Arturia MicroFreak Vocoder Review // 14 Vocoder ideas and tips for fun and intelligibility...

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Check prices here (affiliate links help the channel):
► MicroFreak on Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/bLvjk
► MicroFreak Vocoder on Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/vX1Ej
► Gooseneck Mic for MicroFreak: imp.i114863.net/dx35k
► Microfreak on Thomann: bit.ly/Thomann-MIcroFreak
► MicroFreak on Amazon: amzn.to/2EfqBYd
Want to use your own mic? Search for TRRS CTIA splitter on amazon (please read the paragraph below!):
► amzn.to/3jlxqGA
TRRS Splitter - to get the best price, search for 3.5mm CTIA TRRS splitters on Amazon or eBay - headphone and microphone TRRS splitter cable, note you need the ones with a single male and two female jacks - one for a microphone and another for headphones. You don't want to buy a Y splitter for two headphones. Make sure that wherever you buy from has a good return policy in case you get the wrong one...
Other gear in the video:
► 1010Music Blackbox: amzn.to/2YucHIj
► Scopes by Melda: www.meldaproduction.com/
Here's my full review of the MicroFreak:
► Loopop MicroFreak review: • Arturia MicroFreak Rev...
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TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
0:15 Hidden input
0:45 Limited edition
1:25 MicroFreak overview
2:10 Vocoder basics
3:50 Setting gain
4:30 Osc controls
6:10 Hiss controls
7:35 Vocoder presets
9:00 TIPS FOR INTELLEGIBILITY
9:05 Pronounce well
9:20 Headphones
9:35 Tune with samples
10:30 Intervals
10:40 Repeat lyrics
10:50 Mix OG vocal
11:00 OTHER TIPS & IDEAS
11:05 Use beats
11:45 Complex envelopes
12:50 Earphone gain
13:35 Pitch bend and mod
13:45 Glide
14:10 Compression
14:30 Bold beatboxing...
14:55 Reverb and delay
15:15 Pros and cons
Want to email me personally?
► Ziv (at) loopopmusic.com
NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.

[@JacobPadlock]

When I saw the thumbnail I got so bummed because I thought they had released a new version right after I just bought mine but two seconds into the video realizing it's just a firmware update and it works on the old ones and this has made my year. Arturia fucking rules.

[@jankaelin7241]

Had the same experience, even multiple times, I think because of the many different appearances and things I had no clue about - after years owning it, I'm still far behind of what it's able to do, and it feels good, my little surprise-machine...

[@0VRLNDR]

This synth just keeps on giving. Original firmware was great. v2 gave us a new noise generator and chord mode. Now vocoder? Sick.

[@tonipepperoni3424]

I just got mine a few weeks ago and loopop was where I learned about the features, I'm also superbly excited, the different osc modes are so so useful it's like having many synths in one which is literally what makes this synth one of the best budget synths, the speech mode was basic at first and I see this vocoder as making this synth more complete and a huge upgrade on speech mode

[@symbiat0]

Tony Fuego Also checkout +AutomaticGainsay ‘s videos on the Microfreak where he does a serious deep dive.

[@tonipepperoni3424]

@@symbiat0 when I heard about thi s vocode mode earlier today i was super excited, when I was looking at synths and how much functionality they have for the price its impressive that now microfreak has vocoder added to its many osc modes meaning that this is a modernized and more powerful version of the microkorg and for 200 dollars less on average

[@evankeal]

Got one the other day, it has a vocoder sound engine selection, it is a v2.something but not the latest. Can I assume I have the vocoder updates?

[@0VRLNDR]

@@evankeal Sounds like your major version is up to date, but you should always check to see if you have the latest firmware. Connect the Microfreak to your computer via USB, and open Arturia's MIDI Control Center. It will display the current firmware at the top left. Then compare to what's available here: www.arturia.com/support/downloads&manuals#microfreak-1418723242

[@Atograph]

I think this is unintentionally your funniest product review 🤣

[@loopop]

What do you mean unintentionally?!?

