Arturia MiniFreak - Retro styled presets

Arturia MiniFreak - a 6 voice hybrid synth. I think it competes very well with both a Alpha Juno as well as a Korg DW-8000 and even a DX21. It can cover a lot of 80s synthesizer patches. Great onboard effects and a fun arpeggiator as well.
Well worth a look if you're on a budget. I don't like the mini keys though, but it means it's physically quite easy to haul around and it might even replace my Alpha Juno for live gigs. It's more than adequate for the occasion. I like it more than the MicroFreak which is also pretty decent although somewhat different in architecture.
Check out the bank here: • Arturia Minifreak 50 N...

[@coconutlust470]

The pads have DW-8000 vibes for days in the best way. You can really hear DCOs + analog filter come to life.

[@Theinvalidmusic]

One thing Arturia don't make anywhere near as big a deal of as they should - the analogue filters on the Minifreak are Oberheim-style SEM clones. It doesn't sound *entirely* like a vintage analog poly, but it can get shockingly close in places, in addition to all the more experimental and digital tones you can pull out of it. I absolutely adore mine, it's kept my GAS well and truly at bay!

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Yeah that SEM filter 👌

[@ryanhume216]

finally someone demonstrating how this synth can occupy a Juno like territory very admirably - it's these simpler, more "naked" patches (especially compared to the factory presets) that made me love the minifreak

[@EspenKraft]

Most of the factory sounds are pretty bad yes, at least with retro ears. ;-)

[@ryanhume216]

couldn't agree more - the "multiband compressor" they included especially sounds bad to my ears and the factory sounds use it over enthusiastically. Under sells an otherwise beautiful sounding engine! @@EspenKraft

[@EspenKraft]

Yes, they've really hidden that underneath.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

I find most of the presets on recent synths are pretty awful. Even on Sequential synths. I have to write over all the User banks with my own patches pronto, because scrolling through bad sounds makes me want to stop playing the instrument. 😂

[@EspenKraft]

Couldn't agree more. I find it very bizarre that so many manufacturers of synths are ok with paying people good money to create so bad preset sounds.

[@mrclaytron]

Oh these patches sound wonderful, Espen! I'm so happy to finally see someone create actual playable and musical patches with the Mini Freak - I'm keen to get one now... This may just be the video that has sold me on this little gem! Cheers!

[@takeasnapshot]

This is great! I can’t wait for the patch bank! I have the microfreak and use the VST version of the minifreak a lot.

[@Cubik303]

Every one of these patches is a gem. Very well done!

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers!

[@CarlosrendonmusOficial]

Those patches are sounding awesome!!!

[@patsalty]

Holy hell these are beautiful

[@Thekingdomwithinco]

BRILLIANT sound design showcase!!!

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks!

[@IntertemporalTraveler]

Sounds awesome!

[@matthewcassette]

Great work, ill keep an eye out on the patchbay. I love the brass and DX sounds. I really enjoy using the minifreak, definitely better with full keys The VST integration is wonderful for sound design.

[@EspenKraft]

The last is very true and why it should be sold as a 19" rack unit. That will never happen of course.

[@DEADLINETV]

Brilliant patches! Amazing sound this synth has. I have the plugin-version and I think it's just so versatile!

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers!

[@SeverityOne]

From all the Arturia soft synths that I have (Collection V9, Pigments, and MiniFreak V) the MiniFreak V is probably my favourite. If nothing else, it's more easily understandable than most, and as you correctly pointed out, it has an impressive sound to it.

[@cortical1]

Sounds quite good. Those three initial (Espen Kraft signature) chords you played with the pads are always auditory gold.

[@jekunP]

So beautiful ❤

[@colortheory]

Fantastic sounds! And I actually own a MiniFreak! I’ll definitely be buying.

[@EspenKraft]

Awesome!

[@sergiodeoliveira5358]

I was having a mini panic attack seeing a perfectly good synth lying in the snow.

[@EspenKraft]

With almost -20C the snow is completely dry.

[@mrz80]

@@EspenKraft -20C?!?!? We've got a guest room if you ever want to come thaw in Florida :D

[@EspenKraft]

We had -30C (-22F) a couple of days ago and 3 feet of snow everywhere. I wouldn't mind some warmer climate right now. 2 more months of this before it starts to melt. :/ Thanks for the offer!

