5 Reasons Microfreak Might Be Arturia’s Greatest Synth Yet
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- čas přidán 4. 12. 2021
- Get your Microfreak at Perfect Circuit: bit.ly/3G3u1e1
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DISCLAIMER: this is not a formal review video, as I will only be focusing on the things I love about this synth and not an objective pro and con analyses.
After using it for more than 2 years, I wanted to make a video pointing out some of my favorite aspects about the @ArturiaOfficial Microfreak, a beautiful and wonderful tiny little synth that punches way above its weight and price. Hope you enjoy!
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contact: midlifesynthesist@gmail.com - Hudba
Arturia is a good company. They build gear with love.
Feel the same! Gotta support that kind of company🤟🏻
I’m convinced the Microfreak will be regarded as a classic one day. It’s hard not to love Arturia after getting one of these.
So it will be a Mutable Instruments classic not an Arturia classic.
@infoslinger well i didn't say don't buy it.
Just when a company like arturia takes the sourcecode made by a single person synth manufaturer that put it open source, and puts it into a commercial product without contacting the original inventor and tells its customers that it was a cooperation ...
I just think that Emilie should get that "classic" status because she invented the original module, not the company that copied the source-code.
Thats all i said.
@@inevitablecraftslabYou know, typically folks write and publish open source code because they're awesome, not because they are going to get worked up on the internet about how that code is being used.
@@inevitablecraftslabthat is just one of the engines on the microfreak and frankly not even the best one… it will be a classic as hardware… oh and it’s never been presented as a collaboration with mutable
One thing you didn’t mention - Arturia totally didn’t have to but included clock, cv in and out jacks so you can use the MF as a controller for other hardware
It's included?? That's so cool, and means I don't have to get them for hooking it up with my minilogue! It's coming next week (vocoder edition) and I cannot. wait.
W33
I don’t know what’s on the back of your MF, but mine has cv/gate OUT, not cv in. This is a serious oversight as the synth is crying out to be controlled from a modular set-up (thereby bypassing that clunky keyboard). Tbh I cannot think why anyone would want to use it as a controller of anything else as it has close to the worst control interface of any hardware synth, past or present. Great sound engines though, which is why cv/gate IN would be invaluable.
I read “MF” as motherfucker lol
He alludes to it at 3:47. I bought it in part to control the Moog Mavis, which is CV in only.
Love your videos, your style and your attitude. Thanks for broadcasting!
You are one of the most laid-back CZcamsrs I've come to know over the past 15 years... oh and by the way: very great stuff and content - extremely helpful!! 👍🏽
Arturia have done an amazing job keeping it compelling with constant updates. Such great value. I ended up buying two of them!
Hello my friend! Nice to see you again! The Microfreak took me by surprise after I got it as a “bonus” on a synth exchange deal about two years ago. It’s been a wild ride ever since haha. Hope you enjoy this little homage. Cheers!
If only Arturia updated their flagship synths as often. Still waiting on any kind of polybrute firmware/connect update... And the matrixbrute took a couple of years before they addressed a ton of issues, though it was admittedly a great update when it finally came.
@@FM-ge3nf That’s a bit concerning seeing as the PolyBrute is on my must-acquire list. Maybe being more sophisticated means updates just take longer (I’m just speculating but I’m a software engineer so I can imagine that codebase being much more complicated as well as being a lot more code probably).
@@symbiat0 Yeah that's entirely possible/likely. Although if it's the case a single simple statement from them would be enough to keep almost everyone happy.
Instead it has been the case that they have absolutely 0 communication including on their own forums for multiple years and then finally something did come out of the blue in the case of the matrixbrute.
It's just a shame because in every other way they are amazing synths.
@@FM-ge3nf I would love to know what software development is like at Arturia. Maybe when I’ve made my fortune 😉 I can apply to work there…
Great video! Have seen some other Microfreak vids, but this was really one of the best and you put up the greatest things about this synth. Very useful. You made me consider buying one.
Useful AND entertaining! At first sight I HATED the keys on the MicroFreak and NEVER thought I would buy one…….UNTIL……I some a few really good demonstrations of all the things it could do and then the G.A.S. kicked in but this is a purchase I don’t regret. I’ve have it set up with a few other pieces of gear ( my dawless setup) and I’ve been having so much fun I didn’t even know about any updates……. I’m glad I watched this because now I can’t wait to get it updated to check out whatever new features it has….. like CHRISTMAS all over again.
Thanks Again for the Good Content.