[@sajp8859]

@@loopop 😂🤣😂

[@GrootsieTheDog]

Lauri Anderson’s “O Superman” is the ultimate vocoder song and is a classic and pioneering track.

[@RneubauerBmore]

Wow what a delightful surprise as a MicroFreak owner!

[@andrewswetz157]

Arturia always big on pleasing the customer this is amazing.

[@alangreen7100]

This is great. I aready own a Microfreak, and nearly bought a used Novation Mininova last month just to add some hardware vocoder functionality. Very glad that I held off now since this should do the trick. Thank you for yet another thorough and timely review.

[@vadimzitsermusicianvlogcha3870]

Mininova is not only vocoder,but autotune too.

[@BFBeast666]

The Mininova is a nice, powerful synth with great playability. Too bad editing sounds is quite an exercise in menu-diving, despite the five macro knobs on top.

[@geraldclark5812]

@@BFBeast666 Get the free VST for the Mininova and you have much easier access to its parameters, albeit through a PC interface. I found the VST solution to be quite acceptable compared to the small screen and complicated menus on the synth itself. Mininova is a great machine, I plan on getting one or more add-on syx's in the future (Google "synthcloud Vangelis mininova").

[@valley_robot]

Hardly used my miniinova since I got my micro freak , it’s a nice synth but it’s a pain in the arse to program without connecting it to a computer

[@SNO-]

Alan lucky! Green... lol.. So envious, and its a 16 Band which is SWEET!! I'm so curious how the random feature would allow for random vocant hamonics if so it would be an endless source of fun...

[@kassemir]

When I saw the white MicroFreak in the thumbnail, I was sure this was a brand new version. So to find out it was just a limitd edition colour made me so glad. I love vocoders, and didn't own a hardware one, and software vocoders, well, they're not exactly good to work with, just speaking from my own experience. But, now I can just use my MicroFreak for this. Man. Amazing. Mad props to Arturia for these firmware updates!

[@darkpolarmusic]

I’m so happy with my Arturia products. Both from the get go, and getting quality updates like this months and months after release is just amazing! And great review, can’t wait to get home to update and play!

[@jonathanredman8497]

Well done Arturia for continued existing owner support. Well done Loopop for continued brilliant videos on how to get the best from these devices.

[@flunkedouttanasa9450]

Finally had time to play with vocoder function today - all the questions I had immediately are answered here. Thanks for another valuable knowledge drop @loopop !!

[@AliBros]

The year is 2035, Arturia have revealed the microfreak has a neural implant controller mode that can is not enabled with a new firmware update.

[@hovermotion]

Wow this is a very useful vid, I have had my Microfreak over a year and I am still finding new features out , what an amazeing littel synth.. and as always superb video production and editing . Jim.

[@kaarefestvog6540]

WT hell. It was already a huge synth at a great price. This is mind-blowing. I thought the TR-8S update was huge but this.....

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

The Microfreak is a gift that keeps on giving. I love this little BIG synth.

[@flouro4782]

omg I’ve been super confused about vocoders but your explanation finally makes sense thank you!

[@dreadful_privation]

this is great! i got one on your recommendation after your last pass of vids on the 'freak. (i love mine enough to make a faux wood sides/angled tray for it... cause playability, ease of seeing the controls, and what great synth doesn't deserve faux wood sides?) Thanks as always for your outstanding content!!!! It is always a pleasure to see new work up on your channel! best!

[@reheller]

Absolutely love the freak. Now even more 😍. Thank you so much for this video and revelation!

[@BFBeast666]

Great video and a nice surprise from Arturia. I love my Microfreak!

[@minimal.camera]

This is a great video about how to use pretty much any vocoder! This really looks awesome. I've got a Kaosillator Pro, I'll try some of these tips on that vocoder!

