Arturia has launched a 49-key version of its MiniFreak algorithmic synth — the 37-key version having launched in 2022 and version 5 of the firmware dropping last month.
The 49 key MiniFreak features semi-weighted keys — so a heavier feeling than the synth keys of the 37-key model; whether you prefer that on a synth is your preference.
Two synth engines and over 30 modes, virtual analog to granular, with algorithms by Arturia, Mutable Instruments and Noise Engineering. There’s per-voice analog filters (LPF, BPF, HPF), modulation and expression, and three stereo FX slots.
New to 49
New on this model is an XYZ touch matrix (the Z axis means it’s pressure sensitive) — it allows you to route modulation, browse presets, and perform with Freak Control.
There’s expanded engine controls, with dedicated type, wave, timbre and shape controls, plus three group shortcuts per oscillator. Voice panning gives selectable spread algorithms to place all six voices across the stereo field.
Audio-rate Filter FM lets you modulate the analog filter cutoff from either engine, for new harmonics, grit and vocalesque textures.
There’s now 256MB on board for samples and wavetables — that’s eight times the memory of the original MiniFreak.
The pitch and mod wheels are made from aluminium.
Features
There’s clearly a lot more features and detail to go into — anyone already familiar with the range will know a lot already, and likely be happy with the additional features of this model.
- 6-voice polyphonic hybrid synthesizer
- 49-note full-size semi-weighted keybed with velocity and mono aftertouch
- Aluminium pitch and modulation wheels
- 2 digital sound engines with 30+ oscillator modes
- Dedicated Type, Wave, Timbre and Shape controls for both engines, with direct engine-access shortcuts
- Engine 2 can process Engine 1
- Analog Filters and VCAs per voice
- Audio-rate Filter FM from Engine 1 or Engine 2
- 1 envelope per voice
- 1 cycling envelope per voice
- 2 LFOs per voice with customisable shapes
- XYZ touch matrix for modulation, preset browsing, Freak Control and visual feedback
- Freak Control with Macros, Gate, Spice, bipolar and vector layouts
- Voice Panning with selectable stereo spread algorithms
- 3 digital FX slots with 13 algorithms, including Ext In Vocoder and Self Vocoder
- 64-step sequencer with 4 lanes of automated modulation
- Performance arpeggiator with octave, ratchet, repeat, mutate and Spice & Dice controls
- 256 MB sample and wavetable memory
- Larger OLED display for real-time feedback
- Over 200 factory presets
- Compatible with original MiniFreak presets
- MIDI in/out/thru
- USB-C connectivity
- Sustain, audio in and clock in/out connectivity
- Balanced stereo outputs
- MiniFreak V included
Comparison
| MiniFreak 37 | MiniFreak 49 | |
|---|---|---|
| Keys | 37 Slim-key velocity aftertouch | 49 full-size semi-weighted velocity aftertouch |
| Pitch / mod | Touch strips | Aluminum wheels |
| XYZ touch matrix | — | ? Visualizer · Modulation · Presets · Freak Control |
| Freak Control | — | ? Macros · Gate · Spice, Hold |
| Filter FM | — | ? from Osc 1 or Osc 2, bipolar, per voice |
| Voice Panning | — | ? selectable spread algorithms |
| Engines & modes | 2 engines 31 modes | 2 engines 31 modes Direct engine access |
| Analog filter | per voice, LP/BP/HP | per voice, LP/BP/HP |
| FX | 3 slots × 13 | 3 slots × 13 |
| Total memory | 32 MB | 256 MB |
| Display | OLED Preset encoder | Larger OLED Preset encoder |
| Presets | 420 factory 244 user | 350 factory 162 user MiniFreak presets retro compatibility |
| Connectivity | USB MIDI in/out/thru clock audio in | USB-C MIDI in/out/thru clock audio in |
| Price | €599 | €799 |
PR Gripe
In all honestly, I’m not sure what’s going on with Arturia’s “leaks” and announcements — there was a teaser video a couple of days ago and now the official product page is up, yet none of the publications with press clippings have gone live with it (at time of writing). There were also searchable links from three or four days ago which have now been removed. Arturia really needs to sort this out. As I’m no longer privy to timely press releases (long story) I’ll assume I’m not breaking any embargo as I’ve not received any official material!
