Following the announcements of KeyLab Essential 88 and KeyStep Pro at NAMM 2020, Arturia has also introduced a firmware update to the popular MicroFreak digital synth.
The MicroFreak 2.0 update adds several exciting new features and functions such as a new Noise oscillator, Chord Mode and sequencer streamlining.
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 Superwave 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.
Changes in MicroFreak 2.0 firmware
- New Noise oscillator: morph between particle noise, white noise, and a metallic noise that’s reminiscent of a synth cymbal. An exciting new voice that will open up powerful new drum and percussion possibilities in MicroFreak.
- Chord Mode: by holding the Paraphony button and playing some notes, you program the chord, then replay the shape with a single key.
- Scale quantization: In the Utility settings, you can activate scale quantization to your favorite scale. When activated, the “white notes” on the keyboard play whichever scale you have selected. No more wrong notes!
- Sequencer streamlining: in 2.0 firmware update, you’re now able to easily copy Pattern A to Pattern B in an instant.
- Matrix initialize: before 2.0 firmware update, if you wanted to clear the Matrix of all routings, you’d have to manually do it. Now you can just hold the Shift and perform a long press on the encoder, and it will clear!
- 64 New Presets: Loads of exciting sounds to explore using the new oscillator and features.
- MicroFreak now displays visual feedback even when Local Control is off.
- The synth’s Local Control now also translates USB to MIDI Out.
- The release of currently playing presets are now cleared when switching to a new one.
- The Record LED now blinks on each beat, instead of on 16ths.
To update the MicroFreak synth, simply connect it to your computer, load up the Arturia MIDI Control Center, and hit the “update” button for MicroFreak.
To hear the new oscillator in action, check out the Arturia booth at NAMM 2020, Hall A, booth #11910.
More information: Arturia
