Why all the hype about the Arturia MicroFreak?

[@Notsram77]

The Microfreak was my first step into synthesized music, and it was the gateway into electronic music for me. I absolutely love it.

[@willswitchcraft]

Glad to hear that. Yeah, it's a 'gateway drug' instrument

[@CatFish107]

​@willswitchcraft Help! I have a serious touchplate habit now, and can't afford a music easel. 😢

[@willswitchcraft]

thanks for your comment

[@rayderrich]

All the MicroFreaks on the second-hand market come from people who own no good effects pedals or DAW effects. Great talk, Sir!

[@willswitchcraft]

It's always interesting to learn why people decide to unload a piece of gear.......I agree - once you add effects, this synth seems to have a lot of killer features and a diverse tonal range, at least at this price point.........thanks for the comment

[@opaknack5997]

True

[@the_washington_monument_am9714]

An excellent and characteristically thoughtful look at the Microfreak. Appreciate the SOUNDS I HATE segment- far too often reviewers will cherry pick only the good stuff. Thanks Will!

[@willswitchcraft]

thanks for watching.....................and the kind comment

[@ProfessorSynth]

Great Microfreak demo Will. The Deluge integration is interesting. Thanks for posting.

[@willswitchcraft]

So far, I've been quite happy. I very rarely buy anything, so it's always a bit of a leap of faith....(not the $ aspect, just the commitment to learn and integrate a new piece of gear, as I have relatively little time for music these days)

[@tedstahl3794]

Will - As someone who remembers playing the Emax, the Wavestation, the M1, and the D-50 back when they were released when we used to have local music stores, we knew how important good presets were. The first patch upon powering up an instrument was that chance to get your attention. The next few patches were meant to inspire you to show you that you could make music with that board. I had that experience with the Hydrasynth when I played it at Knobcon in 2019. I know that you're a fan of the Access Virus instruments. (I have a TI2 Desktop.) The Virus has an absurd number of impressive presets that will blow you away. I was really impressed with many of the original presets on the Novation Summit as well. (And you mentioned built-in effects - the Virus and the Summit have some spectacular effects.) Yet many synths use their presets more to show the functions of an instrument and that potential instead of showcasing useful patches for composition. I think many of the presets on the MicroFreak fall into that category. I got my MicroFreak when it came out for the original price of $299. Since all the upgrades have been free, that turned out to be a pretty impressive investment. My first thought upon pulling it out of the box was that if felt cheap and like a toy. I was truly disappointed holding it in my hands. However, it quickly won me over when I plugged it in and began to explore its sonic palate. Many of those open source Mutable Instruments oscillator engines are exceptional! I already had a MatrixBrute (and I still do). As spoiled as I was with the modulation matrix on that extraordinary instrument, I was blown away with how effective and easy to use the matrix implementation was on the MiniFreak. Turning the knob to select which row/column for your modulation route and then clicking the same knob to access the negative or positive modulation amount was truly brilliant and refreshingly simple to use. Finally, I have to commend Arturia for the use of the analog SEM style filter. For such a tiny instrument, they packed a tremendous amount of power and versatility in that little board. Heck, one of the things that first drew me to it was the contact keyboard. I was looking for something that could provide me an interesting way to engage with my newly-built Eurorack modular system and looking at a similar touch panel solution from Make Noise would have cost me much more and wouldn't have had a sound engine let alone an analog filter. This little instrument fills several needs and, as you so aptly stated, it INSPIRES! Always a delight to see you post another video. Keep up the great work! Peace.

[@willswitchcraft]

What a great and detailed comment. I hope you're uploading your own videos to inform people, as it seems like you have a great command of the gear, and enough history to be able to put things in perspective...............Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to respond.

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

@@tedstahl3794 also a big Hydrasynth fan here 🎵

[@AetherEar]

Hey Will, I was thinking exactly the same thing for years about the pitch strip limitation for sending MIDI out. Thanks to you mentioning it, I did a quick search and found a Reddit post showing that in sequencer mode, when Spice (but I guess Dice too) are enabled, the pitch strip sends CC2 (mod wheel). Nice!

[@willswitchcraft]

thanks for your comment............I've only had the Freak for a week, so I'm sure I'll learn a lot more about it's strengths and limitations over the next while

[@viljamiroivas]

Oh yes, you got one! Exactly same thoughts at first, it sounds terrible... but then.. after some exploration.., it's still my most used synth, and I love it! And when I started to make my own sounds with it, it's so fun! And making sounds without any external effects, and then apply some, it's a new level! Great with sound design and live playing! And combined with modular system! Nice to hear your thoughts about it!

