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Arturia MicroFreak Hybrid Synthesizer

25-key Paraphonic Hybrid Hardware Synth with Poly-aftertouch Flat Keyboard, Wavetable and Digital Oscillators, Analog Filters, Modulation Matrix, Arpeggiator, and Sequencer
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Item ID: MicroFreak
Arturia MicroFreak Hybrid Synthesizer
Arturia MicroFreak Hybrid Synthesizer

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MicroFreak with Vocoder Mic Bundle

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Arturia MicroFreak Hybrid Synthesizer
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A Freak of a Synth from Arturia

Arturia’s MicroFreak synth is an affordable hybrid hardware synth with wavetable and digital oscillators, analog filters, a modulation matrix, an unconventional but highly expressive touch plate — and tons of sonic possibilities. MicroFreak’s powerful digital oscillator features a palette of unique modes such as Texturer, KarplusStrong, Harmonic OSC, and Superwave. From adventurous newbies to experienced synthesists, the MicroFreak enables you to explore new sonic frontiers.

Related Videos: MicroFreak Hybrid Synthesizer

Endless possibilities with wavetable synthesis

Arturia partnered with renowned Eurorack manufacturer Mutable Instruments to include their acclaimed Plaits wavetable oscillator with added 4-voice paraphony. The Arturia MicroFreak is an extremely versatile little beast that can sound sweet, deep, hypnotic, chaotic, or volcanic. Whatever sounds you can dream up, MicroFreak is up to the task. And MicroFreak lets you work fast, too, with advanced features like real-time sequence creation and randomization.

True dynamics with poly aftertouch

You haven’t lived until you’ve tried MicroFreak’s etched touch plate. It’s caused a sensation among Sweetwater keyboardists who, on the whole, find it more natural and expressive than a conventional keyboard. The touch plate is pressure sensitive and even offers polyphonic aftertouch — pretty amazing at this price point, we might add. While its price makes it the perfect unique sonic complement to any budget home electronic music setup, the Arturia MicroFreak’s uniqueness also makes it a no-brainer addition to professional live and studio synth rigs. Pros will find it useful as an experimental sound design tool, much in the same way Eurorack modules are used.

Craft entirely new categories of sounds

MicroFreak’s digital oscillator is the ideal tool to craft entirely new categories of sounds, while its analog filter delivers the warmth and punch you’re looking for. MicroFreak can store up to 256 presets, so inspiration is never more than a button press away. Innovative synthesis is Arturia’s raison d’être. And MicroFreak lives up to the company’s sterling reputation.

Perfect for budding synth enthusiasts

The MicroFreak is an incredibly value-packed synthesizer that’s like no other, batting well above its price point. Electronic music producers and rock bands will love using the Arturia MicroFreak to generate unusual textures. Sweetwater is confident in saying the MicroFreak will add a refreshing flare of sonic unpredictability to your live shows and more.

Arturia MicroFreak Analog Synthesizer Features:

  • Wavetable and digital oscillators
  • Analog filters
  • Massive variety of sound possibilities
  • Poly-aftertouch flat “touch plate” keyboard
  • Arpeggiator and sequencer
  • 384 preset slots and 320 factory preset slots
  • Crystal-clear OLED screen
  • 5 x 7 modulation matrix
  • Paraphonic mode

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Keytouch Synthesizer
  • Sound Engine: Wavetable Synthesis, Digital Oscillators
  • Analog/Digital: Digital with Analog Filter
  • Number of Keys: 25
  • Type of Keys: Touch-sensitive Capacitive Keybed
  • Aftertouch: Polyphonic Aftertouch
  • Other Controllers: Capacitive Touch Strip
  • Polyphony: Monophonic, Paraphonic mode (up to 4 voices)
  • Presets: 320 Factory, 64 User
  • Oscillators: 1 x Digital Oscillator
  • Waveforms: 16 x Oscillator Modes
  • LFO: 1 x LFO with Sync (sine, sawtooth, square, triangle, random, slew random)
  • Filter: Analog State Variable Filter, 12dB/octave, Lowpass, Bandpass, Highpass
  • Envelope Generator: 1 x ADSR, Cycling Envelope
  • Arpeggiator: Up, Order, Random, Pattern modes, Spice/Dice Gate randomizer
  • Sequencer: 64-step, 2 patterns per preset
  • Audio Outputs: 1 x 1/4" (master out)
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/8"
  • USB: 1 x Type B
  • MIDI I/O: 2 x 1/8" TRS Type B (In, Out)
  • Other I/O: CV out, Gate out, Pressure out, Clock in/out
  • Mod Matrix: 5 Sources, 7 Destinations
  • Features: Unison Mode
  • Power Source: 12V DC 1A power supply (included)
  • Height: 2.2"
  • Width: 12.5"
  • Depth: 9.2"
  • Weight: 2.5 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 570101

