Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Arturia - MicroFreak Synthesizer Keyboard - 25-Key Hybrid Synth with PCB Keyboard, Wavetable & Digital Oscillators, Analog Filters

Top positive review

Does what my other synths can't!

Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2021

I was ready to spring for my first Behringer clone...the 2600, when I realized that I was about to pay a lot of money for something that I already had...mono analog synths. I love the old Arp sound, but it is a nuance that I consider nonessential at this point. And, quite frankly, I miss being able to save my sonic creations to memory. Polyphony would be nice too.
So, after watching tons of Youtube videos, I decided on the Arturia Microfreak...and I'm glad I did! It has a LOT of sound design potential, and using the Mod Matrix is a joy. The arp and sequencer are very fun and flexible, and the whole design seems catered to evolving and expressive sounds. The capacitance keyboard is odd, but just adds to the quirky expressiveness of the instrument. The firmware updates are awesome and easy to install. And btw...with a little patience, the vocoder works surprisingly well! And yes...besides being a decent four voice polyphonic synth, it now has a powerful unison mode. Thick! No onboard effects though. :(
For a great video that covers all the features in detail, I recommend "Loopop" on Youtube. Very informative!
I'm very happy with my Microfreak. I love my analogs, but adding a digital synth to my audio arsenal filled that void perfectly and opened up many new avenues of sonic exploration for me. There are literally years of tweaking sounds in this amazing yet inexpensive synth! And it's nice knowing that all my careful crafted sounds can be stashed safely away on my computer for future use...no more use it or lose it programming sessions! Five stars!

12 people found this helpful

Top critical review

Critical reviews›

virtuosomaximoso

Most synth for your buck.

Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2023

People say they hate the keypad but I think it's really the charm of this synth. It's not hard to play at all. Look this does so much and is massively versatile for what you pay. I just wasn't really inspired when I sat down and worked with it. I'd say I'd you're looking for your first digital synth to see if it's your thing this is the one you want.

620 total ratings, 138 with reviews

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

From the United States

Mike "Sonic" Meengs

Does what my other synths can't!

Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2021

Style: MicroFreak OnlyVerified Purchase

12 people found this helpful

Helpful

Corey

***JUST GET IT!*** Unbelievable product, endless inspiration.

Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2024

Style: MicroFreak OnlyVerified Purchase

Initial review as a Hip Hop producer (boom bap) who is primarily sample based. I'm fairly savvy with the use of VST synths but never tried hardware synths. I've used Ableton, FL, Maschine and MPC and have about 7 years of experience.

I paired this with my SP 404 Mk2 using a single 1/4" patch cable into the mono input of the SP. Endless, let me repeat...ENDLESS sound sources! Endless inspiration. I have ZERO use for anything else in order to get absolute bangers, and that's not even consciously designing sound. When tweaking sounds, I'm literally like a kid unconsciously scribbling anything on paper and then turning it into my favorite tracks ever. The sounds are rich and offer lots of sonic possibilities when chopping, pitching and reversing.

Perfect size and weight and right at home in a backpack.

My only gripes thus far are
(1) It's packaged without the cable to connect to your computer. This is a requirement if you want to download the latest firmware (although NOT necessary to get up and running) Luckily I had plenty of cords lying around from other midi gear.
(2) The power cord is long and bulky. (This might be a pro for others, but not for me...I will switch to a power bank.)

Best purchase I've made in a very long time. Thrilled with this product and I'm not easily impressed.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Amazon Customer

A Great Sounding, Polyphonic, Multi-Engine, Innovative Synth

Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2019

Style: MicroFreak OnlyVerified Purchase

I'm going to get one thing out of the way here from the start. Yes, this can be a fat - sounding monophonic synth. However, in paraphonic mode, it can also be a 4 note POLYPHONIC synth that doesn't lose much of the fatness and quality. Why Arturia tried to downplay the polyphony on this synth astounds me.

Ok, so what do you get? Well, it's essentially a wavetable synth that can (therefore) act as an analog modeling synth, a. digital waveform analog synth (basically the same thing but with the true analog filter that the MicroFreak boasts), superX (saw, square, etc - basically more analog modeling) synth, formant (think: vocoder) synth, wavefolding west coast style spectral synth, and laughably named two-operator "FM" synth.

Not it's got a few other all-digital tricks up the sleeve. First, it pulls off a respectable Karplus-Strong string physical modeling synth and some voice synthesis as well as a couple of sample and granular synthesis tricks.

Couple that with a vast mod matrix, CV I/O (and MIDI), USB power and connectivity, a sequencer and arp, and some pretty neat envelope and lfo options, and you've got a cool synth.

Some will balk at the capacitive keys, but they add to the character of this little guy and permit for some interesting expression.

It's well built (though not on the order of their other brick-house products), light, and easy on the wallet.

Let me add that, unlike another reviewer, I had zero problems with MIDI connectivity. I updated the OS/firmware as soon as I powered it up and registered it, and had no problems from there on out. The only thing that I can think of is that the other reviewer isn't experienced with MIDI and had channel mismatches or simply wasn't sending or receiving MIDI due to device settings and not because of any flaws on the unit.

Worth also mentioning that this synth works perfectly with the Volca / Uno / Roland Boutique / Yamaha Reface form factors. They are all easily synced. And, while the MicroFreak doesn't sport any speakers (not that the speakers on any of the other units are anything beyond mediocre), it's pretty easy to find one such unit with an audio input and let the MicroFreak get mixed in that way. Further, with a little bit of electronic creativity, you can easily find a way to sync and power ALL of the above using nothing but USB and / or battery.

