Wow, the Eurorack demonstration just sold me on this thing. Looks like an excellent expressive controller for a modular system. Great that it transmits not only gate and CV but also the amount of contact your fingers have with the capacitive touchplate, just like on the Music Easel.
When I'd play keyboards, I'd wiggle my fingers on the keys when I wanted tremolo, like a cellist on their fingerboard. It didn't achieve anything, but I always wanted it to.
Great to see this video explaining the benefits of the Freak’s keyboard. Too often people are so locked into what they’re used to using without bothering to learn about the benefits of the alternative controller before criticizing it simply because it’s not what they’re already using. Narrow mindedness chokes your creative potential. Going through life with the assumption you’re right without bothering to listen and learn is futile.
Great demo! Thanks for the thoughtful descriptions + details on the modular patching/routing, and specifically how to utilize the pressure control as a mod source within modular.
I am going to copy yet another one of your cool ideas. I’m putting some different knobs on my microFreak, as the Orange reminds me of candy corns, I don’t know why that would be, but the Davies look excellent!! Thanks for expressing your true feelings about this little wonder (I call it a “1/3 or almost even 1/2 of a DSI PolyEvolver”) of a synthesizer!!
Can’t wait to get mine. Will make an excellent controller for Arturia’s Buchla Easel plugin, Softube Module’s Buchla 259e and other west coast goodies like Complex-1
i know i am late with commenting lol ... but the keyboard is actually the best part on the microfreak. i dont know how to explain it but it can read your emotions while playing. And now that i figured out how to use the matrix even for plugins its best tool i ever bought. I actually sold all other designated midi controller keyboards because its so much better
it's my first touchplate keyboard.. and i'm not a fan. really you need to have no nails specially if you want to play large chords. it's a bit risky random to me specially in live where. And you have to focus alot on the keyboard not hit nearby "keys"... i have big fingers maybe that's that.
me encanta el concepto del microfreak, su sonido la matrix y sobretodo teclado (aún que esté a veces de problemas de comportamiento incluso estando properly grounded) por lo que no soy gran fan de la calidad de construction y siento que el firmware necesita estar aún más pulido:(
por lo que cuesta y ofrece, siento que está bien hecho. Es ligero pero aguanta! De firmware, qué sientes le falta? con el ultimo update a mi me parece que ya quedó!
The Microfreak is an experimental synth. There is innovation in each centimeter of it. I get the poly capacitive aftertouch and it is unique as well. Still, keys getting stuck with even a bit of humidity... Honestly would you use this live without an external controller?
interesting video as i posted on several forums about my problems with aftertouch with microfreak :p you find it reacts always the same no matter how many figers etc on the board ? it's very random for me. i wonder if my unit has a problem.
Mine seems to respond fairly consistently in pressure mode. In velocity mode it's a bit more erratic, but I find it's a matter of adapting technique. Don't try to play it like a normal keyboard, it's not meant for big chords. Use a flat finger technique and your nails won't get in the way, plus you'll have more control over the pressure sensitivity. And when you want normal keyboard response, just plug in a midi controller!
was wanting to buy this but I hate the idea of the keyboard. i like to feel an instrument reacting physically to my touch and don't like to play while looking at the keyboard. It's just a no go for me.
cool, it reminds me of the Roli Seaboard controller, even if they're completely different products...I'm thinking about one of the 2, which one would you suggest? Thanks!
I haven't tried the roli, but I have Linnstrument and Sensel Morph, which are both amazing MPE capable controllers with pressure, posicion and velocity sensitivity. Both are way better than the Microfreak as controllers, but the Microfreak of course is an amazing synth! So if you're looking for just a controller, I recommend a dedicated MPE one, otherwise, can't beat the price/performance on the Microfreak as a complete package!
@@QuincasMoreira Thanks a lot for the feedback! Can the Microfreak be used to control VST instruments, such as Omnisphere, Massive, Output Signal, Alchemy etc? How does it work for that task?
Oddly, if I put Microfreak into the search box on your Videos page, I just get ""This channel has no content that matched"". I even pasted it from this video title, just to make sure I wasn't typing it wrong.