[@darwiniandude]

I thought the same, was wondering if it was wrapped or sitting in a bag or something, then saw it wasn't Then i realised I've only seen snow once and often get temps here up to 42ºC each year, which I hate - and Espen obviously knows what he's doing not to kill the synth. :) I just assumed it would be like water - I guess not :)

[@EspenKraft]

I could immerse it completely in water if I would. I'd just let it dry up completely and it would work just as new. Freshwater is not harmful to electronics at all. Again as long as you dry it well before turning it back on. We often wash electronic circuit boards in the dishwasher when refurbishing old vintage tech.

[@oldunclemick]

Nice sounds 👍

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers!

[@renemunkthalund3581]

Excellent sounds and effect design, Espen! The hardware music market is tough. Arturia occupies a sweetspot of innovative instruments that still hold a lot of vintage appeals…

[@Da-Freaks]

great sounds and thanks for the demo, I didn't think it would sound so good. the second sound example reminds me of cold days hot nights

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers!

[@mrz80]

That changing arp patch at around the six minute mark is WAY cool. I'm already hearing some proggy guitar parts over top of something like that. Wonder how tough it'll be to browbeat my Micron into making sounds like this? It's an overpowered 3 osc VA with insane filtering and mod capabilities.

[@halcyo]

F**king hell, you're gonna make me have to buy this damn synth now...

[@roybratli]

Detta blir bra 👍

[@sternrekorder]

What a nice chord progression on Tony's

[@EspenKraft]

Tony's theme from Scarface. All credits to Giorgio Moroder.

[@discombob93]

Minifreak is obviously a lot of synth in a small package. It would be a rage-buy if I didn't already have a PolyBrute, which is shockingly lush with proper gainstaging (all the stock patches are slammed, sadly) and I believe you would like VERY very very much Espen. It's a total chameleon that can do all these old sounds, plus launch you into orbit when you'd like. You'd discover how flexible it is and good it sounds because of your experience programming analog gear. Bravo on these emotive sounds, sir.

[@EspenKraft]

Cheers!

[@JayM928]

Inspiring

[@dankeplace]

It's nice sounding an all, but I already have a KSP and can imagine that the keys would be the same as the mini. KSP is fine as you enter sequencer notes and move on. I think I would prefer the Hydrasynth Explorer as it has PAT minikeys, larger than the KSP/MINI's. I am torn between the 2 synths, I just don't want another keybed on my desk the same as the KSP.

[@thebitchdigital]

Descending Bliss giving me goosebumps. they all sound great but that one's really something special. will these be available for the VST version as well? i don't own hardware and don't know what the patches to presets process is like.

[@EspenKraft]

I think they will work on the VST as well. Not tried i out though.

[@koalemos1679]

You really put it in the snow 😭

[@joeltaylor2830]

Great video and sounds. I've been wondering about both the Mini and MicroFreak for a while as I really like hybrid synths. Are the effects from the Minifreak or were there some external effects as well?

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! I have a big text near the beginning of the video saying "no external effects used".

[@joeltaylor2830]

@@EspenKraft haha. My apologies, I missed that as I was watching on the train home. Thanks for the reply answering the question.

[@EspenKraft]

No worries. :) The MinoFreak has some great effects on it, like the reverb, delay and chorus are very nice.

[@joeltaylor2830]

@@EspenKraft I noticed they sounded great - I missed the comment to begin with, but did notice how the effects sound amazing. I'll definitely check out the MiniFreak. Cheers.

[@kikkirow]

Lots of amazing sounds there. Were all of these presets? This sounds like a nice synth but yeah the keyboard is a bit small and it looks kind of simple. Might be a challenge to make custom/modify sounds.

[@EspenKraft]

Not presets, my patches. Like I say in the video, these will be part of my upcoming patch bank. The MiniFreak is quite complex and can do a lot.

[@d3tuned378]

Simple? The minifreak? What?

[@chickenlickin3820]

bit wet from the snow Espen!

[@EspenKraft]

It dries up easily.

[@chickenlickin3820]

@@EspenKraft Good to know : )

[@daojea]

🔥🔥🔥

[@Gerald_Daniel]

Cold as ice? Of course not ...lots of potential in the device.

