MicroBrute Exclusive Review

[@MattGreerMusic]

I like the part where the thing plugs into the other thing and then some stuff happens. :)

[@futurfry]

+Matt Greer he talks too fast when he patches :/

[@yobhsiFehT]

Yeah, I'm sort of just starting to dip my toe into the synth waters, and MOST demo/review videos seem to be that way! I'm hoping it's like people always say about OTHER foreign languages, and I'll just learn faster by immersion! :P lol

[@whangie1]

This was my first synth when it came out. Still love it. I went from exploring effects pedals with electric guitar to getting this and now I play more synth than guitar.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

Welcome to the dark side!

[@ashtonvati1649]

I’m looking to buy one, do u think it is worth it

[@Ribbedstick]

@@ashtonvati1649 buy it man

[@ToyKeeper]

@@ashtonvati1649 It's nice, but the Bass Station II might be more practical since it can recall patches. Regardless, all of these are great options: (listed with the current price for a brand new item) - Microbrute: $300 - Microfreak: $300 - Bass Station II: $400 - Minibrute 2: $450

[@deandarwin2162]

i know it's kinda randomly asking but do anyone know a good site to watch newly released series online ?

[@0x4C4A]

Thank you so much for the oscillograms. As an electronics student that's very interesting to see. Almost noone else does this unfortunately.

[@mikeexits]

Loopop does, and there's one more who did some stuff for the Volca Modular I don't remember the name of.

[@meatrace]

The Microbrute is just one of those pieces of gear that everyone needs to have. The mini patchbay is going to give this thing a long second life as a controller for modular setups such as this. It will be hard for Arturia to top themselves.

[@CraftyOldGit]

8 years later and it still looks like a sweet synth at a bargain price. Definitely a gateway into modular. I've been wondering about getting a KeyStep 'cos I want a MIDI keyboard that also has CV out for a Moog Werkstatt I might buy one day. A MicroBrute gives me CV out and a synth as well.

[@theinterruptor]

See 10:00 where Nick connects an external oscillator from his modular rack. To get a noise oscillator you could connect an AM/FM radio tuned in between two stations..

[@ShimanskiBeats]

great synth with lots of different sound possibilities for just one oscillator. I used it in almost all of my hardware jams

[@lacherlichcateaster4538]

I own both the Mini and Micro and on balance, I prefer the Micro. The little patch bay works a treat, and the sequencer is much needed on the Mini. The Sub Osc has a way better sound on the Micro (despite being set to one waveform) and the whole thing is way wilder and dirtier. So if you have the choice, I'd go Micro. But look at the demos and decide for yourself (but ignore them and buy the Micro).

[@martinharnevie]

Have you tried the Micro patch bay with the Mini outputs at the back?

[@LandonBalk]

This guy does the best reviews

[@Fishoilification]

yeah i like these ads

[@beathaven303]

The best synth review I've seen. Great work. Microbrute can't be beat for simplicity and sound variation for the price.

[@Bareego]

5 years later. Just bought one of these second hand and LOVE it. There is one thing though that not only I had an issue with and it's that the rotary knobs start exuding a sticky substance of some sort, so all the knobs become sticky, even after cleaning them. The good thing is, that you can just order cheapo 6mm knobs from China for cheap :) They might look differently but work just fine. You might even prefer differently looking knobs. Also the resonance, you learn not to move it to full 100% but 90% max...unless you want to go to crazy town.

[@jellyandskeleton]

Sonic State just keep pushing the boundaries with every review I see. Cheers for all the work you are putting into each video review you do, its great to see people genuinely pushing the standard up!

[@theTerribleFamiliar]

My first hardware analog. I'll never sell it. I've had so much damned fun exploring with this thing. Ahhhhhh... good times.

[@ToyKeeper]

My first hardware analog too, and I don't think I could ever sell it. It's so much fun! I'd probably have been better off getting a BSII instead, because patch recall makes it a lot more practical ... but I've enjoyed the Microbrute regardless. I just hate only being able to keep one sound at a time, and never being able to get the same sound ever again. So when I finally got something nicer, I may have gone a little overboard... I got a Pro 3. Oops. The Microbrute was like having a sweet playground, but now with a flagship monosynth I have an entire world to explore.

[@rorschach1]

I sold mine and I bought it again 2 years later because I missed it!

[@sonicstate]

Gate input, there is a setting in the software panel that allows for Gate step trigger.

[@bigdap100]

One of the greatest little analog synths of all time, and the price is right.