Thank you so much my friend! I hope you have a blast discovering all the new tricks this little guy has up its sleeve! Hope to see you soon!
Your videos are truly great. Thanks for your time, efforts and info you share!
Thank you so much!❤️❤️
Hey! Arturia mentioned and linked your video in their email newsletter, great work!
Sooo happy with the Arturia Microfreak, best buy ever. Added a couple of volcas and still exploring all the potential of this awesome synth and additional hardware. Love your informative videos, keep up the great work 👍
Fully agree. So much so I have indeed considered getting a second one! Thank you for thank Arturia its because of how they keep their products updated that I am such a fan of theirs.
This just made me even more excited for my Microfreak to get to me in the mail! Love the Vids! Keep up the great work ! :)
Thank you so much! Happy to know you enjoyed it! Cheers🙌🏻
I've been seriously considering buying one since yesterday. Thank you for posting
This video is so well done! I hit subscribe after 2 minutes. Thank you
Dude, this video is amazing... extremely helpful and your humor is on point haha. New sub
I've been interested in this one for a while now, I think this video made my mind up. Also the first channel I have ever subscribed to. Good job!
Dude I’m honored! Happy you’re here with us and hope to see you again soon🤟🏻 cheers!
Great video & love your humble mood
I bought one of these a couple years ago and didn't find much value in it but since then I've started the modular journey and your comments in this video have inspired me to give it another shot now that I have a bit more experience. Thanks for posting. Oh... BTW - The newsletter I got from Arturia this morning led me to this video.
Thats awesome
Awesome blend of engaging and informative information, put together in a cohesive and understandable manner. Inspiring and super cool video. Love your channel, friend! 😎
Thank you so much for such kind words! I really appreciate the feedback and hope to see you soon my friend! Synth on!
Had mine for 18 months or so and I just love it! One of your first shots was it next to a Digitakt, I often sit down with those two and let fly with much madness. My favourite oscillators have to be the Noise Engineering ones, there’s something about the timbres one can achieve with those that I find particularly pleasing! Be interesting to see what they come up with next for this, already versatile, wee beastie… Peace ✌️
Mine is coming in Monday! Can't wait to try it
Hey, thank you so much for your review. I was still hesitating to add that synth to my studio, and actually you just convinced me totally 😉 very nice video, clear and precise.
It will be my first "real" synth. And I like your way to approach music, and gears in general. I really like your Sp404 mk2 video, super nice.
Thanks again, and long life to your channel
Thank you so much my friend! I really appreciate the support🤟🏻🤟🏻 have an awesome day!
thanks for making this sick video. i’ve always wanted to get a synthesizer and recently i’ve been practicing my piano improv. this price seems perfect even though it’s a bit spendy this video has showed me that it is worth the money and made well. definitely subscribing!
And you can modulate virtually any knob on the synth through the matrix. The tactile nature of it is great too. Great synth! Nice quick review!
Love your videos! Thumbs up!
Really enjoyed this one! Thanks for sharing this!!!
Thank you for watching my friend!
More top content TMS, nice work! I adore the MicroFreak, its the widest sonic palette in one of the best form factors I've ever found, I just sit around the house with a USB power supply and some headphones and noodle away on the 'MFreak for hours, for me it truly represents one of Auturia's mission statements/tag lines "The Sound Explorers". So true.
sharing the love like everyone else. I found that adding a couple of guitar pedals _really_ unlocks it too
Thank you so much! You helped me make up my mind! I’ll be using this for live & keep my Keylab 61 MKII & MacBook in the studio. Haha. Great review. Thanks again.
I'm looking forward to seeing your take on the new Arturia Minifreak.
i have one of the first microfreaks in my country - just when it was released. it was even used to make a review in a local music magasine. anyway, it was a love at first sight :) of course, it must be used with external effect to really sound good, but the synth itself has everything you need packed in a small and beautiful case. and lot of unique features not found anywhere else. all in all - a real joy to PLAY (in both senses :)
Microfreak seriously punches above its weight. I would say it is the best value for the money of the last decade, hands-down.
I couldn’t agree more! The other bargain that’s got me Gassing is the Minilogue xd! Nice to see you again my friend, thanks for hanging out!
@@MidlifeSynthesist I bought a Microfreak a year ago as my first synthesizer and love it! The only problem is the synth player in my band practices with it so I only see it once a week at rehearsal. I really want a Minilogue XD so I can have a synth at home all the time
I agree, but I must mention Elektron Model:Cycles as yet another instrument worth x the money it costs minimum.
@@stopmikeandjim3196 they go well together! That's the two synths I have and they complement each other well. Thanks again, Christopher!!
