1Jinxed1
    @1Jinxed1 2 роки тому +1

    Just got one recently, I love it. It isn't what I expected but glad I have it.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +1

      Yeah, it is a very peculiar sounding synth

  • @otendo544
    @otendo544 2 роки тому +1

    I just pulled mine outta the cupboard and started putting it to work again after years! Still love it , love the video too

  • @MrOuija-rr8kq
    @MrOuija-rr8kq 2 роки тому +4

    Don’t have one but The microbrute did make us enter the “Semi-modular wave” of the 2010s

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      Yeah, it paved the way for many $/€ spent;)

  • @lowfihank8035
    @lowfihank8035 2 роки тому +3

    Did not expect this to appear maybe because I own one myself 😳 But Bravo! Bull‘s-eye absolutely apt!
    You have uncovered all strengths and weaknesses in a fair manner 👍

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      Thank you so much! No synth collection is safe;)

  • @thesynthlordchamber6103
    @thesynthlordchamber6103 2 роки тому +2

    WE love all your reviews. We are mostly used to listening to older warmer Analog sounds. And yet, this little device of eldritch power seems to contain great evil. We will keep our eyes open for one of these. Thank you once again.

  • @dan.documents
    @dan.documents Рік тому

    I've had mine for three years, it takes time to understand it's little quirks and get the most out of it but i love it so so much, especially when ran through a catalinbread echorec.

  • @massive.begleiterscheinungen
    @massive.begleiterscheinungen 2 роки тому +5

    Mein Vater ist vor 3Tagen gestorben und du bist seitdem das einzige was wieder etwas normales für mich ist das ich genießen kann.....
    Danke für dein Format!!♥️

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +1

      Mein tief empfundenes Beileid...

    • @massive.begleiterscheinungen
      @massive.begleiterscheinungen 2 роки тому

      @@AudioPilz ich danke dir!!!
      Wie immer wird die Musik mich durch diese Zeit bringen und das erste lächeln seit Tagen hast du mir gegeben!!!

  • @longleggedlummox4395
    @longleggedlummox4395 2 роки тому +3

    It has a soft spot in my heart. That triangle mod goes hard.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +1

      Agreed, the metalizer is really...metal;)

  • @jrtayloriv
    @jrtayloriv 2 роки тому +2

    This was the first synth I ever played, and this is what got me hooked on synthesizers. Now I have a hydrasynth and behringer neutron, which are way more capable, but this little synth will always hold a special place in my heart.

  • @RR-io8ow
    @RR-io8ow 2 роки тому

    Just recently found your channel and absolutely love it! I got one of these for £110 recently + it pairs so well with the circuit tracks

  • @luisbarrera5740
    @luisbarrera5740 2 роки тому +3

    Microbrute was my first synth. I really liked how aggressive the brute factor made it sound.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      Yeah, you should need a permit for that;)

  • @dariusemmanuelgrouchiii988
    @dariusemmanuelgrouchiii988 2 роки тому +5

    The Microbrute was my second synth after the Alesis Micron. It's a wonderful learning tool. These days I mostly lend mine out to people I'm hoping will get addicted to analog synthesis. The sound is what it is--I think of it as electro-punk.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +2

      It IS quite punk-ey;)

    • @bisheejom
      @bisheejom 2 роки тому +1

      @@AudioPilz punk... keys??

  • @veteran6405
    @veteran6405 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks for weekly Upload!!!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +1

      Thanks for watching!

  • @CaptainAlbatross
    @CaptainAlbatross 2 роки тому +1

    Awesome jams again! Best start of the weekend there is :)
    Love the fact that the little synth can sound harsh within just a few knobtweaks, which is probably a turnoff for most people. Maybe, one day…

  • @thesrabbit
    @thesrabbit 2 роки тому +8

    My first hardware synth! I was such a noob that I thought the only way to get staccato notes was to shorten the gate length :D
    It was perfect for learning. I eventually sold mine as I find that Arturia has a wiry tonal quality that I don't love. But they're still great synths.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      Wiry hits the nail on the head!

