MiniBrute 2S Review - Analog Synthesizer with a Powerful Sequencer

This is my review of the Arturia MiniBrute 2S. It is the sequencer version of the MiniBrute 2 and you can find my review on the MiniBrute 2 here: • MINIBRUTE 2 REVIEW - E...
Check out the Minibrute 2
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/535509?offid=...
US: imp.i114863.net/Ao9yMN
I wanted to clarify some small things:
7:56 - Erase pattern to start from scratch = Erase+Pad X for pattern X. Erase+Page only erase the page of the current track
10:16 - Pattern was not erased, this track is not in Velo but in 8V (see display). When in Velo mode, steps are still On because they are linked to the main Pitch/Gate track
10:40 - The Velo/Mod1 CV is routed by default to "Metal Mod", no need to patch it, except if you want it on something else
11:26 - Pattern was not erased, this track is not in Velo but in 2V (see display). When in Press mode, steps are still On because they are linked to the main Pitch/Gate track
11:40 - The Press/Mod2 CV is routed by default to "Att1 Cutoff", no need to patch it, except if you want it on something else
Note that the stand being used (CremaCafé Spike XL: cremacaffedesign.com/spikexl )works really well with the MiniBrute 2S but not with the MiniBrute 2 (keyboard version)
Arturia sent this unit to me early so I could review it.
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[@BoBeats]

Check out the Minibrute 2 EU: thmn.to/thoprod/535509?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/Ao9yMN

[@rednax3333]

Thanks for the review, Bo! That was fast- sweet! 😃👍 Great job as always 👏

[@ChrisSmout]

Great review Bo, loving this week's coverage so far!

[@kmontzka]

Thanks for the great preview/reviews! Can't wait to see what's next tomorrow. Synthmas in January :)

[@longfade]

Sold. Great presentation, and I'm buying one tomorrow. I've been a huge fan of Arturia for years, based on their virtual emulations and controllers. This will be my first synth from them, but your presentation did a great job of dispelling whatever misgivings I might've had.

[@sisterzzbro4215]

Ha ha, i thought almost the same , because i thought to find it in a sale or maybe retour hopefully find between 3 days to a week. For me peronally it could be a bit cheaper if you ask me.

[@Nick-kb6jd]

Just got one of these. I watched your review once or twice already (part of what made me get it). Now, however, this "review" is my beginners tutorial. Thanks Mr Bo! Indeed, thanks twice!

[@hair_ofthedog5023]

Awesome! I’m loving this analogue revival.

[@MrOccultra]

first tutorial imo that properly explains most functions in a way that a 'noob' can understand. Much appreciated!! This helped me a lot!

[@jfklmk13447]

Well that was quick! Great job man

[@ArcAudios77]

Got me wanting one, great review. Thanks Bo :)

[@magicdave93]

I’ve just ordered mine thanks to this great video .

[@Individual_two]

Excellent, very comprehensive review!

[@syncworm]

You got it first! Lucky bastard! :) Great demo!

[@SpaceyBlurr]

I like it. The two CV sequencer outputs is a really useful touch.

[@MSCLS]

Sounds SO DOPE at 25:40!!! Thanks for making this video, I'm def sold on this. I think its going to be rad on its own but im excited to pair it with my Mother 32 and my Eurorack System, and especially stoked for the idea of using the sequencer / quantizer with my eurorack modules. Can't beat it for the price.

[@dosgos]

Very helpful review. thanks!

[@EchoKraft]

Wow this company is the future of analog!!!! Great job Bo !

[@vashistasuressh9030]

lovely demo sir ...thank you

[@anglosaxonking]

Dude this is well done!

[@BoBeats]

Thank you! :

[@davidgoode7416]

Excellent review

[@SferaMusicLive]

Great video Bo!

[@Antonio229]

Bo, you're killing me with these new Arturia Synths!

[@Rattle301982]

Thanks for the video man!

[@dudemandudebro938]

I can't wait for them to make a sampler/sequencer

[@magicdave93]

I think this is the one I’m going to get I don’t need the keyboard. Great video Bo!

[@indiefilmcomposer]

this is an awesome combination bravo Arturia

[@tomgreaney1901]

really cool. I think it's great that Arturia offers a sequencer version of this synth, and a keyboard version of this synth.

[@a1o1]

Yep "MiniBrute 2R" would be nice . (Rack)

[@HotStrange]

a1o1 Rack synths should make a comeback.

[@diogen_music]

Thank you for this excellent tutorial

[@jyryhalonen4990]

Would be really cool to have like an desktop version without the sequencer or the keyboard.

[@MrJowan01]

dank je wel BOBeats for good advice!

[@jseppersoninstereo]

Great video, thanks man...

