Is the Arturia MiniFreak Good for Classic Style Synth Sounds?

[@Bloom_Music]

Addendum: - There is now a link in the description to a patch bank from this video! - Rejoice, the manual for the MiniFreak is now available on Arturia's website! - Regarding the comparison to other synths at 2:02, I want to be clear, I am not hating on those synths. I have owned or currently own all but two of them, and a couple of them are among my all time faves! But synths don’t exist in a vacuum and I think it’s important to speak to the competition. The point I am trying to make is that all of those other synths have had to make obvious sacrifices to meet the price point in this competitive segment. The MiniFreak seems to have overcome this and is the one synth in the segment that has no achilles heel, at least in my opinion. They took what could have been a lazy cost saving scheme (digital oscillators), and turned it into a unique and creative sound design tool.

[@geolectric_universe]

Thank you so much for those patches. I don't own a MF yet, but this video answered many/most of the questions I had about it, and I have no doubt Ill be an owner sooner than later now.

[@Roboomusic]

Just out of curiosity and admiration for your work, which of those synthesizers are your two favourites? , thanks for the video.

[@Bloom_Music]

@@Roboomusic Thanks, and I'm glad you're liking the channel! If we're only talking synthesizers that I've made videos for, it would be the MiniFreak and the Prophet 5. The MiniFreak might be a bit of recency bias, but I keep going back to it and loving it because the oscillator paradigm is intriguing, it's super hands on, and the mod matrix implementation is the best I've used on a hardware synth. It leads me to something beautiful every time I touch it. The Prophet 5 I pick because it just sounds good all the time, no matter what. It has the most beautiful character of any synth I've ever owned. There's also the immense legacy behind it, and I feel the spirit of that every time I step up to it. It feels... important. Maybe a little dramatic, but I don't know how else to explain it!

[@PsyJaye]

Absolutely.. and price is king of the bottom line for most though Arturia seems to be a possible deviant when it comes to the Freaks.. I so wish I had selected the Mini at this point but I have spent quite a bit on guitars too and gigs have all but dried up for me since Covid.. historically I have put it on gigs and teaching to pay for my gear in order to maintain peace at home.. maybe she will like the Micro - take care

[@Roboomusic]

@@Bloom_Music the explanation is excellent, thank you very much, after having more than 30 synthesizers the ideal combination is Korg monologue (super underrated) + Arturia Microfreak, they are the two synths that I have found with a particular sound and different from what I can achieve with the typical sound design Whether it's hardware or VSTs, mind you, I haven't been able to access top-tier synths like a Prophet or an Oberheim yet, I dream of it. all the best!

[@Post-destination]

Just in case you missed it, your "biggest miss" of the synth was just added in the 2.0 firmware update a month ago (ability to assign modulation depth as a destination in the macro strips). A much-needed addition to the already huge performance capabilities of this synth. Thank you for a wonderful breakdown of this instrument.

[@Dudderlyful]

Or a second envelope?

[@benoitdubuc7000]

I think you may accidentally have made the best review of the Minifreak available so far. I love how you demonstrate the musicality of the machine through very good examples. Thank you for that.

[@Bloom_Music]

I know you didn’t mean it that way, but I can assure you, it was no accident! 😜 Many, many hours go into these videos!

[@benoitdubuc7000]

@@Bloom_Music of course, I was only referring to your comment that "you didn't want to do another thorough review as there were already plenty around".

[@flirtwithdanger_les]

No matter the focus of this video it's a superb summary of its features

[@jPaulofe]

Fully agree with @benoitduboc7000's assessment! For me, the best miniFreak demo so far. In fact your video just made me to have this synth as my 1st choice to buy

[@VeeDCreate]

True, the only video that goes into details other than the official channel. And showing the oscilloscope!

[@rodolphep0nthus555]

The Minifreak can do anything. Best synth I've had in years. Freaking awesome

[@benhlogs]

Nice touch at 29:02 , love BOC

[@samueldecker2406]

That's it. I'm going to buy one. That's what I needed to see. I've watched every MiniFreak video I can find and I think yours is the most eloquent. Others have told me how great the MiniFreak is, but you've shown me.

