Cool to read the last two posts. I’m a long time Microfreak owner. I also own a Minifreak. I love both of them. Each has something the other doesn’t have, which always makes them keepers. The Minifreak doesn’t have an Amount knob for the cycling envelope like the Microfreak has. Plus there’s the user wave, sample, and grains engines.
I love the portability of the Microfreak. I use a 12” left angle USB cable connected to a small charger, so the USB connector on the Microfreak is well protected from any strain, and I’m free to move around with it wherever without getting tangled up or damaging anything from wire snags. With a lightweight pair of Bose portable headphones with a short cord, it’s really comfortable and convenient, even on the couch. It’s good anywhere, especially with a portable speaker. When they’re both fully charged, there’s more than enough hours of playtime before needing a recharge, as long as I’m not powering anything else but the Microfreak.
I returned my Microfreak because the keyboard didn’t work consistently with my skin. Bizarre.
I really liked the sound of it.
Fortunately the VST version sounds identical so you have that option with any keyboard
For better or worse, I prefer hardware. I might get the bigger one.
That’s often a grounding issue, and using the included power adapter rather than USB or a third-party one may fix it.
I’m surprised they never made a Microfreak Module without the capacitive keys.
Or perhaps a Minifreak one with a more compact layout (square).
I found this video great https://youtu.be/HLlZCCm8cJ0
No affiliate. Found this on Thomans 70y sale today. Cheaper than the stellar version and includes Arturia Chorus JUN-6 software
The Blue knobs look amazing
I have both Microfreak (purchased ages ago) and the Minifreak (got earlier this year).
I wanted the polyphony and extra modulation, and the performance macros and touch step sequencer.
I still use both units a lot during sessions, partly because you can’t port patches across (yet!) and I’ve got a load of solid bass, lead and sequence patches on the Microfreak.
The touch button for “hold” on the Microfreak is in a much better position than the clicky button on the Minifreak… I can use one hand on the Microfreak to setup an arp/chord and press the hold button with the same hand far more easily. It being a touch button is also nicer for me.
Having the 2 sequences per patch on the Microfreak is another great aspect that makes me keep it. I really wish the Minifreak had this too.
One other final semi-whinge about the sequencer on the Minifreak (and on other Arturia gear like the MB-2S that I also own) - why can we set end step, but NOT start step?? I love knocking up a random pattern then finding a bit within it to use in a short 1 or 2 bar loop, and having the option to set the start step (like on my Zaquencer) is super useful to find nuggets of gold, and do live shifts to mess with the pattern / break the groove.
The granular & sample stuff is great too, as is the vocoder so they are both definitely staying!
So I’m picking up a microfreak this weekend and have a midi question. My setup will be as follows:
Audio
Microfreak >> Digitone >> Polyend Tracker >> Speakers
Midi
Polyend Tracker out >> Microfreak in >> Microfreak out/thru >> Digitone in
My question is, will i be able to use the Microfreak as a controller for the Digitone while midi thru is on.
I hope this makes sense. Quite new to all this.
Thanks in advance.
Well I just learned something new tonight: the “thru” option on the MicroFreak actually merges the incoming MIDI data.
Typically:
- MIDI Out = data from this device only.
- MIDI Thru = forwards any received data from other devices, and does not output any data from the current device.
But since the MicroFreak merges data, the MIDI setup you listed should actually work.
For audio, I highly recommend that you use a balanced (TRS) cable to connect the MicroFreak to the Digitone input, rather than an unbalanced (TS) “instrument” cable.
I will say that the MicroFreak (and Arturia synths in general) doesn’t make the best MIDI controller, since you cannot assign CCs to the encoders, and the local on/off toggle is buried in the menus.
But it works in a pinch if you want something closer to a more traditional key layout, with pitch bend and velocity/aftertouch.
Excellent. Really appreciate your in depth answer. Fingers crossed it all goes to plan.
I think you can set the thru behavior in the settings and change that behavior.
Oh, so you can.
There are options to merge:
- Keyboard + MIDI
- Keyboard + USB
- Keyboard + Both
I had completely overlooked this.
I think I already know the answer is no, but can the microfreak function as a poly aftertouch controller for another synth with poly AT?
Yes, MicroFreak can be used as a poly aftertouch keyboard.
That’s weird, I’ve been trying to use mine as a controller for my MPC One + and I haven’t any success with it.
Are there any plugin synths in the MPC that support polyphonic aftertouch?
I assumed so, but now I’m not sure… I tried searching for an answer but didn’t find any useful information