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Arturia MicroFreak Hybrid Synthesizer Arturia MicroFreak Hybrid Synthesizer

Arturia MicroFreak Hybrid Synthesizer

Arturia MicroFreak Hybrid Synthesizer Arturia MicroFreak Hybrid Synthesizer
$ 399.00

Score By Feature

Based on 412 ratings
Portability
9.90
Versatility
9.68
Value for money
9.38
For beginners
9.12
Quality of material
8.71

OveReview Final Score

How Our Score Is Calculated

Product Description

Modes of the Oscillator
With Aftertouch, you can use a touch keyboard.
You can save up to 192 presets.
Analog Filter with State Variability
It also comes with a power cord and a user's manual.

Questions & Answers

Is this the latest version of Microfreak?

The hardware is the most recent, and the physical synth has not changed. Simply go to their website and check for firmware updates once you've received your MicroFreak. I've received two excellent updates since purchasing my MicroFreak. Simply register your microFreak when you receive it and check online, where you can also download a variety of patches.

So it's a polysynth with digital oscillators that's analog?

It's a polysynth with analog filters that's digitally synthesized.

Is there a set of midi and audio cables included with this?

There were no other audio cables included with the MicroFreak, except for dual midi ADAPTER (not midi to midi jacks) plugs.

Is this the Vocoder edition, or something else?

The microphone, which I believe was a pack-in, is not included in this listing. The unit's functionality will remain the same once the firmware is updated, even if it comes with the Vocoder Edition. Any microphone with a 3.5 mm jack will suffice. It is possible to use a 5mm input jack.

Selected User Reviews For Arturia MicroFreak Hybrid Synthesizer

A Polyphonic, Multi-Track Instrument with a Great Sound Synthesizer with a unique engine
5/5

I'm going to get one thing out of the way right now: yes, this can be a long-winded - Monophonic synthesizer with a nice sound. In paraphonic mode, however, it can also be a four-note POLYPHONIC synth with little loss of fatness and quality. I'm not sure why Arturia tried to hide the synth's polyphony. So, what do you get? br>br>All right, what do you get? It's basically a wavetable synth that can also be used as an analog modeling synth, a. superX (saw, square, etc - basically the same thing as the MicroFreak but with a true analog filter), digital waveform analog synth (basically the same thing as the MicroFreak but with a true analog filter), and digital waveform analog synth (basically the same thing as the MicroFreak but with a true analog filter). Essentially, more analog modeling) synth, formant (consider: vocoder) synth, wavefolding west coast style spectral synth, and the amusingly named two-dimensional spectral synth FM synthesizer operator br>br>However, it does have a few other all-time favorites. I've got a few digital gimmicks up my sleeve. First and foremost, it achieves a respectable Karplus-like result. Strong string physical modeling synth, voice synthesis, and a few sample and granular synthesis tricks br>br>Add in a large mod matrix, CV I/O (and MIDI), USB power and connectivity, a sequencer and arp, and some pretty cool envelope and lfo options, and you've got yourself a cool synth. Some may be put off by the capacitive keys, but they add to this little guy's personality and allow for some unique expression. br>br>It's well constructed (though not to the same standard as their other brick-and-mortar structures). house products), they're light and inexpensive. br>br>I'd like to point out that, unlike another reviewer, I had no issues with MIDI connectivity. I immediately updated the OS/firmware after turning it on and registering it, and I've had no issues since. The only thing I can think of is that the other reviewer isn't familiar with MIDI and had channel mismatches or was unable to send or receive MIDI due to device settings rather than any flaws in the unit. br>br>It's also worth noting that this synth is compatible with the Volca, Uno, Roland Boutique, and Yamaha Reface form factors. They're all very easy to sync. And, while the MicroFreak lacks speakers (not that the speakers on any of the other units are particularly good), it's relatively simple to find a unit with an audio input and mix the MicroFreak that way. Furthermore, with a little electronic ingenuity, you can easily sync and power ALL of the above using only USB and/or battery power. Arturia, you did a fantastic job!.