[@will_who]

yes please get into that patch bay in a video, Another great tutorial, thanks

[@jangoanjeint1378]

Love your videos 😝

[@cresshead]

I like this, nice idea

[@XanderEwald]

Yesss, very nice!

[@masonla653]

Top notch review bo. :D

[@masonla653]

Ps. Very effective use of metalizer.

[@BoBeats]

Thank you Mason!!

[@lemuelhines5160]

Very effective session thank you. Yes a follow up video would be nice.

[@michaellyle8769]

Yesterday was wow and today is WOW. And I almost bought a Mono Station.....

[@Heathcliff_hensel]

Very cool I like this version better.

[@danymenard866]

Thanks !! The minibrute 2s will certainly be m'y first analog synth. I can found it as second hand under 300€.

[@stevebuchan6642]

I've been looking for something to replace my virus C (I'm sick of all the menu diving) I think you sold me on this, it seems like it has the instant control I'm looking for and I have a soft spot for step sequencers. can't wait to start messing with that patch bay!

[@saardean4481]

wow. I liked the minibrute 1 but these two have impressed me

[@saardean4481]

I guess price range similar to the keyboard version?

[@miru021]

This machine is awesome! Now I wish there also was a Korg Minilogue 2S 😂😅 hahaha

[@ganjabudweedful]

DWAM! very cool but I'm still hoping for a microbrute 2

[@garyabbot4659]

love it. mmm patch bay

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

Hey Bo, great review. I'm still munching on the popcorn while watch this lol. I think the MiniBrute 2S is more suited to what I want to do. The sequencer is very important to me so I'm sold on this one. Once again the money for the Korg ARP Odyssey is being diverted for another piece of gear. Damn lol

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

I bought the Korg ARP Odyssey at last yesterday lol

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

It had to be done. I've been playing it the store every week for about 6 months. I already know how to use it lol. It sounds great in my studio. Now I just have to raise the money to get the MiniBrute 2S and hope nothing comes up to divert that money lol

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

why not just hook up a table top modular synth to it? that would open new sonic possibilities at less cost

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

That's what the MiniBrute 2S will be for. The ARP is great for recreating some of the sounds of the early 80's synth sounds for me. That's my purpose in acquiring it

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

cool yeah the packaged deal with a Minibrute 2s+Eurorac case/supply and patch cables is pretty sweet plus add in a few modules and roll. I like the new Bitbox modules.

[@argiletonne]

me thinks this would be good for making down tempo music like the sneakerpimps with the one electronic synth line in the background adding layers of guitar and live drums.

[@bcomplexproductions2003]

Would love to see more on the arpeggiator.

[@Lainer1]

I really wish I knew what the heck you are talking about in some of this. Most people who watch your videos know about this stuff, but I am a newbie, so i don't know how everything works in regards to what each knob will do and why. Very frustrating because I would love this untit and the keyboard version. I wouldn't know how to use that sequencer at all. I don't own any gear as of yet, but I was looking at these and the Korg Minilogue and Monologue. Not sure what I would use them for other than playig with sound. I don't know how I would apply them to make music with just the one unit. I would imagine after a while playing with some of these sounds it can get ear exhausting. I appreciate your videos. It does help me to comrehend some stuff. As much as Euro also excites me, the modular pad thingy on the right...I wouldn't have a clue how to use thos patch cables to control anything. So confusing. What would you use this synth for? Bass parts only or other random stuff for modular style?

[@BoBeats]

I use this synth mostly for arpeggios thru my modular.

[@TobyBorrow]

It just keeps getting better with Arturia

[@TwoQuietSuns]

Bob William's RS Intergrator Envelope module RS-60 also loops, it's a fantastic tool!

[@mattox1978]

I want to see a module with no keyboard or sequencer for even more affordability, but i love it so far. Addresses everything i would have added to my microbrute.

[@leo.nordmann]

yes a module would be fucking fantastic. My dream setup is actually a model D, 0-coast and the new minibrute. And a minibrute module would fit even better :D

[@rednax3333]

Seriously, right? Arturia are killin' it, for sure!

[@rednax3333]

The 0-Coast is a lot of fun- you'll enjoy it!

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

This or the Korg MS-20 are fun synths to add to Eurorack.

[@synthseeker]

How's the range/calibration of the oscillators? If you go from the lowest C up 5 or 6 octaves, is it still in tune?

[@BoBeats]

I think its pretty good actually. The OSC 1 seems very stable while the OSC 2 might need a little adjusting sometimes. Could also be due to the fact that I never tune using a tuner but by ear.

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

Some interesting things to be out soon. Just saw the Moog DFAM in a clip. And all around €649, impressive.

