I don't own any of their hardware synths, but I love Pigments, the V Collection and the FX Collection. Considering this MiniFreak though. Every video I've seen about it has been so neat!
I sent a review to Arturia from the microfreak about 2-3years ago and every single thing I requested has been added. Literally everything…. Pre ordered.
You know the KSP and Micro had a baby, this is the outcome. I shied away from the Micro due to the idiosyncrasies of the UI, it seems much better planned in the guise of a KSP layout BUT it's actually better. The screen is now bigger and just above the keys where on KSP it's on top and tiny. The sequencer is much more user friendly, then the sounds seem to be much more usable with better sweet spots with more playable goodies thrown in. They took the best of Micro and KSP and we have the golden child. It sounds great, does it replace other synths? Well it holds its own and that's a good thing, I was eyeing a ASM Explorer but just never liked the engine, had the desktop. I think I have found that extra synth that exudes playabilty, sounds great and is in a small form factor. Mini keys do not bother me, it's just a better way to input notes to the sequencer, and still be able to noodle. I think they got everything right about this synth, I will be adding one and when Jexus gets his hands on one, you will know exactly what it can do.
Always love how Arturia continues to create phenomenal products - might not be perfect for me, but if I had the $$ I would buy this in a heartbeat. Has everything I'd want out of a synth engine! And the DAW capabilities are chef's kiss
Agree with most that you said but i have to say tha Keystep pro its tge biggest shit ever. I had it for a month and i finally replaces with the best midu controller nowadays which is tye Novation SL61 MK III. NOVATION HAS 8 TRACK SEQUENCER 5 LED SCREEN FULL SIZE KEYS AND SO SO MANY OTHER FEATURES, PLS TRY IT BFR YOU GO FOR THE KEYSTEP, IT WILL DRASTICALLY CHANGE YOUR MIND . ALL MY MODULAR AND MOST OF ANALOG HARDWARE SYNTHS CONNECTED INTO ONE MASCHINE WITH LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES ❤ BUT I LOVE MY ARTURIA MINIFREAK AND MY DRUMBRUTE ( EVEN IF THE DRUMBRUTE NIW JUST STAND FOR DECORATIVE ISSUE AFTER I BOUGHT THE PERKONS+ TR8S + MC 707.
Nice to see the Falcon in person, thanks for that. And again in this new video there is a great encounter between this new machine sound and your personal feeling touch. The capacitive keyboard and the lack of multitimbrality will miss. But the sound is there. The Sound!
I like it. Between this and the Hydrasynth explorer, Jupiter xm, cobalt, and others there’s been this mini synth market coming up in the footsteps of the now 20 year old microkorg (which is still relevant imo). Just wonder if Korg is gonna retool the micro with a non mushy keybed and a few more controls.
I think they've moved on from the micro. They are still very much in the game when it comes to this particular market. There's the minilogue, Opsix, Wavestate, modwave.. hell they basically own this market lol. A modern microkorg would be dope as hell though!
Good to see you're into your groove Jack, you're having fun and that's what sells these synths. I'd be more interested with the sequencing n modulation so will be checking it out. Sounds nice, no doubting that and has a much sweeter spot than the MicroFreak. Cheers for the upload. 🖖
What sell the sythersizor is quality, price, brand loyalty. I hear its £600 which is a significant price increase from its competitors such as Navation MiniNova, and other small mini key sythersizors on the market. £450 probably a more appropriate price.
@6:42 the microFreak has that same (1x) analog filter that the MiniFreak has (6x). That's the whole thing about the freaks :) digital OSC(s)+analog Filter(s)
Its amazing, I'm getting some Kawai K5000 vibes from this thing, I looked it up and sure enough it does have additive synthesis. With so many different types of synthesis, its almost like a modern Korg Z1 too, although it doesn't sound like one (I owned one of those for close to 20 years!).
