Arturia MicroFreak | Portable? Class Compliant? Beginner friendly? - haQ attaQ

So I’ve gotten my hands on the Arturia MicroFreak Experimental Hybrid Synthesizer early. And man ... this synth is interesting to say the least. Now there are a few things that I’ve been wondering about ever since I first saw the teaser trailers about the MF. Stuff like, how portable Is the MicroFreak? Is it USB class compliant? Will it connect to an iDevice? Also how beginner friendly is it? Let’s find out!
#MicroFreak #Synthesizer
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[@JakobHaq]

THE CLASS COMPLIANCE ONLY RELATES TO USB MIDI. THE ARTURIA MICROFREAK DOES NOT SEMD AUDIO DATAVTHROUGH THE USB CABLE.

[@meentaalmaan]

Jakob Haq have you done a video on kit that you can send audio through usb to ipad, are there any? Cheers

[@VictorSteiner]

Good that you haver it pinned, thanks!

[@jimnoonan6426]

My name "

[@kyrkbymannen]

Thanks for answering all Questions, you did make me LOL when you started dropping stuff on the floor! :-)

[@valdiskrebs566]

Nice overview of the basics. Looking forward to your in-depth review!

[@georgeray3492]

Great video Jakob. Looking forward to your deeper explorations of this instrument.

[@MeerkatMuzic]

Some good answers to the common questions there Jakob. Thanks for posting

[@kmontzka]

Been watching your videos for several years, since I first got into iPad music apps. Fun to see you getting into hardware. Great tutorial. Really interested in the MicroFreak and your video stoked the flames even more 😉

[@dennismckee6162]

Hey thanks, you brought up a lot of points that others didn't even consider. Especially liked the deconstruction part, that looks like it will be very helpful.

[@kaiherrmann4800]

wow, man, I REALLY like the way you present your thoughts about the unit - straight and compact. Plus, the priority of possible questions you are asking make individual AND global sense. It´s a remarkable difference to the cliche of "how does it sound" or "how to use". There´s enthusiasm about "how does it work". Also kudos for entertainment. Good job in presentation and editing.

[@sihhaoo]

Thanks for demos, the only one thing could be better than this is to see thos Freaks to be released.

[@aerialcombat]

Cool! Thank you for clearing so much up about this gear, thank you good sir!

[@seancraig5373]

terrific video-helpful, good sense of humor, and nice info!

[@shotfrmbehind]

Love your channel, man.

[@Tobs_]

interesting, thanks for another great video Jakob 👍

[@jml19221]

I cant wait for its release date here in the US. I have been waiting for it. The price is totally affordable. I plan to use it with Animoog app. Cool shirt too man!!

[@DissiNotRA]

How are you the freaking coolest BeatMaker-Tech-KZbinr in the world Jakob! 2:06 !! editing and moves on FIRE! Much love, BeatMaker FAM

[@bryanttow6515]

Good synthesis lesson in the second half!

[@fredsavagegarden698]

You look soo young!!! Makes me happy cause I’m now 32 and getting the feeling of “oh No am I too old to still be creative and doing this stuff”(pursuing my dreams lol) while still sorting life out. You sir are a inspiration. Also I started from jazz bands, jamming, prog, moodscapes. Then I went from the guitar/bass/keys like most to exploring synths and other wonderful things like modular gear, etc. cause of you and other like LMNC so thanks duder for reviving my love for creating on the iPad. I got into doing it as well wayyy back when of course Gorillaz “The Fall” came out. And hence that I loved them and loved the ideas of using a iPad as a musical source was 🔥

[@UncleBoogieRF]

I'm 48 and after 30 years of goofing around with music decided it was time to see if I could actually get anywhere so have bought a few bits of hardware. I'm drawing a line under it after the Microfreak (which I ordered yesterday) since I can't afford to keep buying stuff, but you're 32? You're young my friend!:)

[@benoitpeeters7511]

@@UncleBoogieRF I got 45, starting music again right now! :) Let's make a oldies EDM band? lollll

[@whatabouttheearth]

My dad is in his 70s and still into synths

[@DudeWithADrone]

@@UncleBoogieRF I'm 56 and started getting into iOS synths about 2 years ago. You're only too old when you're dead!!! P.S. I am scratching my head as to whether to get one of these Microfreaks or an Uno Synth Pro and I think the freak is coming out on top simply because it has 4 voices not three and I would at least like to make 7th chords. Triads are not enough IMHO. :-)

[@zakumusic1636]

I like the way you give information

[@Dogboy73]

BTW, this is the best Microfreak video yet. Fantastic 👍

[@Sklang32]

LAwlz, would be kewl if they made a bigger version and called it the "Superfreak".