  • @sheepkillindog
    @sheepkillindog 2 роки тому +3

    This synth is crucial with my modular. I send it gate from a 2hp DIV module so I can speed up or slow down the note rate. The audio from the microbrute goes into the audio in of the Korg ER-1. This lets me play a steady rhythm no matter what the note sequence is doing. Plus I get access to the effects on the ER-1. I send pitch out into a doepfer A-156 QNT. But into the transpose CV in 1/2. So the quantizer is quantizing a sequence but the pitch info from Microbrute is transposing the scales of the quantizer. This makes the Microbrute a bass monster that plays nicely in key with modular and gets the effects from the ER-1. Happy patching!!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +1

      Nice setup!!! Great idea to use the ER-1 as an FX unit here

  • @grthbrenaman
    @grthbrenaman 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks so much, hilarious show.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      Thanks for watching!!!

  • @TheScreamingFrog916
    @TheScreamingFrog916 Рік тому

    Love the video intros, on these.
    Lots of fun.

  • @sgerman7175
    @sgerman7175 2 роки тому +21

    I love my MicroBrute, no thanks for adding yet another piece of gear in the collection.
    With its nice MIDI feaures, it is a far underused, powerful synth for heavy Bass lines.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +7

      I was surprised by the deep bass as well

    • @sheepkillindog
      @sheepkillindog 2 роки тому +3

      It will also take midi note info in and turn it into pitch cv which is super handy.😃

    • @erlannderrantem6972
      @erlannderrantem6972 2 роки тому +1

      @@sheepkillindog oh really? I didn’t know, thanks for the info!👍

  • @Officialbear0
    @Officialbear0 Рік тому +7

    i love this synth

  • @benjaminbrand3714
    @benjaminbrand3714 2 роки тому +2

    I love this little synth! It was my first, and I’ve had a great time trying to optimize it these past few years!
    My favorite trick so far is to plug a noise generator into the input to add more depth!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      Great idea! I will try that!

  • @LB-pp7pu
    @LB-pp7pu 2 роки тому +2

    Every episode keeps getting better, I hope you write a script for a Bad gear movie one day

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +1

      Thank you! Bad Gear movie would be great!

  • @augustosuarez1642
    @augustosuarez1642 2 роки тому +4

    Muy muy Buen trabajo!!!!! Saludos desde Argentina

  • @Fantishow-is-a-butt
    @Fantishow-is-a-butt 2 роки тому +3

    Welp, every synth I own has a bad gear episode now. The brute is my go to for bass and noisy drones, probably the best bang for buck synth

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +2

      Agreed! Check out the Waldorf Rocket though...

    • @BoomBubbleBustRepeat
      @BoomBubbleBustRepeat 2 роки тому +3

      I understand the feeling... I used to go to counseling to deal with the pain but now I take pride knowing I am addicted to buying bad gear.

    • @odinmp5
      @odinmp5 2 роки тому +1

      I'm afraid soon i'll be giving the same announcement.

    • @Fantishow-is-a-butt
      @Fantishow-is-a-butt 2 роки тому

      @@AudioPilz Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the brute is really good for foley. I used it for all the footsteps, skateboarding, and fire sounds in this cartoon: ua-cam.com/video/arbMe0nhTOA/v-deo.html

  • @danieklerr
    @danieklerr 2 роки тому +2

    2:40 .. Nice FM flex. 5:42 .. Nice Plaid/Tim Exile-esque jam, which had a back-alley baby with Carpenter Brut at 6:49. Great video! :)

  • @tru4158
    @tru4158 2 роки тому +1

    You're a legend! love to you, thanks for taking the suggestion! You never fail to make my week better.
    :)

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      So happy to hear that, thanks for watching!!!

  • @lairdkilbarchan
    @lairdkilbarchan 2 роки тому +3

    TGIAP Thank God It's AudioPilz. 😁🙏

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +1

      ❤️❤️❤️Thanks❤️❤️❤️

  • @flame2106
    @flame2106 2 роки тому +5

    was my first synth, really the best analog synth option at the time. Still love it, got into eurorack after that and it was the perfect gateway into synths

    • @flame2106
      @flame2106 2 роки тому

      but indeed puristic and too simple. Has that sound tho

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +1

      Gateway drug indeed!

  • @KrisBarton432
    @KrisBarton432 2 роки тому

    That was great!!! I love you vids \m/

  • @Mr_ToR
    @Mr_ToR 2 роки тому +1

    man, your videos are ticking all my boxes!!!!