I would love to see a comparison video of this and the ASM explorer! I have been dragging my feet trying to decide between an argon8, explorer and wavestate and then arteria had to come along and release this! Ugh
Another great demo.... and I should say I do miss Luke from Korg. I have a Polybrute and I will certainly be buying the MiniFreak. Another classic. The Microfreak was brilliant but control was a little too unconventional for myself personally. Mini keys are not ideal but I can live with them, however the Korg path is preferable with full size 37.... PS . I don't think anyone thinks youre an idiot. However, you are a brilliant keyboard player with a great team, and very funny. Never change. You are the reason we watch this channel. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for the kind words mate 🙏 I promise I’ve tried getting Luke back in but he’s rocking it a lot more on the Korg UK channel and is a Head Honcho at the company now. I probably scared him off with how excited he made tbh!! Thanks again for ever watching even one second mate ✊
@@jackduxbury1632 Luke clearly thinks the world of you... I've seen him in other videos. Nowhere near the chemistry. And also your videos with Mylar melodies Andy from Roland. You bring out the best in these guys from these huge corporations. The Rachel collier series were also great. I've bought various synths from Andertons for years. It's about trust and also coming into the store and having the largest selection on demo. That's what we need
Arturia... only occurred to me that I own several of their products. Certainly, the top manufacturers represented in my collection of gear are Roland, Yamaha (older FM stuff), Zoom (I like their old rack mount effects), and Arturia. I cannot emphasise enough how much I love my BeatStep Pro, KeyStep Pro, and MatrixBrute. I sequence a lot of my music using the BSP and KSP. I avoided the MicroFreak as I just didn't like the keys and the form factor. The MiniFreak sort of resolves this... if only it wasn't mini keys. But then it adds more and sounds amazing. I was planning on a Roland System-8 (I love my Roland ACB gear) as my next big synth purchase.... but the MiniFreak could easily skip the queue. Love your videos as you don't delve too much into tech specs but just get the synth out and try playing about with it. Like any one of us would do with a new toy.
I thought I wanted the MicroFreak until I played it and I was not terribly impressed. My initial reaction to this is that it sounds and looks awesome and I am a pretty big Arturia fanboy so I want it. I just hope it feels as substantive as the online community is making it out to be.
Has anyone actually got one of these yet in the UK? The waiting date is now 31st Dec another 7 weeks!! I per-ordered one last week as expected stock was Monday 14th Nov. What is going on? Why release something without stock to supply demand. Surly they tested the market before release so they knew what sort of demand would be expected ? Not a single Music outlet has stock and waiting times are all the end of December. Where do Arturia have their products made? China? Bit disappointed. I could understand why Behringer had problems with RD9 release as we were still in Covid and Chip problems but now why the problems? Great Video as always Andertons a great place to shop!! :D
Kinda cool sythersizor, We knew there was something new on the way, Not sure it's going to have enough for Me to get rid of My Navation MiniNova. This looks like a good choice for those who dont have a Micro Korg or MiniNova or Microfreak.
@@HOLLASOUNDS It is a lot deeper than all of those in my opinion. Do I want one? Kind of. Will I get on? Unlikely as I've got far too much stuff that I really don't use enough to justify more stuff.
@@fatbobe1986 It has more controls then the MiniNova and the presets are more up to date however to Me the Microfreak never had enough difference to from the MiniNova sound wise and neither does the Minfreak. Your last sentence is somthing I actually comment alot on gear and software videos.
MiniNova owner here and I am interested in the Minifreak too. The MN is very deep once you get under the hood and has a larger voice count but the engine features and the other worldly sound of the MF peaks my interest.
As a keyboard player for almost 50 years, I actually really like (okay, love) the MicroFreak keyboard. It's so much more expressive than the vast majority of conventional keybeds. With the MiniFreak, as good as Arturia's mini-key keybed is, I wish they'd at least sprung for the little Fatar unit used on the Hydrasynth Explorer -- or done their own with poly aftertouch.
@@dankeplace Thanks for the update. It's interesting, especially since ASM were advertising it as a Fatar at one point. Either way, they're using excellent keybeds. I've played a couple of the Medeli pianos, and they're wonderful -- as are the full-sized Hydrasynth keybeds.
@@dankeplace And, yeah, I see that they've changed to specifically mention the ASM Polytouch now for the Explorer. So, thanks again for the correction. Cheers!
It's not in their catalog, but they're making a PAT version of the TP/8SK for Waldorf (in the Iridium), and they at least used to make them for GEM, again, uncatalogued.
No, the JD-Xi can’t do any of the physical modelling or vocal synth sounds the Freak can. It’s a lovely, but very different synth + multi-track sequencer.
If you can blend 2 or 3 Oscillators at the same time.. I think it worth the upgrade... also I prefer the microfreak keys... and this sound much better than the Mf..
Only 256 Presets und 256 User Presets. Why? The new synthesizer plugin Sines by cherryaudio comes with over 700 presets and the possibility to store as many as your harddrive can store. Those limited space for presets in hardware units is not up to date any more.
@@dankeplace It is a absolut unnecessary discussion whether it is necessary or not. Your needs my differ from mine. Those patch files are a few KB in size only. Memory chips costs a few cents. So whats the point to build a hardware unit in 2022 with such a limited space for presets?
When I had a microfreak, I seem to remember that with the offered upgrades, they added more patch spaces. It might just be we'll have to wait for an upgrade or two, before Arturia gift their users. (they seem pretty good at that).