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Reviews

4.8

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A True Hybrid Synth like no other!
So here is my take on Arturia's MicroFreak…
This is a real hybrid synthesizer like nothing else in the market. A digital and analog combination, Analog filters combined with Digital oscillators, and a whole lot more in the mix. This is one of those Synthesizers that pushes boundaries and opens up new possibilities, just like the ARP 2600, Mellotron and then the DX7 did years ago when I first started with Synthesizers (back in 1972)
I am not going to go into the details about just how much this little machine can do, you really have to experience it for yourself. What I will say is that it is a very welcome addition to my "arsenal of my Modular and Contemporary Synths (Digitize, Skulpt SE's, HydraSynth, 5 Roland Boutiques and ARIA to name a few) and has a large role in my Sound and Music Production
As for the "Buchla" Style "Capacitive Touch Plate" Keyboard, it is just something one needs to get use to playing. I know it's not for everyone but I think it serves its purpose and adds to the uniqueness of the MicroFreak. And here is the real benefit… twenty-five touch-sensitive keys that have Polyphonic Aftertouch. The touch-plate is pressure sensitive, which makes it a very expressive keyboard. Those features alone at this price point is amazing and worth the low cost of this "Freak" Synth. I now use this Keyboard via MIDI to play my Hydrasynth Desktop so I can take advantage of the Hydrasynths Polyphonic AfterTouch!
This is a BIG WIN for me!
Another huge asset to this Synth, instead of replacing it with a newer model, AKA MicroFreak MK II,Arturia has taken the position to continually Upgraded the Firmware adding new features, factory sounds, wavetables, functionality, a Vocoder and more. With Firmware V5 they really pushed the boundaries by adding a New sampling engine so you can Manipulate and trigger recorded audio using MicroFreak, 3 new granular engines: Scan, Cloud, and Hit modes for granular exploration more New Factory Presets, and now using MIDI Control Center, you can import your own samples, up to 24 seconds long and then send them to MicroFreak.
Tell me any other Synthesizer Manufacturer that is doing this! I applaud Arturia!
Not really Cons but what's not to like:
I bought the Vocoder Version with the Gooseneck Microphone. The Vocoder functionality is very good but some feel it's not the best Vocoder out there (I tend to think that this is User Error and not setting it up properly) You can use it 2 ways, you can dial it in using the Presets Knob. It has 16 Built in Presets for you to choose from, so that is your starting point if this is your first time using a Vocoder. I find it useful and effective but some others do not. I think this is a very personal preference. The other option is to From Scratch which is the most ideal and gives you more control
Steps to take: to Setup the mic:
Click on Utility button
Turn Mic Detection ON
Select Mic Settings
Adjust Mic gain
Then
Select the Vocoder mode using the Type knob (turn it all the way to the right)
WaveForm Knob selects the Carrier Signal
Timbre Knob Shifts the frequency Range of the Synthesized Signals
Shape Changes the Bandwidth of each Filter.
You should also make sure to use the Utility Settings to set the Microphone Parameters, like Gain and Noise Gate. The Gain and Noise Gate play an important part of getting quality Vocoder effects.
Build Quality: It's plastic but I feel very well built. I'm not touring with it or carrying it everywhere. It sits on my Workstation so again not an issue for me.

No Built in Effects. A simple Reverb, Chorus or Delay would be nice but again no big deal for me, I feed it into my ZOOM MultiStomp Effects Box like I do my other Analog Synths that do not have any built effects.

OLED display is very Crisp and sharp but a bit small for my eyes, but then almost everything in print is too small for my eyes.
Learning Curve might be a bit hard for beginners but still a perfect Synth to learn by and explore so don't let that discourage you!