  • @dlsansoni3298
    @dlsansoni3298 2 роки тому +15

    As this series develops over time you are refining yourself into the Allen Ginsburg of genre classification.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +1

      ❤️❤️❤️Thanks❤️❤️❤️

  • @Nassuklovni
    @Nassuklovni 2 роки тому +14

    My first synth. Have owned it for over 5 years, but mostly it just gathers dust and blames me silently for not using it more. Every six months I'm selling it, but something keeps it with me. It's a great tool for beginners. The keyboard is somewhat awful, but it does the job if you got some patience and small fingers.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +4

      ...or can't play keyboards at all - like me;)

    • @MirlitronOne
      @MirlitronOne 2 роки тому

      You can always plug in a better one.

  • @huck_nyc
    @huck_nyc 2 роки тому +1

    Microbrute was amazing. I opened me up to the synth world and I learned so much from it. Have in on a lot of tracks that are out and some did fairly well! Definitely consider it ‘good gear’

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      I totally respect that but some might disagree;)

  • @tillschroder6992
    @tillschroder6992 2 роки тому +2

    Oh shit my fav Synth! I knew the day would come!!

  • @drphiI
    @drphiI 2 роки тому +10

    My favorite ad for the Microbrute was with Peruvian/Japanese performance artist Pauchi Sasaki, who had the Microbrute wired up to a dress made of speakers, and had a piezo pickup running into the input of the synth. An absolutely bizarre ad, not sure why the conventionally attractive synthrock hipsters didn't like that one.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +5

      I'd take experimental artists over ad hipster all day

    • @pepejul
      @pepejul 2 роки тому +3

      Wow, just watched it. I'm in love 🔥

  • @GeorgeDaDragon
    @GeorgeDaDragon 2 роки тому +3

    Dont forget the secret filter mode when you leave the filter select between lp/bp or bp/hp, it gets super gnarly real quick, great acid bass

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      Ah, didn't know that one, thanks for posting!

    • @CDandLU
      @CDandLU 2 роки тому +1

      Thank you! I love mine, had no idea about that trick, tried it out and it's superb.

  • @Andyanddiana467
    @Andyanddiana467 2 роки тому +1

    Ah, got one of these recently. Love it!

  • @LesterBrunt
    @LesterBrunt 2 роки тому +2

    I have a crush on this synth but have never bought one. I love that it is so stripped down and no screens or menus or shift functions. Just a nice seq synth, perfect for in a set up because it is small and does one thing pretty good.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      It's a super immediate synth!

  • @KarlozWatson
    @KarlozWatson 2 роки тому +3

    I must love feet like Tarentino because I love my Microbrute! People complain about the tone but run the oscillator levels way too hot- dial it back some, add some external chorus and reverb, and it becomes a dreamy little mono…. Also, for what it is, it does bass REALLY well. I’ve got mine paired with a Neutron and I think it’s an underrated combo…

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +2

      Agreed on the levels thing (and I was a very good boy in this episode compared to the minibrute one;)

  • @nicolasstrawberry4148
    @nicolasstrawberry4148 2 роки тому +3

    I bought one back in 2014'sh...still have it, I think its a great synth, especially for what it cost, I also have a Moog Sub 25, a Korg Prologue 16 and Behringer Poly D and the Microbrute still sounds great next to them. I think it really comes down to the user and their abilities to program it. I just feel like years down the line this is going to be a classic synth that a lot of people slept on. I mainly got it because I was looking for something small I could travel with and this was perfect for me and my other mobile gear at the time. Ill probably buy a couple more synths in the near future but I don't plan on selling my Microbrute any time soon.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      A battery compartment would have been nice

  • @SIAKPHDLIVE
    @SIAKPHDLIVE 2 роки тому +1

    Literally never thought about getting one till now. Haha thx!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      And? Will you get one?

  • @nikolairuskin
    @nikolairuskin Рік тому

    This made me laugh a bunch, thanks! Good review!