[@Antonio229]

Please make a follow up video. Very informative.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Bo can you do a review on the cool new Eurorack Bitbox modules? Been curious on those as they add touchscreen features to modular gear.

[@PhantomViper]

nice

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Pair this up with a Moog Mother32 and Moog DFAM and you can rock anything. That is what the Minibrute is screaming for besides connection to a hardcore sampler/sequencer like the Elektron Octatrack.

[@aloyyyys]

Its too much !!! I can't take this much excitement !!!

[@BoBeats]

I KNOW :D

[@cdwhiley]

Bo, I own a MatrixBrute and I've been intrigued with learning CV patching to/from the MB patch bay. I have no modular experience and own no modular gear. So....I was thinking of going the route you went with the Moog Mother 32 but after seeing this it looks equally appealing. Would it be sonically uninteresting pairing this with my MatrixBrute? Thoughts?

[@Stakkeroid]

Thanks for the review! How’s the feel and build quality? (Are the step buttons/pads identical to the Beatsteps? Is the case plastic or metal and are the ends faux or real wood?)

[@klinikat5313]

thnx bo for the vid ! any chance for a test vs. matrixbrute ? can't decide actually, which one i should either buy ? i know the mini 2 doesn't have a ladder filter and 3 osc & sub osc.... as an owner of a roland se-02 (ladder plus delay fx) i could use the external in of the mini 2 = almost a matrixbrute ?? ;)

[@FernandoLins]

Hi Bo, thanks for the pre/review. What are the midi in and outs on this? USB Midi, Midi In and Midi Out? Does it have MIDI THRU? Can I attach a keyboard to it and basically get a Minibrute 2?

[@BoBeats]

Midi in/out, yes with an added keyboard it should function similarly to a MiniBrute 2. No midi thru. Headphones out. Master volume out.

[@brunoacosta5307]

hey man!! great review, can you please make a video just for the patch bay, i have one of these, and its a giant monster i need help!!

[@andinbriwel1092]

Great explanation of this synth! Now I want one! Ugh... Hey, do you set the points where ads get inserted? If so, you should be considerate of those points when you do your edit, bc ads popping up in the middle of your sentences is super jarring when we're paying close attention to what you're explaining!

[@andinbriwel1092]

I like the idea of combining this with a beatstep pro to let the beatstep pro control drums and 2 other parts. I bet you could build some really sick arrangements with this as the lead synth, plus drums and 2 other parts controlled from the beatstep pro

[@BoBeats]

Thanks mate! I will remember the advice about the adds!

[@julieftherulies]

please do a video on the behringer model d!!!

[@dannyvalentino328]

Anyone wants to weigh in on a choice between the Novation Mono Station vs the Arturia MiniBrute 2S? I really like both synths and both companies too, but only have money to buy one of these. I'm kinda leaning toward the Mono Station, but that's not written in stone. I'm very, very openminded. Both synths seem similar in their target audience and general layout. I can imagine in the very near future, someone, maybe even BoBeats himself will do a comparison between the two.

[@MikeSW]

Anyone know in what ways the Minibrute 2 and Keystep vary as controllers? I was going to pick up a Keystep - I don't have a midi keyboard at the moment, but if the Minibrute 2 can do everything the Keystep can, then I might as well just get that.

[@MerlinErdogmus]

6:30 Donna Summer - I Feel Love?

[@koskey06]

As someone who wants to get into the hobby.....this is like my dream starter unit. Just right now dont have much extra cash as a single father of 2 also taking care of my mother.....

[@FUNKINETIK]

Did you treat yourself to the MB2S ? I got a used one a couple of years ago at a good price. Just got a Drumbrute too for £106. Crazy to see some eurorack modular set ups that are well over £10k. Best wishes to you : )

[@MonsieurC64]

Hi, is it possible to play non regular tuning with the sequencer, like quarter tones for example ?

[@Medniex]

I would like to see some patches and sound demos on followup video. For example kick drum. Also make sure to incorporate resonance modulation. I think that may sound cool.

[@BoBeats]

got two music demos made, and working on more :)

[@seth4766]

omg WANT

[@joshua42777]

Would these oscillators fit in well with moog style vcos? Or would they sound funky

[@NutritionalZero]

Also: odd that the attenuator patchpoints have a... fixed voltage? Am I seeing that right? There's no way to control the amount, apply an offset, or invert? Oh well, not a huge deal, I was actually quite pleased when I saw they included these points.

[@pettertrysell8956]

Thanks for a great review! Is it possible to control external gear using the outputs in the Midi section of the patchbay without disabling any internal functionality? I cannot see any blue text on them so I guess that it would, right?