[@morgan8937]

Great vid. Is it IP65? 💦 Look forward to the patch bank, ty!

[@EspenKraft]

I'll leave it to dry next to the fireplace. Next image and it's burning.

[@morgan8937]

@@EspenKraftha! That'd be 🔥

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

The mini keys are what keeps me from buying this. After finally admitting that I end up never playing them (because they are awful), I sold all of my synths with mini keys and swore never to buy another. Roland did it right with the GAIA/GAIA 2 , surely Arturia can do the same.

[@EspenKraft]

Mini keys are the worst. No discussion there.

[@RayyMusik]

I would use the mini keys for sound design only and really play it from another keyboard.

[@Answersonapostcard]

Adding a premium full size keybed will add at least £100 to the cost price, meaning less sales, less people getting in to music and less money being available to fund new products.

[@d3tuned378]

I prefer mini keys, and tbh it breaks my heart we didn't get a 37 key capacitive keyboard like the mini

[@angelog.spicolaiii8021]

IDC what anyone puts down or play's; mini-keys are just tooo toylike & i just can't get over that -never will; they blow bigcat chunks, u must have a full size controller for this thing, unless ya like being a bigbaby folks

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

You're using the Minifreak pretty much as a sound module by playing it from the W-30 - so you might as well just save a few bucks and buy the VST version of the Minifreak (Minifreak V) that Arturia offers!

[@EspenKraft]

Nope, I'll rather use it live instead of the Alpha Juno 2. It can easily cover those sounds. Less kilos to haul around. ;-)

[@darwiniandude]

I'd much rather program it from the front panel than the VST. Why I bought a Behringer 2600 which I use often and don't use the Arturia V2600 I own.

[@andywatts8654]

The minifreak knobs and sliders can control all your vsts very well. Better to be the hardware with analogue filter

[@TheDrumanchu]

Sounds Amazing! Will these patches work on the microFreak? And when do they come out ?

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! They will not work on the MicroFreak, That's an entirely different synth in every way. Patch bank will be out when it's done. Can't say for sure.

[@ahaigh0191]

But will work with the plugin mini freak I suppose

[@ahaigh0191]

I like your jx8p patches quite a lot. They are permanently loaded on mine.

[@TheDrumanchu]

Thanks, please oh please do some MicroFreak patches like this. If you have time of course, Cheers!

[@EspenKraft]

I've made a very nice sample patch bank for the MicroFreak. Very popular.

[@CentaurusRelax314]

Hmmmph. If I knew it was capable of this, I probably wouldn’t have returned mine so hastily. Wanted classic 80s analog sounds, but the presets were decidedly on the digital/modern side…. These are nice. I may have to revisit this synth.

[@EspenKraft]

The factory presets are definitely not on the 80s side, and quite frankly not all that good.

[@ropewalkingelephant]

I wish this came as a desktop module!

[@EspenKraft]

Me too.

[@JohnnyMacaw]

LOL you put it in snow that has me laughing my A%% of

[@nightnoodler812]

Nice depth and range for a small synth, but I think the mini keyboard would be ok for triggers and chords, but would hate to do solos or melody lines. No feel to them.

[@EspenKraft]

It's not very nice to play on for sure.

[@RayyMusik]

Espen, that synth sounds fantastic and absolutely 80s-like. But are you sure that it‘s a good idea to stick a synth into *snow* ? 😱

[@EspenKraft]

Thanks! Yes, it's a very good idea to put a synth in the snow.

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

I’ll say this, Espen. You could do a whole lot worse while demonstrating a preset pack on a synthesizer who’s key touch you are not thrilled with than plugging in an external controller. The nice thing about this model is that it is a digital synthesizer that is capable of approximating analog wave generation. Incidentally, the section from 3:49 - 4:27 reminds me slightly of a deep track by Mike + the Mechanics from their debut, “Par Avion”. That’ll never be a bad thing.

[@EspenKraft]

It's not half bad. ;-)

[@b2zap665]

I don’t think it sounds 80s one bit but definitely does sound nice. Very modern and clean sounding. Definitely wouldn’t grab it to make synthwave though as the deepmind in the same price bracket does 80s much better.

[@EspenKraft]

Luckily I don't make synthwave.

[@nexuzeb79]

aww... espen.... scarface.... thank you...

