Arturia Microfreak: Are we living in a golden age for standalone synths?

In this video, I talk about the Arturia Microfreak - a hybrid synth that takes some of its DNA from modular synth world. More info here: www.arturia.com/products/hard...
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Пікірлер: 324

  • @zapptuff5186
    @zapptuff51862 жыл бұрын

    I'm disabled and this is the first 'keyboard' I can actually play without horrible pain. I'm so happy, I can finally try music like I wanted

  • @TheNinja94a

    @TheNinja94a

    Жыл бұрын

    As someone who plays piano (badly, I don't even have hand independence), I initially wasn't used to the velocity pads, but they're extremely useful.

  • @c4shguy224

    @c4shguy224

    Жыл бұрын

    I think you can use the microfreak keyboard to control other synths too

  • @Terrible_Peril

    @Terrible_Peril

    Жыл бұрын

    @@c4shguy224 YES! and it makes a great physical controller for unique software synths like Animoog (and Animoog Z) that have virtual little touch strip pads very much just like the Arturia

  • @stefanwangcho8716

    @stefanwangcho8716

    Жыл бұрын

    I know it's been awhile but I still hope you've found success and are having fun

  • @zapptuff5186

    @zapptuff5186

    Жыл бұрын

    @@stefanwangcho8716 it's still very much baby steps as I have only a bit of spare time outside of university work but I am greatly enjoying what I am able to work on. Many thanks for your kind and encouraging comment ^^

  • @craftedworkshop
    @craftedworkshop2 жыл бұрын

    I don't need another synth, I don't need another synth, I don't need another synth.... After watching this video, I might need another synth.

  • @TheRealTeebz

    @TheRealTeebz

    2 жыл бұрын

    the Microfreak is bound to appear on every synthesists rack.

  • @HOLLASOUNDS

    @HOLLASOUNDS

    2 жыл бұрын

    What synths do you have?

  • @TripleDDDD

    @TripleDDDD

    2 жыл бұрын

    Totally understandable. I never owned a synth, never played one. And even I think I need one now :-)

  • @shaunosby5093

    @shaunosby5093

    2 жыл бұрын

    The G.A.S. is strong with this one. Give in to your feelings…you need another synth…and so do I.

  • @TheNinja94a

    @TheNinja94a

    Жыл бұрын

    This video got me to save up for and buy one. This is my first synth. Amazing.

  • @telephas1c
    @telephas1c3 жыл бұрын

    Just ordered one of these today and I'm in that excited twilight zone where I have to watch endless youtube videos of people messing around with them and reviewing them and such. Pumped..! :) Haha

  • @ryangunwitch-black

    @ryangunwitch-black

    3 жыл бұрын

    Mine arrived last night and my new guitar came today but I'm at work so I'm dying. Lol

  • @Sebastian-er8uf

    @Sebastian-er8uf

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi, I was wondering if the purchase was worth the money. Did you create some great music with the synthesizer? Also seriously interested in buying one

  • @quinxx12

    @quinxx12

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@Sebastian-er8uf although it would be nice to have one or two octaves more on the keyboard, already from cycling through the presets I find myself exploring a wide variety of playstyles and trying to understand the melodic theory behind it. It's really delightful compared to my usual workflow when using software synths like serum which can become quite reptitive, for me at least.

  • @Tokent555

    @Tokent555

    2 жыл бұрын

    I never planned to start learning analog since i’m only into producing for like 10-11 months, but 2 days ago i’ve won a Korg Volca Keys, and now im in the rabbit hole of watching people create sounds and beats with analog 😱😱😱

  • @funknugget6334

    @funknugget6334

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@quinxx12 in the same boat. i think i’ll check it out

  • @mattallison5220
    @mattallison52203 жыл бұрын

    It’s very much a “gateway”. I started with a Microfreak, was so inspired by the modulation matrix that I bought a 4U 62hp pallet case and POOF, a few months later I’ve filled a 7u 104hp performance case... the great thing though is that is a fantastic community around Eurorack and DIY community, half of my modules I built myself. Thanks for the video and good luck!

  • @TheScreamingFrog916
    @TheScreamingFrog9163 жыл бұрын

    The answer is YES! I was into synths since the 1970s, have had many, including Eurorack, and I can easily say that the MicroFreak is amazing, and would much rather have it than a Mini Moog. I like it so much, I have two. Nothing else comes close, for the price. I am also a big fan of the Korg Volca series, love my Model:Cycles, and am a fan of the Behringer synths, like the Deep Mind.