[@jello-tarzan]

I've watched this video around 10 times already and I know I'll be studying it a lot more when I finally get a MF. Great quality of info, music and communication approach. Dude, you are talented. And already cooler than most of reviewers/pusher. Thanks for your inspiration and help!

[@GarthVader666]

Man, with reviews like this, you’ll be in the cool kid club in no time! Keep up the good work 🙂

[@Bloom_Music]

Thanks a lot!

[@jaminjones8784]

Excellent review / overview! I went to my local synth shop the other day to pick up some new headphones and spent some time trying out the MiniFreak while I was there... and ended up walking out with it. Couldn't help myself. For me it strikes the perfect balance between depth/versatility and constraints/limitations. Does pretty much everything I want it to do, but with enough limitations to keep me working quickly, give it it's own character/personality, and ensure it pretty much always sound good.

[@Jobotubular]

This video convinced me the miniFreak wasn't just a microFreak with keys. Two of the best synths out there, and glad to have both (despite the fact I usually prefer full-size keys)

[@xndrxwsxnclxxr1599]

You had me hooked within 55 seconds. I'm really tired of reviews where people just make the craziest sounds with gear. As a pop producer I'm almost always using synths in a more restrained way and so I want to hear how these things sound with "normal" pathes

[@BlackAera]

This video has great value. You essentially presented the Minifreak as the synth I was looking for but didn't know where to search. Korg, Modal, ASM, Roland... they have all been on my radar already but without breaking the bank, only the Minilogue seemed to offer the workflow I want from a hardware synth. I am so glad that I waited so long with my purchase to the point where Arturia expanded the very interesting but limited looking Microfreaking into a mid tier model with the same intuitive programming and inspiring interface but now with a real keyboard and more functionality without added complexity. This might be the one.

[@VisionMoon]

I picked up a MiniFreak yesterday. I could see the potential for classic sounds. Your videos have confirmed this. Though I haven’t had the synth for 24 hours yet, I already love it. I’m sure Arturia are going to sell bucket loads . Great video. Thank you for making it!

[@Bloom_Music]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@heyheymymind1939]

Is it a better choice than Minilogue xd?

[@BobbyGeneric145]

​@@heyheymymind1939 i was about to ask if its a better choice than the og minilogue

[@vintagepearlguitars]

And is it?

[@IISG93II]

I genuinely think the MiniFreak is one of the best synths ever made. Arturia nailed it with this thing.

[@SimplisticMinimalist]

As a amateur who recently started getting into synths I bought this thing blindly. Might be my best decision. Had allot of fun with it yesterday! I only scratched the surface, but the future is bright for the mini freak. I don’t think I would ever sell the thing

[@matthiaswilhelm9813]

Die Namen ARP,MOOG,EMS haben Synth Geschichte geschrieben.Ich beobachte gerade Arturia und denke,der kleine Giftzwerg ist gut💯🎯🙌😂😂😂🍓💖👏🎹💞🐒🎶

[@WoodWizard13]

16:31 I didnt realize what the matrix was until you explained it, thanks! This is amazing for visual people and newcomers.

[@starsky101]

Very comprehensive review and a very professional video. Nice BOC reference at 29 mins

[@valley_robot]

The Best reviews always don't sound like they got the instrument for free ,good job mate ,subbed

[@weave_of_k]

Holy smokes. This is the best demo of the Minifreak by far! Thanks for sharing.

[@Dbentzjr]

The best way to enjoy this absolute beast of a synth is with a full 88 key midi controller. You can use the freak itself as an arp template while playing lead on the midi controller without the arp. Its amazing. This synth is in a class of its own. For my first synth I was looking for something warm and analog with lots of controls and minimal menu diving. I am happy to report that I have no regrets from choosing Arturia's Minifreak. I am only a beginner, but I have made several acoustic piano sounds, Jupiter 8 strings, dx e pianos, and a few pads. Pads are amazing in particular on this thing I believe. The fx engine is superb. So are the filters, no harshness to be found. Its tight.