[@Roboprogs]

Say hello to my little friend! 😜 Mini KB, in this case.

[@nexuzeb79]

virkli vakkert... du nailet det... så vakkert

[@Fortramnasdaq]

I have a few old 80s hybrids i purchased for cheap in 2014 but theyre *huge* and impractical; wondering if this or (and/or a fred's lab toroo) could be a modern portable solution. Which is your favourite? For rational or irrational reasons😂

[@EspenKraft]

I like the Töröö a lot and I made some of the preset sounds for that, which was fun. Over time I came to use it less and some part of that was due to the interface which left a lot to be desired on my part. It sounds good though. As do the MiniFreak, which is (apart from the keys) is more hands on, and easier to program, build in effects that sound very good and a sound signature I find is closer to my heart. If it's a keeper in the long run when I too have so many other hybrid (both modern and vintage) remain to be seen.

[@Fortramnasdaq]

Thank you for the prompt and really informative response!

[@odmusicman]

The comments remind me of my Roland FA06. The included patches were pretty plain and many useless. I owned it for 10 years and programmed some amazing sounds from it using every spare user slot and performance slots. The Roland Axiel website gave me the Jupiter 8 base patches. I was even getting Tony Banks analog sounds and ELP stuff too. Like all of you said, no one would every know it could do that with the factory patches.

[@brianhintze6440]

If I purchase one of these, can I count on your for new patches, programming, and support?

[@brianhintze6440]

It does sound very nice....from warm 80s to digital FM. Pretty cool format. I have a Roland JD-Xi, and use it the same way...with a full size synth. Little powerhouse synths are fun to have around.

[@EspenKraft]

You can count on absolutely nothing. :P

[@brianhintze6440]

😆And this is why you're Espen Kraft, and I'm not. @@EspenKraft

[@keyboardkingpin]

I prefer real eighties gear but this doesn't sound bad at all.

[@mrz80]

You gotta figure sooner or later a lot of that cool old 80s analog or early-digital gear is going to be moving towards being ever more unaffordable, unreliable, and unrepairable. It's nice to know that more modern, within-reach synths *can* be made to sound like what we remember the 80s sounding like :D

[@keyboardkingpin]

@@mrz80 sad but true:(

[@Answersonapostcard]

plus do not forget that all of the external processing used on 80's recordings.

[@Zwopper]

Sad that they don't put this engine in a package with some proper keys.

[@EspenKraft]

Or a 19" rack unit. That would be the best.

[@Zwopper]

@@EspenKraft Each one to his own. I want my sound engine to be contained within the keyboard I play it from. It works for me. Im old! 😁

[@EspenKraft]

I'm old as well, but 30 keyboards are just insane. I'm not a worshipper of keys. I want the sounds.

[@Zwopper]

@@EspenKraft Well, you said it! 😁 I neither have, nor desire to have 30 keyboards. I currently have 4, which is to many. Heck, even 3 is close to the order for me, so I choose my instruments wisely, kind of like what you did with your beloved Prophet X. Although I think you should have gone for the Prophet XL, but hey, that's just my opinion. 😁 Heja Norge! 🇳🇴

[@EspenKraft]

I don't want a hernia from dragging around a Prophet XK, no thanks! I have the Yamaha KX88 and that's all the weighted keys I need. Playing synth bass or brass on weighted keys is not possible either. ;-) Go Sweden!

[@blockcity9479]

where can I find these patches?

[@EspenKraft]

I'll let you know once I've completed the whole pack. I'll make a video about here on the channel when it's done.

[@robertsteinberger5667]

I wonder what external effects are used

[@EspenKraft]

I mean, when I clearly state in the video itself, before the sounds start, that no external effects were used.... well....

[@angelog.spicolaiii8021]

Yeah I don't like the mini-keys either, space savin' aside; what's that master¿EK thanx again dude

[@EspenKraft]

Roland W-30

[@angelog.spicolaiii8021]

Tooo cool love the W-30¡! EK thanx again dude

[@FLH3official]

Tip #1 for a real good sound : Spray your synth with WD40 before puting it in the snow. 😁

[@EspenKraft]

The smell of WD40 is appalling.

[@FLH3official]

@@EspenKraft Ballistol intsead? 😄

[@EspenKraft]

Electronics can handle water just fine. Just let it all dry up before plugging it in again.