Sounds a lot like the Microfreak but bigger and richer. The "weird" keyboard is actually what had drawn me to it in the first place, but I'd love this as well.
Love Arturia hardware and the software is decent. I’m so tempted to get rid of my nectar t6 and get the arturia keylab 61 or downsize my Juno ds 88 and get the 88 key arturia. I have the keylab 37 as my travel board with my iPad. I moved from the microkey air to it. Love the extra features even though I have not explorered it fully yet.
Would love to see this vs Hydrasynth Explorer (vs Korg modwave/wavestate/opsix, or any other "portable" keyboard in this sort of price range). I'm planning to get ... something, and as a keyboard player want an ok keybed and good "organ" / electric piano capability (shame the yamaha reface cp seems to be AWOL). Want something relatively compact / lightweight to (not to mention, affordable!)
Out of all the ones you mentioned, Wavestate is the only one that will give you real organ and electric piano as it is sample based. It is light as a feather but has no aftertouch, just velocity. Keybed is ok but the synth gets very complex. You can stack 4 synth engines on top of each other, so imagine 4 organs or 4 electric or w/e you wish to do.
Been weighing up Minilogue vs Minilogue XD, a third digital oscillator vs external input. This offering from Arturia covers a lot of what the Korgs do and adds a few features, now I have to decide between digital vs analogue.
I have the XD, the MF goes far and beyond quite easily. There is something about the XD where when in a mix with other gear, it gets lost. I will probably end up selling it just because it really doesn't interest me that much. Mini however screams play me, it has a ton more goodies and right there on the surface, so no menu diving. XD is by far not a bad synth, just when you compare specs and $, I think the mini wins. Analog vs Digital though, so you may need to account for what you want out of a synth. I have a Wavestate and you can do things on the Mini that require menu diving on the WS. This synth really is a hands on, live perf tool.
@@dankeplace Thanks for those points, I like the lack of menu diving, still new to synthesis. I have a Monologue which should cover my analogue needs. Sounds like the Mini is the way to go, now just a case of waiting to see how long it takes to get to NZ..
@@robmanueb. CMI in Australia have listed Nov, 2 stores have already made vids of it, so I think it should be released by then. The best thing you should do is go play both, whilst my advice is biased, you should use both in person to make sure what you like best.
@@dankeplace If they are available in Aus we will probably get them soon! I would love to play with them before I buy but I am in the middle of nowhere, so rely on reviews and forums for my info, not ideal but I can get a pretty good idea if I take my time.
@@robmanueb. They are listed on 2 stores as back order atm for $949 AUD. I think it's worth it but only if you understand what you're getting. It competes directly with ASM's Explorer which I am not a fan of the synth engine, but the PAT keybed is worth it. If you like live tweaking with a sequencer, this is a seriously good perf tool. I have s KSP and the keys are fine, I wont sell it but it can move out of the way for the Mini. I have a Korg Minilogue XD and it's good, not great, it only has 16 steps for the sequencer and 4 lanes of motion sequencing vs 64 steps for the Mini Freak. The game changer is how you can make your own wave shapes for the LFO and easily. If you get all this and like the sound, it's a no brainer imo. It's 6 Microfreaks in a really good shell and the case it self whilst plastic, has zero flex in the KSP so assume will be the same in the Mini.
Oh nice the sounds are definitely very crusty and spiky ...I like the look of the og and not sure about the minikeys but that's just personal preference
Great video guys! Giving it keys makes it loads more appealing. It’s purely aesthetic but it looks like a synth I’d love to sit down and have fun messing around with. I never really felt that before even though I loved the sound. Someone at Arturia needs a raise 😂
Mini-keys though.. and only channel aftertouch. Shame it's not polyphonic-aftertouch.. but maybe they will have the last-key-modulates mode from the Polybrute in there to help slightly. Personally I'd prefer no keys and a module format that works in 19" rack and desktop.. at least as a secondary hardware option
@@Wagoo yeah that is a pity. I’ve no idea what price point it’s coming in at so the poly after touch might be wishful thinking on our part! 100% agree on the module! That’s really what would stop me actually considering buying one of these. I went for the keystep 37 and I have the reface CS so the last thing I want is another set of identical keys haha! Fingers crossed for a module version!
@@Wagoo Mini keys are fine, I have the KSP and they're more than serviceable. I think the whole package is something that works well within a budget, it may not have PAT but could possibly respond to PAT? I think the keys was smart as it allows for the sequencer input, transpose and arp functions. For something that I would not use as a main synth, keys like this are fine and you can always use an external keybed. I have a XD module and have a love hate with it, I prefer this format better but that's just me. I love the sequencing aspects of this though, 64 steps of 4 lane motion is pretty cool when compared to the 16 of the XD. I think Arturia has done the cheapest way of offering this 6 voice incarnation by repurposing the design of the KSP, the marriage of Micro and KSP was a smart move imo.