[@krazywabbit]

The algorithms sent me your video and sometimes they get it right. I applaud you for the work you put in with everything else you have going on. Nicely done review not only with the Mini, but others. I wish you and your family a Happy New Year. Keep movin and groovin!

[@Bloom_Music]

Thanks a lot!

[@caleob9725]

Been playing digital pianos most of my life but this one caught my eye just because of all the different sounds and how it felt like an old synth like the one I bought from korg over 15 years ago. Still feel overwhelmed but it’s a very interesting instrument so far

[@SendyTheEndless]

I particularly like how on the VA oscillator, first oscillator can be muted by bringing the pulse width to zero, then the bottom 50% range of osc 2's shape parameter morphs between triangle and variable sloped sawtooth waves, giving a lovely chalky crumbly kind of fake-filtered PWM hybrid sound. Fantastic review and I didn't know about the extra keyboard modulation modes, so cheers! Oh and you nailed the BOC cover : )

[@Bloom_Music]

Yes, the special keyboard modes are the secret sauce! Love it!

[@valdir7426]

that's kind of my problem with the freaks; you need the manual to truly understand what you do; and it feels like a lot of the controls are 2 or 3 in 1. VA sounds good but there are like 6 parameters going on here. now with two oscillators it makes more sense to have a basic oscillator and blend the two like you would on an analog synth.

[@keithlarrimore]

Dude, incredible video production. You're good.

[@Bloom_Music]

Thanks a lot!

[@AndreaCiaba]

Really late to both Minifreak and your channel, but I'll surely plan on taking a deeper dive on both. One the most enjoyable synth review I ever watched. kudos to you wonderful production work

[@Youbadouba]

The high quality reviews you have been doing are very highly appreciated. Thank you very much !! And keep up the great work

[@cardoman3986]

Love that you're touching on the points of what makes this synth unique and special in the current landscape. You literally conveyed the other synth offerings with the same sentiments as my own. You have a new fan to your channel sir.

[@kolabboy]

My Minifreak is coming tomorrow and I’m hugely excited to get to grips with it. This video was a really interesting watch for me as I’m relatively new to sound design theory. Should be a good journey of discovery 😊

[@SimplisticMinimalist]

Recently got my hands on the minifreak. Love it! It’s my first synth so was kinda overwhelmed with all the synths on the market. It’s such a joy to play! I picked up a few tricks from this review. So thank you, would rewatch it another day. Honestly I think you sold it for everyone! This might be the synth for life, I cannot see myself selling it

[@rodolphep0nthus555]

When I was testing the presets, my 14 year old daughter, who loves all kinds of music, as well as modern stuff I'm not aware of, was sitting near me in the living room.. At almost each preset noodling, she would say.. Stop! I know that sound! And would instantly search the tune on her Iphone, and Bing, that was it! From Depeche Mode, Hip Hop gangsta stuff, new age things and hit music.. Man we had a fun time for a couple of hours This synth is a monster future absolute classic. The 2 ribbon controllers with 3 levels of macro programming for live modulation is insanely well thought. The sequencer is just pure fun, the filter is creamy and very musical.. And on in on.. Massive FM bass for junglist and Drum&Bass, some of the best I've ever programmed. ❤. Just buy one

[@JayaLove]

Keep going with your reviews man, you've got a nice buttery voice, doing great with camera work and bringing in a unique perspective that isn't touched on with all the normal release reviewers.

[@Bloom_Music]

Thanks a lot!

[@mcentertain]

Very well done video. Much work went into that and answered all my questions as another video almost spoiled the fun. Thank you very much, just like I imagined this instrument and a perfect presentation. Thank you sir! I´ll happily donate for such excellent work anytime. That was like a workshop... also great tunes, great voice and wonderful camera shots. Pro Level. Bravo!

[@ConvergeLeague]

you sound really passionate about synths, it showed a lot in this video. thank you

[@desmodromic640]

This is great! Had mine for about a year new in the box. Just started playing with it. I’m a bass player learning keys so I just hooked it up two days ago and WOW the possibilities! I’ve got a lot to learn but synth is money well spent!

