MiniBrute 2 Review, and the 48 point patch bay (!) explained

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The Arturia MiniBrute 2 is an analog semi-modular synth with a MASSIVE patchbay that opens up very interesting synthesis options. This is a review of its top features.
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NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any what by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.

[@richardtester2859]

There is so much knowledge in here. I have just bought one of these and I am now confident to use it

[@Stadsjaap]

Great intro to modular. And so is the synth.

[@cheek1m0nkey]

Well done! Thanks for the thorough review. Looking forward to part 2.

[@skunksmisery]

first Arturia synth I've ever been interested in. Thanks for such a complete overview- hope they gave you the MB2 for free!

[@PatternsofLife]

Excellent video, I already planned on getting one to connect with my modular synth, but had delayed as I have quite a few monosynths already. This convinced me to stop procrastinating as it is different to others I have, and treat the patchbay as a great extra.

[@Passenger-hn5fb]

Amazing video! I watched a few vids on this device. Yours is by the best I've seen so far. Very detailed, but easy to follow as a synth beginner. Cheers!@

[@andyq9669]

Excellent, logical and thorough demonstration. Thank you!

[@teashea1]

Very well done review and demo ---- articulate, organized, intelligent.....

[@MaxMRasmussen]

It looks like a very well thought out synth. Great overview.

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

I am almost speechless. Well dictated and inviting 👍👍

[@AdamTheAd-vanc3d]

Aaron Moore I havnt mentioned anything about the price sure you replied to the right comment ? .

[@greedydotmf]

That can be said about manufacturing as whole. Cars, computers and such, even clothing. However some people are willing to pay extra for well designed things. This synth is well designed. Unfortunately it doesn't sound very appealing.

[@joshcook983]

Fantastic video, so well produced!

[@CaidicusProductions]

Great review! I've subscribed. I appreciate your pacing, and your careful explanation of what the Minibrute 2 is, how it works, and how it sounds. Thanks!

[@Auxinelectro]

this is superb can't wait to get this

[@kirkleblanc5899]

I found you on Instagram, your KZbin channel is bumping, great tutorial.

[@AskAudioMag]

Great review again!

[@therealdjblack29]

Best video on this synth, hands down. I think you just convinced me on an analog synth my friend. You've also earned a sub. I have a new hangout channel. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@lewiglenismusic662]

Excellent overview and tutorial!

[@davidemolteni114]

Awesome! Perfect review

[@Tuxemuun]

Excelent work. Congratulations!

[@ProckGnosis]

Wow...this was unexpected, but barring any quality issues, it's a welcome addition and update for the Minibrute.

[@Heathcliff_hensel]

ProckGnosis according to Bo Beats it's the same keybed as Matrix brute. I think Arturia has improved their overall quality like the Drumbrute is built like a tank and this looks similar.

[@ProckGnosis]

Yeah, I played with the Drumbrute at Superbooth, and I was fairly impressed. I do think Arturia is learning which is evident in products like the Drumbrute and Keystep.

[@dnch]

great to see the ability to use OSC2 as LFO and being able to modulate the speed of that with another LFO

[@ImSaracen]

Many thanks loopop, extremely informative, clearly & precisely presented :-)

[@dankro279]

Excellent overview. Thanks a lot!!!

[@spengill]

this is absolute gold, thanks so much for doing this, finally i have a much better understanding for this great synth

[@homelessballoon]

Excellent review! Thanks!

[@warp9988]

Looking forward to hear some insane sounds.

[@Sashabooboo]

Thank you for another excellent video. It arrives on December 4. I plan to use it with my Drumbrute. Poly D worked out great also.

[@lecliche8849]

Wow, this guy knows his stuff!

[@amadeuspaulussen]

Very informative review! Thanks!

[@wizardmix]

Here's the funny thing. While I get why this is addressing the demand, I LOVE the original mini brute. It's the modern classic that started it all. It's a fantastic live instrument. Simple, well thought out, great layout, compact, no shift buttons, no patch bays to fiddle with, very intuitive. Very playable and controllable in a live setting. I hook the headphone out to a tuner and when using it as a bass, run it though some heavy duty compression. So as a result of this II thing coming out, I assume Arturia will ramp down the mini brute thus driving the used prices up (once more people figure out they're our generation's SH-101).. So I bought another one new -- while it can still be done.

[@markeast634]

Great vid 👍

[@ooobbwolfooo]

Fantastic video! I am sold. I think Arturia should give you a little love for potentially selling many of these things for them :))

[@loopop]

ooobbwolfooo thanks and enjoy!