[@tommy2nes]

Hi Espen, how do you acquire second hand gear, do you use eBay/reverb like everyone else or do you have some special synth groups or contacts or use some other methods? Also do you still have the Solaris?

[@EspenKraft]

I've only bought one synth on Ebay in all my life. I mostly buy from people I know or with references. Locally mostly. I've also been sent synths as donations and as such these can come from all over the world. I only had the Solaris borrowed from a friend.

[@tommy2nes]

​@@EspenKraft only once! 😮lucky for you! you always get faulty things with ebay 😫 I live in a small city, not a lot of local synth sellers about I think😄 cheers

[@MM-do5yx]

So ultimately most synths can create sounds you dont need a Juno to sound like a Juno. My Montage M can make these same sounds.

[@EspenKraft]

I never said this is the one.

[@MM-do5yx]

@EspenKraft understood. I didnt say you did. Just pointing out that after going through my GAS phase I have learned that you can make the vast majority of useful sounds with any decent synth. Thanks for the content.

[@EspenKraft]

I know. Almost any synth can make any sound today, or variations of that sound. What's missing is the talent to make good music with these tools.

[@wizmos74]

@@EspenKraft thats the biggest problems nova days.We have multi choice synths,vst plugins ,fast processors and few times more stuff than artists at the end 70 and especially 80's but electronic music or pop generally its weakest every next decade since 90's .Where is the problem? i guess its gone with creativity artists that era, no more hits in radio where in 80s every week appear at least 1-2 hits and they are still evergreen.Even new generation italo disco its not same what was in mid 80's. Greetings EK and keep working great chanel

[@activelow9297]

Lovely sounds, but I will never give Arturia another one of my hard earned dollars after the abysmal build quality of the Minibrute. I don't care how much they have improved in the last 13 years.

[@pthomas36]

I think you're doing yourself a serious disservice because of one bad experience.

[@EspenKraft]

No mercy!

[@Answersonapostcard]

The rubber coating can be cleaned up. The Minibrute is a modern classic.

[@QuentinLamerand]

Why did you put it in the snow?!

[@EspenKraft]

Why not?

[@nera03199]

why in the snow?

[@EspenKraft]

Synths are not beauty queens. Throw them around once in a while.

[@bennethos]

I’m starting an NGO about synth abuse , synths should have rights ! In the snow ! 😂

[@EspenKraft]

On my property it's my way or die.

[@timothydahlin5321]

More disclaimers/qualifiers in your videos, please.

[@srobak]

why is that thing in the snow? that was incredibly dumb.

[@EspenKraft]

I like to upset morons.

[@cortical1]

@@EspenKraft 🤣😂😜😁

[@dankeplace]

@@EspenKraft and snowflakes lol

[@EspenKraft]

Literally :P

[@r27501]

Is Arturia trying to reach a new target group? Sounds ok, but basically just another modern synth, too compressed, plastic-sounding highs with no 80s character... very far from Juno or JX, sorry. It won't thaw the snow, but the picture is funny.

[@andywatts8654]

It has plenty of character with programming

[@EspenKraft]

Opinions.

[@r27501]

@@EspenKraft It is normal, but also a great pity, that the magical and touching sounds of the 80s synths will be lost due to the deterioration of the circuits and components. People who still have originals themselves will probably be able to understand this. Anyone who only produces with software will probably be very happy with the sounds, but the reference is usually the 80s devices and those who still have them will hear and feel the magic.

[@EspenKraft]

The magic of the old gear is how it can sound on its own, that's when you hear the difference compared to software. Still. To me it's a creativity booster playing with old gear. It takes me back to a magical place and I get inspired to create. For that I'd still keep some vintage around. The sound, in a mix, is easily replicated in software today and as a tool I don't need vintage hardware any more. 90% of all I do in terms of jobs are done with tools. To get the job done as easily and fast as possible, I only use software these days. I can make that sound authentic and very 80s. No client ever questions me on that and their always, and I mean EVERY single client, very happy with what I deliver to them. The funny thing is that when I post something saying it's software, a lot of people start complaining how stale it sounds, how cold it sounds and how hardware would be so much better. Even the times I've actually just played tricks with them and played them the hardware POSING as software. Placebo and all that. People hear what they want to hear.