[@PeteKowalsky]

She's a very kinky girl

[@Dasero]

That synth looks dope!

[@strelokknoize]

Got mine today. I'm so stunned!

[@HotStrange]

Strelokk Noize still got 2 more weeks for mine. How do you like it?

[@SupersonicTartanDeathMachine1]

Great video man, and yeah that t- shirt is TOTALLY BOSS... WHERE‘D YOU GET THAT!?

[@Stadsjaap]

2:45 Check the pitch bend strip when running off battery 👌 PS: nice shirt 😎

[@magical.frequencies]

Awesome thanks! Looking to by this as my first little synth. Looked at it in store today and was wondering about how to remove the lights to get it more basic and how to add to play around with sounds so awesome :D

[@markusfuller]

Thanks Jakob. you convinced me and I bought one after watching your video. this is incredible for the price.

[@JakobHaq]

I was surprised by this one myself when I actually got it in my hands. Hey, will you be looking under the hood of this one over at your channel?

[@DoctorRevers]

Ah yes, thank you mr haq. The microfreak has my interest. What I'm not sure about is that strip of chicken n stuff graphics. I'm wondering if there will be some adhesive covers sold to change the look of it. Even something simple like a black/silver/gold/gunmetal strip with Arturia letters spaced out. It's just a cosmetic thing, but it could really turn that thing into a customized thing of beauty. (I guess it would be easy enough to diy. wonder if others have thought of this already)

[@LaidbackSounds]

Really cool video !!! "is it a rooster or chicken?". I think it looks more like a guinea fowl :)

[@MatthewMouras]

Just picked one up. Fun stuff. Thanks for the video!

[@chrislynch9364]

Nice one!! I’m fluorescent green with envy...

[@HotStrange]

For the price this thing is truly insane. So many features. 12 synthesis engines each with their own waves and parameters, with possibly more coming according to Arturia, 2 envelopes/2 LFOs, state variable analog filter, a 5x7 mod matrix, a very complex sequencer and arp, and a keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch. This would still be a crazy deal at $499. $299 is just nuts.

[@Dogboy73]

..... I want of those T-shirts as well :D

[@ElectronisoundsAudio]

Boom! Nice One, Bro! 😀 👊

[@TheAudioDabbler]

for some reason, I was waiting on you to drop something, haha

[@JakobHaq]

😂 Luckily the volca’s are pretty sturdy

[@damonirvine8910]

Hey, Jakob, great vid, could you state the equipment needed to replicate your setup? From what I can tell, I’d need the MF, and iPad, an audio interface, and the cables needed to connect them all. Did I miss anything, and if not, what should I type in to find the right stuff? Thanks!

[@paulb8340]

vid is great lernt some new stuff!!

[@GavinskisTutorials]

Sounds fantastic. So this is fully MPE, not just midi? It plays in the same way as a seaboard with smooth glide between notes, velocity, slide, aftertouch etc?

[@GrootsieTheDog]

Have you done any in-depth on the Medusa?

[@Andy-qx5jy]

I have the Korg Volca drum and just got the MicroFreak as well. How would I sync them together? Sync in on Volca to Clock out on MicroFreak? Thanks! Beginner here

[@mattg1094]

He flexin on his apple product collection 😋😎

[@lxRAVERxl]

I'm looking to get into something like this and stay Daw-less. Where does the sound fine from? Would I need an amp or speaker and what kind of connection if so?

[@BeatMax2023]

Nice!

[@prozakmusic1]

Awesome lil thing, I’m new to Synths but is MF good for drum and bass? Thanks

[@Gedagnors]

Thank you for the video! I want usual keys not just MicroFreak touch keys Just to be sure - can I use MIDI-keyboard for this wonderful synth?

[@Andy-qx5jy]

yes you can!