[@Thekingdomwithinco]

Donald! This video answered ANY & ALL questions I had about the synthesis capabilities of this instrument when it comes to "classic" style, "normal" sounds for professionals! Cheers 🔥 (P.S. I do not understand why you do not have more subs ... people have no taste in 2024 😥)

[@Trailer_Sailor]

After watching numerous videos of the Mini by those which you have mentioned + some, you definitely have the best review. I have the Micro & several other synths. I was "on the fence" about adding this synth to my arsenal, but after watching your video, I'm sold. Ty for such a thorough review!

[@SallowKyn]

A video where I need the double thumbs up. So well explained and beautiful sounds too.

[@PowerSlave59]

Incredible in depth video with tips that I haven't seen in other vids. Tank you !

[@_gorniczy]

Finally someone answered my question regarding this synth. Thank you man, keep it up!

[@80sman80]

Excellent review and just what I was looking for on this synth.....

[@snirp8909]

Thanks to this video I'm sold. This is exactly what I would like to be able to do on it: create nice sounding simple subtractive patches, add a little spice. I've been diving down an MC-505 for many years, this synth looks great for that kind of thing. And then you can also add those fancy bits. Music is my fav from what I've seen and I must have looked at every video at this point. Great job! Nailed the BOC.

[@joanrue5169]

Flawless Victory!!! Very well done and better than everything else, I've just seen in the perspective of a demo!!! Damn well made + calm and without the hype of the usual manner, to show just the own face, but the synthesizer in general! (Also the Boards of Canada approach - it just sounds like the original!)

[@tobeyforsman]

I agree with your comments about the orange knob labels being, sometimes, misleading. I wish to share this bit of history: When developing Microfreak, Arturia took some open source code & topology from Mutable Instruments Plaits. It seems Plaits, Microfreak and Minifreak all share this interface peculiarity.

[@raysubject]

great review… you literally pushed me to make finak decision - was on the fence for long time but now going to buy it … oh and excellent sound design at the end of video, respect !

[@jonstuff1]

You just convinced me to buy a Minifreak. This is a super high quality video, thank you so much.

[@imola8]

That was a very nice and different review. Keep your style of approaching an instrument. I like your real world musical touch❤

[@eNikoltsios]

Wow… best review of a product I’ve seen in while.. great job! I hope Arturia sees this and pays you very very well to use it as promo material!

[@phosyton7254]

i have a minifreak myself enjoying it a lot, And props to you those patches at the end sounded amazing.

[@Metamerist625]

This was an incredibly useful review, co-incidentally you have answered the exact questions I had about the minifreak. I was wondering if it would be a good instrument to replciate a variety of classic analog synth sounds while also giving me a decent amount of polyphony. Nobody else seems to have covered the ground that you have so I thank you sir.

[@ramour_]

oh man thats such an incredible review! exactly what i needed to see and hear about the minifreak. i honestly didnt quite get the hype. always thought the usual sound demos sounded cheap and even awful. so thanks for showcasing the potential of classier sounds! ❤

[@nielst6382]

Amazing video! One of the reasons I got myself a Minifreak. Subbed!

[@EarthnikNews]

That patch that starts at 35:35 just twinkled my toes! I want that patch!!! Like seriously …

[@Bloom_Music]

All patches, including that one, are available for free download. Link in the description!

[@weaponofvoice]

Thanks for this Donald, my top MiniFreak review. I think I need one now, even though I shed my racks of synths.

[@WingHouseCup]

Good review. I really like what the miniFreak offers. I would love to see a full size keyboard version, with maybe more voices and extra features. C'mon Arturia, you know you wanna do it.

[@oxar050]

If the microbrute minibrute polybrute series was a template, you might be in luck. Your wallet, however...

[@Synths-n-Guitar]

I was on an Arturia livestream & and asked them about having a full sized Freak. They said they have plans for one.

[@Zach_Routhier]

I'm just getting into synths and you are the voice I've been looking for. Thank you my man. Keep doing your thing. Lots of people are going to benefit from it. Subd.