[@michelnassarofficial]

Amazing work!

[@ET2carbon]

Thanks for helping me understand my complicated ass synth man. Zero presets to start. My favorite moments are the last like 3 minutes. Didn't know that stuff

[@Delirium386]

....wow...the info for the seq was very helpful......thanks...

[@FilipFerferiev]

very nice review :)

[@skyreadersociety6183]

probably the most underrated analog mono out there.

[@DeshaunLovell]

My next purchase for sure 🔥

[@umonox]

so, did Arturia sent you this thing in advance, all by themselve? or have you asked them to do so?

[@ocelot972]

Mine arrives tomorrow!!

[@joolm4976]

Brillant presentation. Thank you very much, very usefull for me. I love that synth

[@edwardprue]

And we're *off* and running with (pre-)NAMM 2018...how exciting! Nice demo, I'm already thinking about how a System 500 square would sound through the metalizer. 🤤

[@AtomicAgeBasementBoy]

11:12 good to know I could set up the riff in OMD's Messages

[@Wanderlinse]

can't wait...

[@GONZOFAM7]

I just got a minibrute and was wondering about the MB2. This is so much more of a machine. I do love my minibrute though.

[@ClaudeDjale]

thanks man... you are the best. I mean it..

[@loopop]

Claude Djale thanks ;)

[@holidayiv4856]

Woah this thing is great 👍

[@oliveiromanzares492]

Thx for this awesome video! What software are you using for the oscilloscope and spectrum analyzer?

[@_M4YD4Y]

The second to last slider was driving me CRAZY !!!

[@MusicDABIsMe]

Thank you so much!

[@djalexia]

Hi, will this minbrute able to integrate with a DAW recording performances and/or midi cc? I read on the online manual that can be use as a midi controller (?) thanks!

[@EBOLAape]

hi, Thank you for awesome tutorial! I have a small problem: I would like to modulate VCO with the noise source (using internal noise from 2s or external one from Boog). Is it possible with only one VCA that is included in 2s ? And if yes, how shall I patch it? thanks

[@JohnLRice]

Pretty darn cool! :-)

[@davidgoode7416]

Awesome!

[@grandmasterjo1]

As always a brilliant Arturia product and an even better demo. I was always hoping for a Mini Matrix to carry the beast along. Thank you for giving us opportunities to make better music. 👍👍

[@guymorrison4800]

another very helpful video on the minibrute 2. My thought on minibrute 2 - lined next to some other synths - is it really 'gets you in' so to speak. They should do a minibrute poly. Styling and design thought provoking even though it looks obvious and logical at first.

[@electronic2427]

Which one would You recommend, this one or the Behringer Neutron?

[@AT-eh2eo]

There’s got to be an MS20 video!!

[@blahwars3891]

Hi! I’d like to know what software you used to visualise the sound wave? Presumably there is a program I install on my Mac and do the same? Maybe there is already something in logic I can use??seeing the wave form in real time would be so useful as a learning tool

[@BubbaSatori]

And MOscilloscope

[@bbqchickenwingsofredemptio449]

Damn, and I bought a minibrute, and had it for about a few months, it's awesome, but a semi modular now? I would've so waited.

[@jeandista]

@loopop One important thing to keep in mind is that SEQUENCES always ROOT to C3, regardless of the notes you played. So, you have to pay attention when transposing live.

[@machiwoomiapoo]

Sweet!

[@GeorgeLocke]

A routing i usually use in modular environments is: oscillators -> mixer -> VCA-> filter -> wave folder -> out. Afaict, the minibrute 2 hard wires the amp envelope after the filter, and you can't interrupt the flow of amp envelope to the main out. You can send the filter->VCA signal to the folder (without it feeding back so long as the tri fader is at zero) and you can access the folder's output via the patch bay, but you can't prevent the non folded signal from reaching the main out. You can only get the folded signal from the patch bay. Not being able to use the triangle wave in this scenario isn't the end of the world, but I always patch the VCA before the filter, and it is a bummer that this synth makes that nearly impossible. (One could use the aux vca for this purpose, but that means the "amp" circuit is useful only for AM and it also bypasses the main oscillator mixer.) This is not a huge deal either, but I almost always prefer to drive my filter and have that drive amount scale with the amp envelope. Basically, in order to get the signal path described above, i would need to bypass almost half the knobs and sliders. Which would not be the case if the filter and amp envelope had patchable inputs and outputs.

[@franciscoarbelaez8746]

❤

[@ghavinga]

Thanks very nicely done review. GAS is starting to burble in the distance ........