[@earlsfield]

Awesome surprise. Actually totally makes sense, knowing Arturia ,this is down their lane. Now... thisa pretty much solves something bunch of people were asking for - line in! Future upgrades can allow external signal processed by this nice filter.

[@distantcomets]

I saw a note about this on FB. I can't believe there's been an input in there the whole time!

[@UNSCPILOT]

Can't help but love companies like this, they make a good device, then just make it better and better, going to have to try feeding mine samples from my audio recorder and see what madness results

[@oscarayala2639]

Wow can't believe it I really never considered the microfreak to be my next synth but now after this it might be my next vocoder synth.

[@sonicimperium]

Wow, now I'm doubly glad I just bought the Freak! 👍🏻

[@Ardspans]

Great stuff, thanks for the heads up.

[@BrokenBeats94]

Such a good value synth, it really is. It’s easy to write off as the synth for utilising Mutable’s open source code but it’s great they keeps adding more engines and it was prettt cheeky hiding the audio input

[@richarquis]

Just ordered one. I've been having a lot of fun with the Minibrute 2S and DB Impact, this should fill out the hardware sector of my desk pretty well now. As always, Loopop, thank you for your reviews and guides. You've helped me make a lot of decisions on stuff that: A) No shop in my city has ever even heard of, let alone knows anything about, and B) Nobody around town that I know has any more idea of than those dusty old shops As a westerner living in South Korea, but not in Seoul, options are very limited, as are contacts. Even if I were up north in Seoul, everyone here is focused on cheesy K-Pop, where I am drawn by the weird stuff. I'm definitely walking alone here, but that's fine - More room to explore and go nuts. Your videos, along with a few other yt regulars, are my lifeblood as I try to figure my way out through this minefield. Thanks so much.

[@loopop]

My pleasure - Thanks for taking the time to write!

[@lambertlambert7076]

A word where nobody knows Arturia creativity and Behringer remakes is a sad word.

[@vprice509]

Why can’t we have an option to run Siri through a vocoder? I want my robots to sound like robots.

[@thumbnailgreen9773]

best comment on the internet this week

[@tomsayer5186]

Lot’s of vocoders have audio input options like the microKorg Edit: I guess the micro freak has that option as well, I didn’t finish the video before commenting.

[@XtianApi]

I agree. Make robots sound like robots, avoid the uncanny valley

[@st0rmchild]

What a nice surprise. I would never have guessed they were hiding a secret mic input in the headphone jack. I installed the new firmware and played with the vocoder a bit (with some old iPhone headphones). Works pretty well! Now I'm looking for a TRRS splitter so I can run my real mic (or any other audio) into it from my audio interface.

[@djsharpmclive1221]

great work ...another value add benefit, they want to keep customer happy

[@UNSCPILOT]

And really, the value of this thing is just getting better over time

[@hypnoticatrance]

I much love the Microfreak.

[@GirlfightClub]

This is so awesome! Gonna watch this vid a few times I’m sure lol

[@BURG]

As always, top notch review ... makes me covet the microfreak, here I was thinking i didnt need more gear. Little did i know :D cheers

[@loopop]

Thanks very much! By the way I have recently become somewhat of an addict to your channel

[@BURG]

@@loopop thanks for the kind words 🙏, it seems we are mutually addicted to each others stuff 🎹😎🎹 if this is not an internet bromance I don't know what would be! 😁 Jokes aside, thanks for the great stuff you do!

[@BURG]

@Trololo Inc ® hahahaha :D

[@dalejason]

I only ordered a Microfreak last night from Thomann for €222.00.... brilliant !!

[@danielmulholland5869]

The Mac/hs5 crew is gonna love that new aesthetic

[@jetfuelghost340]

What a cool thing to drop. Hell yeah.

[@ildarkinildarkin]

Buying my MicriFreak (I'm waiting for it to be shipped) I thought that white model only has Vocoder but what a surprise vocoder is in every Microfreak! I also have trs to trrs adapter. What a surprise I've just discovered!

