Arturia MicroFreak Hybrid Synthesizer

Devised for experimentation, the Arturia MicroFreak hybrid synth transcends conventional barriers with its compact form factor, wavetable synthesis and digital oscillators with analog filters. Unapologetically nonconformist, the 25-key MicroFreak brandishes a one-of-a-kind poly-aftertouch flat keyboard��which isn��t even technically a keyboard; it��s a PCB (printed circuit board). And that��s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to its creativity-fueling quirks. MicroFreak is loaded with exotic tone-shaping controls, offers off-the-wall settings that add a calculated element of randomness to your patterns, and even lets you customize your signal chain in a way that nothing else in its class can compare to��no cumbersome patch bay needed. Find your sound and let your freak flag fly with MicroFreak.

Radicalize Your Creativity

Don��t let its cutesy, compact size fool you. If you��re looking to kickstart your creativity, Arturia MicroFreak is the ultimate X factor��adding it to your artistic arsenal is like having dozens of synths at the ready. MicroFreak��s formidable synth engine boasts modes such as Harmonic OSC and KarplusStrong, and along with three granular engines, it��s primed to launch your creative output into uncharted territory. Physical modeling, virtual analog and sample playback may be the proverbial icing on the cake��but there are other bells and whistles that keep things interesting. Whether you��re an eager beginner or a seasoned synth master, MicroFreak will have you discovering something new every time you play.

Ride the Wavetable

By now, it should come as no surprise that MicroFreak is wonderfully weird. And its PCB ��key�� surface, featuring no moving parts, is a testament to its beautiful peculiarity. The perks? It��s pressure-sensitive and offers poly-aftertouch, which means the extent of your touch will affect how its parameters are manipulated. Also, you can play faster than you could with a conventional keyboard. Pair this with the MicroFreak��s selection of oscillator modes, like Wavetable, as well as a vocoder and additional engines from Mutable Instruments and Noise Engineering, and you��ve got an embarrassment of riches when it comes to sounds at your disposal.

Roll the Dice��Add Some Spice

Consistently deliver a fresh melodic and rhythmic feast with MicroFreak��s spread of automation and sequencing functions, and experiment to taste. Just above the PCB, MicroFreak dishes out an array of options that let you edit notes per step, record up to four automations and rearrange your sequences with the Spice and Dice functions. A capacitive touch strip kicks your kinesthetic creativity up a notch, giving you exceptional control of modulation. A 5x7 modulation matrix at the upper-left-hand corner lets your reorder your signal chain and controls to your liking. With MicroFreak��s host of settings and easy-to-use virtual patchbay, you can prepare your sonic stew, and then deconstruct it and serve it up an entirely different way.

Revolutionize Your Setup

Considering its tiny footprint, MicroFreak seriously outdoes itself. With 512 preset slots, 320 factory presets, 21 oscillator modes, ADSR Envelope and Cycling Envelope, it brings an outsized plethora of possibilities to the table. Its powerful arpeggiator and 64-step sequencer add even more production and performance prowess, and its OLED display shows immediate, clear visual feedback to every parameter adjustment. What��s more, its I/O panel includes USB, clock and MIDI in and out, as well as CV, Gate and Pressure outputs. And 1/4" and 1/8" outs ensure you��re heard wherever you need to be. You could even connect it to an external MIDI controller with more keys for an even-more-extended range of artistic freedom.

Designed in France by engineers with a penchant for the unconventional, the Arturia MicroFreak is an impressive little creative machine that punches well above its weight. Swing by your local Guitar Center and test drive one for yourself. Trying your hand at this cutting-edge synthesizer is sure to open up an alluring new world of musical potential.