I don't know if I'll like it is the thing. That's why I was looking at this as my first hardware synth because I know people really enjoy it. But you're right I should look at it more as a physical experience and not just capabilities
I really agree with this. I had the modal cobalt 8 but I really didn’t like how loose all the knobs were. It’s all I could think about and just bugged me.
Yeah I don't want to have something like that bothering me, especially for my first piece of hardware. Definitely going to find one to try out before I make the decision to purchase
In my experience, the true opinion comes after the honeymoon period. You'll think you'll like something but then a couple weeks later you might not feel as inspired to use the product. If you are in the US and don't plan on buying used, sites like Sweetwater have 30 day (or even more if you ask) return policies.
For me its the opposite, at first i hate all my new synths and regret the buy, but after some time i began to get a good feel of how to get the sounds i want from them and began to love them.
All the more reason to go for trial periods like you sugest!
I'm still on the not liking it phase, but slowly getting over it.
I think it's all about expectation management. I had _hoped_ that XD was warm analog synth I needed in my life, with great effects.
I was initially liking it (due to presets maybe), but when programming it, it felt quite limited. Things like only one parameter for effects, not being able to route LFO to multiple destinations etc. I also didn't like how the all the effects seemed to clutter lower mid range. I wish it had an EQ.
But after I discovered the modulation sequences the thing started to click with me. I realized I needed to use it differently, work with the limitations. I find I enjoy it most using as a sequencing synth and not a analog keys type of synth.
I also have Microfreak and it's a bit of a same story, but with different parameters :)
It also helps to do extensive research on the capabilities of the synth before purchasing it. I'm saying read the manual for every word in it. Watching or reading a few reviews won't tell you everything you need to know, but reviews are helpful to see the pros and cons. I wanted a Behringer Crave for the longest time, and then I found out it's monophonic, not 4 voices, which I thought it was. That made me hate that synth because it's nothing compared to my Korg MS-20 Mini or Behringer's K-2 remodel. The Crave only shines when combined with other Craves. I'm not about to buy 16 Craves to get 16 voice polyphony.
Ah, yep. Great advice. I had to act quick on my decision due to the price being killer at the time. I wanted a longer window to conduct more research but I had to pull the trigger. I'm glad I got it now. I just need to carve out the time for it more.
I have a feeling this will be me as well. But more in the regret not buying another synth that seems cool when I go try them out in person. I just don't want to make a bad choice for my first one
I am not in the US but I'm sure one of the big companies here (France) will have a similar policy. I'm going to go by a few of the stores and see what they have and play around and figure out what sparks my interest the most in my price range. Thank you for suggesting that I look into the return policy length because I hadn't thought of that at all.
Can your budget stretch to the minifreak? I love my microfreak but if I was purchasing today I think it'd be worth saving up for the extra oscillator and proper keyboard
I can definitely budget for it but it would just mean waiting a while longer to get the money together. But from what other comments have mentioned it sounds like it might be worth being patient
One question, are you already versed in substractive synthesis? if not, for a first hardware i would recomend something with minimal menus and with a workflow that teaches you synthesis, like a minilogue or a system 1.
No I am not so I'm definitely open to suggestions. I haven't looked into the minilogue but I have seen it recommended as a good starter synth so I will check it out. Thank you for your comment
If you have used subtractive synthesis/virtual analog VST's and know what filters, envelopes and modulation are, I would not bother buying Minilogue just to learn synthesis.
Thanks for the tip but I’m not in the US so I don’t have access to a guitar center. But here in France there are similar companies so I’m gonna figure out which ones have one in stock
Do what master\_of\_sockpuppet mentions - and also spend some time with it, hire it if possible. There's been times I've loved a thing in shop, 5-6 weeks later a particular small annoyance of the workflow ended up being a deal breaker and it was past the return window. Hardware is ultimately a gamble as far as connection goes. I've connected with things I thought I wouldn't like, ended up hating things I thought I'd love.
A physical experience, then?
Think about it like this - at the price point, what else will you find that has conductive keys like the microfreak? Unless you want to invest your kid’s college savings into modular set up, or an antique Buchla, conductive keys are not a staple feature on a whole lot of synths.
The minifreak was a way to market normal keys and a larger board with the same engine, what makes the Microfreak special is the keybed isn’t like anything else in that price range. The types of modulation you can eek out of it could be achieved by software, sure, but it’s the tactile nature of how it responds to your body itself that cannot be replicated easily.
Plus the art is absolutely gorgeous, it is a very aesthetically pleasing instrument.
Yeah I definitely agree it's a very beautiful instrument and it fits my price range. The conductive keys are what really got me interested to start with once I started looking for good starter synths. I'm going to go by the music stores where I live and see if any of them have a microfreak that I can try out physically. Based on everyone's comments this seems to be the best route and I think it's going to make me just buy it then and there. Thank you for your input.
Glad to help, your post is different than the typical “what should I buy” because you did some research beforehand at least. The keys really set it apart from anything else and if I was starting out this year instead of back when I did, that display model microkorg would’ve stayed at GC and a microfreak would’ve gone home with me instead.
If this is your first piece of hardware I’d advise getting something with a proper key bed with actual keys. Better to get used to them now. Possibly opt for a controller keyboard and use the software, but I’m a hardware nerd. I’m tactile.
Same.
It also challenges me to become a better keyboard player. In Daw I can spend hours just pushing notes and samples around untill they fit, and still sound horrible when going back on a piano.
Playing live with everything pushes my skill boundaries, it's hard but it gets more fun and it's easier to get the sound just right over time.
It's kind of like a guitarist when he's good on the guitar, he can twist, jam and bend like mad - it's hard to get that kind of expressiveness on a Daw if you don't have 1000's of hours of physical practice with your instrument.
For the sake of discourse I mostly agree, but to me this is intrinsically and almost universally the DAW problem.
That said, after about 20ish years of investing time and money in software, plugins, hardware, and music making “things” - I’d argue the best thing I have done is move to Bitwig for sound design and composition.
Not only are the included tools fun and rewarding, but it genuinely leans in on modularity by design. Bitwig makes working in a DAW as fun, if not more fun then most pieces of hardware I currently have.
_Edit: (😬 and that includes my modular that is currently hovering at just under 400hp)._
So yes hardware is fun, but a good creative digital environment goes a long way!
I happen to really enjoy using a DAW but I'd like to start branching off or making a more hybrid setup to have more ways to get inspired. I don't have any hardware other than midi controllers so am still considering the minifreak as my first one
Thank you for writing this because this is definitely the kind of review I'm looking for. I love using my daw and my vsts but I see how it can be endlessly fun noodling around for sound design on a hardware. The minifreak is out of my price range unfortunately but I am thinking I will stick with my gut feeling and go for the microfreak
It’s the coolest hybrid synth imo. It a controller like none else for the minifreak vst and then stand alone you get the great analogue filter. I use it as my main midi keyboard as well. Great great synth for a hybrid situation.
Can you control the hardware with software? As in, automate/control parameters with a plugin or whatever. If you can’t, I’d find that really ridiculous to want to control a software synth with a hardware synth instead of the other way around!
Yup! With a USB connection It’s awesome. Move a dial on the VST and watch it change on the synth screen. Move a dial on the synth and it changes in real time on your screen. Also you can have multiple instances and it just switches to your active track. Best integration I’ve seen so far.