[@BoBeats]

That I have not tested :-)

[@BenWorden]

Bo - I've been researching this for some time and still can't seem to find videos showing pros/cons/considerations for using 2S to sequence a modular rig. I'm only thinking of starting with the 3U for synth modules since I'm happy with my other drum machines. How well does this do to sequence modular gear, is it better to add a small sequencer to the 3U and use that or will the 2S do the job? I considered just using a Beatstep pro but it seems like the patchbay has more options since I don't really need to use the drum track triggers for this particular setup. Any help is appreciated!

[@jlavere]

The four track sequencer allows muting of individual tracks on any step within a pattern. It also allows tracks 3 and 4 to send pitch data, envelopes, LFOs, and various cv signals. As a result, the sequencer is able to provide timing, pitch and envelope control over two independent voices at the same time. You can use that functionality to play duophonically within the Minibrute 2s or you can control a second simultaneous external voice such as a modular or a synth that is controlled by MIDI or CV. Muting is not covered thoroughly in the manual, but it is a versatile tool for sequencing 2 simultaneous independent voices once you get the hang of it.

[@CaveWay]

Cool review. FYI - Mixolydian and Harmonic Minor

[@BoBeats]

Thanks! Always good to know!

[@PaulMabley]

I accidentally bought one of these and all my patches seem to be variations of wind (weather wind, not farts wind). Serves me right for being dazzled by all the knobs and sliders and thinking I was a latter day Pete Townshend. ;)

[@BoBeats]

Best comment.

[@tylerrigby4997]

I wonder whether there will be a trade in option were you can pay less because I got a MiniBrute for Christmas and now this has come so I'm pretty disappointed. You would think that they would release it before Christmas for better business.

[@NutritionalZero]

Don't be disappointed. I have the original Minibrute and I'm not at all tempted by these new ones. The core sound and functionality are very, very similar.

[@evildead2002]

The bass on the other Arturias is insane. Would you say it’s still there on this? I’m looking to make really deep sub bass :)

[@alexcummings8862]

Hi BoBeats, where do you get the little wooden stand from? thanks in advance.

[@BoBeats]

CremaCaffe Design !! :)

[@thom-alphaxiii-5106]

Now i understand why you were not athorized to answer yesterday.....ok , see you tomorrow for the next arturia’s surprise ;) the s2 is even more interesting than the mini mk2. Could be two more voices for the matruxbrute « linked » to this baby brute...yeah i said linked like « arturia link « you know what i mean? Lol wish a drumbrute s2 ;) basically we got a mini with a keystep and velocity, and the s2 with a beatstep and pressure......great

[@ForSynthsSake]

Is the sequencer on this more powerful than the sequencer on the matrixbrute? I ask as I am considering the matrixbrute

[@BoBeats]

Hm, very different. This sequencer is better for sequencing external stuff over CV and the Matrix I think is more powerful for internal use.

[@ForSynthsSake]

A great reply, thank you, I go get the 2s, like you I have the sub37 but just not sure of the matrixbrute but the 2s looks great.

[@venturarealestate9918]

Hi Bo! Great Video! I'm wondering what kind of stand do you have that synth propped up on?

[@BoBeats]

Crema Cafe Design stand

[@josehaya6362]

Can you create three different sequences at the same time, and use two of them (channels three and four) to control external gear? One via midi out and the other via CV?

[@josehaya6362]

I want to know if I can use it like a BeatStep Pro. :) great video!

[@mickolos]

What is that stand you use in all your videos? - The one that's holding up the 2S. I can't find them anywhere. Would love to know, maybe you could even do a video about that and other non-music-making accessories that you like?

[@BoBeats]

Crema Cafe Design

[@ezmarke]

I hear a lot of clipping in the sound sequence at around the 2 mins and on for a few minutes. Is this a user error, or would I be massively disappointed with this synth ?

[@ClaudeDjale]

The U.S. Bobeats for the review. As usual great job. How much are they going to cost?

[@Antonio229]

OMG !

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

I want one to go with some modular gear and hook up to an Octatrack and Rytm a dream setup

[@Antonio229]

It's Pulse Width Modulation Nick!

[@calbostic6565]

cool

[@iamrocketray]

would a minibrute 2 and a beatstep do the same thing?

[@Chevytravelleruk]

Does the sequencer also send out notes via MIDI?..

[@edgarfr0g952]

Wich Stand do you use for the Minibrute?

[@Antonio229]

please make a video with this synth and the Mother 32

[@dinalwaytv1592]

BoBeats, the boss!!!

[@thedrumunkey8582]

Bo, I doubt you still have the unit, but what are the dimensions? I'm wondering if the wood ends were removed if it is 19" rack compatible.

[@BoBeats]

Yeah I passed it along to another reviewer :-) still got the MiniBrute 2 here tho!

[@thedrumunkey8582]

Break out yer tape measure! :)