Good job, Arturia!

73 people found this helpful

Helpful

Rick Moore

An Amazing Product! In the same league as the Microkorg!

Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2019

Style: MicroFreak OnlyVerified Purchase

First, let me say I own 6 professional synthesizers, so I am able to offer comments with extensive knowlege of how this product measures up against other synths. I've not yet spent much time with the Microfreak, but wanted to share my excitement over it should others be shopping for this type of product for Christmas. I was leary of the touch-sensitive keybed, expecting it to be less satisfying than real keys that move when depressed. To my amazement, these keys are actually amazing. They seem very reliable and functional. I love them. I wasn't crazy about this synth having a mono ouput with no built-in effects, but when I played it through my DAW (Logic Pro X) and added a slight chorus and reverb, I was super impressed with the sound. This synth is the most versitile synth I've seen to date and I've been playing synths for 40 years! The wide array of sounds is creamy and rich. I can't imagine that any synth enthusiast wouldn't love this synth. I'm amazed that it is so affordable. Before this, the Microkorg was THE affordable synth to have. But, this just might be in the same league! I'm happy to say I have both! YAY! I will post an update when I spend more time with it.

38 people found this helpful

Helpful

Kristopher Madaus

Amazing Synth!

Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2023

Style: MicroFreak OnlyVerified Purchase

This little thing is an incredibly versatile synth. You can do so much with it, and Arturia keeps adding more to it through firmware updates years after its release. It does have a relatively steep learning curve if you are new to hardware synths (as I am, but I have a lot of experience with software synths), but you can always just start with one of the hundreds of presets without knowing anything. The presets are pretty interesting and many are unique. I don't think you could buy a better synth for the money.

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Max

Great synth but has some major problems

Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2023

Style: MicroFreak OnlyVerified Purchase

I am sad that I have to return this wonderful synth, because it's so powerful and portable. Unfortunately, the synth is incredibly sensitive to humidity and grounding. I have not been able to get the keyboard keys to reliably register. I've tried moist fingers, using the AC adapter in many different outlets in different houses and even different parts of the country. I've tried USB to computers and laptops, and external USB bricks. The only reliable way to get it working for me is using a USB power brick but if I use it by my computer or connect it to my focusrite audio interface, the keys stop working reliably. Unfortunately, for $350, I cannot accept this and need to return it. I'm sad because I know it works so well for a lot of people.

9 people found this helpful

Helpful

Jaycee Lewis

A great first synth

Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2023

Style: MicroFreak OnlyVerified Purchase

I’m a synth newcomer. Fresh out of the YouTube synth review industrial complex wormhole. I wanted something powerful, affordable, and that would grow with me. The MicroFreak checks all those boxes.

Is it perfect? Nope. Does it have limitations? Hell yes, it does. Limitations are good for you me your art.

One more thing – make sure you have all the necessary cables before you order it. Nothing fancy, just a midi cable and a USB type B (full size, not mini) and you’re good to go!

5 people found this helpful

Helpful

Ross P

Unique Synth

Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2021

Style: MicroFreak OnlyVerified Purchase

Brilliant! My only complaint is that there are limited effects, but combining this with effect pedals can really bring a new dimension to the MicroFreak. It can really enhance the sound of this synth.

Love the keys! They're expressive and unique. The mod matrix gives the user a lot of control of the sound. You can modulate the standard parameters with an LFO, modulate the keys, and more. There's a slight learning curve, but it's not too complex for beginners.

The capabilities of the synth are extremely ranged. You won't find all its features in another synth at this price. It's a steal. It checks many of the boxes. I look forward to seeing what Arturia does in the future with the success they've had with the Microfreak.

Helpful

Samarie

Desert Island Synth

Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2024

Style: MicroFreak OnlyVerified Purchase

The MicroFreak covers a lot of ground in a small package. It has amazing sound design options and with the latest update it can even manage and manipulate samples. It's also super portable and interacts nicely with other gear/DAWs. While the MiniFreak can do more, I think the MicroFreak is more bang for your buck.

Helpful

jason w odell

So much fun.

Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2023

Style: MicroFreak OnlyVerified Purchase

I love how versatile it is. The sonic possibilities seem endless.

Helpful

Questions? Get fast answers from reviewers

Need customer service?

‹ See all details for Arturia - MicroFreak Synthesizer Keyboard - 25-Key Hybrid Synth with...

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Arturia - MicroFreak Synthesizer Keyboard - 25-Key Hybrid Synth with...

›

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

Arturia - MicroFreak Synthesizer Keyboard - 25-Key Hybrid Synth with PCB Keyboard, Wavetable & Digital Oscillators, Analog Filters

Top positive review

Top critical review

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

From the United States

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

Questions? Get fast answers from reviewers

Arturia - MicroFreak Synthesizer Keyboard - 25-Key Hybrid Synth with... › Customer reviews

Customer reviews

Arturia - MicroFreak Synthesizer Keyboard - 25-Key Hybrid Synth with PCB Keyboard, Wavetable & Digital Oscillators, Analog Filters

Top positive review

Top critical review

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

From the United States

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

Questions? Get fast answers from reviewers

Arturia - MicroFreak Synthesizer Keyboard - 25-Key Hybrid Synth with...

›

Customer reviews