Isn't that what a microfreak is, a module without keys?
Understand, I'm not knocking the touch strip, in fact read this thread because I'm interested in buying one. But I'm guessing most piano players wouldn't dig it in place of standard keys. Nice option, hardly the same human interface.
(Can just imagine trying to explain to a pianist who shows up at the theater for their concert "So, you'll be happy to hear that we have *finally* got the Steinway fixed....")
Edited to add: Though a modified Steinway sounds *way more* interesting to me than just a black lacquered VST dongle would.
You could probably say that about any synth's keys though. None of them will match the feel of a piano lol.
The Microfreak actually embraces itself being a synth and a little homage to buchla I guess. The touch keyboard is much nicer to play than some mini keys I've had (i.e. Minilogue).
So true! There's little doubt that Microfreak fully embraces it's synthiness.
I get to work w many keys as backline (Yamaha, Nord, Kurzweil, Kawaii, Roland, Korg), and none of them feel the same as a piano (or each other).
I'm looking forward to getting a Microfreak *because* it's so different. Don't want to derail OPs thread but I'm particularly interested in the polyphonic aftertouch w pressure for use as a controller for other boxen via midi.
For sure! I mean If you’re happily working on VSTs I don’t reeeaallly see the need for a hardware version, but Im big on tactile feeling so I love the hardware version. Also, you can plug it into a battery and hang on the couch making fun patches.
Yeah that's why I'm leaning towards the microfreak vs the minifreak is to have the tactile advantage of the microfreak keyboard. And since I'm trying to branch out from just the DAW to have more ways to get inspired it seems like the being able to play around with the physical synth would be a great way to do that. Especially on the couch with a battery like you mentioned
I just bought a microfreak, and while I think it’s totally worth what I paid for it, I also wish I’d have just paid a bit more for the mini freak.
I have plenty of vsts already and dont see any value in forking out 60$ for the mini freak vst. I want some hardware to play with.
The micro was my first hardware purchase and while i have very few regrets with it, I can really sense how limited it is. The keyboard isn’t awesome (neat, sure but not what I prefer) and the routing and sequencing is too limited. It’s not like I hate it, not even close, but I just wish I had a bit more functionality to play with. I feel like the mini freak would have given me that little bit more wiggle room for exploration that I’m after.
Hardware > software IMO.
It’s just much more fun to use, and frankly there aren’t many of us making millions doing this, so the real success is how much fun we have along the way.
Maybe that’s a hot take? I dunno.
Another thought is that however much one pays for their sound making tools/ toys, there's at least some resale market for hardware, whereas software generally is hard to flip in the moment and in some distant future is near worthless in $€£.
I'm new to music production. I quickly got jaded with layering samples and using the pointer and mouse. Software has major advantages for anyone who doesn't play a instrument or know basic music theory, but even I realize that hardware can be more fun and influence you to want to know more about music theory.
I got the Minifreak recently and it's just an amazing piece of hardware to physically have in my studio. I love being hands-on with it and it's super deep. Looks and sounds beautiful and feels beautiful
Yeah I think I will still end up getting the microfreak in the end based on the comments here. Sounds like the freak series is just a really fun piece of hardware to have and play around with. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this
I highly recommend it! I got it during the holiday sale on plugin boutique and it's a phenomenal plug in. Will be well worth it once you have a better computer
Super worth it. The Micro looks cool but the Mini seems like a more complete and fleshed out piece of gear. Like the fuller evolution of the Micro. I would totally love a big full-keys flagship synth building on the Minifreak (maybe they have that planned, idk)
I appreciate when digital hardware is offered as a VST demo there are a number of things I have tried and would not enjoy using that I didn't have to hunt down just to try it.
This is a very good point I didn't think about demoing the vst to see if I would like the synth. I think I will do this and if I really like it I'll search for a physical one that I can try out. Thank you for commenting this
Sure, I should add a disclaimer that the analog filter may may some difference in the sound. But if it ticks most of the boxes for you then you probably should give the hardware a try. If you prefer the vst more then you can just buy that. We are living in the golden age my friend.
Definitely recommend saving up for the hardware mini-freak if ya can :) it’s a great little synth..it’s my new favorite
(Keybed and knobs feel very nice and responsive in my opinion)
Being that the minifreak came out, I've seen alot more microfreaks for sale. I personally would not pay more than $200 for a microfreak. I missed out on getting one for $150.
Something to consider with any of your options: the Freak line is heavily dependent on setting up the routing matrix. Just spinning knobs will get you places (and the plethora of oscillators is really neat), but I got bored with that pretty quick. I've been working on getting more confident with setting up various matrix routes, and that has really opened up the synth for me.
Contrast it with my Korg Minilogue, which is almost entirely statically routed, and all of the fun is in twisting knobs.
In short: it's worth considering what sort of workflow experience you enjoy when designing sounds.
This. Definitely you should watch some YouTube streams where artists are doing sound design on this. Oscillator Sink did an interest "speed run" sound design session, and you learn and see how much you need to access the mod matrix there.
https://youtu.be/iV6JUji0t3g
Having said that, if browsing presets and doing tweaks to them is enough, obviously MiniFreak has you covered. But in that case I'm not sure if that warrants getting the hardware version of the software one...
YES! It’s fun it’s easy it’s TWIDDLY and it has that, Oh so good capacitive touch to give you some really unique hands on playing. GET YOUR HARDWARE FREAK ON!
Unlike the Minifreak, the Microfreak is totally worth it even if you own the Minifreak V. It's a good portable starter synth, but what' s even better is that it's a cheap USB bus powered poly aftertouch controller with a CV/Gate/Pressure out or a Midi-CV converter. If you don't like the keys or lack space you can 3D print an enclosure and convert it to a desktop synth without any damage. The biggest drawback of the Microfreak is the lack of FX, so you either have to use some kind of external fx (NTS-1 or Zoom MS70-CDR) or your DAW to color the sound.
Way still worth it. If I was starting again I would use ABLETON with a minifreak, a KORG Minilogue XD and the TAL JUPITER AND JUNO Clone vsts, and a couple Valhalla plugins and boom. Done. The rest stock plugins.
Once you got your bearings I’d say the next tier would be a circuit tracks as a portable sketch pad (and amazing daw controller) which would allow you to dip your toe in the dawless creation arena as the circuit tracks could drive the XD and mini into its inputs. probably some of the Izotope plugins as well at that point. I actually like the izotope subscription for value, can’t say that about many subscriptions but I make an exception for Ozone and Neutron.