Hi! The ones on the oscillator section are black davies 1900 with metal inserts that I got from Thonk. The ones on the Envelopes are from Synthcube, they are used on many Synthcube kits such as the Barton stuff. Resonance is a Befaco mini knob, and the remaining knobs (volume, Matrix, Preset, Glide, Seq rate and LFO rate) are Erica Synths style knobs. I think they are also called MXR style. And the Cutoff pot is a Moog Style small pot.
i got problems when play in cold days (and wet hands), the keys keep hold and break completely my performance :( some recomendation or solution for this?
Wow, the Eurorack demonstration just sold me on this thing. Looks like an excellent expressive controller for a modular system. Great that it transmits not only gate and CV but also the amount of contact your fingers have with the capacitive touchplate, just like on the Music Easel.
When I'd play keyboards, I'd wiggle my fingers on the keys when I wanted tremolo, like a cellist on their fingerboard.
It didn't achieve anything, but I always wanted it to.
I agree with you 100%, the touchplate keyboard was one of the main reasons that i bought this synth
Great to see this video explaining the benefits of the Freak’s keyboard. Too often people are so locked into what they’re used to using without bothering to learn about the benefits of the alternative controller before criticizing it simply because it’s not what they’re already using. Narrow mindedness chokes your creative potential. Going through life with the assumption you’re right without bothering to listen and learn is futile.
you just described the main reason why I even made this video :)
Great demo! Thanks for the thoughtful descriptions + details on the modular patching/routing, and specifically how to utilize the pressure control as a mod source within modular.
It's a very motivating Synth. Very interesting Video..I love the Oscillation Matrix..That's my favorite part of the Synth...Awesome Review
I am going to copy yet another one of your cool ideas. I’m putting some different knobs on my microFreak, as the Orange reminds me of candy corns, I don’t know why that would be, but the Davies look excellent!! Thanks for expressing your true feelings about this little wonder (I call it a “1/3 or almost even 1/2 of a DSI PolyEvolver”) of a synthesizer!!
My love for buchlas is why I have a microfreak, i was sold on the keys and blown away by everything else.
Can’t wait to get mine. Will make an excellent controller for Arturia’s Buchla Easel plugin, Softube Module’s Buchla 259e and other west coast goodies like Complex-1
Great video, thanks!
Really cool! Thanks!
Great Video!
Com essas ligações todas, o mikro freak ainda fica mais poderoso!!! Parabéns!!!
Amazing!!
i know i am late with commenting lol ... but the keyboard is actually the best part on the microfreak. i dont know how to explain it but it can read your emotions while playing. And now that i figured out how to use the matrix even for plugins its best tool i ever bought. I actually sold all other designated midi controller keyboards because its so much better
love touchplate keyboards, i get wanting haptic feedback but you just get so much more expressive control this way with fewer breakable components
it's my first touchplate keyboard.. and i'm not a fan. really you need to have no nails specially if you want to play large chords. it's a bit risky random to me specially in live where. And you have to focus alot on the keyboard not hit nearby "keys"... i have big fingers maybe that's that.
Dammit, I need this in my life!
me encanta el concepto del microfreak, su sonido la matrix y sobretodo teclado (aún que esté a veces de problemas de comportamiento incluso estando properly grounded)
por lo que no soy gran fan de la calidad de construction y siento que el firmware necesita estar aún más pulido:(
por lo que cuesta y ofrece, siento que está bien hecho. Es ligero pero aguanta! De firmware, qué sientes le falta? con el ultimo update a mi me parece que ya quedó!
The Microfreak is an experimental synth. There is innovation in each centimeter of it. I get the poly capacitive aftertouch and it is unique as well. Still, keys getting stuck with even a bit of humidity... Honestly would you use this live without an external controller?
Hey love the channel, can you tell me where you got the knobs or a good place to get some?
Hey! Try Thonk, Synthcube or Exploding Shed, depending on your location :)
where did you get the knobs for your microfreak? I dont rlly like the knobs on mine and was looking to get some different ones.
interesting video as i posted on several forums about my problems with aftertouch with microfreak :p
you find it reacts always the same no matter how many figers etc on the board ? it's very random for me. i wonder if my unit has a problem.