It's great that this channel has gained steady traction. A nice slow burn where the back catalogue justifies it's progress. I like to think that the comments that I've made, one of which got a like, have contributed enormously. Can I have some free stuff now?
This synth is perfect for me, it has all the sounds and options at my fingertips for the kind of music I want to make, will be great for hardcore/terror/Speedcore type of sounds and textures, need one so I can sample the crap out of it, then load them clips into my tracker and start going ham, you can create kicks on this thing, that’s pretty convenient for my tastes, too good to be true but it is! Neeeeeed
2:50 didn't catch the issue, was it when you chage voice the sustain isn't cut? If so there is a proper term for this but I can't remember it or find it online.
Wanted a Microfreak till I played one at SynthExpo that keyboard made my hair hurt :) this might be a winner. Don’t mind mini keys Hell I’ve got em on my Jupiter Xm and JD-Xi I’m guessing this will be $499.99ish due to the extra voices and inclusion of essentially a keystep 37. Thanks
Arturia cover both hardware and software synths so well. Truly in a league of their own.
I don't own any of their hardware synths, but I love Pigments, the V Collection and the FX Collection. Considering this MiniFreak though. Every video I've seen about it has been so neat!
@@thehomienicked8208 I'm in the same boat. I'm just waiting for them to release its sister model in white at this point. Haha.
I sent a review to Arturia from the microfreak about 2-3years ago and every single thing I requested has been added. Literally everything…. Pre ordered.
As a Microfreak owner, this is a fantastic upgrade !
Agreed! But as a Microfreak owner...I think I'll pass.
@@mikemeengs5720 I'm thinking selling my microfreak😁😄 and get this... this upgrade really worth it.. dual osc...and alot more.. it sounds better too
@@BeatsByJarel bout to do the same
I already pre-ordered yesterday 😏
A great demo...alway an enjoyable watch ..
The last patch was spot on. Really nice playing as well.
Have been thinking about getting a micro freak recently, but this is instantly what I want more 😂 excited for the release!
You know the KSP and Micro had a baby, this is the outcome.
I shied away from the Micro due to the idiosyncrasies of the UI, it seems much better planned in the guise of a KSP layout BUT it's actually better.
The screen is now bigger and just above the keys where on KSP it's on top and tiny. The sequencer is much more user friendly, then the sounds seem to be much more usable with better sweet spots with more playable goodies thrown in.
They took the best of Micro and KSP and we have the golden child.
It sounds great, does it replace other synths? Well it holds its own and that's a good thing, I was eyeing a ASM Explorer but just never liked the engine, had the desktop.
I think I have found that extra synth that exudes playabilty, sounds great and is in a small form factor.
Mini keys do not bother me, it's just a better way to input notes to the sequencer, and still be able to noodle.
I think they got everything right about this synth, I will be adding one and when Jexus gets his hands on one, you will know exactly what it can do.
@@dankeplace Also my Minifreak fits perfectly in the case I was previously using for my KSP 👍🏽
I can say it was well worth the wait.
The Arturia Minifreak design is going back to the retro Casios of the 1980 / 1990s.Looking forward to their next slightly larger version 'The Freak'
MacroFreak?
@@stockholm1752 MarioFreak
@@stockholm1752 the SuperFreak (Plays Rick James Bassline)
Yeah, I'm definitely getting some CZ vibes design wise
Pre-order done! Can't wait to hook this up to my MC707!
Fun combo you will have there
Always love how Arturia continues to create phenomenal products - might not be perfect for me, but if I had the $$ I would buy this in a heartbeat. Has everything I'd want out of a synth engine! And the DAW capabilities are chef's kiss
Its not that expensive i guess.
Agree with most that you said but i have to say tha Keystep pro its tge biggest shit ever.
I had it for a month and i finally replaces with the best midu controller nowadays which is tye Novation SL61 MK III. NOVATION HAS 8 TRACK SEQUENCER 5 LED SCREEN FULL SIZE KEYS AND SO SO MANY OTHER FEATURES, PLS TRY IT BFR YOU GO FOR THE KEYSTEP, IT WILL DRASTICALLY CHANGE YOUR MIND .
ALL MY MODULAR AND MOST OF ANALOG HARDWARE SYNTHS CONNECTED INTO ONE MASCHINE WITH LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES ❤
BUT I LOVE MY ARTURIA MINIFREAK AND MY DRUMBRUTE ( EVEN IF THE DRUMBRUTE NIW JUST STAND FOR DECORATIVE ISSUE AFTER I BOUGHT THE PERKONS+ TR8S + MC 707.