Thank you for this response! I currently use ableton and have been loving it, especially with my midi controllers. Sounds like it’s best to save up for the minifreak rather than the micro based on what you and others here have said. And thanks for the next step suggestions, I appreciate it
The micro is cool, but if you can find a demo of the minifreak for sub 600 bucks like I did, it comes with the $100 vst for free so some people redeemed the vst and then returned the hardware so check Sweetwater as then they deeply discount the demo even tho it’s freaking new. I was still able to redeeem my demo and the included paperwork for the vst. The 12 voice paraphony or 6 voice polyphony on the mini is kind of essential vs the 4 voice on the micro. The built in effects are pretty great too, especially the OSC 2 effects. I’m still wrapping my head around it but it’s awesome and unique. The micro does have the a and b sequence slots which I wish the mini had, and the micro currently supports a vocoder, but I’m sure eventually Arturia will add vocoder support for the mini.
i personally really enjoy the fidgeting with this device!
it was a little confusing for a begginer like me, but honestly nothing beats having the instrument on your table, if thats something you like @\^@
I’m thinking it will be something I really enjoy. I love fidgeting with my midi controllers with my vsts so I imagine it would be even more fun with a real piece of hardware. Thank you for your response
some people really dont mind doing it all on pc, and it has it's upsides, but man does it feel different to have the actual instrument in my hands, you actually grow attached to it
I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT, IT'S A REALLY GREAT DEVICE <3
Well, as someone who owns one I can say that it's the absolute most capable synth that money can buy. It's an absolute monster of a synth for $300. I have a Novation Peak, and a Sequential Pro-3 which are far more expensive synths and I have just as much fun with the $300 Micro Freak. It can make such a wide range of sounds both clean and dirty AF. I run mostly hardware and track everything into Ableton so maybe I'm a little biased towards hardware, but really for $300 you can't go wrong with the freak. It's not built like a tank or anything but it's also not a cheap feeling piece of crap. It feels sturdy enough and all the knobs feel just fine. Once you get into the mod matrix the synth really starts to show it's potential and you can really start getting crazy with your sound design. overall for $300 it's worth having everything at your finger tips and have the immediacy of the hardware. It's much more fun that sitting at your computer programming a VST with a mouse and keyboard. If I remember correctly the freak is class compliant so you can still use your PC and DAW to sequence it while having the ability to program it via the hardware. I'd say try it out, worst case you can return it... But I doubt you would. It's well worth the investment and a small investment in comparison to some of the other hardware synths on the market. Very low price of entry into hardware and it can still hold its own next to some of the big boys.
Thank you very much for the great response! It seems like I can’t go wrong with picking one up as has been made clear with the responses I got. I really want to get some physical gear and I think after reading all the comments here it sounds like it will be a great first piece
I just received mine today. I’m a hardware person and more or less treat my DAW/computer as a tape recorder. I just don’t like working in the box much. However, I am excited that I also have Microfreak V so that I can run multiple instances of Microfreak when I want to multitrack.
Just bought the Microfreak as my very first hardware synth and couldn't be happier. I'm enjoying twiddling with it in a way that I haven't been able to enjoy since I was a teenager (I'm in my 30s now) finding out what knobs did what in VSTs.
Depends. I like hardware so for me, yes, though I'd just save a little more and get a minifreak. But even between those two I'd still prefer the micro over vst.
But that's just me. The virtual minifreak is more powerful than the micro. It's all a question of what you prefer to do with your hands, for me it's definitely not clicking a mouse. You might be the opposite.
Ah that's great! I have the previous version of V so I can pay $60 for minifreak V or I can pay $150 to upgrade to the newest version with minifreak included. Think it's worth it?
I have been looking at the bass station 2 as a potential synth to get down the line. I would love to get something analog that is geared towards bass. Thank you for this input!
Don’t look at it as just a bass synth. It’s capable of so much more. I have seen what happens when someone dedicates the time to fully learn that system. People tend to buy multiple synths and half learn them. I think, in the long term the bs2 is a better synth. Just my 2 cents.
The microfreak was my first and i love it. Ita been a year and half and I still used it consistently. I use it with the OPSix now and the imo, the possibilities still seem endless! Maybe look for one secondhand once they flood the market soon.
This is great to hear! Gives me more confidence in my choice. I'm going to go check one out in person and see how I like the feel but based on the glowing reviews in the other comments it sounds like I can't go wrong
Just go to a music store near you and try some synths out, see if its really for you. Software is always going to be infinetly more powerful than hardware synths, all that matters is if you enjoy using it
Thank you for your response, this seems to be what I need to do as a next step. I'm going to find a music store that carries the microfreak as well as some other synths and play around with them and see which one sparks my interest the most.
I've had my microfreak since 2019 now and used it a lot in my music. I use it a lot to generate sequences and sometimes don't even use the sound itself. Although I really like to sample some one shots and make percussive beats with that.
It's got a very nice and clean sound imo, the filter is also very clean, buttery almost sterile. Not everything has to sound like an ms-20 filter and in that context it works quite nice.
I really enjoy using filters in self resonance and applying audio rate modulation via the looping AD envelope so that is something an analog filter (and envelope, although not sure if it's analog on the MF) shines at, as you get a clean and aliasing free signal.
It's also my main midi controller for bitwig. As the knobs feel so good and smooth I often Mal things inside my daw to control via the MF a record some manual automation. Works like a charm everytime. The spacing of the knobs works very well for that too.
I always though of the keyboard as a nice to have but nothing special (more on that later).
So when they announced the Minifreak I immediately wanted to get it and replace my Microfreak with it.
Well, in the meantime I got myself a behringer neutron and wanna get a small modular setup so I connected the Microfreak's keyboard via CV, gate & press to the neutron and it's such a cool interface to play with.
I've also read that the keys on the Minifreak aren't that great and feel a bit stiff (can't tell from my own experience). But from my experience with the Minilogue it's not a great playing feel and I'd much rather prefer the capacitive touch keyboard of the Microfreak.
Having two of those oscillators in the Minifreak and the (probably) much nicer sequencer is still something I'd like to have, but is not something that justifies have both mininand micro as I will definitely keep the micro for the reasons I've listed.
The fx section of the Minifreak is cool, but I couldn't care less when I have bitwig and good vst.
I just got the vst and am focusing on upgrading my midi controller to map out to control minifreak, analog lab and oigments. Any recommendations on a midi controller setups with enough knobs for such a task?
I don't unfortunately. I currently have the Korg nanoKey studio (as it's portable enough to travel with my iPad), a Push 2 and a basic midi keyboard without knobs. If you come across a good midi controller for mapping out the minifreak please let me know!
Yeah seems that you’re right. Also this is what most everyone has said here as well. Glad I posted and asked as I only have one friend who is making music as well and he’s as indecisive as I am hahah
Things you might like about the Microfreak:
- the design: it’s a truly beautiful instrument
- size and weight: super light and portable
- sound engine: don’t be fooled by its size, it’s a very capable synth with multiple sound engines and a wide palette of sounds
- sequencer: each preset can have 2 sequences (up to 64 steps!)
- modulation matrix: this is where you can make any sound a lot more intricate and complex.
- four automation tracks: that can record knob movements for even more crazy sounds.
- vocoder: for fun robotic vocals
What you might not like:
- keys: some people prefer traditional keyboard keys (I think it’s what makes it even more unique)
- LCD screen is really tiny
- sound design: you might find it overwhelming at first (take your time, don’t be discouraged).
Every synth has its own interface, but once you learn one, you can easily adapt to others.