[@strangersun7721]

This just damned cool. What a surprise. Thanks for the video!

[@chrisliddiard725]

Loving this new look. Here's hoping someone comes out with a new skin kit for the freak. This is how they should have launched the freak.

[@kobediahmiller5008]

9:35 exactly what I needed to know. 🙌

[@JakobHaq]

This is awesome!

[@tedpedersen123]

Amazing! Thank you for the links to the adapters, mine just arrived today. I thought for sure my teenage engineering headphones with the mic would work for Vocoding on the MF but they don’t. The adapter you mentioned works great. ✌️🎶🎹

[@loopop]

Ted Pedersen great - thanks for the comment!

[@meldianen]

Another great review indeed! Thank you! It seems I'm gonna avoid your channel though… as I may want to buy extra device after almost every video!!! Seriously I've my eye on this synth since it came out, I already own a Minibrute 1st Gen and a Microbrute. These synths are quite powerful despite thier size and price range and through a high quality effect like the H9, they are litterally shining! My guess is that the Microfreak is on the same level.

[@alienanxiety]

Ross Gellar would love this.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

:D *bark bark bark... tic toc tic toc tic toc BOOOMMMMMMM*

[@adognamedshinji]

Infinite time... time... time...

[@eaman11]

Good Job Arturia! Oh and please make a MiniFreak soon :)

[@yasdrums]

Or a matrixfreak...🤤 ( would probably be way to expensive for me though lol)

[@evankeal]

Wow the mic seems powerful, I normally have to get nearly intimate with mics on others.

[@pianokeyjoe]

Well now, THIS is a nice surprise to wake up to! I just downloaded the latest at the time firmware 2.03 and related midi control center and manuals, but now I see instead of having to BUY another microfreak with the new vocoder I can just upgrade mine! Lovely! I just saw the new firmware 2.13! Downloaded that and the related updated midi control center software and manuals for THAT. Christmas came early!

[@cratediggah]

They are also releasing a separate vocoder microphone you can pick up for $30

[@enensis]

This is great thanks. I recently watched a video by underdog and he used vocoder in a techno song that sounded awesome. Going to try this on the microfreak

[@pianokeyjoe]

BTW, I just subbed! I thought I had done so already but seems not. Funny though, cause I thought I did a year ago! Anywho, subbed now. Your videos are what helped me decide on the microfreak a year ago!

[@plutoloco2378]

This is amazing

[@pablodados]

5:10 This stuff is really fresh!

[@ThsSuperDann]

I wonder if Arturia could expand the audio input to process things through a resonator oscillator, something of a simplified Rings.

[@therealesttoolyjones]

I actually couldn't get into arturia products for the longest time, but I need this in my life. It's like a modern microkorg. Can you play arpeggios while using the vocoder? And can you loop vocoded parts while editing the arpeggio/playing synth parts? I'm blown away by this thing, thank you!!

[@michellewalbeck2621]

Please do all reviews and tutorials through the vocoder from here on out, thank you! 🤓

[@AndrossUT]

Absolute mad lads.

[@IconicPhotonic]

Hearing loopop mention apple makes me think that CGP Grey is moonlighting as a synth reviewer.

[@repeatdefender6032]

super useful!

[@aaronthompson317]

Pulled my MF out the box and after a couple hrs of playing around/testing it out; the only criticism I have is I couldn’t get the white one. It’s an incredible synth, with miles and miles of possibilities! Thank You Arturia!

[@expandingknowledge8269]

Homer Dudley, I believe created vocoding. Wendy Carlos covers vocal synthesis, on her Secrets of Synthesis album...very cool! 😎

[@SLCPTV]

Great Video

[@baward]

Even though, yes, the pitch of what you're feeding into a vocoder doesn't matter I think it's better to try and actually sing/perform the vocal. It seems to really help.

[@umbertoyltp]

At Thomann the Arturia gooseneck microphone is available for a fair price! It locks into the rim on the rear side right and top and locks in pretty good. It is a little more sensitive than your classic Apple Earpods.