[@DJNECRONOMICON]

"bitcrushed noisy mess" exactly what i was looking for

[@piewars12345]

lol got mine almost 4 years ago and still use it regularly. Was my first synth bought with my first paycheck at my first job XD...I kinda want another one :)

[@MrKeys57]

I used to get those sounds out of my fathers old tube radio, but guess i have to buy a microbrute to get them now! 😉

[@r.mattcoker4184]

Wow, that wavetype display is an awesome addition to the review. Thanks!

[@MsMarciax]

Ever since purchasing my MicroBrute I just can't put it down. The sound out of this beauty, especially when linked up with a decent effects unit are utterly breath taking. I am seriously contemplating on expanding with oscillator unit, etc like in this review. Well worth a look at believe me :)

[@finhj179]

Hi, I'm new too synths and I'm thinking of getting one of these but i was wondering, does it have built in speakers or do you have to buy them yourself?

[@MsMarciax]

Fin HJ You will need a external amplified speaker or a decent pair of headphones. There is no speaker built into this unit.

[@appomusicproducer9761]

@@finhj179 you have your headphones or can connect a speaker but a good synth don't bring speakers these are more toys like volcas they are amazing battery using but no comparison 😉 this is a brutal cool small and good price real analog synthesizer 100% recommend even now 2021🤘🏻✌🏻👍🏻💪🏻😉🤗

[@MarctheDarc]

Though, had they added a function so it could slave to a MiniBrute working as a 2nd playable voice (kinda like DSI's daisy-chaining), or as a 2nd. oscillator with adjustable detune/semitone, they'd make even more of a killing off it. Think they missed a trick there... Thanks for doing an awesome job (as always) Nick! And i'm so very jealous you get payed to play with these great machines, and even get sneak previews like this :-)

[@sonicstate]

Would love to, though we don't have the MiniBrute here anymore. I'm sure someone will do it soon enough

[@zut25]

I just love that they are acutally making analogue synths again and that every parameter has a knob I just hated going trough all those Shift menu shits just plain buzzkill im glad these are out and i need to get my hand on one of these micro synths

[@t3l3phasicworksh0p]

I think that, with the volume of MS20mini's Korg have produced and shipped, inevitably quality control issues will appear to be relatively more common. My MS20mini has functioned flawlessly with no output problems or "wobbly knobs". I am just grateful that Korg, Arturia and Novation are giving us mere mortals the chance to purchase analog synths without having to sell our kids or remortgage houses in order to buy vintage kit that costs an arm and a leg to keep running.

[@sonicstate]

yes actually there it, sorry I didnt cover it, if you watch the jam video we posted, it features in that.

[@Digiphex]

I love how you worked it in with the modular and the Volca. Everyone wants to see ways they can actually use a product, but very few show this. Pleased to see the mod section and sequencing on it. They left nothing out on this baby.

[@t3l3phasicworksh0p]

Obviously your argument is equally valid. I fully respect that and hope for the sake of all synth fans that the issues you have had are addressed as production costs fall.

[@blackbeltbeatdown]

Furthermore, the "quality" of the MS-20 is on par or above that of the Minibrute. Both are awesome synths and amazing values. You sound like fanboy, a hater, or both.

[@VR360TV]

Love this little synth Nic 🎹

[@petrzemla489]

Got this one for about 140 bucks as my first synth, and I'm still blown away from all of the possibilities, this instrument offers. But I still miss some good demos, everyone I've seen on youtube so far uses it for some techno/dirtier repetitive stuff... Is there also anyone, who is going to play some more funky/electropop music on these?

[@davidgoode7416]

Just bought a used one, I plan on using it for funk/metal/ experimental although I don't really know what I'm doing..., still have yours?

[@dronejones]

Love this synth. Best bang for your buck in analog synth realm imo. I traded in Minibrute fille this lil guy

[@midtown3221]

Triangle+Metalizer, FUCKING LOVE IT!! Great review and demo, much appreciated man!

[@Cocacho]

Handy product. Bought one yesterday - the blue version for the dope days out of the city

[@sonicstate]

I don't have a Mopho no, I dont get to hang on to all of this stuff you know! I would add this to my setup yes, it interfaces very well with the modular stuff

[@shookstylez]

Arturia is amazing. If you are listening Arturia, please release that compact POLYbrute now. Don't wait too long, and kill the competition!!

[@danpreston564]

Blimey, 36 hours after my first read of this and I come back and Marc the darc is still going on about build quality on the MS-20 mini. Mine has been great. No dodgy knobs, everything holding together just fine. But is this the place to launch a sustained attack on it? Can't we keep the conversation about this rather lovely looking little beast?