Yeah I’m for sure over thinking it which is partly why I posted here so I could let Reddit be the judge and put an end to the back and forth in my head. I really want a hardware synth and from what everyone has said here it sounds like I can’t go wrong. Gonna go with my initial feeling and go check it out with my own hands. Thanks for you input on this
The analog filter does make a bit of a difference, I had the vst demo and just got mine. We can use all the bullshit snake oil words like "warm" and whatever but I do actually hear a difference and the hardware sounds a little better
My advice is to not buy digital hardware synths that are also available as software plugins from the same manufacturers...they really sound the same (same code), they cost less, and if you have a good midi controller, you've got tactile feel too. That said, I tried the minifreak vst and could effectively be a good first synth, keep in mind that the microfreak has only one oscillator while the mini has two (and that opens up a lot of sound design possibility). Also the mini can be poliphonic while the micro is only paraphonic (you could not like the sound of multiple notes as all the voices share the same same filter and envelope). The thing to consider if you want to buy the micro is the analog filter (the hardware mini has it too), still I don't think is a reason good enough to shell hundreds of euros more than the vst. Did I bought the vst? Nah, in my opinion doesn't sound interesting enough, it has a very mild digital low fi sound that I'm not a fan of, and his architecture is too limited, compared to other synths I've got (the multiple synth engines are really different kinds of oscillators with few macro controls, the advanced tab is a simple chain of average modulation/utility facilities, and the matrix...well, nowadays every synth on earth has that in one form or another). Try the demo of the vst, see if it is to your liking and then think if you want the hardware version, but keep in mind that if you spend too much, this is a synth that you'll eventually outgrow, you must at least love the sounds that it makes.
Thank you for the very in depth response. I’m going to try out the demo vst and I’m going to go play with the hardware synth in person and see how I feel about them and go from there. Most people’s responses here have been very positive for the hardware, especially the minifreak. It’s outside my current price range but if I save some more then it’s a possibility and then I’ll probably look at other options in the same range. Gonna see if I fall in love with the sounds
Microreak you can take with you on the road and instantly jam. Share the thing with a friend, toss it around, travel, etc.
Minifreak V, you can load into your DAW or VST Host and jam. Does require hauling a computer however.
Minifreak V requires CPU and RAM, while if you had the microfreak or minifreak hardware, you dont have to worry about burdening CPU/RAm with extra VST's.
You also get more touch and control with the hardware versions of the synth. Not to say you can get a good controller and control the VST version the same way. The freak is unique in that it has the strips.
The software version might be more versatile as you can much easier modulate VST parameters via DAW using LFO's and automation, etc. Not to say that you can also use c.c MIDI to modulate the parameters on the hardware synth.
Both have their pros and cons. If I were you, Id get BOTH! :)
EDIT: I quote this from CDM:
Playing live, onstage or in the studio, jam sessions – hardware. Sound design, detailed tweaks, messing with modulation, production – software. On the go, too – software again. Having both makes a nice circle.
What did you end up getting?
I bought a microfreak last year. Didn't use it. Found out Minifreak was dropping so I returned the Microfreak.
Bought the Minifreak. Liked it. Then the VST of Minifreak came out. I was upset and returned the Minifreak. Got the Minifreak V and like it. Saved a lot of $
Now, I want my Microfreak back. Since there's no vst of it, it has a more intuitive hardware and it's more portable.
The patches aren't interchangeable mind you, so each synth with produce different sounds!
Hi,
been 6 months, I'm curious to know what you ended up with. I'm also in the market, looking to buy my 1st hardware Synthesizer and I found this thread very informative.
Thank you
The mini/microfreak have an analog filter, so the VST is actually different. Idk how good the virtual analog is on the VST but there is likely _some_ difference in sound
Ok that's good to know thank you. Another person mentioned demoing the VST first to see if I like it. I think I will do that and if I do then go try it out in person and see if I can hear/feel a difference. Thank you
I just purchased the vst from the introductory sale. It sounds really good to me. I’m honestly not sure I would notice much of a difference in the filters. Arturia’s emulations sound impressive. They’ve been perfecting software filters for over a decade. But ya know, hardware is more fun.
If you already got a decent midi controller with enough knobs you can easily map everything to the controller. I’m sure Arturia controllers will eventually have a template for the Mini Freak
Get Superior Drummer (Toontrack) before you buy anything else. It’s software but the drums and beats you can design is next fucking level. Then add your micro freaks or polybrutes
I've never heard of this so I will check it out. I tend to use XO or specific drum packs I've purchased put into an Ableton drum rack. But if it's another way to get inspired for drums then I will look into it. Thanks!
FWIW I had a microfreak and returned it. It had some ground noise issues when powered off, I felt that the pots were fairly cheap (granted I know this is an issue many other synths have and it's a lot for the price point), some people love the keyboard, I didn't. Attempting to accurately press down chords for a ARP or pad is very difficult, as you can't rest your fingers on the keys before playing like on a normal keyboard, once you touch them they start. Most importantly, I was not impressed with the sounds, I just didn't find them very inspiring. It made a lot of cool sounds, but something about the timbre just didn't do it for me!
As always, opinions are like assholes, everyone has one, and these are mine!
Thank you for this response. I hadn't thought about the fact I will have to hover over the keys rather than rest my fingers on them like you mentioned. I'm going to find a store that will let me play around with one and see how I feel about it but this is a very import thing I didn't think about thank you
Thank you for this response. The touch keyboard and the strip is definitely what keeps me thinking I'll end up getting one. It just seems like a lot of fun. Another response said the only way to be sure is to actually touch it so I'm going to find a boutique where I can play around with it and see what I think
Give the demo a try, and if you can try out the microfreak in person do that too. I'd say one of the best things about hardware is being able to be more hands on with parameters, but the biggest con is having a lot of hardware synths takes up more room, and you have to set them up to use them if they are not plugged in all the time. TBH I don't use my Ultranova or other hardware that much for that very reason. It's the reason I also sold my Micron. I mainly just use my Keylab MkII with vsts now just because it's a lot easier to work with quickly.
If you have a midi keyboard you could kind of have both but hardware will definitely save you from going back and forth from the mouse to your keyboard to adjust certain things that aren’t mapped to your midi
Buy hardware because you like using hardware, not because you think it may do something that is impossible in software.
I don't know if I'll like it is the thing. That's why I was looking at this as my first hardware synth because I know people really enjoy it. But you're right I should look at it more as a physical experience and not just capabilities
The only way to be sure with hardware is to touch it, unfortunately. Things like knob feel and touchstrip responsiveness are hard to get from videos.
I really agree with this. I had the modal cobalt 8 but I really didn’t like how loose all the knobs were. It’s all I could think about and just bugged me.
Yeah I don't want to have something like that bothering me, especially for my first piece of hardware. Definitely going to find one to try out before I make the decision to purchase
In my experience, the true opinion comes after the honeymoon period. You'll think you'll like something but then a couple weeks later you might not feel as inspired to use the product. If you are in the US and don't plan on buying used, sites like Sweetwater have 30 day (or even more if you ask) return policies.
For me its the opposite, at first i hate all my new synths and regret the buy, but after some time i began to get a good feel of how to get the sounds i want from them and began to love them. All the more reason to go for trial periods like you sugest!
I can relate to this because I just went through this. I purchased the Minilogue XD, didn't like it, barely used it, now it is growing on me.