  • @BoomBubbleBustRepeat
    @BoomBubbleBustRepeat 2 роки тому +4

    Finally an episode with gear that I don't own! 👍

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +1

      You might wanna get one;)

    • @mescaLEO
      @mescaLEO 2 роки тому +1

      And you should. It's great

  • @JoshIsMakingMusic
    @JoshIsMakingMusic 2 роки тому +9

    I remember when my younger brother was getting into synthesizers, and he got one of these. He loved it, it seemed like it had the perfect mix of grit and versatility for a beginner.
    In contrast, my first synth was a MicroKorg and I got scared that every synth was just as menu-divey until I started learning more about them, lol.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +5

      Yeah, that's the definition of a generation gap;)

  • @callumalston5755
    @callumalston5755 2 роки тому +2

    The synth I learned synthesis on… it’s still in my studio, adore it

  • @5imian
    @5imian 2 роки тому

    Those jams absolutely are working 💪 🙌

  • @lo-firobotboy7112
    @lo-firobotboy7112 2 роки тому +6

    Nooooo, not the Microbrute!!! I love this little synth. The Brute Factor ain't my jam but with a little finesse you can coax some real warmth outta this little toy.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +2

      Yeah, especially NOT use the metalizer;)

    • @marsensound
      @marsensound 2 роки тому +1

      Yeah, the metallizer is the really dangerous one. I think the choice of normalling the env control to the metallizer amount was an interesting one, and maybe contributes to the synth's reputation. The filter can really scream without destroying the fundamental of a bass note too though. And despite it being a single oscillator, it's an unusually textural and flexible oscillator which can produce a lot of different tones. The Micro was my first hardware synth, followed by a red Monologue (which also has a filter with a beautiful scream to it, although different too) and after those, once I got to my third which was a Roland System-1, the filter on that just seemed so smooth and sterile and boring.
      I don't think I'll get rid of the Microbrute. I find the sounds it makes can be very warm and deep, if you avoid pushing everything too hard. It won't do everything, and I think being so dry without any fx or stereo, it can sound "boring" at first compared to other modern synths which include that. The key is how it sounds with fx on a track, and I've used it on many very happily. I really like the Brute Factor, although it's kind of a misnomer imo because it tends to be misleadingly subtle - until it isn't, in the last third of the knob turn. I find I often turn it up to about 9 or 10 o' clock, and it tends to give this sound I think of as kinda "buttery". Dampens the resonance a bit too so you have to drive it harder if you still want the squelch. Idk.
      I think having the waveshaping, feedback loop, and a dirty filter which is very happy to self oscillate, all right in the immediate signal path can get to a lot of fun, nasty places that can still be used tastefully. Especially fun to run it through an old Mackie mixer for clipping and EQ to taste.
      I find that complex synths which take a lot of energy and intention to program, I need to be able to save and come back to it, which is my difficulty with modular stuff. I like self contained instruments that feel cohesive. This is in the sweet spot on the complete other end for me, where it's so easy to pick up and make a patch on the fly with just a general idea of what you're going for, makes it so accessible that it's great for coming up with fun bass patches and leads to fill out those aspects of a song. Also great for resampling.
      It really isn't supposed to be any other synth. I would say the comparison to an SH-101 is apt, even though they really don't sound alike, because they're best at being used for the same kinds of things. But they're like jaguars and cheetahs - they may fill a very similar niche, but they're still very different too. I can see how someone might not be impressed with the capablities or depth of it as an instrument, especially now that the

    • @lo-firobotboy7112
      @lo-firobotboy7112 2 роки тому +1

      @@marsensound A nice compliment to your MicroBrute might be a Novation Bass Station (either I or II ) which has a much more traditional architecture and a very smooth, creamy sound.
      I have a couple of the LittleBits/Korg Synth Kits which are basically the guts of the Monotribe distilled into super-tiny modules. I've used the sequencer and oscillator modules to add functionality to the Microbrute using the patch bay. It really becomes a mini modular system with some pretty wild modulation possibilities.
      The other trick I love doing with my Microbrute is to play it through a cheap guitar distortion pedal. The pointiness of the Microbrute sound is perfect for driving the pedal and making crazy industrial noises.

    • @lo-firobotboy7112
      @lo-firobotboy7112 2 роки тому

      @@marsensound BTW, where in Canada are you from? I'm in BC.

