It was bound to happen. The hugely popular Arturia MicroFreak has now a bigger brother, the MiniFreak, and yes, it’s a 6-voice polyphonic synth with effects and some extra benefits.
In Short, Arturia MiniFreak Is…
MiniFreak is a polyphonic hybrid keyboard (yep, real keys this time!) that combines two digital sound engines with warm analog filters, playful modulation, spontaneous sequencing, and stereo effects.
Polyphony, Paraphony, Modulation
MiniFreak’s twin digital sound engines feature over 20 modes, and can be used individually, stacked, or to process each other’s output for unique compound sonic behavior. Its digital voices then collide with analog filters, balancing digital crispness with a rich analog response, complete with 6-voice polyphony, 12-voice paraphony, monophonic, and unison configurations.
MiniFreak’s expanded modulation matrix gives users even more control over shaping, transforming, and evolving their sound, with features like polyphonic ADSR envelopes, customizable multi-segment LFO shapes, FM & Ring Modulation, and the familiar Spice & Dice randomization.
A Proper Keybed
The Arturia Microfreak’s peculiar keybed has been a divisive love/hate factor. The Minifreak goes back to a traditional 37-note slim keyboard with aftertouch (I assume taken from Arturia’s Keystep Pro). You’ll find also the Seq/Arp functionality with its fun-to-use randomization features.
Spare Your Pedals
Unlike the MicroFreak, the Arturia MiniFreak comes with an extensive multi-effect section. With stereo outputs and 3 digital FX slots with 10 FX types to choose from, users will have everything they need to push their sound over the edge while keeping it mix-ready, from stereo-enhancing chorus, to surgical 3-band EQ, to gritty distortion.
Free MiniFreak V Plugin!
This is actually pretty cool. MiniFreak comes with a free, dedicated VST counterpart, letting users totally integrate its unique hybrid sound and presets into their DAW productions and vice versa. Using identical sound engines, modeled filters, presets, and totally synchronized controls, users can enjoy an identical experience in hardware or software form.
I can only assume that, at some point, Arturia will also start selling the MiniFreak V plugin to those users who are not interested in the hardware counterpart (like KORG did recently with their opsix native plugin).
Pricing and Availability
MiniFreak will be available for purchase from October 18th, 6PM CET, priced at 599€ / $599. To learn more please visit the MiniFreak web page.
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