[@robkart7811]

hi man, i would like to know what app are u using on the ipad to get de reverb and how he's conected? I have one and whant to use it without computer, i allready have the cable roland "usb/ipad >> MIDI-in/out " and a TR-8s , a TB-3 and a Microfreak. i boat all of this cause ableton and specialy playing live piss me of on PC.. thanks for your video and maybe you respons.

[@OttosTheName]

Do you know if it has to be a beefy Power Brick? I assume if it can output 2 Amps that'll do? (Some cheap powerbanks only do 1 Amp I think.)

[@TheSoundTestRoom]

Brilliant video, totally brilliant synth, this is going to sell lots and lots. You also answered all the other questions about iOS I was thinking about, this could be amazing since I have a Neutron at the moment here too 🤔

[@JakobHaq]

Yeah it’s very much an Arturia device. The CV/GATE OUT connectors at the back includes CV, Gate and Pressure. It’s got the CLOCK sync IN and OUT, legacy DIN5 MIDI through dongles plus USB MIDI. It’s got pretty much everything. 👍🏼

[@TheSoundTestRoom]

So I’m guessing that the MicroFreak will also pair pretty nicely with the Keystep, which also has all the CV stuff and Aftertouch too

[@JakobHaq]

It certainly should! Man I need a beatstep Pro or something over here too.

[@petercane6376]

Great vid Jakob man! Cannot believe you are 40!!! I can halve that! Anyway after the flattery I need a few answers Can the Microfreak work with an Arturia mini lab and also a Roland Juno DS? I have the Juno DS but can get a new minilab dirt cheap off FB. Cheers Peter

[@Terrible_Peril]

Stop making me want this thing. Also, would you be so kind as to see how well it plays with Animoog?? As always, great content, sir. I appreciate you.

[@ckbarlow]

Have you tried the MPE out with SpaceCraft?

[@SoundsAndGear]

Good stuff bro

[@JakobHaq]

The Saint himself, sup bro! 👊🏼

[@JohnnyJohnHub]

Hi, what is the name for this pocker operator? And it was sync together?

[@sonalsystem]

What power brick are you using?

[@khruangbin64]

Would you recommend this or Microkorg as a first synth? I believe Micro is so outdated at this point and is more expensive than this.. I have no synths yet and wanna get this, micro, minilogue XD or anything and wanna get best bang for buck. I personally think this is best from all mentioned... Let me know of your opinion as you have much more experience. Thank you!

[@rustikinc63]

Are you running Freak thru any Fx?

[@JustAnotherThisDJ]

There's another review I seen where it glitches due to using USB power bank. I still can't wait to get this

[@JakobHaq]

I’d love to see that vid if you have a link? 👊🏼

[@JustAnotherThisDJ]

2 mins I'll go through my history.

[@JustAnotherThisDJ]

@@JakobHaq pretty sure it's this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4vQqIKXjLOgmdU

[@joeohagan1507]

I can tell your excited about this one also, poor little Volca

[@thedrumunkey8582]

Ahhh I saw the title and thought it had audio over USB! That would be cool!

[@Dogboy73]

Where did you get that T-Shirt? I'd like one of those bad boys ;-)

[@rustikinc63]

a. HOW the heck do you manually set Bpm on this? Second. USB for BPM sync or no? Got it yesterday.

[@MyName-vg8yu]

idubbbz school of starting videos 🥰

[@VictorSteiner]

Does it connect only with a USB (printersize) to usb-c cable?

[@donvittoriosierra]

Question: When you changed the reverb on the ipad, where are you outputting the audio? Still from the microfreak? and are the effects still in mono on the headphones? Just curious

[@JakobHaq]

I recorded audio from the MicroFreak into the iPad by using a USB sound interface. The sound is being outputted through the sound interface when playing it back. . However, one could use the iPad as an insert fx module by using a sound interface also. MicroFreak goes into interface > sound gets processed by fx module inside a hosts like AUM > sound gets outputted through sound interface. . The MicroFreak is a Mono audio synth but it splits it up over two channel (it’s called dual mono). I’m the sound will always be mono, but if you for instance run it through a stereo effect on a stereo channel then the audio output will be stereo. . The MicroFreak will always be mono, but one can get a stereo feel by using fx plugins that output stereo audio. Add a stereo chorus on a MicroFreak bass sound and you’ll know what I mean. Same thing with reverbs etc.