  • @bentheintern
    @bentheintern 2 роки тому +7

    Man when this came out and I got my hands on one I was taking audio engineering classes and the first time we swept the filter in the studio, the walls shook. You def need to find sweet spots to not have it sound super aggro, but if you make minimal industrial shit it’s great. When it came out it was the only thing under like 600 that was a real synth and I loved it.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      Yeah, it was a game changer back then

  • @danpreston564
    @danpreston564 2 роки тому +2

    I was convinced to buy it by a guy in my local music store when he ran it through some reverb and delay and it sounded epic. I really enjoyed it when I had it, but in the end I moved away from machines without patch storage for live use because it was just such a ball ache to dial in patches on multiple synths at once. The little patch bay was really useful for patching to external stuff.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      Yeah, setting up existing patches live is a serious PITA

  • @hubzcaps
    @hubzcaps 2 роки тому +1

    Watching my fav youtuber at work. Yeeet. Well invetween scans

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • @nobel11
    @nobel11 2 роки тому +3

    I loved my microBrute, and used it almost daily, but haven't touched it in over two years. Maybe I should dust it off. It was such a gritty, metal machine. I really liked the sequencer.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +1

      Definitely dust it off!

  • @thefrankly
    @thefrankly 2 роки тому +4

    One more thing, your jam was the best, and the tone of that little synth is telling me it’s a future classic like a 101.

  • @tompuce84
    @tompuce84 2 роки тому +1

    YAY!

  • @vitalicbaklanov744
    @vitalicbaklanov744 2 роки тому +1

    Thank u audiopilz! makes me feel nostalgic - I got micro soon after it came out and jam a lot: on my own, even with drummer, with many other synths, peadals and setups. Lotta fun. Everything was cool... But one day my micro got crazy seasick oscillator problem - it's drifting like crazy, wont stay in tune for long, no help from calibrating and from Arturia too, unfortunately that's what people might be aware of. I read other people have same problem. I still would be very happy to repair mine and jam with it but don't know how to by now

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      Heard about that drifting issues. Maybe it was just one production run?

  • @brutewave9853
    @brutewave9853 2 роки тому +5

    I love my microbrute! So good for Darksynth or Harsh Dark Electro

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      True that!!!

    • @partirparlesarmoires
      @partirparlesarmoires 2 роки тому +1

      Exactly ! This is also a great synth for EBM...

    • @brutewave9853
      @brutewave9853 2 роки тому +2

      @@partirparlesarmoires yeah man I did some nasty EBM basslines with it! The Metalizer is awesome or some heavy Analogue-PMW layered with some Microfreak FM pluckyness for Superthick Basslines 🤟🏻🔥

    • @partirparlesarmoires
      @partirparlesarmoires 2 роки тому +2

      @Brutewave I've checked your track "Brainwasher" and really dig it with its early Gesaffelstein vibe with a touch of Dopplereffekt. Congratulations !

    • @brutewave9853
      @brutewave9853 2 роки тому +1

      @@partirparlesarmoires thank you! Its the microbrute in Action 🤟🏻

  • @SkereforD
    @SkereforD 2 роки тому +3

    In 2015 I was tempted by a korg minilogue and this microbrute, I do not regret having bought the microphone, to this day I use it and I get lost in the textures that it can generate if delays, reverb, echos and the effect chain that you like.
    I think it would go well with some polyphonic FM synthesis.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +1

      The Logues and Brutes are not soooooo different;)

  • @0xABADCAFE
    @0xABADCAFE 2 роки тому +1

    I don't even have any hardware anymore and yet here I am tuned in. It just wouldn't be Friday evening without a dose of bad gear lol

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      So happy to hear that, thanks!

    • @0xABADCAFE
      @0xABADCAFE 2 роки тому

      @@AudioPilz I'm enjoying a synth habit by proxy.

  • @audioel
    @audioel 2 роки тому +2

    Mad mad mad props for the Prince of Darkness intro! :)

  • @Deeplycloseted435
    @Deeplycloseted435 2 роки тому +11

    I always loved the Brute oscillator. I thought they would make a cheap 6 voice poly out of it.....low on features, but an affordable analog poly with a simple delay. Never cared for the SP filter that much though.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +2

      SP is definitely a love/hate thing

    • @Gazdatronik
      @Gazdatronik 2 роки тому +2

      @@AudioPilz The good magic of the SP is that bass response is not diminished when resonance is in use. I have a minimoog and a minbrute, and after spending some time with them both, I find I prefer the brute for its endless bottom end. The SP doesn't track very well but its close enough. The woofers in my "studio" are useful down to 10hz and the brute has no trouble showing that off.

    • @mikeexits
      @mikeexits 2 роки тому

      Haha then they went and made their most expensive synth yet as a sort of cross between the MatrixBrute and the Prophet V.