  • @mikeexits

    @mikeexits

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'd also like to add that the Minilogue series is great (I'd call my experience with it magical), and Behringer Neutron is the best intro to modular synthesis I could've asked for. Can't wait to expand it with some modules. Nu:Tekt NTS-1 looks great too, even just as an FX box. Volca Modular and FM get thumbs-ups from me too as "toe-dippers" into their respective styles of synthesis. The Volca FM is a DX7 in a small box plus a nice sequencer considering the form factor, and the Volca Modular is almost like a Buchla Easel in a portable box with a better sequencer plus scale modes and sequencer memory slots + pattern chain.

  • @TheScreamingFrog916

    @TheScreamingFrog916

    2 жыл бұрын

    @UnderBridge Rock I now have the Behringer Poly-D, and love it too, but still thinking the MicroFreak, is more versatile, and better bang for the buck.

  • @seedmole

    @seedmole

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yep, so many people talk as if they wish they grew up in "the golden era of synths" when they're talking about the stone age and we're in the golden era right now.

  • @pixelatedmushroom
    @pixelatedmushroom3 жыл бұрын

    Kudos to them for the actually decent price on this.

  • @hellodavidryan
    @hellodavidryan3 жыл бұрын

    A quick note to say I really appreciate your videos, and the blog content. Please keep it up.

  • @matthewtunnicliffe201
    @matthewtunnicliffe2013 жыл бұрын

    Great demo. This synth is on my possible-next-purchase list, along with several of others - hahaha. There's so much choice at the moment. It is indeed a golden age of synthesizers. There are so many types of synths available, offering different kinds synthesis across numerous price points. We're spoiled for choice really.

  • @NodSquad
    @NodSquad Жыл бұрын

    Just discovered your channel and I just gotta say thank you for making a channel where I can see the greatest collection of synths being played on. its awesome!

  • @justinupchurch1773
    @justinupchurch1773 Жыл бұрын

    I’m so glad you made this. I’ve been wondering about this gorgeous little thing

  • @bkt-n-spd
    @bkt-n-spd3 жыл бұрын

    Really enjoyed this post 👍 The amount of love out there for the Microfreak is thoroughly deserved. Insane amount of modulation options for the price. I personally love the ability to route a slow random/s&h LFO to the wave/timbre and let it evolve and drone away 😎

  • @TheRealTeebz
    @TheRealTeebz2 жыл бұрын

    "Hi. I'm Dave Hilowitz." In such a calming voice too. I love your videos. Not only are the incredibly helpful in my own music creation but I really appreciatte the time and effort you put into each and every one of them. Keep the rock rollin man! :D Cheers.

  • @roberti6433
    @roberti64333 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely love your style, subscribed, and thanks.

  • @intheblink
    @intheblink3 жыл бұрын

    David, you’re great at showcasing these things and, because of your other videos, I trust you opinions and musicality. You may have talked me into running to guitar center tomorrow to grab one of these.

  • @farty555
    @farty5552 жыл бұрын

    I like your approach to music making. YT has been recommending this synth to me and I'm glad it showed me your channel. Subbed for more.

  • @PTQ4Q4Q4Q4
    @PTQ4Q4Q4Q42 жыл бұрын

    This was an awesome video, great intro to whats possible with a small synth

  • @JoshIsMakingMusic
    @JoshIsMakingMusic3 жыл бұрын

    This was a wonderful and informative video. Everything I've seen of the Microfreak is so fascinating, and its popularity shows (I hope) the commercial viability of a synth that's quirky and different.

  • @sumika80
    @sumika802 жыл бұрын

    Very informative exploration of this product. Thank you.

  • @ignatiousignatius
    @ignatiousignatius3 жыл бұрын

    Can confirm. The Microfreak was my gateway drug into modulars 😝 Great video. Thank you!

  • @brick_videos
    @brick_videos3 жыл бұрын

    Great video, love the style & have subscribed!

  • @ayerimvillanueva
    @ayerimvillanueva2 жыл бұрын

    I deeply love my Microfreak and its touching keyboard, I don't need another synth, it has a lot of features that it will make take me a lot of years to explore and learn!!!