[@phrah27]

Pretty good knowledge Doc! And well done overall! It's a pleasure to listen and learn from you. TNX

[@Bboytechreport]

Great review. Seems to be a good entry point to analog synths and even a good compliment to MiniBrute. Nice!

[@jonowise]

wow ! sounds great , would love to hear more jams of all that gear running together

[@MarctheDarc]

If i may suggest. As he shows in the video the MicroBrute can sync to the volcas, so you can always add more to the setup later. Just start with whatever is the most useful to begin with. Also the Volcas you can get sooner, the MicroBrute may very well incur waiting. Have fun (and upload when you make something cool) ;-)

[@Vuduman]

With all the compact desktop analog synths of the last few years, do you have a fav/top 5? From Arturia, Waldorf, Doepfer, MFB, Macbeth, Moog, Studio Electronics, Korg, Eowave, Mutable Insts, T.Oberheim, Novation, maybe Analog Solns, FutureRetro ...?

[@TheMetalMusicMachine]

Nick, i was thinking about the MIDI capabilities of the BRUTE...Does it send poly MIDI? And would be possible to use that Volca Keys as a source of three voices plus the Brute voice to play chords, and using both filters to make it more interesting?

[@tomsmusiclessons]

Checking out some reviews to inform a potential purchase... I always go to the Sonic State page to check out the reviews/overviews first, thanks for the great content!

[@benjaminhennessy8050]

My first synth.

[@PhilthAdelphiA]

Benjamin Hennessy how do you feel about it one year later? I ask because I'm getting one in a few days

[@benjaminhennessy8050]

ANGELO13111 Get effect pedals.

[@PhilthAdelphiA]

if i connect it to my computer i can add effects from there right?

[@benjaminhennessy8050]

Sure.

[@jesuishalil]

Benjamin Hennessy which effect pedal do you recommend? I am getting my microbrute on Monday, got it second hand for 160!!

[@BURG]

nick and sonicstate rules as always, thanks (again) for an awesome review!

[@NicholasBryantBonzaiSequoias]

For me the MiniBrute looked wrong.. this one seems to have charm!

[@gallileomonkey]

Thanks for the review! How would you compare the sound of the raw oscillators to the BassStation II ones? (for me the ones in MiniBrute were decent compared to the digital Novations, but lacked when compared to the more limited MiniTaur)

[@totallynotadinosaur]

Hey sonicstate, great review as always. I'm definitely going to get this before the nd of the year. but i have a slightly unrelated queston, What are you using as an oscilloscope? is it software or hardware?

[@sonicstate]

Bram s m exoscope a free VST plug running via Reaper

[@totallynotadinosaur]

ok. thanks! :D

[@SendyTheEndless]

The overtone oscillator sounds like oscillator sync. Very cool addition, though the original had the sine wave which is also quite nice for clean bass punch.

[@blackbeltbeatdown]

The MS-20 Mini casing is metal actually, not plastic.

[@justawalkingcorpse]

Great review as always! Shame you didn't pull the Minibrute side-by-side - would have loved to have heard this as a 2 osc extension.

[@verve92]

@sonicstate You may have covered it, but the one envelope can be toggled to effect the VCA and VCF? Love the sequencer, the one thing missing from the MiniBrute

[@t3l3phasicworksh0p]

I agree that the Minibrute looks "compressed". In the flesh it's well proportioned,solidly built and astonishingly versatile (as the Microbrute appears to be). I have found the Minibrute to be one of the most characterful synths in my collection. It complements my MS20mini, DSI MEK and Mokeys/Tetra 5 voice combo and, more importantly, interfaces seamlessly with my modular kit. Great review from Nick as always. I refuse to buy any new product these days unless it has been reviewed by Sonicstate.

[@aksen303]

i already own a minibrute (and too many other mono synths), yet damn it if you haven't made me want this as well, Nick....

[@PadsBanger]

So, If we ignore a price, would you rather pick MicroBrute or Bass Station II ?

[@t3l3phasicworksh0p]

I wonder if the Microbrute sequencer can drive the internal oscillators on output to cv simultaneously so that you could have a duophonic sequence running with a Minibrute or modular kit via CV in?

[@t3l3phasicworksh0p]

The synth is a Novation K-Station, probably hanging around after the excellent "21 Years of Novation" video.