[@MePeterNicholls]

Vibes of 1982 Mike Oldfield there with your progressions ;)

[@wernersempels7255]

Nice thanks

[@digitaldobbie]

I have to point out that the quality of the vocoder sound is strongly influenced by the quality of the microphone.

[@fusionistaaaa]

Hmm. I am not getting good results with the provided gooseneck mic. I should try another one i suppose.

[@EatsJapan]

Just picked up my freak a few days ago, upgraded the firmware, all seems be working fine👍 only thing thats bugging me is how quiet it seems compared to my volca bass and electribe2. I have to max out the MF master volume and audio input if i have through the Electribe and even then its still quietish. Is it just a quiet synth?? Any advice to give it a bit more oomph? Please help, anyone! Thank you!

[@chrisliddiard725]

O Super, Man !! - now I wonder if that surprise feature Audio input can be used to process Audio in non vocoder ways. I wonder why Arturia held back on this Easter egg. I'm sure there'll be other operators on the horizon. - paraphrase c/o Laurie Anderson ;)

[@zdravkodimitrov]

Hi, some suggestions on what to add to the book: - MPC specific reviews, tutorials, workflows - the videos are fantastic and warrant some book space, too - using iPad and Android synths, DAWs, etc You should also consider creating some high res posters for sale, I am sure they'll look fantastic. Video ideas for synths that have been out for a while and are excellent used (or new) purchases - Korg Kronos synth engines - way overdue video :) - Yamaha Reface series (or at least DX and CS) - M-audio Venom - Alesis Micron - Novation Ultranova

[@loopop]

Excellent suggestions - thanks very much!

[@zdravkodimitrov]

@@loopop a reply from the God of synths himself - what more can I ask for? Thank you for making my day!

[@pongtrometer]

So will envelop follower be the next instrument to trigger the synth engine input signal

[@driveemysoul]

7:29 Hi I’m an absolute novice when it comes to things of this type but is there anyway to record a clean vocal alongside using the vocoder so the end result is more legible/more of a blend between the two? Or would I just have to use an additional mic at the same time?

[@Asmuk]

This review was a lifesaver from the start, as I'm looking for a vocoder to use live and wasn't sure about the function to work also with the normal Microfreaks. Do you have any idea if an update to the Minifreak is expected added vocoder and other functionalities as well?

[@loopop]

Thanks! Sorry, even if I knew I wouldn't be able discuss confidential information

[@matthewtunnicliffe201]

You mentioned feedback in a room with speakers and recommended headphone use, so would performing in a gig situation using the vocoder be difficult?

[@UNSCPILOT]

Unless that's the sound your looking for

[@nickademuss42]

HEY thats great Aruria, how about ratchet controls on the Keystep pro?????????????

[@meinfs]

Thanks for the comprehensive and revealing review. loopop. QUESTION: so I can just get the black microfreak, get it’s firmware updated , use an iPhone earphones and vocoder away??

[@loopop]

Mein S indeed! As long it’s the old earphones and not the new ones with the lighting jack...

[@meinfs]

loopop Thank you, it would save me $50. Hallelujah!

[@meinfs]

loopop I am subscribed to your channel, btw.

[@CasualError]

15:02 *singing* Bring in some reverb and of course dealy doesn't hurt! :-D Had to laugh about that!

[@DerAykac]

Dude, i just worked myself through some very long microfreak tutorials. And now this. Thx, i hate it. Jokes aside, thank you :D

[@rattenkonig6303]

Just WOW.

[@mypianofavourites1635]

Is my Arturia Vocoder Faulty - I turn encoder type to vocoder and zero mic sound comes out after holding notes. posted 14th Nov 2022

[@lt4801]

focken great video as always

[@SanplerVarondaro]

que lindo aparato amo los voccodderrrsssss yeah

[@Tibbon]

Where is selling the white ones? Can't seem to find one at Sweetwater, Google Shoping, etc

[@korywesterhold]

David Fisher yeah said it’s limited edition...but WHERE?! 😱

[@geocache66today]

Can the Vocoder be modulated via Assign 1,2 or 3 on the Matrix?