[@willswitchcraft]

I definitely thought about you when I began looking at one.....Glad that we're even more in sync now..............

[@viljamiroivas]

@@willswitchcraft That is so heart warming to hear..! We have quite the same base now... And also, I watched lot of your videos, when I was considering buying the soma cosmos... I think, we have gone some kind of circle here...

[@willswitchcraft]

Yeah, just a few thousand miles in the way.........................

[@willesplin]

I think a better way to think about the MicroFreak is that it's a Eurorack system squeezed into a synth form factor. Now you could technically say that about any synthesizer, but it's particularly true of the MF approach with all of its various oscillators (including ones from Noise Engineering and Mutable Instruments [so literally from Eurorack]) but also its emphasis on the mod matrix (which is basically patching modulators), touch plates (more common in Eurorack set ups), arp/sequencer, and randomization (the spice/dice functions).

[@willesplin]

Oh, and I didn't even mention the CV outs!

[@willswitchcraft]

That's a great perspective............thanks for weighing in with that comment

[@willswitchcraft]

right, but that almost goes without saying

[@TheOligoclonalBand]

I got a used Microfreak today. I am a guitarist and I can't wait to send it through my pedals and see what I can do with this little synth. Thanks for this video.

[@willswitchcraft]

Cooooool. Yeah, pedals make all the difference - making it stereo and immersing it in fx really breathes life into it....

[@TheOligoclonalBand]

@@willswitchcraft The Microfreak goes very well with the Ambient settings for my guitar. I just tried it and it’s really easy to get great sounds.

[@willswitchcraft]

glad to hear it.

[@jon_gee]

Love it. Your talk videos are so good!! Excellent look at the Microfreak.

[@willswitchcraft]

thanks J

[@image66media]

I have some incredible synths (Hydrasynth, Pro3, Moog, etc), and a whole lineup of Rolands, but the very last synth I’d get rid of would be the MicroFreak. One thing I did do, though, is get it skinned with a “Moog Inspired” overlay that took care of my visual confusion and made the matrix much easier to use as everything is color-coded. BTW, if you haven’t done so, do make sure you have the latest firmware installed (along with the new generation of presets) as new functionality is being added with each version.

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

Could you provide a link to that skin, please? 🙂

[@willswitchcraft]

Great info, thanks v much

[@adeevision1297]

I use it all the time as my main synth , couple it up with the mod dwarf adds beautiful effects to it . Its also great for taking to gigs as its light .

[@willswitchcraft]

I'll have to check out the Mod Dwarf............thanks..............yeah, I did a couple of long experimental sessions with it last night......I was very impressed with where it took me................

[@adeevision1297]

@@willswitchcraft The great thing about the mod dwarf is its not just a effects pedal you can have multiple different effects and soft synths which can be controlled by midi. Thereby layering sounds !

[@willswitchcraft]

Yeah, I've been watching videos today.....very interesting

[@m.g.kroger]

Excellent, now I understand better what a real experience with the MF is. Thanx! All my best wishes!

[@willswitchcraft]

Great to hear from you, ....hope all's well

[@leo6106]

My first and only synth(for now). Way more funny to play than to listen it, yet still no regrets on buying it

[@willswitchcraft]

Thanks for your comment. I agree, it's really a cool piece of gear.

[@WAVAPE]

I have the mini freak and i LOVE it. It is a stereo synth and has a traditional keybed and a mod wheel

[@willswitchcraft]

So I understand......and it has effects! ....thanks for your comment

[@WrathOfWood]

this thing rules its my first "real" synth. I've been using it as a drum machine by modulating the sample files with the keys, then programming it into the sequencer.

[@willswitchcraft]

sounds like a cool approach

[@WMSFLL]

Nice video... the preset packs for it from Ultimate Patches makes this synth a lot more fun and useable. Biggest frustration I have is the display and how difficult it is to navigate presets.

[@willswitchcraft]

I'll have to start checking out other patch banks, thanks.....yeah, the small display is frustrating for me (my eyesight is shit).....thanks for weighing in.....

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

The patch bay alone, is very powerful, and unique. Use a Zoom Multi Stomp pedal with it, and you are set.