  • @calderwood9641
    @calderwood96413 жыл бұрын

    Really well made. Cheers

  • @mathmanmrt
    @mathmanmrt3 жыл бұрын

    in the 16 or 17 months i've had my microfreak i have become such a hude fan of it. right after i got it they updated it to add the noise oscillator and then a few months later came the vocoder update, and most recently the noise engineering update. the sheer depth and complexity provided by the mod matrix is amazing. and the keyboard . . . anyone who complains about wanting "real keys" has clearly not taken the time nor the effort involved in learning how to make good use of them. i wouldn't mind having *more* keys but i find the level of expressiveness available through appropriate use of them to be utterly remarkable. and then there's the price. i can't think of a piece of gear anywhere near the pricepoint of the microfreak that allows for any substantial fraction of its versatility. nice video btw.

  • @LabRatWarfare
    @LabRatWarfare3 жыл бұрын

    Yes, yes we are! Thanks man, nice vid!!

  • @wendelynmusic
    @wendelynmusic Жыл бұрын

    I love my Microfreak. I've had it for a couple years now. I never grow tired of it. and it was so inexpensive. Very unique and very powerful. /oh BTW... the keyboard. the Buchla has this keyboard and has had it since the 70's. When I was in college in the 80's I loved the keyboard on the Buchla because it worked as a keyboard or as just a controller not tied to any pitch. at the time I had never seen an instrument that wasn't tied to pitch. It is the main reason why I fell in love with electronic music.

  • @LA7Rose
    @LA7Rose3 жыл бұрын

    Cool stuff, I just got the moog werkstatt as a birthday present earlier this month for my first analog synthesizer. Synths are weird and fun! We definitely are in the golden age for a couple of things music wise!

  • @DavidHilowitzMusic

    @DavidHilowitzMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Oh, the Werkstatt looks really cool! Have you been enjoying it?

  • @HOLLASOUNDS
    @HOLLASOUNDS2 жыл бұрын

    Yes We are living in a Golden age of stand alone Sythersizors, Micro Korg, Mini Moog, MiniNova, Aturia Micro brute, and on and on. I think it's great.

  • @vaaalsongs4867
    @vaaalsongs48673 жыл бұрын

    Ever since they released the Noise Engineering-oscillators for Microfreak I've been obsessed.

  • @DavidHilowitzMusic

    @DavidHilowitzMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Same!

  • @TheNimasan

    @TheNimasan

    3 жыл бұрын

    absolutely

  • @cyberbird8683
    @cyberbird86833 жыл бұрын

    I was sceptical about this but wow... Great video

  • @blooryonge
    @blooryonge Жыл бұрын

    That's some beautiful beat you created

  • @LesProductionsZvon
    @LesProductionsZvon3 жыл бұрын

    Nice presentation of this great synth! It's the first hardware synth I bought in years. I was out to buy a Keystep but ended up with this instead.

  • @JaleTM
    @JaleTM3 жыл бұрын

    Great video!

  • @amonynous9041
    @amonynous90413 жыл бұрын

    I like the melody you made, it has a bit of aphex twin flavor. Can't wait for my microfreak to arrive.

  • @josipvulic5471
    @josipvulic54712 жыл бұрын

    dust on my MicroFreak, and now, in re-watching this, it will be dust free. Thanks, David!

  • @ChrisHuelsbeckOfficial
    @ChrisHuelsbeckOfficial3 жыл бұрын

    I absolutely love my MicroFreak... I wish they'd make a Pro Version with a real keyboard and I would love to have a plugin version too (Arturia certainly has the expertise to do that - one can only dream... ;)

  • @legniak1

    @legniak1

    2 жыл бұрын

    Can’t you add a real keyboard to it?

  • @pahwraith

    @pahwraith

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@legniak1 you can.

  • @ToyKeeper

    @ToyKeeper

    2 жыл бұрын

    The "pro" version of the Microfreak is called a Hydrasynth. Same designer, different company.

  • @sonomute

    @sonomute

    2 жыл бұрын

    Plugins DO exist, Noise Engineering released few in vst format, plus there are Reason extensions, as for the Mutable Instruments, there are basically perfect recreations in both VCV Rack and MiRack, either can be used as a plugin, so yeah, just look around and you'll find basically everything microfreak can do and more in software, it's kind of funny, there was a big move to hardware but now most of the interesting hardware synths and modules are digital so it all moves back to software...

  • @ChrisHuelsbeckOfficial

    @ChrisHuelsbeckOfficial

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@sonomute That wasn't the point I was trying to make... of course you can recreate all the elements with third party plugins. What I was talking about is a perfect plugin emulation of the MicroFreak that could load the patches as we create them in the hardware and also use the hardware as a perfect controller for the plugin. That would be extremely valuable for multi-tracking the MicroFreak and for patch management.