[@donvittoriosierra]

Jakob Haq Got it, Thanks

[@LesProductionsZvon]

Hi Jakob, a quick question, when you connected the Microfreak to your iPads, where you using the USB battery to power it? I mean you were not powering it from the iPad. I tried with mine but I got the dreaded "BSOD"... no I mean the dreaded "Accessory unavailable the attached accessory uses too much power".

[@JakobHaq]

Hmm, which iOS version are you running?

[@LesProductionsZvon]

I tried it on 2 iPads, the 2017 model running iOS 11.4.1 and the 2019 Air 3 unning iOS 13.3 and got the message on both. I also had the MIDI lag you mentioned and responsiveness problems (stuck notes and keys playing wrong notes) when playing a synth directly but as you noted, it works fine if I use an host, tried with Cubasis 2 and NanoStudio 2.

[@TheAudioDabbler]

preset might have started sounding boring but I love the sound of this synth once you turned off the modulation matrix. Its so rich. I need one of these in my life.

[@elliotdavidson7137]

oooh... we use the same speakers Jakob!

[@JakobHaq]

The iLouds are dope! ⭐️

[@michelguerrero8121]

At minute 3:00, what kind of speaker monitors are those ? What is the size and brand...?

[@JakobHaq]

All the info on them can be found here ➡️ www.ikmultimedia.com/products/iloudmm/ . You can see the size on the specs page here ➡️ www.ikmultimedia.com/products/iloudmm/index.php?p=specs

[@Stadsjaap]

If that's a Novation Mininova in the bookcase, you'll be happy to know that will also run off your power bank. As will Arturia's Keystep. So useful!

[@JakobHaq]

Yes it’s an MN and I did a video on powering it with a battery a few years ago too if I remember correctly. Yeah I love that synth so much. The biggest problem is that that synth is so freaking deep that after spending a year with it, I wish I had an editor. Turns out there where only an editor available for Desktop and Laptop systems and that one had to be loaded as a plugin into a DAW. Overly complicated if you ask me. There was nothin available for iOS at all. So I ended up making this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6OXmHhnhtt4fsU

[@UncleBoogieRF]

@@JakobHaq It is VERY disappointing that the editor is a VST. It's pain in the ass. Especially when their librarian is just a regular Windows program.

[@Hertzultra]

Is it possible to run a mike or some kind of recorded sound thru this machine? What is the CLOCK output for? many thanks

[@JakobHaq]

Arturia added vocoder support a while ago with an update so yeah you can connect a mic (through trrs). Here’s a video of me testing different mics kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqebnZyIbd-nhM0 . Clock is for connecting and syncing to external synthesizers and/ or modulars with clock input.

[@karn3094]

Do you still have this? Looking forward to your review of the new vocoder engine.

[@JakobHaq]

Working on it! 😊

[@coltranius]

Great video. I’m so torn on this vs the Behringer Crave as a partner to my Neutron. Two radically different synths with loads of awesome features, one sad pocketbook.

[@MeerkatMuzic]

Never heard of US 2 effect plugin ?

[@BananaJuice1984]

Can i name presets with pc? I dont like to pull the knobs so often?

[@kgreggbruce1552]

Yes you do.

[@rustikinc63]

Do you have the CC assignments for the MF?

[@JakobHaq]

Always check with the developer 😉 - scroll down to MIDI Implementation chart >>> www.arturia.com/faq/microfreak/microfreak-general-questions

[@SergeiSmalkov]

I don’t get it. How do you ad effects ever microfreak on iPad, if the sound comes from the freak? You route it back to the iPad though a sub Audiu interface? Then how do you connect both the freak and the audio interface to a single port on the iPad?

[@JakobHaq]

With the help of a class compliant audio/midi interface. You connect external usb devices to an iDevice (iPhone or iPad) with the help of a Lightning to USB 3 connector. I have loads of very detailed videos about this on my channel. >>> kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKetgH14eZJ9npY >>> kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2O9lXaopruhbrs >>> kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXTTXmOLodh7lbs

[@htheman1971]

Thanks 1 Gtrat video

[@alyeska4226]

What APP is that you're flashing?

[@JakobHaq]

Which one? I’m showing several apps in this video. If you could tell me at what timestamp?