[@willswitchcraft]

agreed........modulate and add fx..........endlesssss fun

[@DruNature]

Im gonna get one as my first synth, I had a dream about one last night so I think the decision is made! I have some outboard reverb and delay already so this should be fine, I cannot wait to try the sampler as well. But the thing that really sold me over a Behringer Model d or pro-1 or a monologue or Roland boutique, all of which are to be had for around the same price is the sequencer and keyboard along with the multi functionality and updates.

[@willswitchcraft]

All good points. If you had a dream, that's a pretty solid sign.......(I keep forgetting about all the Behringer gear, in a similar price range). I haven't spent much time with the sequencer, but have heard some good stuff on video uploads here.....thanks for the comment

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

I have them all, and I can tell you, you won't be disappointed with the Microfreak 🙂

[@willswitchcraft]

cool....thanks for adding to the conversation here

[@willswitchcraft]

Cool, thanks for adding your voice to the conversation

[@Distortic]

I agree the factory patches left alot to be desired, i felt like many of them are the literal UNSWEET spot of how I would like a paticular patch. That in turn encourages tweaking where people explore its very straightforward interface. I borrowed one for a month from friend and loved it so much i bought a minifreak only to return the minifreak in a week. I actually preferred the micro to the mini despite its significantly more limited polyphony.

[@willswitchcraft]

That's very interesting to hear (having never used a MiniFreak myself)......thanks for adding your voice to the conversation.

[@Helios33]

right on so helpful and well done

[@willswitchcraft]

thanks H33

[@kurtwestphal2513]

It’s my favorite synth for sure. To me, it behaves more like an acoustic instrument than any of my others. Make sure to lick your finger tips periodically to get the most out of the keyboard!

[@willswitchcraft]

Interesting tip, thanks............I'll check it out

[@trevor_mounts_music]

I was so hyped on it I sold it like two years ago. I was never impressed by the sonics of this one, even with good effects. Hell of a lot of fun to play - love the arpeggiator and the keys are really expressive, but It never really did anything for me I couldn't get out of Surge XT, Serum etc.

[@willswitchcraft]

Understood, but to me, there's always something exciting about working with hardware. I've got a pretty serious Omnisphere addiction, but it doesn't stop me from working with physical synths, even though the sonic palette is far more restrictive......

[@paularsenault9299]

While you may not find the presents all that pleasing...they can be instructional in that you can view the mod matrix and determine how they were created...useful learning tool

[@willswitchcraft]

Yes, you are the second person to point that out. Thanks. You're quite right, the factory presets do help to indicate what the synth is capable of, and therefore, how to get those sounds.

[@kalmarnagyandras]

I love mine. It is the best first synth because it's so versatile. You start playing with it, and find what you're into. You're always using the FM engine? Well your second synth could be something FM based with way more capability and depth. You keep making bass sounds? Maybe get a Moog for a second synth, and so on. And absolutely combine it with effects!

[@willswitchcraft]

All good points.......thanks

[@jazzad]

At any point, pressing thrice on the preset knob leads you to a blank page. It's an interesting way to start building.

[@willswitchcraft]

Wow. That's a great tip. So glad you left the comment.

[@jazzad]

@@willswitchcraft the way you control de Deluge from the Freak was awesome

[@willswitchcraft]

Yeah, I'm really happy to be able to get more expression out of the Deluge.....worth the purchase price right there

[@naoarte808]

Love mine. Really want a minifreak now, as it's so nice to play just as a keyboard, and I want more than two octaves.

[@willswitchcraft]

Yeah, so much gear, so little time (and money)

[@naoarte808]

@@willswitchcraft yep. When I started down this road I bought a small mixer. Deliberately. Thought it would prevent me from buying too much stuff. Didn’t work. 🥺

[@willswitchcraft]

Don't get me started on G.A.S.

[@eamfos]

This is helpful ... I find so many "Microfreaks" in second hand sale...and i was curious. Thank you for sharing your opinion.

[@willswitchcraft]

I realize that not every one is going to think they're great, but they certainly push you to explore

[@eamfos]

@@willswitchcraft I like those instruments.

[@willswitchcraft]

glad to hear that, thanks for checking out the video......you might have to pick one of these up used, cheap!?