  • @SolidtraxNL
    @SolidtraxNL2 жыл бұрын

    Great video David! Eurorack type of synthesis with the ability to save presets - what's not to like about that! The NoiseBuster preset sounds very familiar😉- We like your style of presenting this little gem tech and music wise and agree on all points you mention. And now with OS4 it is even better, especially when modulating the engines per step, the custom wavetable option, chord mode that can be sequenced and/or uneven sequencer step lengths. Insane power for the masses 🙂

  • @fullyard-art
    @fullyard-art3 жыл бұрын

    Got one too and already made song with it. Still, so much to learn and dive deeper into. This video did show some very useful Stuff. Thanks for explaining that and giving this insight. And can only agree. Feel kinda blessed to dig into making music with this phenomenal equipment. All the best to you!

  • @smitty80

    @smitty80

    3 жыл бұрын

    I just got mine it sounds cool but it’s overwhelming at the same time lol

  • @fullyard-art

    @fullyard-art

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@smitty80 hahah. I feel you big time!! Enjoy it!

  • @MarkGardner66Bonnie
    @MarkGardner66Bonnie2 ай бұрын

    thank you for the overview... never really considered buying this synth... but i will now

  • @wavyank5693
    @wavyank56933 жыл бұрын

    This was a nice video !

  • @GuidoGautsch
    @GuidoGautsch3 жыл бұрын

    This is great! Subbed :) Getting one in the mail this week and look forward to playing with it. Quick question: how have you hooked this up to Ableton? Is this an external instrument track? Is the MIDI coming via ia some kind of mini MIDI cable or USB? And do you also grab the audio out? I'm keen to use MIDI and Live's effects (since I don't own any outboard FX), but am unsure how to hook it all up. Edit: I just jumped on your channel and the first video I see is "how I record my synths" 😁

  • @reintje58
    @reintje583 жыл бұрын

    Very understandable. Thank you very much.

  • @pianoyan
    @pianoyan3 жыл бұрын

    Damn... ok, you’ve sold me on this over the dreadbox typhon. For now. I’ll probably end up with both in the end. But there’s nothing else like this. Great video, thank you.

  • @EllieRose1997
    @EllieRose19973 жыл бұрын

    Thinking about getting this snyth this month!

  • @symbiat0
    @symbiat03 жыл бұрын

    Answer : Yes (And I was a synth head in the 80s... 😉)

  • @perdifoil
    @perdifoil3 жыл бұрын

    i really like the flow and delivery in your video, you remind me of some kind of synthesizer rick steves :3

  • @KRAFTWERK2K6
    @KRAFTWERK2K63 жыл бұрын

    To answer the question: YES, we do. Not only function-wise but also price wise. Never before have analog and digital hardware synths been more affordable and exciting than today and it is a great time for beginners too who wanna ditch software and go hardware. Also, yea i too don't call the different sound sources of the Microfreak "Oscillators" but rather Synth Engines. Similar to the Elektron Monomachine from 2003.

  • @jteichma
    @jteichma7 ай бұрын

    Thanks David! I’d love it if you did a basic synthesizer training on the microfreak

  • @h2o1969
    @h2o19692 жыл бұрын

    Beyond a doubt this is an amazing time for synths. I say a time like no other.

  • @trippshow3541
    @trippshow35413 жыл бұрын

    Nice review.

  • @faxinadu
    @faxinadu Жыл бұрын

    lovely setup this synth has

  • @iliatilev
    @iliatilev3 жыл бұрын

    11:10 love this.. Looks like a tiny synth but it can do so much..

  • @philmarsh5593
    @philmarsh55933 жыл бұрын

    A very straight forward run through, thanks. I am a vintage synth guy really for hardware but this is different enough to have really piqued my interest. Only thing that has put me off is the multi parameter access - having ME my brain finds it hard to cope with "complex" - but the way you explained the interface made it seem simpler than other vids I've seen. Many thanks (although my wallet may not thank you, haha!).

  • @rlitt2op

    @rlitt2op

    3 жыл бұрын

    Oof, also have ME and totally relate. I mean, I think simple & focused is always better for creativity-one knob, one function is better for most people-but with ME, complexity often just breaks my brain.

  • @philmarsh5593

    @philmarsh5593

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@rlitt2op ME doesn't do a lot for creativity either!

  • @sykromsmile6303
    @sykromsmile63033 жыл бұрын

    Great video

  • @the_str4ng3r
    @the_str4ng3r2 жыл бұрын

    Almost seems like the SYNTH1 plugin but in hardware form. Loving it!

