Arturia has introduced its first ever digital hardware synthesizer. New for NAMM 2019, MicroFreak is a bold, adventurous instrument that will both inspire newcomers with its ease of use and great sound, and also excite experienced players with its unusual, quirky features.
Combining the best of both worlds, MicroFreak includes a multi-mode digital oscillator with an Oberheim SEM-inspired analog filter. Among the multiple modes of MicroFreak’s synth engine, you’ll be able to select the open source Plaits oscillators created by modular pioneers Mutable Instruments. Not only that, but thanks to MicroFreak’s unique architecture, you can enjoy these awesome oscillators with added paraphony. The modes include Superwave, Harmonic Oscillator, Karplus-Strong, Wavetable, Virtual Analog, Waveshaper, FM, Grain, Chords, Speech, and Modal.
One of the most striking features of MicroFreak is its innovative PCB keyboard. Despite having no moving parts, it’s pressure sensitive and lightning-fast, and also offers poly-aftertouch. This unique functionality will also let you experiment with polyphonic express-enabled software instruments when MicroFreak is used as a USB-MIDI controller.
On top of its exceptional oscillators, filter, and interface, MicroFreak offers some seriously advanced features that other low-cost instruments can only dream of. A multi-point modulation matrix; an unique sequencer-arpeggiator with controlled randomness “Spice” and “Dice” parameters; a cycling envelope; 128 factory presets, and space for 64 user sounds; and a crystal-clear OLED screen
MicroFreak will contain 11 oscillator types at launch, but Arturia have made the unit capable of using new oscillators through official firmware updates in the future.
MicroFreak is currently in production, and is expected to arrive at retailers worldwide from April 1st, 2019, priced at $349 USD / 299 EUR.
AudioFuse Studio & 8Pre
Arturia has also announced two new AudioFuse interfaces and a companion software collection.
Now a comprehensive range of audio interfaces, AudioFuse, AudioFuse Studio, and AudioFuse 8Pre are high-end, feature-packed audio interfaces for everyone; from the bedroom musician to the pro studio engineer.
The range offers a perfect mix of workflow enhancing features, premium sound quality, and smart design.
All models of AudioFuse will also give users access to the AudioFuse Creative Suite, an ever-growing collection of superb software effects and instruments. The collection currently contains Trid-A Pre, 1973-Pre, V76-Pre, Mini-Filter and Analog Lab Lite.
Arturia is demonstrating the AudioFuse, AudioFuse Studio, and AudioFuse 8Pre at NAMM 2019.
AudioFuse is available to purchase at retailers worldwide for $699 USD/599 EUR, while AudioFuse 8Pre and AudioFuse Studio will be available to order in Spring and Summer 2019 for $799 USD/699 EUR and $999 USD/899 EUR, respectively.
More information: Arturia