[@jornwemmenhove]

Recently bought a MiniFreak as this video was exactly what I needed. Excellent job. And thanks a lot for the patches!

[@benbauer1065]

Came for a quick word on the synth and stayed for the really good deep dive and unique perspective. Solid review. I just subscribed

[@kuanjian]

This is great! I think your approach makes sense. If allows us mere mortals to consider purchasing a single synth that can perform multiple functions. Sold!

[@chriscarrington4294]

yes this is the best mfreak review/tutorial i’ve seen yet.

[@AurelienGivernaud]

This is exactly the review I was looking for. Thanks for sharing all this work !

[@Mikerty391]

Great overview and production quality!

[@devinwells9399]

Thank you for making this! Got the Minifreak as my first synth and your series on it has been incredibly helpful! Looking forward to seeing all the sounds i can get out of it

[@picoterramusic7242]

Came here from the praise and recommendation of your review by Synthpunk and, yeah, it’s great review! Thanks

[@Bloom_Music]

Just watched his video, had me cracking up, lol. Glad you like it!

[@rleriche5044]

What a great vid. Excellent clean production that gets to the point whilst remaining easy on the ear and eye.

[@johnpaulpatton9786]

Way to make a great video highlighting what no one else is taking about with this great synth! I didn't realize that filters had different levels of maturity, lol

[@Pulse2AM]

Thank you for this video! I rely mostly on analogue sounding patches then use the more esoteric sounds as spice, I'm glad to hear the analogiue sounds this synth can make are very good for a digital synth.

[@jarikensenat1282]

What a great review. Top 3 for sure. If ur thinking about buying the freak this video helps u make that decision and is a yes 4 me. Sonically this synth hits all the right spots👍Thank you

[@bigbopperbreakfast8337]

The best Minifreak video. Beautiful and informative.

[@didgeridoojedi]

Wow, what a fresh review! Instant subscription :) Thank you.

[@MichaalHell]

A very thoughtful video.. This really feels like Well thoughtout video, which surprisingly seems like a not so common thing in the synthfluencer commune

[@Bloom_Music]

This means a lot, thanks!

[@arbCannons3395]

Can't wait to buy one. Saving up will hopefully have one in a few months

[@sachacadieux8134]

About using the macros for controlling modulation depths, the modulation wheel is a good alternative, and always find that's what I use instead of the macro wheels. For the 9 assignable modulation destinations, you can assign the LFO and cycling envelope total modulation amounts/range, or assign any other node on the modulation matrix to a custom destination and then control the amount of additional modulation you want to apply to that node with the wheel. The only problem with this technique is the other node you assign as the custom destination either has to be one of the default destinations, or has to be on your current page of custom destinations, you can't jump to another custom destination page during the assignment. You have to do some planning on how you'll lay out your custom destinations, depending on how you set up the wheel as a modulator, but it works. Most of my patches are a 2-in-1 where I use the wheel strictly to and adjust regular parameters like a macro, but also modulation amounts all on one wheel. It works pretty well!

[@Robguitarjarvis]

Very difficult to find a single bad comment about this synth. Maybe it’s because it is actually so very good.

[@colognialist1964]

Love my Minifreak - awesome Maschine

[@ruudvincent6078]

What a relief. Finally a decent review. Top. Keep up the good work!

[@eighthdaymedia9013]

Great review and walkthrough of the Minifreak. I did notice you said your Matrixbrute collects dust because of the Steiner-Parker filter. That’s ashame considering the deep capabilities of that synth and it having a ladder filter as well. There’s so many ways to configure the two filters that I don’t find it lacking in any way.

[@beludobeludo]

Great Video, The demo at the end was great and tasteful. Thank you

[@JairajSinghPatil]

My MiniFreak is on the way and I still wasn't sure if it's the right choice, you've helped put that to rest. This is the exact kind of review I needed to be convinced. Thanks for that

[@paulw2604]

An excellent video, thanks. I have the Microfreak, an incredible little machine and an essential part of my rig, but you've swayed me strongly towards getting the Minifreak as well!