[@Sidus666]

So it's basically like mixing up the original Minibrute, the Mother 32 and the Korg Monologue. Sweeeeeet.

[@nkozi]

What’s the midi functionality like re: CCs incoming and outgoing/patch storage? I really adore the brute series but find it cumbersome to use live without the ability to recall relevant sounds

[@MrFrostyness]

Do you think D/A converters are used in the patch points? At least the arp and seq are digital but I'd expect the lfos and env are as well.

[@itsbruxyall]

Might you know if it's possible to patch up this dude so it plays duophonically? Like a music easel where the sequence can be controlling VCO2 and then you use the keyboard to control a melody/drone on VCO1? Not where the shift key makes the sequence mute, but continue on?

[@Ian-gw2vx]

For inputting rythms into say a Soma Pulsar 23, would this be ok or would a Keystep be better ?

[@rorybaker5799]

This is my first synth and I’m having a really hard time learning it, anyone know of a good way to learn?

[@synthseeker]

So what are the Arturia Link ports for? I didn't see you cover that?

[@loopop]

Stay tuned - this will be covered in a separate video

[@Starthief]

I'm excited to replace my Microbrute with this, if it'll fit in my limited space. What's the width and depth?

[@malteschuster6999]

Hi, I just got my hands on this synth, and as soon as I turn it on, all I hear is a constant beeping sound while the synth plays no notes. I heard this may have something to do with the power supply, can anyone help me out? Thank you!

[@Psychlist1972]

Nice. I had no idea Arturia came out with this one. It's definitely much more expensive than the old ones, but it has *so* much more. The only reason I'd pass on this is that I have a MatrixBrute. :)

[@lordundhimself1310]

😑

[@joeSeggiola]

Stunning, thank for the in-depth review! But, question: is it possible to use OSC2 as sub-oscillator octave(s) lower like on the original Minibrute? I can't see the the -1/-2 octave switch here.

[@loopop]

joeSeggiola thanks and yes you can - you just need to tune it manually

[@micindir4213]

Phase - related subosc is different sound to manually tuned osc. Compare "taurus" bass to Juno106 bass

[@ageshero]

Its kind of odd they didnt add a slide function on the sequencer since the micrbrute is very close to getting a really solid "bassline" sound. but i love their sequencer workflow

[@dannystephenson4957]

A question for anyone or Loopop himself - how do I set maximum 64 steps in real time sequencer mode? Seems the step is defaulted at 2 to 4 steps then loops. I'm having trouble understanding the manual in the sequencer section. I want to real time create a longer sequence. Thank you anyone in advance.

[@cresshead]

if it's like my minibrute, having to set the midi channel with a connected computer and updated arturia control app is just a bit ridiculous, how about in 10 years time?...still gonna have an app available for the current OS? Especially when i would be simple to implement the chanel chosen by simply pressing a key on the keyboard like other manufacturers hardware (volca for example)

[@georgeray3492]

Analog, velocity and after touch, MIDI in and Out, USB, patch bay, sequencing- TMMN Take My Money Now. This is exactly what I was looking for in a controller- with the addition of a synth that does not sound like my other analog. Great Video. Question- I know the synth is monophonic. How does the MIDI in respond? Last, high, low note or programmable? Is the keybed polyphonic on the MIDI out? If mono on the out, which note? Thanks!

[@ardkok9483]

Can some explain to me what he is doing at 15:15 with the attenuating? Why wouldnt 'simply' just connect velocity to amp output?

[@blkhwk303]

excellent review! btw what program were you using to show the waveforms?

[@loopop]

blkhwk303 it’s called MOscilloscope

[@johnscriven964]

MC Oscilloscope, I think 😊

[@milan-wechselzahn]

The osc couldnt be trigged by external gate signal? I couldnt find a Gate Trig input to trigger the osc by other cv sequencers.

[@janeeightfive7331]

The graphics really help to understand what is happening. How did you make them? Does the Brute come with a software that shows you the waves while you are altering the sound?

[@loopop]

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

[@blahanger4304]

For someone who get's into full panic mode when I play an active bass, this was pretty understandable.

[@andrewverran3498]

Brilliant...can LFO rate sync to midi clock or just the patching ?deciding between the Minibrute 2 and a Novation BassStation 2...i am leaning towards this MB2....hmmm. 😊

[@BartoszBanachewicz]

What's the difference between the AM and Amp patch bay points for the Amp?

[@tekrahmuzik2119]

I will def wait till the NAMM 2018 is over, however i was going to get the Analog 4 mk2 but now i am confused.... i know that the Analog 4 mk2 is almost double of the money but...what do you think? Oh and thank you for the awesome review.