@@MidlifeSynthesist I LOVE the XD. I have a prologue now but used to have the XD. Wouldn't mind one again but it would be redundant.
I'm looking at a micro freak or a BS2 which I also used to own.
This is the best video on the micro freak I’ve seen .made me pull the trigger on purchasing one thanks :)
Hey thank you so much for that! Enjoy your synth my friend!
was randomly served up your video! OMG this is amazing. I feel like I fell into a rabbit hole I don't belong but you are so nice that I stayed.
Thank you so much and welcome to this safe space for the synth inclined! Make yourself at home my friend, see you soon!
I need this synth. Great video
Brilliant video!
Great little mini-review, well done! You told me more than I knew about this little synth in a very short time. I am a accomplished pro pianist, I will only play full sized keys, but I appreciate any keyboard on a synth just for programming ease; we can always hook up a keyboard via MIDI for programming, but once a studio has more than 10 synths, the logistics of this is not pleasant. And obviously, in my case, a full sized keyboard would be used for any performance once the programming is complete.
Killer tip!!! I paired the Microfreak with the moogerfooger freqbox and it went to another level. The CV out controls the mf-107, which I got for cheap!! I am telling you this pair is incredible 💕
Another reason why I love Arturia they cant miss you convinced me to buy this as my first synth for Christmas I have alot of Arturias plug-ins but no hardware🕺🏽
i love this synth. making an entire record with this thing and the model samples. didnt mean to, but it is just so versatile. sending everything straight to a 4 track and using side-chaining compression. quite groovy so far.
Hail to the Gurp Chirp!
Send the link when it's finished!
Wheres da link homie?
Give us the link, I need that
We want the album!
Excellent explanation, right to the *many* points. Ah, just subscribed! You're very good communicator. I had never heard about you or this channel and came to know you from Bo Beats' last video (2021 awards).
Hey thank you so much! Welcome to the family🙌🏻🙌🏻
Amazing vid, sub deserved
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!
I just got my MicroFreak and am loving it. Now I also want to get a Digitakt to go along with it. They seem to play very well together.
Arturia are great! I've got the MF and KSP, and both has received numerous feature upgrades (and bug fixes). Not to mention, great and explaining (as well as with a personal, human, touch) user manuals, unlike other manufacturers (I'm looking at you, Korg).
Nice video man! Been looking at that weird synth at the musicstore. Love the mechanic/melotron/future/vintage/romantic style.
Good content. Keep it coming
Hello I’m a new subscriber! Never bumped into you before. That was a great episode! I feel your enthusiasm for this great synth - look forward to your future episodes!
Thanks so much my friend!! Really happy to have you along for the ride❤️ all
the best and see you soon!
Bought it used like new for 150 euros some months ago. I love it! You can play everything, arp, solos, pads, very funny and usable.
New to the channel. I’m interested in the slowly evolving/lush soundscapey potential of generative (as opposed to the ‘series of intriguing bloops’ approach - which is cool, but not my jam). The sounds you’re pulling from this thing very much appeal to me. I also enjoyed your friendly, candid approach to the video, and the slightly self deprecating vibe. On that note: you had me at ‘midlife’. Subscribed [and I’m ordering a microfreak].
Great video, thanks! After quite a lot of hands on with more premium synths this year, this and the Deepmind 12 are the ones that really give you the best bang for your buck. Synths three times the price of the DM12 can’t come close to it for ambient music (much to my disappointment).
You are really cool,funny and experienced!!
On top of that you know how to throw content on us ,perfect balance between duration and input.
Thanks for your work,im pretty sure you will have greats things in return.
✌🍀❤
Thank you! I appreciate this so much! I’ll keep trying my best to make content that’s worth watching🙌🏻 cheers!
I think I make the right choice when buying the Freak for my first synth in a long time..
Took me a while to get into the operation of how it works but what a stunning little synth which takes up very little space...I also link it to my Keystep 37 which makes a great partnership for the Freak.
Great vid as always...jim
I think my path into synthesis would have been much different if I went for the microfreak instead of the minibrute 2S. I don't mind where it lead at all, it would have been a different and probably a bit easier path in the beginning :)
The recently added vocoder option tipped me over. I have followed the freak since its Namm release and just now I decided to order. Soo, here we go!
I bought that wonderful synth, I didn’t dig deep into it yet because I’m new to this and I have much to learn about it. But I already enjoy a lot!