[@loopop]

Wave and timbre are on the matrix and you can use the assigns for shape

[@ginociancio1]

Hi can the micro freak vocdar make the same sounds as the micro freak if you don't want to use the vocoder thanks I love your videos very very precise thanks

[@loopop]

Thanks and yes, they are totally identical, except for the color and the bundled microphone in the vocoder

[@WaveTV1973]

Still no audio input to filter, since we have vocoder audio in ?

[@loopop]

No word about that yet unfortunately

[@WaveTV1973]

@@loopop Let's Cross Fingers For the codes to be typed /$ Compile [ Lib-Audio-In-2Filter ] V2.1 Firmware.bin

[@easibroeasibrode6381]

Grandioso!

[@amnesiaSa]

Hello! Can I use an XLR to 3,5 mm TRS adapter to use my Shure microphone? Thank you!

[@GuidoGautsch]

You'll then also need to adapt the TRS to TRRS, e.g. via a headphone/mic splitter cable

[@LacklusterOfficial]

anyone know where one can get these in europe? i mean, the gooseneck mic for regular old microfreak?

[@Warzulg]

anyone knows if the headphone/mic jack supports the CTIA or OMTP standard for the mic/ground pins?

[@Warzulg]

ok, they updated the manual, the jack supports CTIA/AHJ standards

[@kingkiryu6310]

I feel like the Typhoon is capable of this as well.

[@surf_machine]

do u mean vocoding?

[@pisderata]

Where can I buy an external flex mic like this version? Probably I'll buy the black bc is almost 100$ cheaper here and the official mic is 35$ hmm I think should cost like 15$

[@jesset3241]

Wow!

[@drouk22]

connexion problem ? microfreak out to roland jdxi input mono, JDXI output L mono to boss RC505 input L mono, output L mono boss to in L mono stereo reverb redox, redox out L R to minikaosspad korg line in... my head phone connect to minikaosspad,,, everything work, except i dont hear microfreak ? what is wrong ?

[@aken2348]

HEy loopop! where did you get your presets? are there default vocoder presets somewhere?

[@loopop]

Yes - I got them directly from Arturia as part of the beta. I assume they’ll be available for download

[@HenningSprang]

Where do they sell the mic? Also no info about any of that on their website, just the firmware update in the download section... interesting!

[@chrisliddiard725]

You may already have a gamer headset / mic combo, as long as its got the four pole 3.5 plug it should work. There are plenty of adaptors on eBay etc.

[@heckseven]

oh cool they made one just for Andrew Huang

[@jikaymusic]

Nice, would this work with a regular SM58 with the right convertor?

[@strangersun7721]

Because it's a dynamic mic and there's a gain control on the microfreak, I would think so.

[@gammaphonic]

As my Microfreak is now out of warranty, I might open it up and investigate the possibility of adding a 6.3mm input jack.

[@gammaphonic]

Casio SK Strike is that true? I’m not sure that’s true. Besides, I doubt there’s enough room for an additional 6.3mm jack anyway.

[@iamthephantomlord]

I love this tutorial but I don’t see any reason to not have the overview view always on on when it switches to the side I can’t see what you’re doing

[@mrtrin]

Do they have a preset for Soundwave and Roger?

[@moviecellar1639]

I can't find this on Amazon. Is it out yet?

[@sp0rk0]

Can you get the mic separately if you already have a MicroFreak??

[@Sharon-music]

I checked. The update doesn't even appear yet on arturia website. Think it will take a few hours or a day till everything is up on all the other sites. It would make no sense if they didn't sell the mic separately.

[@neilparnell2089]

www.streetwisesales.com/product/arturia-microfreak-gooseneck-microphone/

[@sp0rk0]

neil parnell 🖤