Arturia’s MiniFreak 49 makes its Freak synths more professional

Arturia has introduced the MiniFreak 49, a new addition to its line of unique digital synths. While sharing similarities with the existing MiniFreak, this model boasts several professional enhancements and interface upgrades. The most striking difference is the addition of 49 full-sized, semi-weighted keys, replacing the MiniFreak's 37 minikeys or MicroFreak's 25 "key" touchplate. However, it's worth noting that these keys only support mono aftertouch rather than polyphonic.

The MiniFreak 49 also replaces the touchstrips found in other Freak instruments with genuine aluminum pitch and mod wheels. A more substantial LCD display and dedicated controls for its two sound engines offer more immediate access to its sound shaping capabilities. The inclusion of over 30 digital oscillator types, each with analog filters, ensures a diverse palette of sounds. Additionally, the MiniFreak 49 introduces audio-rate filter FM for even more distinctive tones.

The model's storage capacity has been expanded to 256MB, accommodating user samples and wavetables—a feature added to the original MiniFreak via a recent firmware update. The incorporation of an XYZ touchpad marks a significant shift from the previous model's knob-based mod matrix. This new touchpad enhances performance by enabling quick preset browsing, macro control, and filter manipulation through swipe gestures. It also offers greater speed and intuitiveness compared to its predecessor.

The MiniFreak 49 is now available for $849, although the street price is expected to be lower. This new synth promises to provide musicians with a versatile and professional-grade tool for their creative endeavors.