@@thesmok1000well he's broke 🤦♂️
Nice to see the Falcon in person, thanks for that. And again in this new video there is a great encounter between this new machine sound and your personal feeling touch. The capacitive keyboard and the lack of multitimbrality will miss. But the sound is there. The Sound!
Always enjoy ur keyboard skiils Jack!!! 🔥
Hoping to see a full-size release!
The Superfreak?
@@ben1210 I see what you did there :D
Most original sounding synth right now.
OG freak has analogue filter too Jack😉
Yep. But this has 6 to give true polyphony rather than paraphonic.
5:15 I loved this Jack - beautiful! The MiniFreak looks amazing!
That is some beast,every preset is a winner. I want one!
learn to design your own sounds you could be a winner too
I love that it's not just another boring synth by the old standards.
It's fresh. And the arp/sequencer seems great
Since most of us have keystep why do they not release both freaks in module form?
I like it. Between this and the Hydrasynth explorer, Jupiter xm, cobalt, and others there’s been this mini synth market coming up in the footsteps of the now 20 year old microkorg (which is still relevant imo). Just wonder if Korg is gonna retool the micro with a non mushy keybed and a few more controls.
I think they've moved on from the micro. They are still very much in the game when it comes to this particular market. There's the minilogue, Opsix, Wavestate, modwave.. hell they basically own this market lol. A modern microkorg would be dope as hell though!
They did!
Loving that the Maltese Falcon gets his part in the clips! Love the vid as well, what an interesting upgrade!! Seriously considering this one!
Those patches sound great, kudos to the programmers.
I don't like them at all...
Good to see you're into your groove Jack, you're having fun and that's what sells these synths.
I'd be more interested with the sequencing n modulation so will be checking it out.
Sounds nice, no doubting that and has a much sweeter spot than the MicroFreak.
Cheers for the upload.
🖖
What sell the sythersizor is quality, price, brand loyalty. I hear its £600 which is a significant price increase from its competitors such as Navation MiniNova, and other small mini key sythersizors on the market. £450 probably a more appropriate price.
600usd
Love the energy guys :)
The Impale patch is the sound of a Light Sabre!
God damn beautiful progression right there. Perfect with the slight vibrato and the faux casio cz type of pad at 3:05
looks very interesting. i would love one of these
Le Mini Freak, so mini-chic. Looks like a fun piece and if it's only a few bob would be a definite yes
What a nice demo! Thanks a lot!
Those filters are WET! love it.
this is another level for Arturia 👌🏼
@6:42 the microFreak has that same (1x) analog filter that the MiniFreak has (6x). That's the whole thing about the freaks :) digital OSC(s)+analog Filter(s)
Brilliant little thing. Nicely done Jack.
Its amazing, I'm getting some Kawai K5000 vibes from this thing, I looked it up and sure enough it does have additive synthesis. With so many different types of synthesis, its almost like a modern Korg Z1 too, although it doesn't sound like one (I owned one of those for close to 20 years!).
Def some juicy and tasty stock tones coming out of this thing. I like it.
I would love to see a comparison video of this and the ASM explorer! I have been dragging my feet trying to decide between an argon8, explorer and wavestate and then arteria had to come along and release this! Ugh
Agreed. It would be a great comparison. I definiitely think the Explorer is still the better choice and a similar price.
That last reset, Geiger, uses sparse noise, it’s super simple, yet very few synths have it, and it makes great sounds!
Another great demo.... and I should say I do miss Luke from Korg. I have a Polybrute and I will certainly be buying the MiniFreak. Another classic. The Microfreak was brilliant but control was a little too unconventional for myself personally. Mini keys are not ideal but I can live with them, however the Korg path is preferable with full size 37.... PS . I don't think anyone thinks youre an idiot. However, you are a brilliant keyboard player with a great team, and very funny. Never change. You are the reason we watch this channel. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for the kind words mate 🙏 I promise I’ve tried getting Luke back in but he’s rocking it a lot more on the Korg UK channel and is a Head Honcho at the company now. I probably scared him off with how excited he made tbh!! Thanks again for ever watching even one second mate ✊
@@jackduxbury1632 Luke clearly thinks the world of you... I've seen him in other videos. Nowhere near the chemistry. And also your videos with Mylar melodies Andy from Roland. You bring out the best in these guys from these huge corporations. The Rachel collier series were also great. I've bought various synths from Andertons for years. It's about trust and also coming into the store and having the largest selection on demo. That's what we need
Sounding very nice but man I just can't get along with Mini keys.. wouldn't mind a module though.