[@triptonine1]

double the money, 4x the voices, 16x the sequences, tons of modulation and fx...wouldnt wana mis mine...

[@tekrahmuzik2119]

OK ill'go for the MK2 then

[@MONARDAMUSIC]

Can I plug this in and play through my headphones? Or will I need an external sound system? I plan on connecting this to my pc and my headphones straight into the synth

[@nickademuss42]

it has a headphone jack

[@WhiteWulfe]

How the keyboard compared to the original MiniBrute? Is it sturdier?

[@Wulfhard1965]

Does the sequencer/arp output it's notes via MIDI/USB ?? This missing was a big drawback at the predecessor. Is the Gate out better buffered than the Mini/Microbrute's? (these could not even trigger an MFB synth module).

[@loopop]

Wulfhard1965 yes it does. The bottom half works very much like a keystep

[@linstate007]

Does it outputs also to cv? So you can sequence modular from sequencer/arp and mix it back (ext input) into Minibrute 2?

[@vAscA187]

Ad another octav and poliphony... A dream

[@Unifono2012]

Great overview. So basically there is a complex oscillator in this thing

[@loopop]

Unifono2012 yes very much so

[@eternalvoid2678]

First of all, I liked the video as an overview (kinda missed the review part though). But really, a true complex oscillator can do quite a bit more. There is no voltage control over the modulation amount or overtones in any way for example. Did I miss something? Don't get me wrong, I like the minibrut 2 for what it is, an affordable, capable, subtractive semi-modular. It just doesn't seem to have the capability to get super experimental (which is fine, most synths don't). If I didn't already have a nice subtractive synth, I would probably go for it.

[@quartierbonheurexperimentb7466]

no ! it’s more like a very complete waveform mixable oscillator a complex osc would have much more than fm

[@Unifono2012]

quartierbonheurexperiment Bienne it's a dual osc with fm and a wavefolder. what's missing?

[@eternalvoid2678]

Besides fm, you can't modulate the waveform with a control voltage. Modulating the overtones (waveform) or fold amount at audio rate gives many interesting timbres (can be musical too, when the frequency of the modulation is related to the fundamental).

[@justintonation9726]

This might be a dumb question but is there any reason to buy this if I own the Polybrute? I assume the Polybrute can do anything this can beside patching to other gear.

[@loopop]

It's not a dumb question but not one I can answer in a short comment any better than you did :)

[@shawnsaul7759]

Do the knobs send midi cc data now? Or still just analog potentiometers?

[@olivierdelhomme3922]

They don't, they're analog

[@blakeiscool87]

since this is basically a badass synth with an onboard keystep arp/seq, could you potentailly use this as a midi controller in lieu of a keystep? i ask because i fell in love with the keystep sequencer and was going to get one to replace my mpk mini, but now i'm thinking that if this has all the functionality of the keystep with a synth on top, i might just get one of these

[@loopop]

If I remember correctly then yes but it has been a while and I haven't tested it...

[@blakeiscool87]

@@loopop minbrute also only has two octaves of keys vs the keystep 37 with three octaves... so my wishlist never consolidates, it only grows lol

[@supercommando440]

Is that the iPad app MC Oscillioscope? Or something else? And how is it hooked up? As a beginner I think that would be really handy to have. Korgs mono/minilogs have built it scopes but would like one I can hook up to any keybd.

[@loopop]

supercommando440 no it’s a pc plugin called MOscilloscope - you’re right that it helps - that’s why I show it ;)

[@supercommando440]

loopop is it free? Still available? Or part of a larger DAW software app? And how it is hooked up? Pc usb to s2?

[@loopop]

supercommando440 yes it’s free, the setup is s2 -> audio interface -> daw -> plugin

[@federicogueci9402]

Is it possible to use an external source to control the pitch as in the MS20? For example with voice?

[@loopop]

no

[@federicogueci9402]

@@loopop thanks a lot for the answer anyway :)

[@urbannpa]

Just saw the price....decided on the Behringer Neutron and Model D two for the price of one. Nice video though.

[@MoveHimAgainX10]

What is there was a 3d theremin type input midi controller similar to a chaos pad and the it input on a roland Using to our 3 sources of light to be able to observe height width depth distance shape and spacing also with ability to have zones and multi-touchless

[@loopop]

yes check out leap motion and geco

[@ErichNolanBertussi]

Hey man, So I guess this thing isn't actually available yet is it then? nor shipping until the end of February? true?

[@loopop]

Erich Nolan Bertussi that’s what I heard - I really have no inside info though