USB Powering for many people has been unpredictable causing different issues but using the included power supply solves this problem, so why not just use it!.
Some complain about the CV Connectivity. It's offered but it's a bit underwhelming, though not an issue for me.
Lastly, ignore all of the less than positive reviews that you might read, like any instrument, each one has its place, so does the MicroFreak!
by Floyd O'Neil from GREENVILLE, SC on
Music background: Drummer for a long time (I’m ok but not great but I enjoy it), Former Recording Engineer and Studio owner for more that 20 years. Synthesizers Owner and Programmer since 1972 (yes 1972 with my first ARP 2600 an Mini- Moog)
Good things in small packages
I am quite satisfied with the value of this product, and it has already become useful to me in production. The sound is excellent, as is the support behind it.
by Doug Ferguson from Texas on
Music background: engineer / producer / imagineer
Hugely versatile and unique
I'll admit, I was a little hesitant to purchase a small synth with digital oscillators at a time when analog is in fashion, but the Microfreak transcends its architecture.

The filter, an analog one, is warm and buttery - lending some humanity and warmth to the basic oscillators. And the range of oscillators is truly staggering. Chords, phonemes, FM, all the classic waveshapes, samples, physical modeling, noise, and several more.

The Microfreak is deep.

The cycling envelope is like nothing I've used before. When coupled with the modulation matrix, this thing can get really out-there. Or really organic. Modulate almost any parameter with any other parameter, and then twist them into insanity. Words really don't do justice to how much possibility is contained in this thing

The keyboard is strange, and I'm not entirely sold on it - but there's nothing quite like it out there - and you can use an external controller if you like. I sometimes do, but the flat capacitive keyboard suits such a delightfully strange machine, and takes it places that traditional keys can't go.

And did I mention it has a vocoder? Cuz it has a vocoder.

For the money, it's one of the most versatile and unique little synths out there, and truly transcends its price class. It can be as warm and musical or as alien and harsh as you want it to be.

Midi implementation is flawless, and there's an excellent combinatior patch out there for Reason users that makes automation in Reason an absolute joy.

It also plays well with my Korg Volca Beats for DAWless jams.

I'm really glad I picked this thing up on a whim.
by Aubrey on
Music background: recording engineer, solo musician, sonic adventurer
Microfreak
The Microfreak is everything I expected and more. I am having inspiring musical experiences with it. It is very useful to me.
by Scott Klemp from Buffalo. N.Y. on
Music background: Light Classical Training. Rock
Be freaked out by the MicroFreak
I bought this for a friend to introduce synthesis to him. He was a piano player but now he is physically challenged.

I have been working through Moog synths (a childhood dream) along with my Alesis Q8 and my DAW. It is a great time. But..

When my friend and I booted up the MicroFreak and started the manual I was amazed. First, the manual goes beyond what most manufacturers provide and gives simple, effective, and easy explanations of what is behind each function. Not only does the new user get to start creating immediately, but gets to understand the process and art of synthesis while learning the instrument. The sounds and sculpting capabilities are great and the vocoder is fun to work with.

One of the best aspects of the Microfreak are the keys: Capacitive Keybed! One of the features (my sales guy Alex Burgland, pointed out, thanks) that makes it easy for my friend to return to his creativity in music.

I worked with the MicroFreak and am amazed how easily it is to get the sound I want.

Great instrument for beginners and an addition to any studio. He is having a blast!
by erich from boston on
Music background: Former band - bass: piano, synths
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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?
Troy Hartman
Arturia is a fast-growing company and that's mainly due to the creativity and ingenuity they put into their products. One of their core goals is to build products that allow the user to get results very quickly. I had an opportunity to visit Arturia's headquarters in France earlier this year. They were proud to show me their new MicroFreak. They didn't tell me anything about it and asked me to interact with it. Within seconds I was able to get some unique sounds and rhythms. The keybed seems unconventional but it's like nothing I have ever played. It's responsive and makes the whole experience engaging.
George Deng
The Microfreak is truly a one-of-a-kind machine with its unique capacitive keyboard, hybrid digital/analog nature, and cable-less modulation matrix. This machine is a great introduction to synthesis for anyone looking to spice up their music making or for the veteran musician looking for something a little different.
See also: Key Synths, Arturia, Arturia Synthesizers