This is synth
evolution
Born from the lineage of its predecessor, MiniBrute 2 is an adaptable, dynamic synth with semi-modular architecture and huge connectivity.
From the earliest electronic instruments, synthesizers have expanded and enhanced the possibilities available to musicians. We decided not only to apply this mantra to the sound of our new instrument, but to synthesizer itself. MiniBrute 2 was born!
A synthesizer that would sound huge and yet be compact, self-contained and versatile. An instrument that would be both comprehensive and evolving.
MiniBrute 2 sweeps conventions aside, in terms of sound, features, and preconceptions of what a synth should be.
A small beast
with a powerful voice
Let’s be honest, you’re not here because you want the same old synth, are you?
The MiniBrute 2 has nothing to hide. Take a look at its front panel, get yourself acquainted. You’ll notice the now-iconic Brute oscillators, the acidic Steiner-Parker filter, and the mayhem-inducing Brute Factor knob that has become the signature Arturia synth element for many fans.
Looking a bit further, beyond the usual modulation sources and controls, you’ll notice some exciting, unexpected features: a second VCO; a second LFO; new VCO and Filter frequency modulation possibilities; modifier-related modulation destinations; a brand new, loopable AD envelope. Once tamed, this little beast will reveal the full range of its vocalizations, including raging leads and piercing sequences, as well as smooth pads and purring bass.
The time is nigh, the moon is full, and MiniBrute 2 is ready to howl.
A polymorph
with a pack instinct
There are two ways that creatures thrive: adapting, and grouping together. MiniBrute 2 is a master of both.
Thanks to its massive CV/Gate patch bay, you will be able to reinvent and restructure your MiniBrute 2 at any time. The synth is semi-modular, even with no patch leads connected, and each of its features has already been cleverly, inspiringly routed. If you want to start dissecting the sound and experimenting, you will find direct, 100% safe access to the MiniBrute 2’s genetic code on the right of its front panel.
Modulating the Metalizer amount to an audio pulse? Having the AD envelope affecting its own decay to make it sharper? Affecting the VCO1 FM amount with the LFO? You get the idea. The possibilities are practically unlimited, and even more so if you have CV/Gate-enhanced gear and Eurorack modules to welcome into the pack.
No natural selection here. With MiniBrute 2, you set your own rules of sonic evolution.
From our heart
to your hands
Designed by passionate synth enthusiasts to cater for the most intrepid, experimental musicians out there.
The brainchild of Arturia’s daring product manager Seb Rochard, born on the foundations of synth guru Yves Usson's unique approach to synthesis, MiniBrute 2 is truly an instrument by musicians for musicians. Every aspect of the synth, from its layout to the carefully chosen components, reflects their painstaking obsession to bring you the most adaptable, joyous analog synth around.
Once you take a look at MiniBrute 2’s layout and features, everything becomes clear.
Let’s take a closer look at what MiniBrute has to offer...
Robert Dudzic
Sound design at its weirdest
If you’ve listened to a radio station, turned on a television, or visited a movie theater in the last decade, you’ve heard the work of Robert Dudzic.
Read the StoryIt will learn
through play
With a creative approach, MiniBrute 2 will be able to master any trick you can imagine.
Maybe you’ll want to enjoy MiniBrute 2 as the musician’s best friend it is; enjoying its devoted attention, safe in the privacy of your studio, and at the center of your creative setup. Maybe you’ll want to share its awesome tricks and sonic prowess on stage, with an audience. Whatever you have planned for this incredible synthesizer, it won’t let you down.
Sporting a high quality, aftertouch-enhanced 25-key keyboard, an inspiring arpeggiator, and a smart and effective sequencer. The way you perform is up to you. Will you focus on the musical performance, set up sequences and arpeggios, losing yourself in the real-time tweaking of the sound parameters, or create hybrid sounds with modular synths (5U, westcoast and Eurorack)?
One thing’s for certain: once you get your hands on this beast, you’ll never want to take them off.
Sound
corner
Choppy Fun
Lyli
This intense electronica excerpt sounds like its name suggests; choppy and gated tech stabs, bassline and simple square arpeggios underneath a floating ethereal lead. No external samples or instruments were used. External effects include: EQ, Auto Filter, Reverb and Delay from Ableton Live 9.
MK2-serenade
JMB
A punchy techno track, showing the aggressive potential of the machine. Additional drum samples and light processing on the MiniBrute 2 parts.
Myriad Ensemble
Lyli
An acid-like track inspired by world music flutes and brass instruments coming together in harmony, emulated by clean saws and squares. A high pitched wobble bass adds flavour to the mix. No external samples or instruments were used. External effects include: EQ, Pan, Reverb and Delay from Ableton Live 9.
Rocker
Lyli
A bouncy and playful techno tune with a pitched snare drum line, melodic bass and triangle wave pad, and a strumming string style lead. No external samples or instruments were used. External effects include: Reverb and 1/8 note Delay from Ableton Live 9.
