The Arturia MiniFreak is a sophisticated six-voice polyphonic synthesizer that builds upon the experimental foundation of its predecessor, the MicroFreak, while adding significant new capabilities. This instrument represents a major evolution in digital synthesis, combining the flexibility of multiple synthesis engines with the warmth of analog filtering.

At its core, the MiniFreak features dual digital oscillators capable of running 31 different synthesis algorithms, ranging from classic analog modeling to cutting-edge granular synthesis. These algorithms include contributions from renowned developers like Mutable Instruments and Noise Engineering, offering an unprecedented variety of sonic textures. The oscillators can operate in parallel for layered sounds or in serial configuration for complex modulation scenarios including FM/AM synthesis.

The instrument's analog heart lies in its polyphonic filter section, featuring the same sweet-sounding, self-oscillating tri-mode analog filter as the MicroFreak, but now with true six-voice polyphony. This ensures that every note receives individual analog filtering, maintaining warmth and character across complex chords and sequences.

The MiniFreak's performance capabilities are enhanced by innovative macro controls via two touch strips that can simultaneously adjust multiple parameters, providing expressive real-time sound manipulation. The 37-key mini keyboard offers velocity sensitivity and monophonic aftertouch, while the comprehensive modulation matrix allows for intricate sound design possibilities.

The built-in sequencer and arpeggiator sections are particularly noteworthy, featuring 16 touch-sensitive step buttons that provide direct access to up to 64 steps of sequencing. Advanced features like Spice and Dice allow for algorithmic variation generation, while parameter automation can be recorded in real-time or programmed step-by-step.

A comprehensive effects section adds the final polish, with three serial effect slots featuring multiple algorithms each, from time-based effects that add stereo width to aggressive distortion and dynamics processing. The multiband compressor is particularly notable for its ability to add character and presence to sounds.

The MiniFreak comes bundled with MiniFreak V, a complete software recreation of the hardware that can run standalone or within a DAW, and intelligently syncs with the hardware when connected via USB.

Technical Specifications

Architecture

• Polyphony: 6 voices (true polyphony including filters and modulators)
• Oscillators: Dual digital oscillators per voice
• Special Mode: Paraphonic mode (12 oscillator voices sharing 6 filters)
• Synthesis Types: 31 different oscillator algorithms

Oscillator Algorithms

Granular Synthesis Engines

• Particles: Microscopic grain generation for rhythmic chaos and textures
• Lick: Fast-paced sample slicing for rhythmic grooves
• Frozen: Sample timeline freezing for sustained textures
• Raster: Precise sound slicing for complex rhythmic textures
• Skan: Sample slice navigation with glitchy timestretch effects
• Hit Grains: Grain manipulation for percussive timbres
• Cloud Grains: Dense granular texture creation

Traditional Synthesis

• Sample: Sample playback, looping, and reverse functions
• Wavetable: 32 wavetables with metallic and harmonic textures
• Noise: Particle, white, and metallic noise morphing
• Superwave: Detuned saw, square, sine, triangle waves
• Harmo: 32-sinewave additive synthesis
• KarplusStrong: Physical modeling string synthesis
• BasicWaves: Square and sawtooth wave emulation
• AudioIn: External audio processing via Engine 2

Filter Engines

• MultiFilter: 14 modeled filter types (36dB LP to 3-notch modes)
• SurgeonFilter: Precision frequency filtering (LP/BP/HP/Notch)
• CombFilter: Tuned feedback delay for acoustic-like behavior
• PhaseFilter: 2-12 pole static phase effects
• Destroy: Bit crushing, decimation, and wave folding
• FM/AM: Frequency and ring modulation between engines

Mutable Instruments Algorithms

• V.Analog: Two detuned virtual analog oscillators
• Waveshaper: Triangle wave with waveshaping/wavefolding
• Two Op. FM: Twin-operator FM synthesis
• Formant: Vowel-like formant synthesis
• Chords: Paraphonic chord generation
• Speech: Vocal and formant synthesis
• Modal: Inharmonic resonance modeling

Noise Engineering Algorithms

• SawX: Enhanced sawtooth with chorus and phase modulation
• Harm: Additive synthesis with wavefolding and hard sync
• Bass: Non-linear waveshaping optimized for low frequencies

Filter Section

• Type: Analog multimode filter (per voice)
• Modes: Low-pass, Band-pass, High-pass
• Characteristics: Self-oscillating, sweet-sounding
• Architecture: True polyphonic (6 independent filters)

Modulation System

• Envelopes: 2 per voice (main envelope with independent decay/release, cycling envelope)
• Envelope Curves: Normal and percussive modes
• LFOs: 2 per voice + dedicated vibrato LFO
• LFO Designer: 16-stage custom shape creation
• Modulation Matrix: 3 pages, 9 total freely assignable destinations
• Macro Controls: 2 touch strips controlling up to 4 parameters each
• Aftertouch: Monophonic
• Velocity: Polyphonic

Sequencer & Arpeggiator

• Step Buttons: 16 touch-sensitive
• Maximum Length: 64 steps (4 pages of 16)
• Recording Modes: Real-time and step recording
• Arpeggiator Modes: Multiple including Pattern, Ratchet, Repeat, Mutate
• Spice & Dice: Algorithmic variation generation
• Parameter Sequencing: Real-time automation recording
• Automation Types: Smooth interpolation or discrete parameter locks

Effects Section

• Slots: 3 serial effects slots
• Routing: Series (except reverb/delay can be sends)
• Time-Based Effects: Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Delay, Reverb (with stereo width)
• Dynamics: Multiband compressor
• Distortion: Multiple distortion algorithms
• EQ: Multiple EQ types
• Bit Processing: Bit crusher, Wave folder

Physical Specifications

• Keyboard: 37-key mini keyboard with velocity sensitivity
• Dimensions: 578 x 231 x 55mm
• Weight: 2.74kg
• Construction: Metal housing with graphite-colored plastic panel
• Power: External 12V adapter (not USB powered)

Connectivity

• MIDI: Full-size In, Out, Thru ports
• USB: USB port for MIDI and software integration
• Audio: Stereo outputs (1/4" jacks), Audio input (1/4" jack)
• Clock: 3.5mm clock input/output
• Sync: Sequencer reset output

Software Integration

• Included Software: MiniFreak V plugin (VST, AU, AAX)
• Standalone Operation: Software can run independently
• Hardware Integration: Intelligent USB sync with hardware control
• Compatibility: Mac and PC

User Interface

• Display: LED-based parameter indication
• Controls: Encoders, touch strips, touch buttons
• Touch Strips: 2 assignable performance strips with macro functionality
• Preset Storage: Factory and user preset banks
• Real-time Control: Hardware panel mirrors all software parameters