MicroFreak: 12 oscillator arpeggiator jam (with Empress ZOIA)

Just jamming through the 12 oscillator models of the Arturia MicroFreak. Here is my first impression: great little synth, but also a bit difficult guy at the beginning. The diversity of the oscillator models is challenging as the model parameters (Wave, Timbre, Shape) can have a completely different meaning and a totally different impact on the sound. I tried to find a quick walk through the models that reflects a bit the overall range of sounds. The interaction with the analog filter varies a lot across different models and also the demand for some external effect varies. In my opinion, most of the models profit from additional FX, such as delay or reverb. But the required degree again varies a lot. For the jam the compromise was a modulated delay (echo) effect in the Empress ZOIA with a relatively low FX level of 25%. The modified ZOIA patch (“Delay Trainer”), which also supplies the kick type metronome, was one of the few usable ones among the factory presets. My impression of the ZOIA is that despite of a basically good concept and sound, the final realization is not optimal so far, in particular, if you take into account the price. For any kind of details ask me in the comments … and don't forget to subscribe!
Update:
SInce I was asked about my critical remarks about the ZOIA , here are my points about the device in its current form (05/2019):
1. For me, the user interface feels uncomfortable. I find the required amount of patching actions cumbersome and urgently miss some kind of (additional) “easy mode” where you can quickly create linear effect chains where all the trivial connections are made automatically. In addition, I don't like the free coloring of modules and clearly would prefer a fixed color scheme, which would make it easier to quickly understand patches from other people.
2. Midi clock support is half-hearted. A corresponding module has just been introduced with the latest firmware update. I do not understand why midi clock was not integrated right from the beginning, with the option that parameters of time/frequency dependent modules could be specified in terms of note values.
3. My hope was that the high quality algorithms of the empress reverb would also be integrated into the ZOIA, but this is not the case. A corresponding FAQ can be found at the empress web site, the answer I find a bit disappointing.

[@DetroitMicroSound]

I love this!!

[@PeteMidi]

Thank you so much! And get well soon!

[@HotStrange]

I believe in you! Wishing you a speedy recovery. The microfreak will always be there ❤️

[@prunehead]

Good luck with it all mate! 💜

[@donkeevney]

Hope you are well......and maybe have your microfreak now ?

[@waveforthefrequencies]

I sure hope that you have a micro freak now and living inside some of your dreams awakened.

[@Flying_Karsten]

Eins der besten Live jam´s von Dir! Schau es mir ab und an immer noch sehr gerne an, bzw höre zu!

[@PeteMidi]

Herzlichen Dank! 😊

[@ludicrousvader]

Nice Work. Love the Microfreak

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks! 😊

[@stuCameraman1]

Also forgot to mention. ...your jam reminds me of early Jean michelle jarre . Its realy chilling me out...many thanks.

[@PeteMidi]

Great that you like it! 😊

[@RexKnop]

I'll be honest with you, it didn't sound very phat to me (could be my headphones though, unfortunately I'm in the middle of a rearrange and it's 3 am so I'm stuck for now) I will rewatch it later properly, I have both of these and I've read the Zoia will do eight and is difficult to achieve. I barely use my Microfreak unfortunately, no reason, I got the qunexus and Komplete, a lot of my gear has become a dust bucket! Lol, no insult intended, just quick question which you may have all ready answered in the comments. Are you getting 12 voices separately or combined? My expectation of the title was possibly a triad or quad chord doubled possibly with a lead. And is there additional oscillators off Camara? I would think it would all be in one shot, but I didn't know 12 was achievable with just these two pieces? For instance, I often slip an extra one in with a monotron. I would appreciate any insights! Peace I think it's the headphones, nice job!

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks! The video should just provide a musical walk through the 12 different oscillator models, in serial, not parallel 😉

[@kabood777]

I'm loving it man what a beautiful emotional sound-scape youve made here.

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot! 😊

[@kabood777]

@@PeteMidithank you, sir.👌😊

[@microcontrolledbot]

Sorry for my laziness but what is the ZOIA doing? Is it simply providing the bass? Could you do the same thing with a volca kick?

[@PeteMidi]

Zoia provides kick and delay fx at the same time. Kick could come from any other device, I just wanted to use a rather small setup for this jam.

[@theorist5497]

You should make more videos. Lots more. Liked and subbed.

[@PeteMidi]

Thank you so much! I will do my best 😊

[@EnorasisProject]

Excellent sound and demo !

[@PeteMidi]

Thank you so much!

[@minisynthcollective7822]

Hi Pete. How do you save the sequences. I can change and erase and re write but when I try and save the original patch comes back.

[@PeteMidi]

Hi, I cannot try this at the moment, but the A/B sequences are part of a patch and must be saved with the patch. Possibly something goes wrong with the saving process itsself. There is some kind of double check, first you have to enter the name, try to change the name there, then the patch is stored to the old/new location, if entered again. If the patch now appears with the modified name, it has been successful.

[@minisynthcollective7822]

@@PeteMidi Thank you Pete. Nothing in the Manuel re saving so this might work. Appreciate your knowledge.

[@SoundmanCH]

Hey Pete! How I wished I could spend a week, sip a couple of reds and learn about synthesis from you!

[@PeteMidi]

😄Many thanks for the great feedback!