[@eamfos]

@@willswitchcraft the prices are from 200 to 260 euros...good prices i have to say but i m thinking of going into semimodular - like Elmyra 2 - Make noise 0 coast - Ms20 Korg etc...most expensive instruments but i think they are more interesting

[@willswitchcraft]

I've never delved into the Modular world. I think part of it is that I could potentially see my self getting immersed and lost in that whole world. I'm truly intrigued, but right now, my life is so busy that I rarely get to spend and serious amount of time doing music. (I heard someone say once that people into Modular, and people into synthesizer programming in general are all single, just hanging out in their spare room or bedroom with headphones on all day - I'm not sure if that's accurate at all, or funny, or just plain rude, but I remembered it because it seemed to resonate on some level)

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

Well, because it is an awesome synth. Love it so much, I bought two ⚡🎹⚡

[@willswitchcraft]

it would be cool if you could place them side by side to extend the keyboard

[@kurtwestphal2513]

You can, I do it with two. Midi out from one to the one you want to hear, and change the octave settings. You get a doubled up c in the middle, but it doesn’t bother me.

[@willswitchcraft]

so cooooooool........................You're a DoubleFreak

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

@@willswitchcraft The Dynamic Duo 😊

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

@@kurtwestphal2513 thanks for the tip 😊

[@kinetic-cybernetic]

You hit the nail in the head when you explain the rationale behind no FX. Even Trentemoller has a MF video and he showcases it with a bunch of FX pedals. I was like, no, the magic of this piece is not about that.

[@willswitchcraft]

I agree......FX elevate any sound, but it's not essential to have them built in, especially if you're trying to offer a low priced offering

[@C64SX]

I never got why some people complained about the keyboard. A synth in that price category would get a very mediocre keyboard. Instead you get something that opens up new possibilities in how you shape the sounds. Getting a decent midi keyboard is easy and not very expensive. Buying something like the MicroFreak keyboard separately isn't as easy, especially for the price you pay for the whole unit. I love that keyboard. Regarding the odd sounding patches, I see those more as a way to study how they managed to create that sound. Dive into the matrix and see what they combined, and in the process learn something you perhaps hadn't thought of before. Cheers!

[@willswitchcraft]

Wonderful comments. thanks. I agree, the keyboard is unusual and is a big part of how you interact with the technology. I am liking it more and more, so perhaps it's just people's first impressions that we're hearing the negative comments from. If you don't like the feel, you can so easily control it with whatever MIDI/synth keyboard you already own and just use it as a sound module. I understand what you're saying about the sounds. I do sometimes deconstruct presets to simplify the learning curve, however my main complaints on the factory presets would be more specifically: 1) don't use so many arpeggiators/sequences. It's great to hear what those can do, but they can also detract from the other complexities of the patch......and 2) if you use too many samples in the factory presets, you're just using the simplest way to get an unusual sound. Once people understand that they can upload their own samples, they'll be able to use them as a starting point to create patches more suited to their own musical styles/genres........that said, I agree that they can showcase aspects of the architecture, sound sources, etc. Also, for people who aren't experienced programmers, they allows people to perhaps find something that they're excited and inspired by right out of the box.........Glad you took the time to watch and add your voice to the conversation.

[@alexeykurilo4381]

Great video. Can that aftertouch movements be recorded in sequencer?

[@willswitchcraft]

I'm not sure, very good question........................I'm still new with this

[@alexeykurilo4381]

@@willswitchcraft i meant not in the microfreak's sequencer, to external sequencer.

[@willswitchcraft]

I suspect that most MIDI sequencers are capable of recording all MIDI data, velocity, aftertouch, modulation, etc. if they're configured properly.....perhaps there's an Arturia Users Forum that you could post on, to get more details?

[@alexeykurilo4381]

@@willswitchcraft who nows)

[@ulfjohannesson8036]

I agree, not being able to assign the ribbon for other parameters is one of the weakest points. I do hope it will come in a firmware update.

[@willswitchcraft]

Agreed. the capacitive keyboard is great, but something which would allow us to add something and leave it functioning would be useful, (like an old school mod wheel)

[@markfdesimone]

Does the microfreak have both velocity sensitivity *and* the capacitive touch? I have one, but didn't realize there was velocity sensitivity.

[@willswitchcraft]

Yes, it responds to both.....there are settings in the Utility menu (under Global) and then, I guess you'd want to make sure that you have something assigned to those things, using the Mod Matrix, under Press (pressure) for example

[@WAVAPE]

are you splitting the mono output to stereo? because the presets sound like they are missing stereo field information. The effects on the micro freak presets may add stereo info. The presets might sound much better in stereo (Mono TRS to Stereo TRS)

[@willswitchcraft]

There's only a MONO output on the MicroFreak. In one part of the video, I'm using the Deluge as a sound source, which is stereo and includes lots of effects

[@WAVAPE]

@@willswitchcraft im saying try playing the micro freak presets through a stereo device by splitting the microfreaks mono with a TRS mono to TRS stereo cable. they should sound alot better

[@willswitchcraft]

I'll give it a try......thanks

[@oaklandghosts0510]

Nice review.

