Arturia - MicroFreak

MicroFreak

Un grain
de folie

Whether you’re looking for your first, affordable hardware synth or are a collector looking for original sounds and unique interface, MicroFreak is the synth you need.

This out-there little music machine features a versatile digital oscillator so you can create rare and interesting sounds with ease. Modes like Wavetable, KarplusStrong, Harmonic OSC, and 3 granular engines give adventurous musicians the chance to explore totally new, unheard possibilities.

Like having dozens of synths in just one instrument, both wild-eyed newcomers and seasoned professionals will fall in love with MicroFreak’s flexible, powerful synth engine.

Small
but fierce

MicroFreak packs so much in to such a compact instrument, you'll wonder how we did it. We'd love to say it was magic, but it was pure skill and passion.

Physical modeling, wavetable synthesis, virtual analog, sample playback; there’s nothing as complete and exciting as the MicroFreak oscillator on the market. It's hard to believe from such a small synth, but here it is, ready for you to explore. Stimulate your creativity and reward your curiosity with a large, diverse sound palette. MicroFreak features 17 awesome oscillator modes, including 7 bespoke Arturia engines, 7 modes from Mutable Instruments, and 3 oscillator modes designed with Noise Engineering.

That’s a funny
looking keyboard

That’s right, it is. It isn’t really even a keyboard. It’s a PCB. Super-flat, with no moving parts. Will it track lightning-fast synth solos? You bet. Better than a traditional keyboard, actually.

Will it let you be expressive? Of course, it’s not only pressure sensitive, but also offers poly-aftertouch. This means each key can control parameters in a different way depending on how much you touch.

You can also use its USB, MIDI, and CV outputs to control instruments in your DAW and modular synths. This also means that you can also use MicroFreak as a controller to experience polyphonic aftertouch with cutting edge software instruments.

Overview
Microfreak
1
Digital Oscillator
Stop sounding like everyone else. This synth features a hugely powerful digital oscillator with multiple modes. Find new exciting sounds from virtual analog to crazy speech synthesis.
2
Analog Filter
A tasty state-variable LPF, BPF, HPF analog filter capable of self-oscillating.
3
LFO, Envelope, and Cycling Envelope
Deceptively simple, but hugely powerful LFO and Envelope to shape your synth sound. The flexible cycling modulator can act as an Envelope or an LFO with variable rise and fall times.
4
25-note PCB “Keyboard”
Super-expressive interface with poly-aftertouch sensitivity.
5
Transpose buttons
Switch from dirty bass range to screaming, high-pitched leads with ease.
6
Arpeggiator / Sequencer
Polyphonic Sequencer + 4 modulation tracks assignable to any parameter. Find happy accidents with Spice and Dice to add some fun to your sequences.
7
Assignable Mod Matrix
Virtually wire up 5 modulation sources and 7 destinations, with 3 user-defined points.
8
512 Preset Slots including 320 Factory Presets
A fantastic mix of traditional and, well, let’s just say “not very traditional” kick-ass sounds to explore, and plenty of space to save your own.
9
OLED Screen
Navigate settings and presets with crystal clarity.

Overview
Microfreak
1
Headphone output
A standard 3.5mm headphone output that’s also TRRS-compatible for microphone & audio input (for the Vocoder engine).
2
Audio output
A 1/4" jack connection for balanced line-level output.
3
Analog clock
The 3.5mm clock input and output lets you sync with external gear, and can be configured to older clock types 24 ppq, 48 ppq, 2 ppq, or even a single pulse per step.
4
MIDI connections
Use these 3.5mm connections with the included MIDI breakout cables to connect to your favorite synths, controllers, drum machines, or any other MIDI gear.
5
CV/Gate connections
Integrate MicroFreak into your creative ecosystem with its CV outputs. Use the sequencer to control vintage synths, take control of your Eurorack gear, the options are almost limitless.
6
PSU & USB Power
MicroFreak comes with a PSU, but no volt-hungry analog oscillators means it can also be powered by USB!