[@Guuliann]

This was the video I was looking for thanks you!

[@magnuseliasson2057]

Nice! The freak got some sweetspots

[@blenderbuch]

That was a load of classic tunes! Enjoyed it very much!

[@hurricane6014]

Your demonstration has convinced me so far. Thanks for your time and great job!

[@JonSmith-tu9qj]

Amazing review. Thank you!!

[@uweschnitzler9551]

that was great ! this was an ace review.

[@JānisNovikovs-f7o]

Brilliant video

[@kevdavies3445]

best review by far i have one on order

[@klumpmeister2000]

Thanks for this review! I been looking at the Korgilogue and nymphs and Im glad you show both of them down in favor of the Minifreak. I got the Moog Grandmother as my first synth and been looking to either go for poly or chase the modular rabbit hole with the Grandmother as a front facing controller to modular synths. The Minifreak surely looks attractive enough to give some new sounds and even process audio from the grandmother.

[@palitrokencerebro1327]

Thank you it is exactly the video I needed :)

[@NickEntropy]

Your videos about MiniFreak are really the best, thanks a lot for your work! 23:15 - you can set macro to control modulation depth using MiniFreak V. By right-clicking on a destionation slot of a macro you will get a list of all available destinations, including all mod-matrix points. This settings can be synced with a hardware MiniFreak and will be working, but currently there is no way to set this destination directly on the synth without the software. Also you will see an empty title for the macro modulation slot. I hope that Arturia will fully add this feature with a firmware update. Also, have you tried to record audio using MiniFreak's line outputs? It seems to me that line out signal level is low, I have to add gain to it on my audio interface or in a DAW. For example, playing one note (preset 28 - Crush Bass) with maximum master volume on MiniFreak results in about -18.0 dB signal peak (measuring in Ableton with no additional gain). So I'm trying to find out is it normal for MiniFreak or maybe my one has some hardware issues.

[@Bloom_Music]

Interesting that macro modulation depth control is available in the VST but not the hardware! Especially since it’s such a powerful feature! Surely they will add this to the hardware in a future firmware. As far as the output, I think I recorded this video using the headphone output, and don’t remember having any level issues. However, when I’ve taken the MiniFreak for jam sessions, I’ve noticed I have to crank the amp up much higher than with some of my other synths, so it may be a quirk of the hardware.

[@ciaofabiociao]

very nice storytelling

[@jeffoff7795]

This is very helpful.

[@Clicephas]

Excellent video, thank you so much!

[@TheEternalHellwalker]

As a MiniFreak owner and experimentalist; I can without a doubt say that yes, it is good for analog synthesis, as well as digital synthesis. Most of the presets that come with the MiniFreak are more geared towards analog sounding drivers. DXIT, and Neon Turbo are prime examples of this. However, it also does as it says, and goes a bit "freaky" with the ability to create harsh but subtle tones, much like whats used by trent reznor and atticus ross of Nine Inch Nails, So much that there's a dedicated patch for those Ghosts I-IV tones called "Trent's PNO". In summation, the Minifreak is a VERY strong contender for best modern powersynths, next to the PolyBrute, and the MicroFreak.

[@stefrance2]

Awesome video ans great take on that machine !!! Thanks 🙏

[@bobz1736]

Awesome review sir. You've really helped me understand how to develop my own patches. 👍

[@robertpshaw]

Nice examples of tasteful use of randomizing functions. Makes it more real-world.

[@ignacio270]

Excelente video!!

[@htheman1971]

Great review! And thanks for making such an informative video. SUBSCRIBED!

[@JGlassy]

Love this review, and the versatility of this humble synth. Yep, mine arrives tomorrow.

[@TheNimasan]

i am a modular junkie and i already was a huge huge fan of the microfreack ( year after its release cuz it was damn buggy in the first couple of months ) , which works great with modular, but i am totally blown away by this synth. i really don't have any cons... i really dont. i love everything about it. for sure in my top 3 fav gear of 2022.

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

Does it bother u there is no cv on this?