[@willswitchcraft]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jantuitman]

I have the minifreak. What I think is a big pity is that while the minifreak has fx and polyphony, the samples still haven’t been ported over, so no granular. Also: the filter seems pretty tame, I can hardly use it unless I add a compressor as fx afterwards, there is no filter drive. And while the minifreak is stereo, it becomes only stereo through the fx, there is no oscillator panning. It would be lice if Arturia made a big freak, a non budget non compromised addition to the freak line.

[@willswitchcraft]

All very good points. Thanks for weighing in with that info. I have no real understanding of the MiniFreak. It looks like Arturia is really trying to satisfy a very broad range of users, from beginners to pros.......

[@jonathanjacquet4628]

I love your cave 🔥

[@willswitchcraft]

thanks, hidden away in the Canadian Wilderness

[@dp6314]

Does the minifreak do everything the micro freak does and MORE?

[@willswitchcraft]

It is stereo, has effects, more voices, etc., however some users complain that they prefer the vibe of the keyboard on the Freak

[@НонэймНоластнэйм]

mini freak has not CV/gate/pressure out

[@willswitchcraft]

7:07 It has those outputs

[@floydhopkins7901]

The mouth noises sound like this is supposed to be some kind of asmr

[@willswitchcraft]

Yeah.............Oops...should have drank a glass of water before recording (I'm guessing that you're listening on headphones!?)

[@Steph_7d7]

I just saw a used one for 249+ tax in canada, if i didnt already have one i would have picked it up. Fun synth, my only issue is that arturia should up the polyphony to 6 voices in a firmware update, i dont want a minifreak at all, just a 6 voice microfreak.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Probably exactly why they haven’t/won’t …

[@willswitchcraft]

there are always trade offs I find, even with higher priced gear, but I understand how you feel

[@kierenmoore3236]

@@Steph_7d7 reminds me of Roland with all their 4-voice versions of 6 voice classic synths … 😏 Products being hamstrung to maintain product tiering etc is frustrating

[@gminorcoles]

I have a micro freak sitting on a shelf and I got the mini freak V and really regret buying it.

[@willswitchcraft]

thanks for adding your perspective to the conversation

[@tassobear]

FIRST! lol and here I am! Biggest fan and can't wait for your videos, of course your amazing music!

[@willswitchcraft]

Awesome.....glad you got here first!

[@tassobear]

@@willswitchcraft Thank you, I try.

[@moonandmelodies]

Very funny gear! 👍

[@willswitchcraft]

Yeah, it's ODD

[@interstellarhijackers-offi3914]

Hello Will! I actually owned one of those back in time when they first came out, But I was completely disappointed by the very low quality of the sound. So I bring it back the same week.Yes it offers lots of fun to play and explore but the sound is HORRIBLE to me!

[@willswitchcraft]

an interesting point of view..........even though it has some cool features, I guess there's one irrefutable truth: 'you get what you pay for' ...and this little box is very cheap

[@interstellarhijackers-offi3914]

@@willswitchcraft Yes, you are right! But why do they build such machines? It looks to me like a waste of materials, a very interesting concept to come to a poor final product. The design of the STELLAR is looking very cool to me too, the keyboard also has its charm, overall I liked the MICROFREAK, unfortunately the sound surprises me very unpleasant like I said. There was a moment when I started to suspect my ears...am I deaf?. Also it isn't so cheap, there are some way more pro-souding synts under the price range of €300, See some of the Behringer stuff for example. I think it's a big mistake to make suffering sound because of the flexibility and modulation options.

[@hollywood4834]

Microfreak is one of my favourite synths of all time, and I’ve owned and used *a lot* over the last two decades. You can make it sound bad, but that’s true of any synth with deep modulation options. Plus, the updates have made it into a very different and much more powerful device than arrived on launch day, and I got mine early too.