Taste the spice,
throw the dice

MicroFreak is packed with unique, exciting features that let you create music with a fresh perspective.

Record up to four automations, edit notes per step or use the innovative Spice and Dice sequencer functions to find happy accidents. Add randomization to create evolving, original patterns, and virtually rewire and reconfigure its signal chain and controls with the 5x7 modulation matrix.

This truly is a budget-friendly synth like no other.

The best
of both worlds

Even though MicroFreak has a digital oscillator at its heart, “opposites attract” as the saying goes. That’s why we’ve included a lush-sounding analog filter.

Inspired by the trailblazing 12-dB SEM filter, you can make MicroFreak’s filter scream or whisper to taste. The filter is state-variable, and can even auto-oscillate! You can use this is any way you like, from taking the edge of the razor-sharp wavetable sounds, or automating the cutoff by modulating it with keyboard pressure or the in-built sequencer.

Wait. Did we mention that MicroFreak has a sequencer? And a mod matrix? Things are about to get seriously interesting...

Euan Dickinson

MASSIVE ATTACK gets creative with MicroFreak

Massive Attack are known for their intensity, wide range of emotions and inimitable electronic sound. We visited their studio in Bristol, UK, to see how the MicroFreak has added to their creative process.

Read the Story

Sound
corner

Ambient 90

A bright an ethereal trip into space using FW 2.0 bank presets. Arturia external FX and processing were used for this track.

At Last

Sit back and enjoy this chillout deep bass track with floating melodic elements and texture. Arturia external FX and processing were used for this track.

Tales From The Table

An epic melodic techno track using the FW 4.0 features. Arturia external FX and processing were used for this track.

Slow Tempo Demo

MicroFreak is at ease in creating leads and FX sounds in this psybient track.

Playing Games In The 80s

Energetic synthwave track showing capabilities of the MicroFreak in the analog domain.

AEternal

Dark industrial techno featuring a heavily distorted MicroFreak.

Chill Street

Laid back smooth techno track done entierly with the MicroFreak.

Ambient Forest

Melodic ambient track, with a stong nostalgic feeling.

Trancentral

Bring back the 90s rave sound with this uplifting trance track.

Artistscorner

cuckoomusic
I think it sounds great! It'll be a great, affordable little friend for on the go studio music production, portable performance rig etc. Good stuff.
Marc Doty
Synthesizer Expert
I am not joking, exaggerating, nor pandering when I say that this thing is one of my new favorite synths. The oscillator functions, matrix, and surface-area sensing of the keyboard basically make it so it didn’t even need a filter. I am in awe.
Annie Hall
DJ / Producer
With a very unique synthesis and a fast keyboard with many possibilities, this little hybrid has gone straight into my live set up.
Tony Hajjar
Gone is Gone
It's my go-to when I start a track or my inspiration when I was out of interesting ideas. Just sliding your fingers from note to note can create odd sounds and feels. I love that. It stays plugged in on my desk always ready to go.
Aimee Jacobs
Belladon
The keyboard is what really sets this synth apart from other synths at any other price point. You just tap on the keys and get this great, beautiful randomness that doesn’t sound disorganized.
Max Mitchell
Keyboardist / Producer
MicroFreak allows me to get microscopic if I want to, but also provides a wide sonic palette without the need to obsess over every parameter. It’s just so much fun to interact with. You can’t go wrong!
Conforce
Producer
MicroFreak is an intuitive little synth adding a fresh spark to many of my electro productions.
Anfisa Letyago
DJ / Producer
I love the MicroFreak for the sounds, functionality and size - I can take it wherever I go. Very simple to use and the effect it creates is great! It has a wide choice of sounds and features that allow me to push my creativity to the limit!
Hany Adel
MicroFreak is not like any synth, it's a little monster with powerful and unique sounds. It will never fail to impress you when you're looking to be more creative or sound different.