[@ralis]

Oh Jakob! Getting into more and more hardware you will soon, like me suffer from massive GAS! I was trying to go iOS because Apps take up less space and are truly more bang for the buck!

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

Haha I was getting into Jakob’s content, because I don’t wast to spend to much on gear. I guess there is no escape now. :-p

[@muppetpaster]

2:31 Which is bullcrap, since it only has a 2 wired cable going in to the MF, an plus and a minus....and the powersupply is galvanicly isolated from that side.

[@AJC19811]

Got myself a new toy ordered yesterday zoom arq :) I got for bargain price of £132 :)

[@JeffCfreeradiorevolution]

I know what an Envelope Is! I just used one for my taxes!!

[@pmc5532]

Arturia should make a protective case for this, and name it HagAttakase.

[@InkyDaCaT]

Jakob....dumb question..but novation circuit...it parameter locks easy including fx, its battery opp, it plugs and plays with midi USB...and with hardware its midi recorder, sequencer and instrument..people think its a toy...but boy...the updates😂....you might like it...but you need to customize it but...bargain of century...just an idea for you? I own lots of stuff lol but 2 circuits=ultimate fun...😉

[@JakobHaq]

Yes, the Curcuit does interest me. I’ll get my hands on one at some point I’m sure! 👍🏼

[@InkyDaCaT]

@@JakobHaq it's the most under estimated tool ever😉...if this was all i had with right synth Patches and samples..yep party??;

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Nice! You need an assistant to hold things for you :)

[@JakobHaq]

Haha 😂

[@Paparumbo]

👍

[@prozay6856]

Which power back is that?

[@JakobHaq]

It’s a brand (Apple gear) only sold in a Swedish chain of stores. The one I’m using aren’t sold anymore either unfortunately.

[@prozay6856]

Thanks for your reply. I found one: MyCharge Adventure Power Bank provides 5V, 9V, & 12V when connecting a device automatically. Bought 2 of them, one for the Microfreak, and one for the DrumBrute Impact. Cheers

[@NatLifeSounds]

If it can be powered from power bank, is it can be powered by Mac itself?

[@JakobHaq]

Yes, it can be powered over USB from any Laptop/Desktop computers.

[@Dogboy73]

Got one on pre-order. Might be out of job soon. I don't give a fuck! I'm getting it anyway ;-)

[@b.benjamineriksson6030]

I also exist! ;)

[@watchandpray]

i like your IDGAF style

[@JakobHaq]

👊🏼🤩

[@miss.wright3035]

At a price of 4 benjamins, it's serious coin !

[@louisrmusic]

RIP Volca 2:06 - 2:06

[@StarrAckerman]

Favorite quotes "I exist...", "Go finger your stuff..." and "Tap...tap...wtf." Lol

[@JakobHaq]

😂😂😂

[@demerit5]

lol

[@ShFred]

I see Johnny Depp has a second job as a musician on KZbin. Nice.

[@northerncatto]

YOU'RE 40?!?! More like 25. Hey you're a big fan of the Bass Station 2, did you try AFX mode yet?

[@JakobHaq]

I don’t have a bass station 2. I’ve only tested it out in stores, at trade fares and in some friends studios. I don’t know it that well.

[@northerncatto]

...do you have a Bass Station 1? I could've sworn you did. Or was it the Mininova…

[@JakobHaq]

Haha nope no Bass Station 1 either. Same story there. However you’re right about the MiniNova 👊🏼 >>> kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6OXmHhnhtt4fsU

[@hihan196]

BS 2 kill a lot of synth, hear n using

[@aseomg]

MicroFreak or UNO for iOS?...hmmm

[@vprice509]

"Vicky Pedia"

[@kabood777]

jesus christ brother what's wrong with being a hipster, man ... fuck yes we are hipsters who use teenage engineering stuff and love them too :) ... by the way, Jakob brother I love you and your hat and this freak chicken sound maker thing that you've going on there!

[@JakobHaq]

🧡🧡🧡🧡

[@kabood777]

​@@JakobHaq 😁❤❤❤😁👍✔

[@KrasavkinRomanE]

🤔🤝🥰🥇✌🏻🧚‍♂️

[@Himylo1971]

IOS !!!!!

[@berokm]

The duck at the end, makes me think that simple it should be life so, why am I watching videos on KZbin?

[@antilexis]

It's a peacock me thinks...