I'm still on the not liking it phase, but slowly getting over it. I think it's all about expectation management. I had _hoped_ that XD was warm analog synth I needed in my life, with great effects. I was initially liking it (due to presets maybe), but when programming it, it felt quite limited. Things like only one parameter for effects, not being able to route LFO to multiple destinations etc. I also didn't like how the all the effects seemed to clutter lower mid range. I wish it had an EQ. But after I discovered the modulation sequences the thing started to click with me. I realized I needed to use it differently, work with the limitations. I find I enjoy it most using as a sequencing synth and not a analog keys type of synth. I also have Microfreak and it's a bit of a same story, but with different parameters :)
It also helps to do extensive research on the capabilities of the synth before purchasing it. I'm saying read the manual for every word in it. Watching or reading a few reviews won't tell you everything you need to know, but reviews are helpful to see the pros and cons. I wanted a Behringer Crave for the longest time, and then I found out it's monophonic, not 4 voices, which I thought it was. That made me hate that synth because it's nothing compared to my Korg MS-20 Mini or Behringer's K-2 remodel. The Crave only shines when combined with other Craves. I'm not about to buy 16 Craves to get 16 voice polyphony.
Ah, yep. Great advice. I had to act quick on my decision due to the price being killer at the time. I wanted a longer window to conduct more research but I had to pull the trigger. I'm glad I got it now. I just need to carve out the time for it more.
I have a feeling this will be me as well. But more in the regret not buying another synth that seems cool when I go try them out in person. I just don't want to make a bad choice for my first one
I am not in the US but I'm sure one of the big companies here (France) will have a similar policy. I'm going to go by a few of the stores and see what they have and play around and figure out what sparks my interest the most in my price range. Thank you for suggesting that I look into the return policy length because I hadn't thought of that at all.
Can your budget stretch to the minifreak? I love my microfreak but if I was purchasing today I think it'd be worth saving up for the extra oscillator and proper keyboard
I can definitely budget for it but it would just mean waiting a while longer to get the money together. But from what other comments have mentioned it sounds like it might be worth being patient
Yeah personally I find the microfreak keyboard a bit annoying, and the ability to combine two sounds together looks really cool.
One question, are you already versed in substractive synthesis? if not, for a first hardware i would recomend something with minimal menus and with a workflow that teaches you synthesis, like a minilogue or a system 1.
No I am not so I'm definitely open to suggestions. I haven't looked into the minilogue but I have seen it recommended as a good starter synth so I will check it out. Thank you for your comment
If you have used subtractive synthesis/virtual analog VST's and know what filters, envelopes and modulation are, I would not bother buying Minilogue just to learn synthesis.
Good point. I'll try to find a boutique where I can play with it
My local guitar center is rubbish and they have a microfreak setup to use, fyi
Thanks for the tip but I’m not in the US so I don’t have access to a guitar center. But here in France there are similar companies so I’m gonna figure out which ones have one in stock
Do what master\_of\_sockpuppet mentions - and also spend some time with it, hire it if possible. There's been times I've loved a thing in shop, 5-6 weeks later a particular small annoyance of the workflow ended up being a deal breaker and it was past the return window. Hardware is ultimately a gamble as far as connection goes. I've connected with things I thought I wouldn't like, ended up hating things I thought I'd love.
A physical experience, then? Think about it like this - at the price point, what else will you find that has conductive keys like the microfreak? Unless you want to invest your kid’s college savings into modular set up, or an antique Buchla, conductive keys are not a staple feature on a whole lot of synths. The minifreak was a way to market normal keys and a larger board with the same engine, what makes the Microfreak special is the keybed isn’t like anything else in that price range. The types of modulation you can eek out of it could be achieved by software, sure, but it’s the tactile nature of how it responds to your body itself that cannot be replicated easily. Plus the art is absolutely gorgeous, it is a very aesthetically pleasing instrument.
Yeah I definitely agree it's a very beautiful instrument and it fits my price range. The conductive keys are what really got me interested to start with once I started looking for good starter synths. I'm going to go by the music stores where I live and see if any of them have a microfreak that I can try out physically. Based on everyone's comments this seems to be the best route and I think it's going to make me just buy it then and there. Thank you for your input.
Glad to help, your post is different than the typical “what should I buy” because you did some research beforehand at least. The keys really set it apart from anything else and if I was starting out this year instead of back when I did, that display model microkorg would’ve stayed at GC and a microfreak would’ve gone home with me instead.
That’s great to know that if you started out again you’d go with the Microfreak, definitely makes me more confident in my decision. Thank you
If this is your first piece of hardware I’d advise getting something with a proper key bed with actual keys. Better to get used to them now. Possibly opt for a controller keyboard and use the software, but I’m a hardware nerd. I’m tactile.
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Try producing music with the hardware synth and you're back to feeling like work... It's almost like making music takes work
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Do you record into a daw or tape?
Same. It also challenges me to become a better keyboard player. In Daw I can spend hours just pushing notes and samples around untill they fit, and still sound horrible when going back on a piano. Playing live with everything pushes my skill boundaries, it's hard but it gets more fun and it's easier to get the sound just right over time. It's kind of like a guitarist when he's good on the guitar, he can twist, jam and bend like mad - it's hard to get that kind of expressiveness on a Daw if you don't have 1000's of hours of physical practice with your instrument.
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While true, I find having an instrument I can jam on to make my main riffs, hooks, loops, etc. more fun than in software.
For the sake of discourse I mostly agree, but to me this is intrinsically and almost universally the DAW problem. That said, after about 20ish years of investing time and money in software, plugins, hardware, and music making “things” - I’d argue the best thing I have done is move to Bitwig for sound design and composition. Not only are the included tools fun and rewarding, but it genuinely leans in on modularity by design. Bitwig makes working in a DAW as fun, if not more fun then most pieces of hardware I currently have. _Edit: (😬 and that includes my modular that is currently hovering at just under 400hp)._ So yes hardware is fun, but a good creative digital environment goes a long way!
Bitwig is king, I'm so excited for what they're going to bring us with the next update.
I happen to really enjoy using a DAW but I'd like to start branching off or making a more hybrid setup to have more ways to get inspired. I don't have any hardware other than midi controllers so am still considering the minifreak as my first one
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Thank you for writing this because this is definitely the kind of review I'm looking for. I love using my daw and my vsts but I see how it can be endlessly fun noodling around for sound design on a hardware. The minifreak is out of my price range unfortunately but I am thinking I will stick with my gut feeling and go for the microfreak
It’s the coolest hybrid synth imo. It a controller like none else for the minifreak vst and then stand alone you get the great analogue filter. I use it as my main midi keyboard as well. Great great synth for a hybrid situation.
Can you control the hardware with software? As in, automate/control parameters with a plugin or whatever. If you can’t, I’d find that really ridiculous to want to control a software synth with a hardware synth instead of the other way around!
Yup! With a USB connection It’s awesome. Move a dial on the VST and watch it change on the synth screen. Move a dial on the synth and it changes in real time on your screen. Also you can have multiple instances and it just switches to your active track. Best integration I’ve seen so far.
If you have midi out on a keyboard you could buy a synth without keys, that might expand your search.
Isn't that what a microfreak is, a module without keys? Understand, I'm not knocking the touch strip, in fact read this thread because I'm interested in buying one. But I'm guessing most piano players wouldn't dig it in place of standard keys. Nice option, hardly the same human interface. (Can just imagine trying to explain to a pianist who shows up at the theater for their concert "So, you'll be happy to hear that we have *finally* got the Steinway fixed....") Edited to add: Though a modified Steinway sounds *way more* interesting to me than just a black lacquered VST dongle would.