PressClippings

Mac Pro Video
On MicroFreak
“Excellent synth with a digital brain and analog filter. Many oscillator modes”
Sonic State
On MicroFreak
“A different flavor of sound, it's not like many other things I can think of.”
T3
On MicroFreak
“Indeed, the Arturia MicroFreak is a very distinct experimental synth for the adventurous, for those who seek sounds outside the norm, creating hooks and leads bordering on the otherworldly, boasting a four-voice paraphonic synth and one that could easily be used in a live set.”
Audio Technology
On MicroFreak
“MicroFreak will win the hearts of electronic musicians seeking an all-in-one inspiration machine that dares to be different.”
Juno
On MicroFreak
“It’s all surprisingly clear and simple to get to grips with considering the fact that there’s so much to play with.”
DJTech Tools
On MicroFreak
“One of the biggest advantages to owning a digital hardware synth like the MicroFreak is the versatility – you’re able to create a wide range of sounds just from a single unit. Basses or leads, creepy sounds or smooth vibes – it’s in here.”
KRHome Studio
On MicroFreak
“Endearing and powerful instrument. If the editorial team calls for me to return it, tell them that I went for a trek in Tibet.”
MusicTech
On MicroFreak
“This is an exceptionally brave new design from Arturia, which has the potential for lots of sonic brilliance.”
Interface
On MicroFreak
“This is just a synth that should be in every studio. (...) With the Microfreak you can enjoy yourself for a long time. What a genius thing!”
Reverb
On MicroFreak
“It's a little package with a lot built in, I really enjoyed playing with it.”
Electronic Musician
On MicroFreak
“With so many synthesis features packed into such a small box, it’s hard not to fall in love with Arturia’s latest hardware offering. (...) MicroFreak should be top of your ‘must-try’ list.”
Future Music
On MicroFreak
“A modern classic at the time of its presentation, Arturia MicroFreak is a very difficult contender to beat in its price range. If you take into account its sound versatility and its ability to create breakthrough sequences, and all for a price less than € 300, you have to rub your eyes to believe what you're seeing - and listening... Its variety of sound generators and the flexibility of modulation are incredible for a synth of this price. -Arturia wanted to raise very high what a low-priced instrument has to offer The Arturia MicroFreak digital synthesizer represents the intention of those of Grenoble to capture the imagination and the desire of the beginner users of synthesizers, but also of those more demanding and creatively advanced.”
Strong Mocha
On MicroFreak
“MicroFreak is an amazing little synth monster which can produce magic, weightiness, elegance, strength, and endless variation.”
Allfordj
On MicroFreak
“The new MicroFreak synthesizer from Arturia is a very unusual instrument which is able to conquer the heart of any musician eager for experiments. It combines the virtually limitless possibilities of digital oscillators and tabular wave synthesis with the warm, charming character of analog filters.”
Amazona
On MicroFreak
“This little synthesizer nails - in some ways cruelly - all currently existing multi-engine synthesizers to the wall. No other synthesizer currently on the market offers so many different synthesis engines in one instrument. In short: The MicroFreak is an absolute killer synthesizer, convincing on so many levels while allowing you to live out the pure fun of playing.”
Gearspace
On MicroFreak
“The Microfreak is certainly in the no-brainer category for all synth enthusiasts and electronic music producers, and not only because it packs a lot but most importantly because it brings interesting and refreshing elements to the table. The digital oscillator is fabulous, pressure keyboard and along with the modulation matrix it makes for an exciting synth with lots to offer. This is arguably Arturia’s best — real or virtual — synthesizer to date.”
Sonic State
On MicroFreak
“If you are looking to expand your tonal palette a little bit, it's definitely something well worth checking out.”
Music Radar
On MicroFreak
“Packing tons of power and innovative features into an affordable box, Arturia’s new offering is weird, wonderful and downright fun. (...) MicroFreak should be top of your ‘must try’ list.”
Electronicbeats
On MicroFreak
“The modulation matrix is so powerful in itself, this is like a cherry on the cake but the cake itself is so incredibly well designed, actually, I would go that far and say it's the best synth arturia ever made.”