Man, you’re a cool cat. I just put mine on layaway, because for some reason guitar center can’t sell it to me until the 8th of this month. Today is the 5th. It’s used, and it’s going for $289. Not bad. Thanks for this video. I subscribed to your channel and look forward to joining you on this synth journey. Epic channel name, by the way. 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
Great video, especially on the firmware updates. All too often original reviews and instruction videos lack crucial info when you're looking for new gear. Comprehensive videos on updates/user experience are rather scarce unfortunately (except for MPC 2.10 which flooded the internet). A small note could also be made for people who may have second thoughts about the quirky keyboard (like me): 3DWaves Nanobod produces a custom replacement case which enables to cleanly cut of the keybed and make the synth even more compact.
100k views. you nailed it my friend! Keep it uuuuup
Dude, your born to make these vids. Now I have to buy one. I've been watching vids about it, but you really make us synth heads get what it's about.
I, for one, really appreciate this video.
I, for one, really appreciate you❤️🙌🏻
@@MidlifeSynthesist :)
Sold! Just put in my order. It's going to pair up with my new circuit tracks 😊😊
Rock on!🔥🔥
Woke up thinking I was going to buy the JU-06A today, and ended up pushing the Microfreak button after comparing and researching my first synth for weeks and this vid just pushed me over the edge lol. One day I'll get the JU-06A or JX-08 but it's going to be a while.
Definitely buying one in a couple months.
This is a confirmed buy because of you. Thanks:)
agreed. i would love it to integrate better with modular. like having cv in or osc out. etc
same here in berlin! thanx for mking this video...an ode to microfreak!
Very cool! Like and subscribed!
Thank you!! See you soon!🙌🏻
I cannot stress how awesome this little synth is. I don't usually like to champion synths because they are always evolving and changing up things, but this $350 little guy does things I didn't think it would be possible to do. It's a drum machine, sequencer, modular rack and a para synth and then some. Easily one of my favorite pieces of gear.
That's the great thing about the Microfreak is it's evolving and changing through some really awesome firmware updates. It's more than twice the synth is was when it first came out.
Bought a micro korg xl plus over this for a project. I’m SO about to buy this thing for my next project 😎🤗
It's absolutely my desert island synth. Before it came out I sneered at it. Then I tried it out. Went to guitar center to buy a minilogue and left with a microfreak and a reverb pedal with cash left over. Even if I try to start a track with a different synth I end up fitting it in somewhere before the track is finished. It was already a great price and it seems like every 6 months we get amazing updates giving it even more value.
Thanks a lot. We user are important too, we will find the issues and forward them, we will suggest things the manufacturer didn´t think about. Many ideas und suggestions from user flow into product-updates. Maybe I will buy the Microfreak after this video, thanks a lot.
Indeed, it was both useful _and_ entertaining.
Thank you so much! Have an awesome day my friend! See you soon✌🏻
I’ve had a Microfreak for awhile now n I love it. All the synth engines are awesome!! Wish it had reverb and delay. No problem though! I’ll never sell mine! I use it with my modular gear extensively.
Definitely going for one to keep my Circuit Tracks company. Tempted to go used but not sure if it’s smart to take the gamble. I’m subscribing on your channel name alone.
Maaaan ... I don't have one and never wanted, but now ... Video is so good, I mean all these jokes, references. Great job, feeling like you growing as a content creator!
I've been interested in Arturia since before they made hardware synths, so I got advanced notice of the MicroFreak when it was new. My initial reaction, since I'm mostly used to East Coast synthesis was: "Not interested; it's too weird for me." But then I heard some people on YT making very intriguing music, and $350 is not that much of a barrier for entry, so I sprang for it. What a nice surprise! I've spent many delightful hours just noodling around with it and learning some new approaches. Among Eurorack modules, Mutable Instruments are among the most inventive, so having several elements of that available for the cost of a single module seemed like a good deal. Also, the sound will be surprisingly good to analogue purists, and hopefully get them to see that digital voices have a role to play as well. You can pack a lot of synth into a small, inexpensive package that way. Arturia seems to love this little machine as well, adding vocoder capabilities (you can pick up the official microphone for about $25) for free in firmware. The latest firmware adds some new wavetable functionality, much more than I would have expected for free. I'm looking forward to see what I can do with it, and what development path Arturia takes with it.
You can also use a really cheap pair of phone earphones for the vocoder ;)
That was an extremely convincing pitch and I was looking for a micro synth that could design, save and populate keys with samples. Anyhow now its in my Perfect Circuit Cart...waiting for me to come check out.
Dude you've got some amazing Energy going On!! Comment & Liked for Algo
My fav synth by far!