  • @sonomute

    @sonomute

    2 жыл бұрын

    Synth1 modeled after nord lead actually, so if you want a hardware piece don't look any further...

  • @matrix12x
    @matrix12x3 жыл бұрын

    Great video. I've been considering this synth for a while. Almost wish they made a rack version. I have so many tiny synths and not enough desk space.

  • @DavidHilowitzMusic

    @DavidHilowitzMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Haha. I know what you mean. I've been toying with the idea of adding a shelf to my desk for it.

  • @lawadelante2813
    @lawadelante28132 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the video its been awhile for me and I am rekindling motivation to get back into the swing of the new keyboards and machines. Very very interesting wondering how many layers you can go.

  • @magicdave93
    @magicdave933 жыл бұрын

    Brilliant 👍

  • @brndgtl
    @brndgtl3 жыл бұрын

    Great video. Seems like the Moog Grandmother is another good entry point to modular

  • @DavidHilowitzMusic

    @DavidHilowitzMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes. I’ve heard so many good things about that synth.

  • @teamloony
    @teamloony2 жыл бұрын

    This is so cool, I can’t play music but I want this synth.

  • @Drinkyoghurt
    @Drinkyoghurt Жыл бұрын

    I kinda want this. I went with a Minilogue xd for my first synth. It's quite similar but different. Community plugins really transform it into something new. It's wild, my idea was always that good synths were expensive but these are relatively cheap. Yes, I love the sounds that come out of my friend's Moog Matriarch, but I also don't envy the fact that he has to take pictures of every patch he creates.

  • @Magnus_Loov
    @Magnus_Loov3 жыл бұрын

    No need for modular if you've got a Synth with matrix modulation. Several advantages: 1. You can store every sound! 2. As a consequence you can switch between sounds, ie patches of different "wirings" instantly in a song. 3. It is much quicker to work with than hustling with cables. 4. There are no cables that can glitch. 5. It takes up less room 6. It's much, much cheaper!

  • @GregVKMusic

    @GregVKMusic

    2 жыл бұрын

    All great points. But different workflows lead to different results! I'm not sure modular is for me. I'd love to play around with a modular setup to find out but it's prohibitively expensive...

  • @Magnus_Loov

    @Magnus_Loov

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@GregVKMusic And to counter my argument, I have some Synths that are patchable in a "semi modular" way. Behringer Model D and Td3. It's fun enough for me. Very cheap. Model D have a weird but (to me) great sounding high pass filter as "an extra" (it was not in the original moog) that, if you you overdrive the filter and then modulate it, can make interesting sounds. "Crave" looks like another cheap thing to make "interesting" fresh "sounds like a real modular" in the realm of a Pro-1 (minus some oscillators).

  • @o.r.grinter7763
    @o.r.grinter77633 жыл бұрын

    you sold me on this synth

  • @ecarnadeta5224
    @ecarnadeta5224 Жыл бұрын

    you inspire me

  • @Vladi_mir_M
    @Vladi_mir_M3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the video, how it controlled via ableton, is it midi out from the computer to „midi in“ in the MicroFreak and then back audio out from MicroFreak?

  • @panskibinski
    @panskibinski2 жыл бұрын

    mine just arrived!

  • @TheSzyko
    @TheSzyko3 жыл бұрын

    Amazing video! How did you create the first patch in the video? At around 10s in? The modulation sounds amazing!

  • @philipsnettleton
    @philipsnettleton2 жыл бұрын

    Dave, you don't have a KZread 'join' channel. I really enjoy your style and content. I would have 'joined' today. I have seen this video a number of times already and my MicroFreak is arriving this week. Please wish me luck.

  • @MrGigglez2010
    @MrGigglez2010 Жыл бұрын

    The microfreak microflattened me out! how amazing it is!

  • @LoVeAmBiEnT
    @LoVeAmBiEnT3 жыл бұрын

    Put this synth into a Chase bliss mood pedal then a nice tape delay and top it off with some stereo Reverb enjoy

  • @erispe
    @erispe2 жыл бұрын

    When you add notes to ableton, are they being sent back over MIDI to create the sound on the microfreak? I'm a bit confused over what's happening on the computer vs synth!

  • @anhedonia8037
    @anhedonia80372 жыл бұрын

    After careful observation & analyzation of synths, I figured Arturia's Microfreak would be a better choice for a beginner who's interested in LoFi-like music composition. Currently waiting for it to arrive, both eager and nervous about not being able to improve on it.