Nice aesthetic for the thumbnail
Arturia... only occurred to me that I own several of their products. Certainly, the top manufacturers represented in my collection of gear are Roland, Yamaha (older FM stuff), Zoom (I like their old rack mount effects), and Arturia. I cannot emphasise enough how much I love my BeatStep Pro, KeyStep Pro, and MatrixBrute. I sequence a lot of my music using the BSP and KSP.
I avoided the MicroFreak as I just didn't like the keys and the form factor. The MiniFreak sort of resolves this... if only it wasn't mini keys. But then it adds more and sounds amazing. I was planning on a Roland System-8 (I love my Roland ACB gear) as my next big synth purchase.... but the MiniFreak could easily skip the queue.
Love your videos as you don't delve too much into tech specs but just get the synth out and try playing about with it. Like any one of us would do with a new toy.
seems like it has a lot of sound design potential
I thought I wanted the MicroFreak until I played it and I was not terribly impressed. My initial reaction to this is that it sounds and looks awesome and I am a pretty big Arturia fanboy so I want it. I just hope it feels as substantive as the online community is making it out to be.
Just in case anyone needs the Manual i've just been told by Arturia it will be released tomorrow 23/11/22
Has anyone actually got one of these yet in the UK? The waiting date is now 31st Dec another 7 weeks!! I per-ordered one last week as expected stock was Monday 14th Nov. What is going on? Why release something without stock to supply demand. Surly they tested the market before release so they knew what sort of demand would be expected ? Not a single Music outlet has stock and waiting times are all the end of December. Where do Arturia have their products made? China? Bit disappointed. I could understand why Behringer had problems with RD9 release as we were still in Covid and Chip problems but now why the problems? Great Video as always Andertons a great place to shop!! :D
Wow, nice sounding device and a great video! Thanks!
Kinda cool sythersizor, We knew there was something new on the way, Not sure it's going to have enough for Me to get rid of My Navation MiniNova. This looks like a good choice for those who dont have a Micro Korg or MiniNova or Microfreak.
I have both the MicroKorg and the MicroFreak. No reason to get this. But I still kinda want it. 😅
@@eleven9286 For what reason? It dont apear to have anything that different sound wise from MiniNova, Microkorg or Microfreak?
@@HOLLASOUNDS It is a lot deeper than all of those in my opinion. Do I want one? Kind of. Will I get on? Unlikely as I've got far too much stuff that I really don't use enough to justify more stuff.
@@fatbobe1986 It has more controls then the MiniNova and the presets are more up to date however to Me the Microfreak never had enough difference to from the MiniNova sound wise and neither does the Minfreak. Your last sentence is somthing I actually comment alot on gear and software videos.
MiniNova owner here and I am interested in the Minifreak too. The MN is very deep once you get under the hood and has a larger voice count but the engine features and the other worldly sound of the MF peaks my interest.
As a keyboard player for almost 50 years, I actually really like (okay, love) the MicroFreak keyboard. It's so much more expressive than the vast majority of conventional keybeds. With the MiniFreak, as good as Arturia's mini-key keybed is, I wish they'd at least sprung for the little Fatar unit used on the Hydrasynth Explorer -- or done their own with poly aftertouch.
Explorer doesn't use a FATAR, it uses their own in-house made by their parent company MEDELI .
@@dankeplace Thanks for the update. It's interesting, especially since ASM were advertising it as a Fatar at one point. Either way, they're using excellent keybeds. I've played a couple of the Medeli pianos, and they're wonderful -- as are the full-sized Hydrasynth keybeds.
@@dankeplace And, yeah, I see that they've changed to specifically mention the ASM Polytouch now for the Explorer. So, thanks again for the correction. Cheers!
@@GerenM63 Nps. Fatar have some really nice keybeds, fwiw I don't think they do a PAT atm.
It's not in their catalog, but they're making a PAT version of the TP/8SK for Waldorf (in the Iridium), and they at least used to make them for GEM, again, uncatalogued.
A direct comparison to the Modal Electronics Cobalt 5s would be great.
That's a funky little synth
So should we expect a 49 key 8 voice version? Arturia Mega Freak? 😅
yes but in 3 years
awesome job, as usual.
Very nice looking and sounding machine
got to admit that roland jdxi with ipad remote completely got those new digital synths covered
No, the JD-Xi can’t do any of the physical modelling or vocal synth sounds the Freak can. It’s a lovely, but very different synth + multi-track sequencer.
@@RikMaxSpeed JDXi is a horrible menu diving nightmare, it can sound nice but you need to tether it to a pc to get the most out of it.
Love Arturia brute matrix and poly brute, but these smaller units are fun too.
That's seems to be so fun to play!
it only "seems".