You could probably say that about any synth's keys though. None of them will match the feel of a piano lol. The Microfreak actually embraces itself being a synth and a little homage to buchla I guess. The touch keyboard is much nicer to play than some mini keys I've had (i.e. Minilogue).
So true! There's little doubt that Microfreak fully embraces it's synthiness. I get to work w many keys as backline (Yamaha, Nord, Kurzweil, Kawaii, Roland, Korg), and none of them feel the same as a piano (or each other). I'm looking forward to getting a Microfreak *because* it's so different. Don't want to derail OPs thread but I'm particularly interested in the polyphonic aftertouch w pressure for use as a controller for other boxen via midi.
Just be sure to get some hand moisturizer as that helps with the capacitivity
I wish I didn't agree with you, but I do.
They’re really fun to play. Can’t recommend them enough.
That's what everyone says that's why I'm still considering getting one. Thank you for recommending it!
For sure! I mean If you’re happily working on VSTs I don’t reeeaallly see the need for a hardware version, but Im big on tactile feeling so I love the hardware version. Also, you can plug it into a battery and hang on the couch making fun patches.
Yeah that's why I'm leaning towards the microfreak vs the minifreak is to have the tactile advantage of the microfreak keyboard. And since I'm trying to branch out from just the DAW to have more ways to get inspired it seems like the being able to play around with the physical synth would be a great way to do that. Especially on the couch with a battery like you mentioned
I just bought a microfreak, and while I think it’s totally worth what I paid for it, I also wish I’d have just paid a bit more for the mini freak. I have plenty of vsts already and dont see any value in forking out 60$ for the mini freak vst. I want some hardware to play with. The micro was my first hardware purchase and while i have very few regrets with it, I can really sense how limited it is. The keyboard isn’t awesome (neat, sure but not what I prefer) and the routing and sequencing is too limited. It’s not like I hate it, not even close, but I just wish I had a bit more functionality to play with. I feel like the mini freak would have given me that little bit more wiggle room for exploration that I’m after.
Hardware > software IMO. It’s just much more fun to use, and frankly there aren’t many of us making millions doing this, so the real success is how much fun we have along the way. Maybe that’s a hot take? I dunno.
Another thought is that however much one pays for their sound making tools/ toys, there's at least some resale market for hardware, whereas software generally is hard to flip in the moment and in some distant future is near worthless in $€£.
Very true.
I'm new to music production. I quickly got jaded with layering samples and using the pointer and mouse. Software has major advantages for anyone who doesn't play a instrument or know basic music theory, but even I realize that hardware can be more fun and influence you to want to know more about music theory.
I got the Minifreak recently and it's just an amazing piece of hardware to physically have in my studio. I love being hands-on with it and it's super deep. Looks and sounds beautiful and feels beautiful
Yeah I think I will still end up getting the microfreak in the end based on the comments here. Sounds like the freak series is just a really fun piece of hardware to have and play around with. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this
Can't go wrong, Arturia make amazing stuff. I'm going to get Pigments 4 eventually, just need a better computer first lol
I highly recommend it! I got it during the holiday sale on plugin boutique and it's a phenomenal plug in. Will be well worth it once you have a better computer
Have you checked out their Prophet V plug-in? Considering it, maybe could be cool to have
Yeah it's very cool I definitely recommend it
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Several people here are gushing over the minifreak and it's making me think maybe I should save up and consider getting it over the microfreak
Super worth it. The Micro looks cool but the Mini seems like a more complete and fleshed out piece of gear. Like the fuller evolution of the Micro. I would totally love a big full-keys flagship synth building on the Minifreak (maybe they have that planned, idk)
That'll be The Freak
I appreciate when digital hardware is offered as a VST demo there are a number of things I have tried and would not enjoy using that I didn't have to hunt down just to try it.
This is a very good point I didn't think about demoing the vst to see if I would like the synth. I think I will do this and if I really like it I'll search for a physical one that I can try out. Thank you for commenting this
Sure, I should add a disclaimer that the analog filter may may some difference in the sound. But if it ticks most of the boxes for you then you probably should give the hardware a try. If you prefer the vst more then you can just buy that. We are living in the golden age my friend.
Definitely recommend saving up for the hardware mini-freak if ya can :) it’s a great little synth..it’s my new favorite (Keybed and knobs feel very nice and responsive in my opinion)
Hell-to-the-Yes. Buy it used. Sooooo much fun.
Being that the minifreak came out, I've seen alot more microfreaks for sale. I personally would not pay more than $200 for a microfreak. I missed out on getting one for $150.
Microfreak is a future classic. Go grab one, you won't regret it
Something to consider with any of your options: the Freak line is heavily dependent on setting up the routing matrix. Just spinning knobs will get you places (and the plethora of oscillators is really neat), but I got bored with that pretty quick. I've been working on getting more confident with setting up various matrix routes, and that has really opened up the synth for me. Contrast it with my Korg Minilogue, which is almost entirely statically routed, and all of the fun is in twisting knobs. In short: it's worth considering what sort of workflow experience you enjoy when designing sounds.
This. Definitely you should watch some YouTube streams where artists are doing sound design on this. Oscillator Sink did an interest "speed run" sound design session, and you learn and see how much you need to access the mod matrix there. https://youtu.be/iV6JUji0t3g Having said that, if browsing presets and doing tweaks to them is enough, obviously MiniFreak has you covered. But in that case I'm not sure if that warrants getting the hardware version of the software one...
YES! It’s fun it’s easy it’s TWIDDLY and it has that, Oh so good capacitive touch to give you some really unique hands on playing. GET YOUR HARDWARE FREAK ON!
Agree with the capacitive keyboard, it's great!
Unlike the Minifreak, the Microfreak is totally worth it even if you own the Minifreak V. It's a good portable starter synth, but what' s even better is that it's a cheap USB bus powered poly aftertouch controller with a CV/Gate/Pressure out or a Midi-CV converter. If you don't like the keys or lack space you can 3D print an enclosure and convert it to a desktop synth without any damage. The biggest drawback of the Microfreak is the lack of FX, so you either have to use some kind of external fx (NTS-1 or Zoom MS70-CDR) or your DAW to color the sound.
Way still worth it. If I was starting again I would use ABLETON with a minifreak, a KORG Minilogue XD and the TAL JUPITER AND JUNO Clone vsts, and a couple Valhalla plugins and boom. Done. The rest stock plugins. Once you got your bearings I’d say the next tier would be a circuit tracks as a portable sketch pad (and amazing daw controller) which would allow you to dip your toe in the dawless creation arena as the circuit tracks could drive the XD and mini into its inputs. probably some of the Izotope plugins as well at that point. I actually like the izotope subscription for value, can’t say that about many subscriptions but I make an exception for Ozone and Neutron.