SpringIsComing
Lyli
An uplifting, flowing ambient piece that makes use of the VCO 1 Glide for legato melody lines. A modular-style groove brings everything together. No external samples or instruments were used. External effects include: EQ, Reverb and Delay from Ableton Live 9.
Mix
Maxime Dangles
Artistscorner
PressClippings
Noisegate
On MiniBrute 2
“There’s a lot of fun and flexibility to be had here and sound wise there’s some very nice sweet spots. It’s a synth that absolutely rewards tinkering and experimenting.”
Tape Op
On MiniBrute 2
“In conclusion, if you’re looking to get started with analog synthesis, all of the Brutes are great entry level synths in terms of price, but also deliver serious sonics and flexibility well beyond what you’d expect from an entry level unit. These would make a great addition to an existing system like Thom’s studio or, if you’re just starting out like Geoff, are not likely going to be something you’ll want to replace as you get deeper with synths. At every price point Arturia is delivering gear that exceeds expectations.”
Music Radar
On MiniBrute 2
“On the whole, the MiniBrute 2S is a real success. It takes everything we liked about the original - the analog grit, interesting oscillator shaping, Brute factor - and expands on it considerably. The addition of the patchbay really does massively expand the flexibility and potential. The MiniBrute 2S is an impressive analogue synth and a real step up from its predecessor. The patchbay adds flexibility and character that make this a very serious competitor in the now crowded analogue monosynth market.”
Interface
On MiniBrute 2
“Fine synths, nice and flexible, good sounding, very well priced, very cool patchbay.”
Future Music
On MiniBrute 2
“Platinium Award - On the whole, both versions of the MiniBrute 2 are a real success. They take everything we liked about the original – the analogue grit, interesting oscillator shaping, Brute factor – and expand on it considerably. The addition of the patchbay really does massively expand the fl exibility and potential. Where the original was a great tool for gritty leads and basses, this follow-up is equally well-equipped for evolving drones, inharmonic FM sounds and out-there SFX. An expanded synth engine, semi-modular architecture and flexible control options make this a seriously competitive monosynth.”
Sound On Sound
On MiniBrute 2
“The MiniBrute 2 Series are powerful new synthesizers. If you’re interested in a compact system that combines flexible synthesis, sequencing and Eurorack capabilities, the new range has to be high on your list of candidates.”
Part of a living,
breathing Ecosystem
MiniBrute 2 is at its boldest, most instinctive best when it exists as part of a full, creative environment. The team at Arturia have created a vibrant world for it to inhabit.
Whether you think the MiniBrute 2 is impressive or intimidating, we have created a world of useful tools and accompaniments to help you build the best relationship possible with our organic, vital synth. In addition to its clear, streamlined architecture, we also created a preset “Cook Book” for you to discover its abilities at your own pace. When you’re ready to experiment, you’ll find we’ve provided you with a set of patch cables so you can start reworking its sound and networking with other modules in your creative setup.
Once MiniBrute 2 has staked its claim as head of the pack, you can use the exclusive Link system to connect it to a RackBrute, set it up in different configurations, and start gathering Eurorack modules within a perfectly fitted and ultra-solid case. If you want to take your sound with you, simply fold down your sonic EcoSystem and pack it into the safety and security of a RackBrute Travel Bag.
The story of the MiniBrute 2 species starts here. How far it goes, and where it will take you is all up to you.
Gallery
What's in the box
Box content
- MiniBrute 2 unit
- Power cord
- 8 patch cables
- a “Cook Book” jam-packed full of superb sonic recipes for you to try out, put together by some of the most illustrious synth-chefs around.
Instrument dimensions
- size : 19 x 13.2 x 2.3 inches (484 x 336 x 58mm)
- weight : 10.6 lbs. (4.8 Kg)
Main Features
Analog Synthesizer
2 Analog VCO’s:
- VCO1 : Saw + UltraSaw, Square +Pulse width, Triangle + Metalizer. (Waveform mixing)
- VCO2 : Sine, Saw, Square waveforms (three tuning ranges).
VCO 2>1 Hard Sync, VCO1 linear and exponential FM
White Noise Generator
External Audio In
Steiner Parker filter (12dB per octave): Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, Notch modes.
2 LFO’s with Sync: Sine, Tri, Saw, Square, Random, Slew Random
1 ADSR envelope
1 AD envelope
- Trig, Gate modes
- One shot or Loop
- Attack and Decay times CV controllable
48-point CV and Gate patchbay
- Inputs and Outputs for the voice and sequencer
- Utility modules: inverter, attenuators, VCA
25-key velocity and pressure sensitive keyboard
Arpeggiator types : Up, down, inclusive, exclusive, random, note order, double up, double down modes
Sequencer mode:
- 8 step-sequences with Rest, Tie and Legato note entry
- Each sequence can have up to 64 steps