Amazing video as always! but I MUST ask you this - how would you put this against the DeepMind 12?!
Im thinking to sell my deepmind 12 , but im not so conviced
If you can blend 2 or 3 Oscillators at the same time.. I think it worth the upgrade... also I prefer the microfreak keys... and this sound much better than the Mf..
Want one. Shame my credit score is toast, I’ll have to wait a while.
Some great sounds
The last patch was very Boards of Canada.
That 'impale' preset is *begging* for 170+ BPM and some breaks.
That's an excellent news!
My curent live set-up is tr8s + mc 707 + perkons + minifreak + waldorf blofeld .
And its bomb 💣
Only 256 Presets und 256 User Presets. Why? The new synthesizer plugin Sines by cherryaudio comes with over 700 presets and the possibility to store as many as your harddrive can store. Those limited space for presets in hardware units is not up to date any more.
If you need more than 512 patches, you have more issues with your own patch designs than the synth.
256 is more than enough, let alone 512.
@@dankeplace It is a absolut unnecessary discussion whether it is necessary or not. Your needs my differ from mine. Those patch files are a few KB in size only. Memory chips costs a few cents. So whats the point to build a hardware unit in 2022 with such a limited space for presets?
@@schniggedagges74 so you think you can gate keep over a comment you think is a rule of thumb?
Stop crying and get over yourself.
Don't worry about the Danke Place shill. He is costing Arturia millions by attacking any criticism of their cash grab.
When I had a microfreak, I seem to remember that with the offered upgrades, they added more patch spaces.
It might just be we'll have to wait for an upgrade or two, before Arturia gift their users. (they seem pretty good at that).
Nice one lads 👍
Sounds a lot like the Microfreak but bigger and richer. The "weird" keyboard is actually what had drawn me to it in the first place, but I'd love this as well.
Alright we need a maxifreak now...
Love Arturia hardware and the software is decent. I’m so tempted to get rid of my nectar t6 and get the arturia keylab 61 or downsize my Juno ds 88 and get the 88 key arturia. I have the keylab 37 as my travel board with my iPad. I moved from the microkey air to it. Love the extra features even though I have not explorered it fully yet.
What a beauty
4th patch (Celeste) sounds like Ben Prunty’s FTL game soundtrack. Love it.
shockingly massive (good) sounding!
Would love to see this vs Hydrasynth Explorer (vs Korg modwave/wavestate/opsix, or any other "portable" keyboard in this sort of price range). I'm planning to get ... something, and as a keyboard player want an ok keybed and good "organ" / electric piano capability (shame the yamaha reface cp seems to be AWOL). Want something relatively compact / lightweight to (not to mention, affordable!)
Out of all the ones you mentioned, Wavestate is the only one that will give you real organ and electric piano as it is sample based.
It is light as a feather but has no aftertouch, just velocity.
Keybed is ok but the synth gets very complex.
You can stack 4 synth engines on top of each other, so imagine 4 organs or 4 electric or w/e you wish to do.
@@dankeplace Thanks! Interesting - will take a closer look at the wavestate
Reface YC + ipad. Done. You welcome.
having nice presets is a half win. having good keys is the second half
Great playing. This is a better demo than arturia’s keynote
The keyboard is small but the sound is great.
would it kill them to double the screen size?? c'mon
Minute 9'09 thats an amazing meme over there "Love it" .
Amazing review !🤍
Been weighing up Minilogue vs Minilogue XD, a third digital oscillator vs external input. This offering from Arturia covers a lot of what the Korgs do and adds a few features, now I have to decide between digital vs analogue.
I have the XD, the MF goes far and beyond quite easily. There is something about the XD where when in a mix with other gear, it gets lost.
I will probably end up selling it just because it really doesn't interest me that much.
Mini however screams play me, it has a ton more goodies and right there on the surface, so no menu diving.
XD is by far not a bad synth, just when you compare specs and $, I think the mini wins.
Analog vs Digital though, so you may need to account for what you want out of a synth.
I have a Wavestate and you can do things on the Mini that require menu diving on the WS.
This synth really is a hands on, live perf tool.
@@dankeplace Thanks for those points, I like the lack of menu diving, still new to synthesis. I have a Monologue which should cover my analogue needs. Sounds like the Mini is the way to go, now just a case of waiting to see how long it takes to get to NZ..
@@robmanueb. CMI in Australia have listed Nov, 2 stores have already made vids of it, so I think it should be released by then.
The best thing you should do is go play both, whilst my advice is biased, you should use both in person to make sure what you like best.
@@dankeplace If they are available in Aus we will probably get them soon! I would love to play with them before I buy but I am in the middle of nowhere, so rely on reviews and forums for my info, not ideal but I can get a pretty good idea if I take my time.
