Arturia - MiniFreak Algorithmic synthetizer
The Arturia MiniFreak Vocoder is a hybrid analogue/digital synthesiser that doesn't just do binary. This 6-voice keyboard, as curious as it is expressive, combines interactive digital sound engines with analogue filters, and adds a 16-band vocoder driven by a gooseneck microphone. A veritable little sound laboratory in its own right, equally at home generating cybernetic choirs or stirring up your creativity in all directions. With its on-board effects, modulation matrix and sequencer, this MiniFreak is clearly more than just a mini.
Presentation
The 2 on-board digital engines aren't just there for show. With their 31 cumulative oscillator modes, they can work in tandem, manipulate each other, or even engage in duel synthesis-style sound experiments. The whole thing is then sculpted through polyphonic analogue filters and VCAs, combining clinical precision with real warmth.
The modulation matrix allows you to go beyond simple 'creative on/off'. Here you can modulate in rhythm, loop or gentle sonic perversion, with configurable LFOs, cyclic envelopes and a pinch of chaos via the 'Spice & Dice' functions. There's nothing like it for waking up a patch that's a little too quiet or making a bored pad scream.
Designed for both live and studio use, the MiniFreak Vocoder doesn't skimp on stereo outputs and digital effects. There are three slots, each able to accommodate one of the thirteen internal effects: nervous delay, cosmic reverb, spicy distortion... Enough to manipulate your signal without ever leaving your sweet spot.
And if you like clicking as much as playing, the included MiniFreak V takes the synth's architecture in a virtual version. Ideal for keeping in the same hybrid vein from your DAW, recording automations, or preparing a vocoder patch before daring to go live. After all, even machines like to look in the mirror.
Features
Other features
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Arturia MiniFreak Algorithmic synthetizer
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Hybrid analogue/digital vocoder synthesiser
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Polyphony: 6 voices
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Keyboard: 37 velocity-sensitive slim keys with aftertouch
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Sound engines: 2, with a total of 31 oscillator modes
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Cross-processing: motor 2 can process motor 1
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Envelopes per voice: 1 ADSR + 1 cyclic envelope
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LFOs per voice: 2
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Filters: polyphonic analogue
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VCAs: polyphonic analogue
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Digital effects slots: 3 (insert or send), 13 effects available
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LFO curves: customisable
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Modulation matrix: 7 sources, 13 destinations
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Sequencer: 64 steps (4 pages of 16 steps)
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Automated modulation: 4 tracks
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Arpeggiator: Ratchet, Octave Randomize, etc. controls
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Factory presets: 256
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User presets: 256
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Display: OLED
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Connections :
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USB: USB-B
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MIDI In / Out / Thru: 3x DIN 5-pin
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Clock In/Out : mini-Jack ∅3,5 mm
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Audio outputs : 2x Jack ∅6,35 mm
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Audio input : Jack ∅6,35 mm
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Sustain pedal : Jack ∅6,35 mm
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300 mm gooseneck microphone supplied
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Power supply: mains adapter supplied
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Supplied with: USB-B⭢USB-C cable, getting started guide, recording card
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Software included: MiniFreak V (virtual mirror instrument)
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Dimensions: 578 x 231 x 55 mm
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Weight: 3.28 kg
To find out more...
And why not connect a drum machine via the audio input? Your grooves will gain in vocal depth, and your sessions in assumed strangeness.
In the studio, the MiniFreak Vocoder slips perfectly into a sound design or soundtrack setup. It goes particularly well with an external tape delay or a creative looper, to elongate textures and pile up layers of modulated vocals like a science-fiction millefeuille.
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Founded in 1999 in Grenoble, Arturia is a French brand known for its innovative electronic musical instruments. Specializing in analog and software synthesizers, Arturia has gained popularity among musicians with iconic products like the MiniBrute, MatrixBrute, and MicroFreak. The brand also excels in analog modeling software with its V Collection, faithfully reproducing classic synthesizers. Arturia caters to both professionals and amateurs, offering creative and intuitive solutions for music production, recording, and live performance, while staying at the forefront of sound innovation.