[@SyncdAlien]

Both devices sound very nice in this demo. Enjoyed it!

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot!

[@leave-trace]

Really nice demo! Thanks.

[@PeteMidi]

Great that you like it!

[@davidgoode7416]

Awesome!

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks! 😊

[@InvertedPopesMusic]

Great to see in action. Mine arrived this weekend just gone. The sounds are fantastic. How have you found it?

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks for the feedback! I started from one of the factory presets and then successively modified it. It's really easy, have fun with it!

[@InvertedPopesMusic]

Thank Pete Midi good to know and I sure will. Have to admit I got a little concerned that I had chosen the wrong thing to purchase but after seeing your vid and others I think I can live with the decision as it is actually a really interesting synth. Thanks for replying.

[@falazarte]

That's was amazing. Subscribed

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot!

[@stuCameraman1]

Amazing....absolutely amazing. So the Zoia is only for reverb and fx? The bass beat was also from microfreak? I've been fiddling with the Novation Circuit. ..but now I need propper keys. I think microfreak is next on my music gear list.

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks! The bass (drum) beat is from the ZOIA as a kind of metronome synchronized to the echo (delay) effect.

[@rovenordiales]

I see you are plugged mono to Zoia. Can you plug in one other instrument in Zoia like guitar?

[@PeteMidi]

Sorry for the late reply.. I do not have the zoia anymore. I'm not sure if the left right Inputs can be configured independently.

[@fincorrigan7139]

Great work, and love your very informative update. I find it difficult to comprehend Arturia's shortcoming with MIDI implementation - a rush to respond to market pressure perhaps? Just subbed (based on your articulate comments and willingness to share an informed view). Many thanks.

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@HotStrange]

What shortcomings?

[@briancannon3050]

I think the Zoia is going to be a product that gets much much better with future updates. Similar to what synthstrom audible has done with the deluge. The deluge has become jam packed with features over the last couple years. The Zoia is already pretty great off the shelf, but yeah I agree it’s totally not worth it for you if all you are going to use it for is the presets.

[@PeteMidi]

No, sorry for the misunderstanding - just because I tried to edit and build own patches, I came to that conclusion. In fact, I can imagine to return to that device some day if the user interface would be significantly improved.

[@briancannon3050]

What didn’t you like about the user interface? How do you think they could significantly improve upon it?

[@PeteMidi]

I'm currently writing a little review about the ZOIA (in german) but I will come back with a short english version in a week or so. BTW, the only reason why I do this is because I'm convinced of the basic idea of the ZOIA.

[@PeteMidi]

I added my main points about the ZOIA to the video desription. Hopefully these might help to improve this little device.

[@Synthfidel]

Pete, out of all the synths you have played, which one would you want to have, if you were marooned on an island?

[@PeteMidi]

Wow, the most difficult question! I only have a diplomatic answer: if I can only take this one synth and nothing else I would take some all-in-one synth like the new Roland Jupiter-Xm. All my current synths are chosen to complement each other, so it's permanent fun to try out new subsets and find interesting combinations. My last all-in-one (lonely island) synth was a KORG M1 and I was not too happy with it 😉

[@Flying_Karsten]

i love this!

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks!

[@MySynthDungeon]

Nicely Done Cheers!

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks!

[@ameobafgsfds]

The biggest question, what do you think about the "keyboard"?

[@PeteMidi]

Yes, good question - I will upload a review in a few hours.

[@rcmusic35]

FX make it shine. Mfreak is a amazing synth. You should update (if not done since the video) your firmware, it cured the popping parameters bug

[@PeteMidi]

Yes, absolutely - the firmware update is on my high priority list ;)

[@valdiskrebs566]

Great jam - sounds good! Like most synths, the Freak is better with FX.

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks a lot! Yeah, FX is mandatory for the Freak!

[@valdiskrebs566]

Pete Midi Is the freak line output Mono or Stereo???

[@PeteMidi]

Sorry for the late reply - it's mono ...

[@rinusdewildt3360]

Damn, now I am confused.... I like both , and I dont know which to buy, Freak or Zoia. As I already got Microbrute 2S, and some Moogs, I think I will go for the Zoia. Anyways thanks for this great new vid. Keep up the good work 👏🏻

[@PeteMidi]

Thank you so much for the nice feedback!

[@HotStrange]

I have a Minibrute 2 and the Freak goes very well with it, especially with its cv options. I’m tempted by the Zoia too though.

[@marcbrasse747]

Not bad at for something that is not realy played but only trigger managed. Not bad at all!

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@jr6786]

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks!!

[@sokoleski]

niiiice....both

[@PeteMidi]

Many thanks!!

[@oldbatwit5102]

Wow. Synth music jam without the usual, and very annoying, constant knob twiddling. Really nice sounds, thank you.

[@PeteMidi]

Thanks for the nice feedback!

[@fitagoraz]

Mmm crazy sounds but the fatness :/

[@PeteMidi]

Yes, some of the models that simulate detuned oscillators can go into this direction but in my opinion do not reach the fatness of (multiple) analog oscillators.

[@PeteMidi]

After a few weeks of experience I must say that I'm glad that the Freak is a bit different than all the analog fattys which I already have at sufficient number ...