[@willswitchcraft]

Thanks, all good points. I always seem to forget about Behringer

[@willswitchcraft]

Good points. Interesting how some people love the MicroFreak, and some people really dislike it

[@EmergenceDelirium]

I bought my microfreak at a Music Go Round store in Duluth MN 18 months ago for $250. Once I convinced Arturia that I'm its new rightful owner, I was able to update to Ver. 5 which, btw, didn't make it any easier for me to figure out this deceptively simple-looking instrument. 😵‍💫😵‍💫 Anyone getting one of these and later are disappointed over its not having effects: well, ADD SOME! 😀😆

[@willswitchcraft]

Agreed - add the type of effects that suit your workflow and genres, etc. 'Deceptively simple' - so true.....thanks for the comment

[@joegrant413]

Sold mine after a couple of years because the sounds were meh. Love the form factor and control design.

[@willswitchcraft]

Interesting - thanks for adding your voice to the conversation......

[@quantum_ocean]

Should have got a MiniFreak. It’s better is many ways.

[@willswitchcraft]

I understand the differeces fully. Unfortunately, if you look at some of my other videos, my 'ambient, pedal powered' synth set up is very limited in size, so I'm always looking for some of the rare small gear that I can build into it......................

[@quantum_ocean]

“[keyboard Very original very unique” Actually the keyboard can be found on a 1973 Buchla as well 😂

[@willswitchcraft]

I understand. My best friend has a Buchla Easel....................And I'm aware of the other companies using these as well.....

[@es.ist.in.meiner.Seele.]

You're absolutely right, Can you dig it,skinny puppy

[@willswitchcraft]

Skinny Puppy? The project from Vancouver decades ago?

[@Pighood]

Most of those drawbacks are eliminated by the Minifreak

[@willswitchcraft]

Yeah, you're not the first to mention that. Thanks for weighing in on the conversation

[@KiR_3d]

IMHO MiniFreak was a mistake. They should stick to MicroFreak 's design and expand it. But Arturia just removed these great " buchla-style keys" and put that cheapo toyish keys which can be excused for Keystep but not here! Also my ears tells me that MicroFreak 's filter sounds way better than MiniFreak 's. In the MiniFreak version it sounds almost like a usual VST plugin. Maybe I'm wrong, correct me then.

[@willswitchcraft]

I have no personal experience with the MiniFreak, but I hear what you're saying and agree. To me, if they'd added some of the features from the MiniFreak - like digital effects, stereo outs, etc. and kept the capacitive key bed, I think it would have made a lot more sense. It could have been a big brother, or perhaps (The SuperFreak?!) By adding a 'normal' keyboard, it becomes less of a unique offering, and begins to merge into the direction of their other synths, and the mass of other small, entry level (or at least expensive) synths out there........

[@KiR_3d]

@@willswitchcraft exactly!

[@НонэймНоластнэйм]

I sold it a couple of months after I bought it, everything is great about it except its sound, boring plastic sound like a cheap children's synthesizer, sorry if I offended anyone

[@willswitchcraft]

Don't worry about offending anyone on my account. It's great to hear people's honest opinions. Honesty is important (it's not like you're shit talking a person!?) Thanks for adding your voice to the conversation.

[@SVSV-s8z]

Not multi timbral and no effects , no thanks

[@唐人街快车]

I didn't buy it. 🤓

[@willswitchcraft]

not for everyone..................(nothing is)

[@tassobear]

Holy smoke! You getting a lot of response. Sure it will get way way more. Your context is just like nothing else. It shows your years of experience by hands on work and experimenting.

[@willswitchcraft]

such a great comment......thanks v much

[@tassobear]

No Will, thank you for being such a nice guy!

[@tassobear]

the graphics are great! Why not adding a bit of character do it! You are right.

[@willswitchcraft]

Agreed.........it really feels more creative

[@ulfjohannesson8036]

I was a bit in two minds about the picture graphics at first, but I've come to like them. But the texts on the touch button strip are damn hard to read. They should have been clear white or at least a bright offwhite.

[@willswitchcraft]

I hear you. On the other hand, once we become familiar with a new synth, we generally don't need to read those labels anymore. I wonder if it might be a cool idea to have large type on stickers, which can be removed once we are familiar with all the functions.............

[@ulfjohannesson8036]

@@willswitchcraft to put on some removable stickers could be an okay work around, if you want't to use it on stage or other places with bad light. Or you just have non optimal eyesight. Or one could do like Stephin Merrit of The Magnetic Fields does on their current tour - he has a magnifying glass on a stand above his MicroFreak :-)

[@willswitchcraft]

Very interesting ideas. Frankly, having done a lot of touring on 'the big stage', I would never take a piece of gear like this on the road. The build quality just isn't at the pro level...........thanks for the comment