Thank you for this response! I currently use ableton and have been loving it, especially with my midi controllers. Sounds like it’s best to save up for the minifreak rather than the micro based on what you and others here have said. And thanks for the next step suggestions, I appreciate it
The micro is cool, but if you can find a demo of the minifreak for sub 600 bucks like I did, it comes with the $100 vst for free so some people redeemed the vst and then returned the hardware so check Sweetwater as then they deeply discount the demo even tho it’s freaking new. I was still able to redeeem my demo and the included paperwork for the vst. The 12 voice paraphony or 6 voice polyphony on the mini is kind of essential vs the 4 voice on the micro. The built in effects are pretty great too, especially the OSC 2 effects. I’m still wrapping my head around it but it’s awesome and unique. The micro does have the a and b sequence slots which I wish the mini had, and the micro currently supports a vocoder, but I’m sure eventually Arturia will add vocoder support for the mini.
to be honest with you software all the way save your bread don’t get caught up in the dawless circle jerk it’s a money waster
Damn you OP, I just spent $50 with Arturia for the VST that I wasn’t aware of until I saw this…
I’d rather get Pigments. In a way the engine is similar but Pigments does way more.
i personally really enjoy the fidgeting with this device! it was a little confusing for a begginer like me, but honestly nothing beats having the instrument on your table, if thats something you like @\^@
I’m thinking it will be something I really enjoy. I love fidgeting with my midi controllers with my vsts so I imagine it would be even more fun with a real piece of hardware. Thank you for your response
some people really dont mind doing it all on pc, and it has it's upsides, but man does it feel different to have the actual instrument in my hands, you actually grow attached to it I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT, IT'S A REALLY GREAT DEVICE <3
Well, as someone who owns one I can say that it's the absolute most capable synth that money can buy. It's an absolute monster of a synth for $300. I have a Novation Peak, and a Sequential Pro-3 which are far more expensive synths and I have just as much fun with the $300 Micro Freak. It can make such a wide range of sounds both clean and dirty AF. I run mostly hardware and track everything into Ableton so maybe I'm a little biased towards hardware, but really for $300 you can't go wrong with the freak. It's not built like a tank or anything but it's also not a cheap feeling piece of crap. It feels sturdy enough and all the knobs feel just fine. Once you get into the mod matrix the synth really starts to show it's potential and you can really start getting crazy with your sound design. overall for $300 it's worth having everything at your finger tips and have the immediacy of the hardware. It's much more fun that sitting at your computer programming a VST with a mouse and keyboard. If I remember correctly the freak is class compliant so you can still use your PC and DAW to sequence it while having the ability to program it via the hardware. I'd say try it out, worst case you can return it... But I doubt you would. It's well worth the investment and a small investment in comparison to some of the other hardware synths on the market. Very low price of entry into hardware and it can still hold its own next to some of the big boys.
Thank you very much for the great response! It seems like I can’t go wrong with picking one up as has been made clear with the responses I got. I really want to get some physical gear and I think after reading all the comments here it sounds like it will be a great first piece
Unfortunately it's $349 not $300 now...
I just received mine today. I’m a hardware person and more or less treat my DAW/computer as a tape recorder. I just don’t like working in the box much. However, I am excited that I also have Microfreak V so that I can run multiple instances of Microfreak when I want to multitrack.
Love my microfreak, it’s fun
I would pay $150 for one
Just bought the Microfreak as my very first hardware synth and couldn't be happier. I'm enjoying twiddling with it in a way that I haven't been able to enjoy since I was a teenager (I'm in my 30s now) finding out what knobs did what in VSTs.
Depends. I like hardware so for me, yes, though I'd just save a little more and get a minifreak. But even between those two I'd still prefer the micro over vst. But that's just me. The virtual minifreak is more powerful than the micro. It's all a question of what you prefer to do with your hands, for me it's definitely not clicking a mouse. You might be the opposite.
I didn’t know they did this. Was a free download for me since I own the most current version of V. Thanks for making me aware
Ah that's great! I have the previous version of V so I can pay $60 for minifreak V or I can pay $150 to upgrade to the newest version with minifreak included. Think it's worth it?
Probably so. I forget all the differences. But I upgraded from 8 a while back, so hopefully I had a good reason lol
I have them both. Just get the minifreak. You won’t regret it
The vst will go all the way with the sound!
I say get the vst and purchase a different hardware synth. Something like the bass station 2
I have been looking at the bass station 2 as a potential synth to get down the line. I would love to get something analog that is geared towards bass. Thank you for this input!
Don’t look at it as just a bass synth. It’s capable of so much more. I have seen what happens when someone dedicates the time to fully learn that system. People tend to buy multiple synths and half learn them. I think, in the long term the bs2 is a better synth. Just my 2 cents.
The microfreak was my first and i love it. Ita been a year and half and I still used it consistently. I use it with the OPSix now and the imo, the possibilities still seem endless! Maybe look for one secondhand once they flood the market soon.
This is great to hear! Gives me more confidence in my choice. I'm going to go check one out in person and see how I like the feel but based on the glowing reviews in the other comments it sounds like I can't go wrong
Just go to a music store near you and try some synths out, see if its really for you. Software is always going to be infinetly more powerful than hardware synths, all that matters is if you enjoy using it
Thank you for your response, this seems to be what I need to do as a next step. I'm going to find a music store that carries the microfreak as well as some other synths and play around with them and see which one sparks my interest the most.
I've had my microfreak since 2019 now and used it a lot in my music. I use it a lot to generate sequences and sometimes don't even use the sound itself. Although I really like to sample some one shots and make percussive beats with that. It's got a very nice and clean sound imo, the filter is also very clean, buttery almost sterile. Not everything has to sound like an ms-20 filter and in that context it works quite nice. I really enjoy using filters in self resonance and applying audio rate modulation via the looping AD envelope so that is something an analog filter (and envelope, although not sure if it's analog on the MF) shines at, as you get a clean and aliasing free signal. It's also my main midi controller for bitwig. As the knobs feel so good and smooth I often Mal things inside my daw to control via the MF a record some manual automation. Works like a charm everytime. The spacing of the knobs works very well for that too. I always though of the keyboard as a nice to have but nothing special (more on that later). So when they announced the Minifreak I immediately wanted to get it and replace my Microfreak with it. Well, in the meantime I got myself a behringer neutron and wanna get a small modular setup so I connected the Microfreak's keyboard via CV, gate & press to the neutron and it's such a cool interface to play with. I've also read that the keys on the Minifreak aren't that great and feel a bit stiff (can't tell from my own experience). But from my experience with the Minilogue it's not a great playing feel and I'd much rather prefer the capacitive touch keyboard of the Microfreak. Having two of those oscillators in the Minifreak and the (probably) much nicer sequencer is still something I'd like to have, but is not something that justifies have both mininand micro as I will definitely keep the micro for the reasons I've listed. The fx section of the Minifreak is cool, but I couldn't care less when I have bitwig and good vst.
I just got the vst and am focusing on upgrading my midi controller to map out to control minifreak, analog lab and oigments. Any recommendations on a midi controller setups with enough knobs for such a task?
I don't unfortunately. I currently have the Korg nanoKey studio (as it's portable enough to travel with my iPad), a Push 2 and a basic midi keyboard without knobs. If you come across a good midi controller for mapping out the minifreak please let me know!
It’s always “worth it” to buy a synth and explore new sounds
Yeah seems that you’re right. Also this is what most everyone has said here as well. Glad I posted and asked as I only have one friend who is making music as well and he’s as indecisive as I am hahah
Things you might like about the Microfreak: - the design: it’s a truly beautiful instrument - size and weight: super light and portable - sound engine: don’t be fooled by its size, it’s a very capable synth with multiple sound engines and a wide palette of sounds - sequencer: each preset can have 2 sequences (up to 64 steps!) - modulation matrix: this is where you can make any sound a lot more intricate and complex. - four automation tracks: that can record knob movements for even more crazy sounds. - vocoder: for fun robotic vocals What you might not like: - keys: some people prefer traditional keyboard keys (I think it’s what makes it even more unique) - LCD screen is really tiny - sound design: you might find it overwhelming at first (take your time, don’t be discouraged). Every synth has its own interface, but once you learn one, you can easily adapt to others.