  • @polyroguegames5820
    @polyroguegames5820 Жыл бұрын

    Just need to tell you that you are accidentally(?) an excellent advertising influence and I hate it! Started with my becoming obsessed with the omnichord and spending ages to obtain specifically the OM-84. A few months ago I bought a Keystep (along with a talkbox) and today whilst I was trying to shop around for a new electric piano, instead I ended up getting a Microfreak. As a complete noob to hardware synths and messing around with filters in general, I'm loving it! Please don't stop making videos, but please do start making full versions of your songs! Everytime, from this to the miku video, I wish there was a full version.

  • @jammingpositivevibration
    @jammingpositivevibration3 жыл бұрын

    Nice one buddy, I LOVE 💘 JAMMING WITH microfreak TOO... KEEP ON JAMMING POSITIVE 👌 vibrations 💛❤💚✌✌✌

  • @cynthiaroberts7206
    @cynthiaroberts72062 жыл бұрын

    Hello. Love your videos. Just getting started on my Microfreak, currently connected to an avalanche run pedal, Yamaha AGO3 mixer, Yamaha monitors, but no sound. Would you be so kind as to offer any suggestions? Does the utility knob matter? Thank you! I’m a newbie here, but you’re one of my favorites.

  • @linzkirk
    @linzkirk2 жыл бұрын

    Great Vid, quick question. is the MicroFreak multi timbral, or are you recording each part as audio in Ableton before moving to the next one.

  • @mewtkeys
    @mewtkeys2 жыл бұрын

    nice. I like that little song. reminds me of a game over screen in a video game.

  • @earlsfield
    @earlsfield3 жыл бұрын

    New oscillators by Noise engineering work on West Coast folding principle. Of course they are different, but what you get essentially is a wave source, a noise source and control over folding one with another, control over symmetry/asymmetry of the folding etc.. Some of them have saturation which can be pretty brutal, but you can get all those nice gritty West Coasty gnarly sounds. Also, you can mimic LP gate with modulating decay and filter intensity, thanks to incredible matrix MF is given. Really, i was surprised Arturia did not push MF2, since they added enough new oscillators and features like unison that they could ve cashed in the form of the new device. I own Matrixbrute and Minibrute 2S as well, those are different beasts, but MF is definitely the best hybrid you can get for really cheap price. Just think how much would it take to purchase all Mutable Instruments and Noise Engineering modules (ofc you dont really get ALL the features of the module but the most of the things are there). Plus, its great for understanding architecture of a synth, modulation, to feel analogue filter, maybe it will steer some people in certain direction - I would love if they would add more wavetables or custom wavetable option in the next update.

  • @jimmy_jamesjams_a_lot4171
    @jimmy_jamesjams_a_lot41713 жыл бұрын

    I’ve so often made analogy between this MicroFreak and the DSI PolyEvolver, going on to claim that MicroFreak provides a good 1/3 to almost 1/2 of the PolyEvolver. But I can’t afford it, wish I could. But my MicroFreak has a similar sort of ‘this element can modulate that one’ sort of box full of surprises. It’s done a bit of evolving on its own with the last two updates. And who can’t admit to wanting to touch an FR4 keyboard? If even just to see how it responds to you? It’s really perfect for me. If i was to be honest about the limits of my brain’s powers, and seek out a synth that tests those limits, fairly enough I believe my brain could not grasp much beyond the capabilities of the MicroFreak. Thanks for sharing about this!!

  • @Magnus_Loov

    @Magnus_Loov

    3 жыл бұрын

    I actually think the Korg Minilog Xd is the modern equivalent "more budget" version of the Poly Evolver. A mix of real VCO analog oscillators and digital oscillators. True 4 voice polyphony (no paraphony with a shared filter). And built in great sounding effects. The Microbrute is more unique in the way of pure digtial oscillators combined with matrix modulation and analog Oberheim SEM filters. (Curtis in the Poly Evolver). Although the Poly Evolver is probably in a class of its own compared to any of them.

  • @LukezyM

    @LukezyM

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Magnus_Loov Microfreak is actually polyphonic with a shared filter.

  • @Magnus_Loov

    @Magnus_Loov

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@LukezyM And when a Synth has one shared filter, it is paraphonic, not polyphonic.

  • @LukezyM

    @LukezyM

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Magnus_Loov Yeah, but you can think of filter as an effect. DX7 didn’t have filter for instance.