Mine seems to respond fairly consistently in pressure mode. In velocity mode it's a bit more erratic, but I find it's a matter of adapting technique. Don't try to play it like a normal keyboard, it's not meant for big chords. Use a flat finger technique and your nails won't get in the way, plus you'll have more control over the pressure sensitivity. And when you want normal keyboard response, just plug in a midi controller!
was wanting to buy this but I hate the idea of the keyboard. i like to feel an instrument reacting physically to my touch and don't like to play while looking at the keyboard. It's just a no go for me.
i want one
Netflix series!? Atta boi!
one doubt where is the filter envelope????
cool, it reminds me of the Roli Seaboard controller, even if they're completely different products...I'm thinking about one of the 2, which one would you suggest? Thanks!
I haven't tried the roli, but I have Linnstrument and Sensel Morph, which are both amazing MPE capable controllers with pressure, posicion and velocity sensitivity. Both are way better than the Microfreak as controllers, but the Microfreak of course is an amazing synth! So if you're looking for just a controller, I recommend a dedicated MPE one, otherwise, can't beat the price/performance on the Microfreak as a complete package!
@@QuincasMoreira Thanks a lot for the feedback! Can the Microfreak be used to control VST instruments, such as Omnisphere, Massive, Output Signal, Alchemy etc? How does it work for that task?
Can I send it custom MIDI playing any chords I want or is that impossible due to it being "paraphonic"?
Oddly, if I put Microfreak into the search box on your Videos page, I just get ""This channel has no content that matched"". I even pasted it from this video title, just to make sure I wasn't typing it wrong.
Official artist channel is just rolling out, combining my videos into a single channel, that might be it
11:00
Ok those knobs look fantastic on your MF. Where'd you get them? Would you share some links? brand/type/shop? Would love to do the same mod myself!
Hi! The ones on the oscillator section are black davies 1900 with metal inserts that I got from Thonk. The ones on the Envelopes are from Synthcube, they are used on many Synthcube kits such as the Barton stuff. Resonance is a Befaco mini knob, and the remaining knobs (volume, Matrix, Preset, Glide, Seq rate and LFO rate) are Erica Synths style knobs. I think they are also called MXR style. And the Cutoff pot is a Moog Style small pot.
www.thonk.co.uk/shop/davies-1900h-clone-6mm-round-shaft/
www.ericasynths.lv/shop/eurorack-accessories-1/black-knobs-100pcs/?v=458
synthcube.com/cart/knob-black-no-skirt-white-index-line-silver-center
@@QuincasMoreira Thanks so much for all the details!
OMG, where can I get those knobs! I neeed!
look at Rutger´s comment below! Links there!
@@QuincasMoreira AMAZING. I appreciate it!
i got problems when play in cold days (and wet hands), the keys keep hold and break completely my performance
:( some recomendation or solution for this?
wet hands is the problem! if you wet the contacts the synth will think the key is pressed. Just dry your hands ;)
:( i think that is the condensation too
Did you change the knobs on potenciometers?
yes!
@@QuincasMoreira the only thing I hate about arturia products are infinity encoders. Nonetheless, great synth, maybe the best for it's price.
@@QuincasMoreira what size are the silver center knobs you used?
@@realdougdouglass x small!
synthcube.com/cart/knob-black-no-skirt-white-index-line-silver-center
Does this have a vocoder? Did I hear that right?
yes!
@@QuincasMoreira Awesome! I'm getting one.
Hi Quincas!
Seems like a great synth but the "frets" between each key are a big turnoff to me
Now imagine a "usual" keyboard that has these plates on top of regular piano keys! You can probably translate that into MPE
cool idea!
So does this mean the microfreak sends an MPE signal?
No. It doesnt split notes per channel
What Netflix series?
It's a Mexican True Crime Docuseries
Hope you post when it’s up so we can enjoy your work
Would love some insight into your soundtrack process and experiences with Netflix!
@@theonlystulle I'll talk about it once it's on the air!
@@QuincasMoreira you mean it is Mexican Narcos 3 :)??
Pittsburgh stuff is not expensive.
That’s true!