Reyna Christensen
Reyna Christensen
| May 09, 2021
This synth piqued my interest, but it wasn't quite ready for prime time
3/5

I adhered to the guidelines set forth previously. When it was finally released, I was eager to get my hands on one. The end result was a bit of a toss-up: There are a lot of cool features, but there are also a lot of bugs, and it doesn't do anything that my other gear can't. The main problem is that my DAW's midi implementation simply does not work- It sends midi data but cannot receive it; this could be due to a faulty unit or (more likely) a firmware issue. This issue has been brought to the attention of other message boards. Whatever the case may be, it's a far too simple a bug to tolerate. br>br>Because Arturia has not responded to a tech support ticket or posts on their community discussion board, this is being refunded. If it had been spectacular in other ways, I might have kept it and waited for Artuira to respond, but it isn't- For the price, it's a nice synth with some cool ideas, but it's not worth the trouble in the end. **edit - br>br>br>br>br>br>br>br>br>b 06/11/19: I really wanted to like this synth and I'm bummed that it didn't work out, but my gut tells me that Arturia ru ru ru ru ru ru ru ru ru ru ru ru ru ru ru ru ru ru ru ru ru ru ru ru ru ru ru.

Adalyn Alvarado
Adalyn Alvarado
| Mar 24, 2021
In the same league as the Microkorg, this is an incredible product! First and foremost, I'd like to state that I own six professional synthesizers, so I'm well-equipped to comment on how this product compares to others
5/5

I haven't had much time with the Microfreak yet, but I wanted to share my enthusiasm in case anyone else is looking for a product like this for Christmas. I was wary of the touchy-feely stuff. I expected the sensitive keybed to be less satisfying than real keys that move when pressed. These keys are truly amazing, much to my surprise. They appear to be extremely dependable and useful. They are my favorite. I wasn't crazy about the mono output and lack of built-in effects on this synth, but after running it through my DAW (Logic Pro X) and adding a slight chorus and reverb, I was blown away by the sound. This synth is the most versatile synth I've ever seen, and I've played synths for over 40 years! The soundscape is creamy and rich, with a wide range of sounds. I can't imagine anyone who isn't a synth fanatic not adoring this instrument. I'm blown away by how inexpensive it is. The Microkorg was THE affordable synth to have before this, but this could be right up there with it! I'm delighted to report that I possess both! YAY! When I have more time to devote to it, I will provide an update.

Xavier Erickson
Xavier Erickson
| Oct 11, 2021
This is by far the strangest synth I've ever owned
5/5

However, I really enjoy it! This is the synth to add to your collection if you're looking for something different. The capacitive keys are strange at first, but they become quite usable after a while (though I'd pay twice as much for a real keybed and let Arturia know). br>Great sequencer! Arpeggios can also be turned into sequences, which is a good option because the only thing I don't like about it is the lack of a metronome (which I also told Arturia was a huge oversight and should be included in a firmware update). br>But, if you're up for a synth adventure, this is the one. I've had it for about a week and have spent at least 30 hours playing it. enthralling, challenging, and enjoyable!.

Madalyn Bradshaw
Madalyn Bradshaw
| Dec 24, 2020
Expert advice is available
5/5

It appeals to me. This year, I became a full-fledged Instagram hipster and discovered eurorack. For my desk, I considered purchasing a succulent as well as other greenery. Eurorack is a void; it's impossible to escape it. Despite the fact that it was a lot of fun. Because of the instant dope ass sounds and functionality, I should have bought the Microfreak first. I actually enjoy using the keyboard, or rather, not using it; It's unique, but what do I know? I play guitar in a black metal band (doubling down on the hipster this year), so who am I to say? It's the icing on the cake that I can interface with my modules. I could sit here for hours with this bad boy and a reverb pedal; I haven't spilled any beer on it yet, so I can't comment on its durability. Buy it. I know what I'm talking about.

Kate Steele
Kate Steele
| Mar 11, 2021

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