  • @Magnus_Loov

    @Magnus_Loov

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@LukezyM But it could do similar things with different algorithms where a modulator acted like a filter and where could sweep it with an envelope generator. For non-pure digital Synths a filter is crucial. That's why it's part of almost every sampler produced. It's not an effect.

  • @aaronmcentee9310
    @aaronmcentee93103 жыл бұрын

    I have been using my microfreak since last summer (in fact i'm using it now), this thing was a synth i could really get into. I came from experimenting with digital audio production starting with FL studios 3 and knowing nothing of audio production, no fancy midi controllers (did they exist then the way they do now?) audio interface, just a pair of speakers, a mouse and a keyboard. Im not what i consider professional but ive learned a thing or 2 and while i would use the test keyboard I would manufacture all the notes and beats by mouse (and crtl+c/p) listening over and over till the loop sounded "right", this includes events and automation all being done the same way and some of my tracks would have anywhere between 50-100 automation points to now....now im mostly hardware and loving midi!!! i dont understand a lot about MIDI but the microfreak really help bridge that gap for me as its very much what i understand and see digitally like a VST but with the hands on feel of analog. While it is monophonic, you can tend to forget that as it does emulate it quite well, the ability to change your midi input and output at will makes doing live recording a pleasure. Its great for someone starting out in the synth world and while it isnt like its cousin the matrix brute, it has its charm. highly recommend and while some say its a no no for midi recording, this synth is fantastic for daisy-chaining other synths. as i do more improv recording and spend less time with a DAW. Thanks for the video review about the recent updates on the Mircofreak. Ps. I pair in from my Arturia keystep for a more controlled feel using the microfreak as my "Master Slave" lol

  • @LoVeAmBiEnT

    @LoVeAmBiEnT

    3 жыл бұрын

    It's actually paraphonic you just have to change the synthesizer to paraphonic mode you can play Four notes at a time , as far as permit e goes you can simply hook it up to your Daw record midi notes into your sequencer which will trigger the synthesizer including all automation

  • @aaronmcentee9310

    @aaronmcentee9310

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@LoVeAmBiEnT dont forget that it will now do Unison up to 4 voices and 12 ST which can sound like creepy whining ghosts to a pirates billow organ aboard a dreadnaught freighter from back in the yar! I have noticed the velocity is less for paraphonic but thats because of the voices being split to allow them all through and I know its impossible to get away from latency, which i try to comp. With a 2 sec empty for my recording but i still find it a bit off then the audio recorded and i turn off snapping to grid and the like but still get offsetting. Best i can hope for is matching waves together and then check the offset.

  • @dawnr8511
    @dawnr85112 жыл бұрын

    I had my doubts at first, but this synth really put the icing on the cake for my synth collection capabilities. Bravo Arturia - ya nailed it!

  • @dannymack9636
    @dannymack96362 жыл бұрын

    Cracking gadget.

  • @Quark.Lepton
    @Quark.Lepton2 жыл бұрын

    Polyphonic Aftertouch-amazing.

  • @richnewman
    @richnewman3 жыл бұрын

    I feel guilty that I've ignored my Moog Little Phatty lately for the MicroFreak, but it's so much fun. I use MI Braids in my Eurorack, but this synth makes me want to add Plaits, too.

  • @pompshuffle562
    @pompshuffle5629 ай бұрын

    I had a behringer crave a while back. This might be fun.

  • @wayfaringshaman
    @wayfaringshaman3 жыл бұрын

    The track you created sounds like digging sand in Minecraft as the acid kicks in.

  • @Mumbamumba

    @Mumbamumba

    3 жыл бұрын

    I've never tried minecraft.

  • @cakenbolls442
    @cakenbolls4422 жыл бұрын

    My man played something forbidden in 7:24

  • @timelessmoments
    @timelessmoments Жыл бұрын

    I want one!

  • @saintmoz
    @saintmoz3 жыл бұрын

    Is the Bass oscillator for Bass? I heard it was named after the person who created it. Either way I love it.

  • @disarmsox
    @disarmsox3 жыл бұрын

    nice melody.

  • @xpez9694
    @xpez96942 жыл бұрын

    alright. I am interested in buying this.

  • @jamesdoctor8079
    @jamesdoctor80793 жыл бұрын

    maybe a dumb question but how were you controlling the microfreak with midi in ableton? you would record into ableton and then fix or add different notes. is this not being captured as an audio file?

