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

[@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...

[@Atograph]

I think this is unintentionally your funniest product review 🤣

[@loopop]

What do you mean unintentionally?!?

[@sajp8859]

@@loopop 😂🤣😂

[@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!

[@RneubauerBmore]

Wow what a delightful surprise as a MicroFreak owner!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.....

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@childsplay369]

the answer to your question is "all of them"

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 !!

[@GrootsieTheDog]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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 !!

[@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!

[@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!

[@reheller]

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

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

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

[@alienanxiety]

Ross Gellar would love this.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

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

[@adognamedshinji]

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

[@kobediahmiller5008]

9:35 exactly what I needed to know. 🙌

[@sonicimperium]

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

[@evankeal]

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

[@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)

[@BFBeast666]

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

[@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!!

[@ThsSuperDann]

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

[@hypnoticatrance]

I much love the Microfreak.

[@IconicPhotonic]

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

[@pablodados]

5:10 This stuff is really fresh!

[@expandingknowledge8269]

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

[@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.

[@Ardspans]

Great stuff, thanks for the heads up.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@michellewalbeck2621]

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

[@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.

[@jetfuelghost340]

What a cool thing to drop. Hell yeah.

[@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!

[@danielmulholland5869]

The Mac/hs5 crew is gonna love that new aesthetic

[@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 ;)

[@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.

[@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!

[@GirlfightClub]

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

[@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.

[@plutoloco2378]

This is amazing

[@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

[@AndrossUT]

Absolute mad lads.

[@orpheusx]

"...before they [Apple] came up with the courage to kill the headphone jack." You almost lost me right there, good grief. (Maybe you're being sarcastic?) Apart from that, great video! Definitely considering buying one of these...

[@loopop]

Thanks and Yes, to be absolutely clear I was being sarcastic that they came up with the courage to kill the headphone jack the same day they announced wireless headphones...

[@MePeterNicholls]

Vibes of 1982 Mike Oldfield there with your progressions ;)

[@alanshewitt]

One thing to note: it does not actually work with *any* TRRS adapter. It must be CTIA standard (vs. OMTP)

[@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

[@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.

[@CasualError]

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

[@johncaccioppo1142]

Do I really need a second microfreak? I would have said "no" before I heard your Cylon impersonation.

[@johncaccioppo1142]

As usual, in my over-enthusiasm I miss crucial details like "free update". Still, I'm thinking a second MF is the best way for me to make live Basinksi loops. The contagion is set and spreading fast to my bank account. By the way, I see he just released a new album yesterday!

[@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

[@heckseven]

oh cool they made one just for Andrew Huang

[@SLCPTV]

Great Video

[@JakobHaq]

This is awesome!

[@repeatdefender6032]

super useful!

[@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.

[@wernersempels7255]

Nice thanks

[@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

[@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?

[@DerAykac]

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

[@wilsonjaksetic6009]

Wouldn’t it be awesome if they came out with a MicroFreak Module or a MicroFreak Keys?

[@kaarefestvog6540]

Isn't most of that Plaits?

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

@@kaarefestvog6540 it is. Which is why i think they can afford to sell it at a very low price. Pretty sure without the capacitive keys, as a expander, they could sell it for roughly around 100 bucks. However the Arpegiator, pitch slider and sequencer keys are also capacitive so the price would probably not drop all that much.

[@schoovaertssimon7904]

2020 and we still can't emulate the great old vocoders

[@shadowhenge7118]

I only have one question... How well can it do Starcadian or Daft Punk?

[@loopop]

As well as you can play it...

[@roryjineffect]

@@loopop so, terribly. Got it.

[@BrokenBeats94]

The TRRS input is rather annoying, just bought a XLR to 3.5mm TRS after used a 3.5mm TRS connection from my Korg Volca Bass and it worked fine. Obviously not the case with a microphone as it thinks it's an output and not an input.

[@gbarkas]

"..with any standard TRRS style jack, like the ones Apple used, before they came up with the "courage" to kill the headphone jack.." 😄

[@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 🖤

[@kingkiryu6310]

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

[@surf_machine]

do u mean vocoding?

[@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?! 😱

[@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

[@st0rmchild]

The word for clarity of speech is 'intelligibility' ('legibility' means readable - clarity of written words).

[@loopop]

Indeed. Oh well, at least I amended the title

[@_truck]

I have to admit that I'm happy to see I apparently was not the only person being driven insane by this. Haha. Otherwise, a lovely video as always, and now I want a Microfreak, but I'm literally out of room for more synths....

[@arvinsim]

The only thing left that I wish this has is that it runs on batteries.

[@GuidoGautsch]

I plug my phone powerbank into it via USB, works great!

[@njoy_1991]

How do musicians know what genre they want to do. I mean they all play well with others I'm just wondering.

[@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!

[@andrewheld2475]

Nicely done. Thank you. One tiny note... [a pet peave of mine]... the word 'timbre' is correctly and always pronounced 'tamber'. Keep up the great work!

[@loopop]

Thanks! I agree with you. When in the video did I pronounce it otherwise?

[@andrewheld2475]

@@loopop Perhaps I only thought I heard it? Perhaps I've encountered so many who get it wrong (professionals & scholars alike!), I heard it when it wasn't even there! my best, -a

[@elmortobeats5919]

a great synth and vocoder with mic for 350 euros?? yes please!

[@pongtrometer]

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

[@jamesarseneau5623]

Excellent video. Could you please tell me what model of scope you used in your video. Is this a piece of hardware and then software running on it. I see it is manufactured by Melda Productions but I was wondering what the model number and name is please? If it is two items please provide the details of both. Thanks in advance

[@loopop]

Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionally I’ll use scopes by VCV

[@jamesarseneau5623]

So is it hardware or a software module

[@loopop]

@@jamesarseneau5623 software, it’s N overlay I add in post

[@jamesarseneau5623]

Thanks very much @@loopop

[@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

[@SanplerVarondaro]

que lindo aparato amo los voccodderrrsssss yeah

[@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

[@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