[@MarctheDarc]

I've made a point of not buying via eBay because there's no real option of testing the equipment before buying. I've driven to try out classic gear in my own country, and mostly it's either too expensive based on the name/legend, falling apart from old age and wear, or both. So fully agreed i'd rather have the safety of new gear, i don't care THAT much about the legend as long it sounds and feel right. I feel comfortable that most my current gear will last, but just not so with MS-20 mini.

[@endlesspresident]

With oscilloscope!!! Nick you know what we want!

[@exiletomars]

I wonder if I should get this or the volca Keys, wish the microbrute would have midi out though, especially for it's size factor.

[@MarctheDarc]

Just as the MiniBrute was the most important new synth 2012, this may very well turn out to be the most important new synth of 2013. It seems like a good strategy financially for Arturia with the increasing demand for smaller and cheaper synths. But compare this to the MiniBrute, and they may very well be stealing their own thunder. It loses so few features, and gains a few of its own, it's even smaller and cheaper - as a lover of the MiniBrute, i think this could be THE best value synth around.

[@Mindtrapuk]

I don't wanna see smaller versions I want to see a brute, with more then one multi mode oscillator, maybe a continuously variable one , then I would like 2 filters another lfo, with more wave shapes for the osc and lfo and maybe 2 atk 2 decay envelope ( sort of emu style )

[@johngorgis]

This thing makes wicked kicks / bassdrums

[@MarctheDarc]

Ah, fair enough, i've been there ^^ Then it boils down to what other gear you have/use. Because there's no doubt you get a broader more flexible setup with the Volcas if you have no other gear. But if you already have some gear, like a computer with soundcard and DAW, or something else that will allow you to complete the setup, then i think the MicroBrute will give you deeper and more flexible sounds.

[@HatredPrime]

If you don't need MIDI to CV interface take Bass Station 2. BS has 2 oscillators

[@MrFunktone]

Great review Nick. It sounds amazing a must buy at that price.

[@MarctheDarc]

And yes, i used to use Electribes for sequencing and more - odd to slam that in the same page as you say i'm trolling Korg. The Electribes are excellent build quality, very well thought out and good value for money. But everywhere i'm subject to haters and fanboys (not my words i'll point out), because i just don't agree that to be the case about the MS-20 mini. Strange form of hypocrisy...

[@jaKthemighty]

very wise suggestions, thanks! Unfortunately i'm on a student budget (which shouldn't really include analogue synths fullstop!) but as a first time analogue buyer, I feel privileged to have such great choices at amazing value. But it'll have to be one or the other for now.

[@laurensdeclercq811]

Is anybody missing some sine waves for the lfo wavetable ? And for the oscillator, it's what's bothers me to buy this... (and since when is a square and a sub the same, i use sinewaves tbh..) I ain't no pro, but i'd like some advice. :) ty

[@FonkyCoch]

Nice Review ! Many thanks for all of your reviews ! Just two questions: -Would you please prepare us a review about the Pulse 2 from DSI ? -What is the synth in your back at 12'54" ? Thanks again and keep doing it !

[@cresshead]

Nick, would you add a microbrute to your personal set up and do you still have the mopho mono keyboard in your set up?

[@iamyourfuture808]

just picked up one of these ... nice demo !

[@TooSlowTube]

@11:30 - not meaning to be pedantic, but this confused me. I'm pretty sure Nick said "A-115". I went back a few times trying to work out what he meant. An A-115 is an audio divider - sub octaves and so on. Eventually, I managed to stop it at just the right point to read the label on the module, which is an A-111-5 Mini Synthesizer Voice. I still don't get where the gate came from though.

[@InsertName125]

I just wish more of the time was spent displaying the sound of each waveshape in the "lead" range, and with "lead" type melodies. There's so much more to a synth's melodic capability than bass sounds and the arpeggiator. It's not his fault. He does an amazingly good job. It's just that I'm one of those weirdos who primarily thinks of a synth for its leads, rather than for what it can do to a "dance mix".

[@exactspace]

Awesome review! Thank you. I noticed when you showed the US price it said $299 but on the Arturia website it says $349.

[@FreeThink1984]

am i the only one that doesn't think a synth has been properly reviewed unless it's by nick? great video

[@dannyd1224]

off topic but are you or have you done a review on the akai rhythm wolf? interested on what you think of it bc people seem to hate it...

[@AVincent2]

Nick, do you find that the attack in the envelope on the micro is faster than the minibrute? Does the LFO go higher into the audio range as well in the micro? Thanks very very much!

[@jasefosTV]

WANT! DROOL DROOL DOOL! I Love my MiniBrute but this is something different.