  • @DavidHilowitzMusic

    @DavidHilowitzMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Not a dumb question! I actually made a video showing how to do it: kzread.info/dash/bejne/ap-muc2xn6XcppM.html&lc=UgysFKvSV-AlnNDqUgl4AaABAg

  • @manbunmath
    @manbunmath Жыл бұрын

    How did you layer all these sounds? Did you just record the audio into Ableton tracks? I assume you can't do this on the microfreak by itself. Thanks!

  • @leestevenscoder
    @leestevenscoder3 жыл бұрын

    Nice vid. Yep, there's so much cool stuff out there now. And this one is really affordable. What I'm really wondering about though, is how easily does ableton 11 record the press (poly aftertouch) from the microfreak

  • @DavidHilowitzMusic

    @DavidHilowitzMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! Yeah, I was actually wondering that, too. I’ll test it out later.

  • @loficathedral4584
    @loficathedral45842 жыл бұрын

    the golden age of afforadable standalone synths for sure!

  • @DEADLINETV
    @DEADLINETV3 жыл бұрын

    I never really considered the MicroFreak, until this video. Thanks, I guess... :D

  • @AuthurFoxache
    @AuthurFoxache2 жыл бұрын

    First synth I owned was an ARP Odyssey. Wish I still had it...

  • @mirllewist3086
    @mirllewist30863 жыл бұрын

    Hi - Lovely track, and great walk-through of the Microfreak. Question - what are your thoughts on making something like this entirely in software? I've mostly been making music in Reason and also more recently with Korg Gadget on my iPad. I'm thinking of making the leap to hardware. What would you say are the pros/cons of physical gear versus all virtual? Thanks!!

  • @danieldv6171

    @danieldv6171

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hey, I am using Reason too, and now in combination with Microfreak. There is a midi out device in reason that lets you very easily control your Hardware synths. The fun begins when you bring in Reason's Players and feed the Microfreak with the midimaterial they create (for example lectric Panda's "evolution"), while you Play with the parameters of the Microfreak.

  • @mirllewist3086

    @mirllewist3086

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@danieldv6171 OK awesome - thanks

  • @scatlar2
    @scatlar22 жыл бұрын

    straight minecraft vibes from the song you made. great synth. great video

  • @bci3937
    @bci39373 жыл бұрын

    Have Microfreak not used for a long time ...Do you record audio or midi from the AMF? Or do i can set up 16 Instruments/ Presets per Channel? cheers*

  • @DavidHilowitzMusic

    @DavidHilowitzMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    You should definitely update it to the latest firmware. You get three new oscillators! :)

  • @DavidHilowitzMusic

    @DavidHilowitzMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    I record both audio and MIDI, then I fix the MIDI (because my playing is not great), the. I re-record the audio with the mistakes fixed. :)

  • @NachoGonzalezNappa

    @NachoGonzalezNappa

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@DavidHilowitzMusic Great video, Dave! Thanks for sharing. I'm pretty new to hardware synths. From this answer I understand you can basically create an instance of the Microfreak in a midi track, and just edit the midi, and each midi track can use a different preset? What is the workflow once you create a patch you like? You've to commit that to audio and save as a preset or can you make it work as a plug in type of thing? Thanks!

  • @DavidHilowitzMusic

    @DavidHilowitzMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@NachoGonzalezNappa When I'm working with an external synth, I create a MIDI track and an AUDIO track in my DAW for each synth patch I want in my piece. Then, I record MIDI and audio at the same time to both. (Sometimes I'll just record MIDI, fix any mistakes in the MIDI and tweak the part, and then record the audio.) Since (almost all) hardware synths can only have one patch loaded at a time, it means that I try to get everything as perfect as possible with one track before moving on to the next. That limitation can be frustrating but it's also a bit liberating. Also, I definitely do sometimes decide that I want to change something about one of the tracks and end up changing it or re-recording the audio...

  • @NachoGonzalezNappa

    @NachoGonzalezNappa

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@DavidHilowitzMusic thanks, Dave! Very interesting and useful.

  • @nikolaisoerensen
    @nikolaisoerensen3 жыл бұрын

    Sorry do you record the midi and then send it back to the Microfreak and then catch the sound via instrument cable? Because I find myself using one thing or the other and would love to change that

  • @nikolaisoerensen

    @nikolaisoerensen

    3 жыл бұрын

    And also do you use the Ableton clock?

  • @nikolaisoerensen

    @nikolaisoerensen

    3 жыл бұрын

    Nevermind the next video is mind blowing!!! Didn't even know all that was possible haha