@@robmanueb. They are listed on 2 stores as back order atm for $949 AUD.
I think it's worth it but only if you understand what you're getting.
It competes directly with ASM's Explorer which I am not a fan of the synth engine, but the PAT keybed is worth it.
If you like live tweaking with a sequencer, this is a seriously good perf tool.
I have s KSP and the keys are fine, I wont sell it but it can move out of the way for the Mini.
I have a Korg Minilogue XD and it's good, not great, it only has 16 steps for the sequencer and 4 lanes of motion sequencing vs 64 steps for the Mini Freak.
The game changer is how you can make your own wave shapes for the LFO and easily. If you get all this and like the sound, it's a no brainer imo.
It's 6 Microfreaks in a really good shell and the case it self whilst plastic, has zero flex in the KSP so assume will be the same in the Mini.
Well, aren't U a cool dude?! 😉Nice video!
Looks like a mini UDO Super 6
Awesome 👍
It's nice but not something I would add to my stable of synths that I use on the regular. But I liked the depth of some of those sounds.
Oh nice the sounds are definitely very crusty and spiky ...I like the look of the og and not sure about the minikeys but that's just personal preference
Great video guys! Giving it keys makes it loads more appealing. It’s purely aesthetic but it looks like a synth I’d love to sit down and have fun messing around with. I never really felt that before even though I loved the sound. Someone at Arturia needs a raise 😂
Mini-keys though.. and only channel aftertouch. Shame it's not polyphonic-aftertouch.. but maybe they will have the last-key-modulates mode from the Polybrute in there to help slightly. Personally I'd prefer no keys and a module format that works in 19" rack and desktop.. at least as a secondary hardware option
@@Wagoo yeah that is a pity. I’ve no idea what price point it’s coming in at so the poly after touch might be wishful thinking on our part! 100% agree on the module! That’s really what would stop me actually considering buying one of these. I went for the keystep 37 and I have the reface CS so the last thing I want is another set of identical keys haha! Fingers crossed for a module version!
@@Wagoo Mini keys are fine, I have the KSP and they're more than serviceable.
I think the whole package is something that works well within a budget, it may not have PAT but could possibly respond to PAT?
I think the keys was smart as it allows for the sequencer input, transpose and arp functions.
For something that I would not use as a main synth, keys like this are fine and you can always use an external keybed.
I have a XD module and have a love hate with it, I prefer this format better but that's just me.
I love the sequencing aspects of this though, 64 steps of 4 lane motion is pretty cool when compared to the 16 of the XD.
I think Arturia has done the cheapest way of offering this 6 voice incarnation by repurposing the design of the KSP, the marriage of Micro and KSP was a smart move imo.
It's great that this channel has gained steady traction. A nice slow burn where the back catalogue justifies it's progress.
I like to think that the comments that I've made, one of which got a like, have contributed enormously.
Can I have some free stuff now?
This sounds so nice. Too bad the price & economical times.
Do minifreak has seamless transition feature when changing between the patches?
OMG!!!! I need to raid my Piggy Bank !!!!!
makes a cz101 look built like a tank
I got one of those CZ’s
@@bm63 omd and human league(and others) would have used the 101 if they had been availible then.
Arturia: "How can we get these suckers to open their wallets full spread? ?"
Yep. I'll stick with the Microfreak.
Subscribed, send me my prophet 5 lol 😂
Get Pigments everybody 😂
🚹🚹🚹I need to pee but I am too excited to leave. Big Freak is next???
SuperFreak would be the name.
@@HOLLASOUNDS A freak for your supper. Don't let it be the Last Supper.
This synth is perfect for me, it has all the sounds and options at my fingertips for the kind of music I want to make, will be great for hardcore/terror/Speedcore type of sounds and textures, need one so I can sample the crap out of it, then load them clips into my tracker and start going ham, you can create kicks on this thing, that’s pretty convenient for my tastes, too good to be true but it is! Neeeeeed
I want one!
I like
Looks like it has the same body as a Microkorg XL
I'm excited for the 100k subs honestly lol
2:50 didn't catch the issue, was it when you chage voice the sustain isn't cut? If so there is a proper term for this but I can't remember it or find it online.
Yes it plays the sustain of the last patch when changing to a new one.
Wanted a Microfreak till I played one at SynthExpo that keyboard made my hair hurt :) this might be a winner. Don’t mind mini keys Hell I’ve got em on my Jupiter Xm and JD-Xi I’m guessing this will be $499.99ish due to the extra voices and inclusion of essentially a keystep 37. Thanks
$599 USD suggested retail
This is all nice and dandy....but whatabout a DrumFreak?!?!??!