  • @matthewprzasnyski9663
    @matthewprzasnyski9663 2 роки тому +4

    I have/had a lot of the Bad Gear, but this is the first episode that had me clutching my pearls. I love the Microbrute so much that I bought three of them. And then sawed off the keybeds because they're just God awful.

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      Yeah, the keybed is indeed the weak spot

  • @erlannderrantem6972
    @erlannderrantem6972 2 роки тому +1

    My first analog synth, finally an BG episode on it! That makes all my Synths (expect for my CZ-1) Bad Gear material.
    I love this little fella though!

  • @BreakzTerrorist
    @BreakzTerrorist 2 роки тому +1

    My first analog :D It was not exactly what I've expected but I still love it and own one to this day

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +1

      First love is the deepest;)

  • @xtalviper
    @xtalviper 2 роки тому +3

    Happy Thanksgiving to my favorite turkey!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +1

      Turturkeykey;) Happy thanksgiving!!!

  • @orincat10
    @orincat10 2 роки тому +3

    Got one for $30. The sequencer and lfo weren't working. After a complete disassembly, cleaning, some wd40 on the switches and a complete reassembly it worked perfectly. Think something came loose inside.

  • @MyOtheHedgeFox
    @MyOtheHedgeFox 2 роки тому +1

    Damn! Had I known this month’s shoutouts would be so awesome, I would’ve signed up for the higher level weeks ago! 0_0

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +1

      Thanks! Should I get a Marshall stack for next month? ;)

  • @austinmitchell2652
    @austinmitchell2652 2 роки тому +1

    This is probably my second most used synth, so it's fun to see it on the show!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +1

      Great when it fits a setup!

  • @oldunclemick
    @oldunclemick 2 роки тому +3

    4:55 Yes! 👍 IMO any step sequencer that lacks modulation from the keyboard is a Fail so this is good. I know that technically the modulation of analogue step sequencers occurs outside of the sequencer but all digital step sequencers should have it (yes it's yet another one of my gripes about the JP-08).

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      I think it would have made that thing much more expensive

  • @synthlord2368
    @synthlord2368 2 роки тому +3

    HAPPY FRIDAY!!

  • @8-BitHeart79
    @8-BitHeart79 2 роки тому +1

    Definitely one I regret selling. You’re editing is getting really good!

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +1

      Thank you!!!

    • @8-BitHeart79
      @8-BitHeart79 2 роки тому

      @@AudioPilz you’re wery velcome my friend! I hope your holiday season is filled with the Spirit, love, family and music. Happy Holidays.

  • @Starthief
    @Starthief 2 роки тому +2

    I was using 100% software for 15 years when my MIDI controller died, and I bought a Microbrute to replace it. I loved it and it wound up being my gateway drug into modular. Now I've got a Minibrute 2S and a Microfreak instead (plus the modular).

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому

      Yeah, it's like a modular in a box

  • @petero94707
    @petero94707 2 роки тому +3

    If you bailed before the Novation workout at the end, you really missed out.

  • @emmaessex
    @emmaessex 2 роки тому +4

    one of my favorite synths! it's perfectly nasty and can't be beat for grungy wall-of-sound stoner synth jams. pair it with a delay followed by a blues driver and zone out!

    • @vvuuppee
      @vvuuppee 2 роки тому

      when emma says it you know its facts

    • @AudioPilz
      @AudioPilz  2 роки тому +1

      Even MORE distortion???😳😳😳

  • @electrikkingdom
    @electrikkingdom Рік тому

    It's a lovely little synth with a unique tone and an interesting Steiner Parker filter. When your layer up recordings to create pads it sounds lovely. It also integrates in a simple but cool and enjoyable way with modular synths. It's better than than the mini because it has a sequencer and the sub tone can add a fifth if I remember right. The filter input is great on drums because it has high,lol, and band filters. Especially cool when you use the filter input with the sequencer, envelope, and brute distortion and the LFO clocked. If you can pick one up for cheap they're worth it. It definitely doesn't have a classic vibe but it does have a vibe.

  • @Psychlist1972
    @Psychlist1972 2 роки тому +1

    That modular diss. Oooooooooooh
    I always liked these, as long as I wasn't looking for "normal" sounds. This, to me, is a good +1 synth, assuming you already have the bread & butter synths.