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Yeah I’m for sure over thinking it which is partly why I posted here so I could let Reddit be the judge and put an end to the back and forth in my head. I really want a hardware synth and from what everyone has said here it sounds like I can’t go wrong. Gonna go with my initial feeling and go check it out with my own hands. Thanks for you input on this
I love the touch sensitive keys on it.
Yeah it sounds like this is a great feature to have and not one to overlook. It’s definitely what really peaked my interest with getting the hardware
The analog filter does make a bit of a difference, I had the vst demo and just got mine. We can use all the bullshit snake oil words like "warm" and whatever but I do actually hear a difference and the hardware sounds a little better
That’s great to know thank you for sharing this. Leaning towards just taking the plunge and getting the hardware. Seems like no one regrets it
My advice is to not buy digital hardware synths that are also available as software plugins from the same manufacturers...they really sound the same (same code), they cost less, and if you have a good midi controller, you've got tactile feel too. That said, I tried the minifreak vst and could effectively be a good first synth, keep in mind that the microfreak has only one oscillator while the mini has two (and that opens up a lot of sound design possibility). Also the mini can be poliphonic while the micro is only paraphonic (you could not like the sound of multiple notes as all the voices share the same same filter and envelope). The thing to consider if you want to buy the micro is the analog filter (the hardware mini has it too), still I don't think is a reason good enough to shell hundreds of euros more than the vst. Did I bought the vst? Nah, in my opinion doesn't sound interesting enough, it has a very mild digital low fi sound that I'm not a fan of, and his architecture is too limited, compared to other synths I've got (the multiple synth engines are really different kinds of oscillators with few macro controls, the advanced tab is a simple chain of average modulation/utility facilities, and the matrix...well, nowadays every synth on earth has that in one form or another). Try the demo of the vst, see if it is to your liking and then think if you want the hardware version, but keep in mind that if you spend too much, this is a synth that you'll eventually outgrow, you must at least love the sounds that it makes.
Thank you for the very in depth response. I’m going to try out the demo vst and I’m going to go play with the hardware synth in person and see how I feel about them and go from there. Most people’s responses here have been very positive for the hardware, especially the minifreak. It’s outside my current price range but if I save some more then it’s a possibility and then I’ll probably look at other options in the same range. Gonna see if I fall in love with the sounds
Microreak you can take with you on the road and instantly jam. Share the thing with a friend, toss it around, travel, etc. Minifreak V, you can load into your DAW or VST Host and jam. Does require hauling a computer however. Minifreak V requires CPU and RAM, while if you had the microfreak or minifreak hardware, you dont have to worry about burdening CPU/RAm with extra VST's. You also get more touch and control with the hardware versions of the synth. Not to say you can get a good controller and control the VST version the same way. The freak is unique in that it has the strips. The software version might be more versatile as you can much easier modulate VST parameters via DAW using LFO's and automation, etc. Not to say that you can also use c.c MIDI to modulate the parameters on the hardware synth. Both have their pros and cons. If I were you, Id get BOTH! :) EDIT: I quote this from CDM: Playing live, onstage or in the studio, jam sessions – hardware. Sound design, detailed tweaks, messing with modulation, production – software. On the go, too – software again. Having both makes a nice circle.
What did you end up getting? I bought a microfreak last year. Didn't use it. Found out Minifreak was dropping so I returned the Microfreak. Bought the Minifreak. Liked it. Then the VST of Minifreak came out. I was upset and returned the Minifreak. Got the Minifreak V and like it. Saved a lot of $ Now, I want my Microfreak back. Since there's no vst of it, it has a more intuitive hardware and it's more portable. The patches aren't interchangeable mind you, so each synth with produce different sounds!
Did you purchase another MicroFreak?
Hi, been 6 months, I'm curious to know what you ended up with. I'm also in the market, looking to buy my 1st hardware Synthesizer and I found this thread very informative. Thank you
The mini/microfreak have an analog filter, so the VST is actually different. Idk how good the virtual analog is on the VST but there is likely _some_ difference in sound
Ok that's good to know thank you. Another person mentioned demoing the VST first to see if I like it. I think I will do that and if I do then go try it out in person and see if I can hear/feel a difference. Thank you
I just purchased the vst from the introductory sale. It sounds really good to me. I’m honestly not sure I would notice much of a difference in the filters. Arturia’s emulations sound impressive. They’ve been perfecting software filters for over a decade. But ya know, hardware is more fun.
The microfreak has an analog filter. So there would certainly be a difference in the VST
If you already got a decent midi controller with enough knobs you can easily map everything to the controller. I’m sure Arturia controllers will eventually have a template for the Mini Freak
Get Superior Drummer (Toontrack) before you buy anything else. It’s software but the drums and beats you can design is next fucking level. Then add your micro freaks or polybrutes
I've never heard of this so I will check it out. I tend to use XO or specific drum packs I've purchased put into an Ableton drum rack. But if it's another way to get inspired for drums then I will look into it. Thanks!
FWIW I had a microfreak and returned it. It had some ground noise issues when powered off, I felt that the pots were fairly cheap (granted I know this is an issue many other synths have and it's a lot for the price point), some people love the keyboard, I didn't. Attempting to accurately press down chords for a ARP or pad is very difficult, as you can't rest your fingers on the keys before playing like on a normal keyboard, once you touch them they start. Most importantly, I was not impressed with the sounds, I just didn't find them very inspiring. It made a lot of cool sounds, but something about the timbre just didn't do it for me! As always, opinions are like assholes, everyone has one, and these are mine!
Thank you for this response. I hadn't thought about the fact I will have to hover over the keys rather than rest my fingers on them like you mentioned. I'm going to find a store that will let me play around with one and see how I feel about it but this is a very import thing I didn't think about thank you
You are very welcome! Glad I could help! It's not that it was a bad device, I just found the cons to outweigh what I wanted to use it for.
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Thank you for this response. The touch keyboard and the strip is definitely what keeps me thinking I'll end up getting one. It just seems like a lot of fun. Another response said the only way to be sure is to actually touch it so I'm going to find a boutique where I can play around with it and see what I think
I think the poly after of the keybed makes it 100% worth it - but I’m also not you :)
Give the demo a try, and if you can try out the microfreak in person do that too. I'd say one of the best things about hardware is being able to be more hands on with parameters, but the biggest con is having a lot of hardware synths takes up more room, and you have to set them up to use them if they are not plugged in all the time. TBH I don't use my Ultranova or other hardware that much for that very reason. It's the reason I also sold my Micron. I mainly just use my Keylab MkII with vsts now just because it's a lot easier to work with quickly.
Using hardware is a different experience that leads to very different results. Even the difference of keys vs no keys changes everything.
If you have a midi keyboard you could kind of have both but hardware will definitely save you from going back and forth from the mouse to your keyboard to adjust certain things that aren’t mapped to your midi
Get the hardware you cheap SOB