[@JimJWalker]

Will the CV with the Microbrute work with other CV gear like the moogerfoogers, Vulcas, or MS20 mini?

[@denverm4x]

that sound around 16:05 is quite nice

[@mCKENIC]

Great exclusive Nick! Many thanks! Must buy!

[@brendanmccusker4482]

excellent, informed thorough review

[@airfrankenstein]

Nice demo. Around 14 minute mark you sync volcas to micro brute : which input do you use ? thanks

[@squeakD]

Damn-it NIck! Every time I get money saved up for something I make the huge mistake of watching your reviews. At $299.., there's no way I can pass this thing up. I was all set to buy something else I absolutely don't need for $299.., but this is a MUCH MUCH better something I don't need for $299. Great review!

[@MRabbitFrog]

So what's missing from MiniBrute? Did they replace send and modulation sliders and knobs with that little patch bay? And some sliders became knobs?

[@paul_bliven]

The microbrute doesn't have a separate envelope for the filter and amp, they are linked, but you can switch off the envelope for either one, so it's capable of controlling either, or both at the same time. Also, the Microbrute doesn't have a noise source or a 2 octave down switch or wave select for the sub. Also, yes, the waveforms are using knobs instead of faders.

[@thepianosings]

great review nick. still missing the old studio on cam.....

[@flowerpower111]

He has to be nit-picking. What sets his reviews apart from others is that he is very objective and honest.

[@TheSynthacon]

Should do very well at the price. Hope they can make enough this time!

[@quinnmurphy9071]

Is it possible to take the CV out on the back and run that into the Filter in on the matrix to automate the filter with the sequencer? I'm thinking about using this as my gateway into the world of modular and am curious to see how this sort of thing works.

[@SolflareCoUk]

Here's my performance of Pink Floyd's On the Run on the Microbrute Arturia Microbrute - Pink Floyd, On the Run.

[@Hogboy345]

No portamento/glide?

[@KelmoMusic]

Holy shit, I really want this for my modular. I dont have any sequencing capability other than the expert sleepers stuff and this would be perfect.

[@JCBudro16]

Do the headphone and main output jack both output audio at the same time or does using the headphone jack disable the main output?

[@sonicstate]

cant do much about that - we moved!

[@philbrown8181]

I've had a minibrute for a while, along with a Vermono Lancet Mono, DSi Tetra and MFB Microzwerg and it's head and shoulders the most limited synth of the lot. If you like the tone of it in the review get one, but that tone is tough to get away from. Whilst its CV ins and outs are handy, if I had my money again, I'd buy a bass-station-2. Sorry :-(

[@thepauloapo]

From that list, the one synth I wouldn't call very versatile is the monolancet. And you really think minibrute is more limited than that, with multimode filter, sub osc and all?

[@philbrown8181]

No. I don't think it is. I know it is. This from using both for some while. A sub osc is not a second VCO, which the Vermona Mono Lancet has, and the ability to gap and detune two different wave forms is the basis of most rich analogue sounds. The Minibrute only has one VCO - yes it's clever, but it is only one, and the MB always sounds correspondingly thin. As for the Steiner-Parker multi-mode filter, it is as musical as the Sound-on-Sound review suggests - aka 'not very'. I'm sorry if you got upset, but I own both, and this is my experience based on using them for some time. Of course YMMV, and if you like the MB 'sound' then it is for you. If you asked me to choose between the two, I'd pick my Waldorf Blofeld, or JV-1010 + various boards.

[@thepauloapo]

Phil Brown Who said I'm upset? You have every right to be wrong on all counts. Enjoy your fat JV, lol.

[@philbrown8181]

Do try to calm down sonny. Why don't you go and buy a mono lancet and a minibrute, use them both for a month in the real world, and then at least you'll have an informed opinion, and you can decide which one you'd keep based on the sounds each can make. Of course the nasal, thin and vaguely irritating sound of the minibrute may be your 'style'... 'lol'...

[@thepauloapo]

Phil Brown In my uninformed opinion, it stacks up nicely next to my vintage SEM, which is a HAIRY BALLSY MONSTER, not to mention my collection of modern analogs. I liked the lancet too, but I found I did find it too limited for a 2 osc synth, and that was my only observation. Much fatter than the bass station, though. In the end I just think it's great there's so much of the good stuff these days.

[@badinibeats5939]

i sold mine :( i gotta get one again

[@blackbeltbeatdown]

Is the casing metal like the Minibrute or is it plastic?

[@Leon-bv8ug]

Thank you for your great reviews!

[@Synthematix]

cracking little synth this, gonna have to buy one