I've 3(three) microfreak synths in my studio currently. I love the features of the microfreak very much. I was satisfied with the first one and was thinkink that it would be nice not to change preset during live recording. after having 2(two microfreaks) I became aware of it that I have much more options at same time with an 3rd microfreak - it's all about the presets and their custom setup. with that gear I can be really creative right now. rising the amount of microfreak synths is always an good idea - IF you are able to pay the priece right now without any damage. you can create really great interaction with them! best regards, Frank Liebe.
LOL, I only have two.....so far ;-)
@@TheScreamingFrog916 When I bought my second one I still thought that it wouldn't make sense to have a third or more. But the variety of configurations makes the sense that for live playing / recording you have access to several devices preconfigured in order to play them directly without having to make any adjustments or large configurations.
@@frankliebe Makes perfect sense to me.
I also love having access to two or more, arpeggiators synched up and running in parallel.
Pan one left, and the other right. Then tweek the knobs, and listen to the stereo magic :-)
@@TheScreamingFrog916 yes, that's true. I love that synth-machine named microfreak and-or -engine so much. you can really discover new styles and ways of sounds and feelings with your investigations of the configuration again and again and again..
@@frankliebe one of the most intimidating features, when you first get it, and the most important/powerful, is the Modulation Matrix.
That gives the MicroFreak capability, way beyond any other synth, in this price range.
Sprinkle a liberal amount of synth engines on top, and you have something special.
Just snagged one for $299. That’s a steal for what this bad boy can do! Excited for it to arrive.
How do you like it?
Cool video. Thanks.
Thank you for watching! See you soon!
Thank you so much 👍👍👍👍👍😃
Thank you so much for watching !🙏🏼
Liked Microfreak until yesterday when I heard Stimming playing a set aboard a sailing boat. He used Microfreak extensively, it's a most delicious synth.
It's a great set!
5:25 😆
I hope Dr. Endo, and team at Sonicware, will continue to perfect the Liven synths. I have the first two. They are also super inspiring.
YES, I also have an Eye on Sonicware and having the XFM-Device of them. just weeks ago I ordered the currently new one, the Bass&Beats-Device of them. (in the limited edition ..smile)
I grabbed the white vocoder version which already had a fab update waiting and the newest update is slick too. It is nice not to have to buy a new device every six months. Also, all my Arturia gear feels pretty solid for the price and customer support is super helpful (this was for an old drum device but they were so helpful).
The microfreak is amazing and top notch machine. Arturia , my conpliments !👍👍
You are good at making these videos.
Thank you so much! I´m trying my best so I appreciate the feedback! 🙏🏼
One of the easiest synths to quickly get an idea done. Even if you don't use some of the voices or features, the ones you do use will keep you moving. It can go from harsh to sublime in the twist of a knob and with a little bit of reverb is almost as good as any high end synth.
I’ve always respected this synth!! I wanted a bigger 8 or 16 voice version of it. But they have not created this yet. Holding out for that is why I don’t have the current MicroFeak! Should I wait or should I buy … birthday coming!
I'm a 59 year old synth guy from WAY back that's finally buying new gear again. Just got my Microfreak a couple weeks ago.
Mid life? Microfreak? Subscribed.
Welcome to the midlife family my friend! My privilege to have you here🤟🏻 See you soon!
thanks! im gonna get one for xmas!!!
Awesome!! Hope you enjoy and merry xmas✌🏻
I bought one when it came out ended up returning it. Around a year later i bought it again because i felt like i missed something. I am glad i bought it again. It's cool and capable of making some great sounds.
I understand your step about returning, because just from the look and feel that microfreak does not point very high. but the features of it which are until today are shown in many videos are speaking for that microfreak.
I tried it twice and still could not make it work for me.
I love mine, first piece of gear I actually got on this music making journey
I have the microbrute which is great. I’d really like to get this one.
Great video. Exactly what i am thinking for the past 2 years with the MF. My go to synth…
Thank you so much!! Have a great day🙌🏻
Very convincing recommendation for the Microfreak. If I had the money to spend, I'd pick one up.
Elektron also great for updating their hardware. Props to these companies. Thank you for the proper introducing to this synth.
Thank you so much! And YES on Elektron! They are are constantly updating and have an awesome community over at elektronaughts👍🏼 thanks for hanging out, have an awesome day!
I for one, have enjoyed this video.
AMEN ie. Amplitude Modulation Envelope Noun. Iloveit (since a year or so, i've hooked it up to a KORG nts-1)