Arturia MicroFreak Vocoder Synthesizer
Discontinued, this product can no longer be ordered.
Product no: 9000-0068-6206 Bax Music Warranty: This product comes with a 3-year warranty.
General
A while back, we were introduced to the Arturia MicroFreak: a shamelessly peculiar synthesizer with an equally peculiar keyboard, all of which offered a mass of potential - which is everything you want in a synth, right? Now, we welcome the newest member of the MicroFreak family: the MicroFreak Vocoder complete with a fresh, white housing. Technically speaking, this doesn't differ massively from the first MicroFreak, but there is an added microphone input. And in fact, you could argue that the 3.5mm mini-jack output of the first edition can actually be used as an input as well - you'd just need to kit yourself out with the compatible microphone, load some new firmware in and make yourself a MicroFreak Vocoder. Ok, so this edition is not about expanding your collection, but if you simply need a great vocoding tool backed up by powerful synthesis, don't have a MicroFreak yet, and you're obsessed with the colour white, then read on!
The Arturia MicroFreak Vocoder
In case you're not aware, a vocoder analyses an audio signal (say... vocals), and splits it up into separate frequency bands. Then, using an envelope-follower, the volume of each frequency band is measured and synthesiser band-boosters are added (a row of filters) according to the volume level data fed through by the envelope-follower. So, you're basically matching the formant of one signal with the sonic spectrum of another sound - instant robot voice!
Need more freak?
If things aren't quite freaky enough for you yet, don't worry, there's more! As well as an on-board sequencer, the Microfreak has Spice and Dice functions that can really shake things up! You can record up to four automations and change the patterns as much as you like, and the original signal can be extensively influenced by the 5x7 mod matrix. This potent synth also provides you with a PCB keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch and pressure sensitivity, and to finish, the Microfreak can also be used as a controller for modular synths or a DAW thanks to the fitted USB, CV and MIDI ports.
Specifications
Product features
| 19-inch rack size | not applicable |
|---|---|
| Number of keys | 25 |
| Arpeggiator/sequencer | arpeggiator, sequencer |
| Control | monophonic aftertouch |
| Synthesizer inputs | line in |
| Sound source | hybrid |
| MIDI & other | MIDI in, MIDI thru, MIDI over USB, CV/gate out, clock in/out |
| Synthesizer outputs | line out jack |
| Type of keys | touchpad |
| Synthesizer type | keyboard |
Weight and dimensions including packaging
| Weight (incl. packaging) | 1,8 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (incl. packaging) | 44,5 x 27,0 x 8,5 cm |
Wrote the following about Arturia MicroFreak Vocoder Synthesizer
As this is a European site, products normally come with a Euro plug, meaning fiddling with adapters here in the UK. Not here! BAX included a full mains lead as an additional item in the delivery with a UK plug.
The microfreak has exceeded expectations and doesn’t have a competitor at this price (I paid £239 in a pre-Christmas special).
I was sceptical of the touch keyboard but is is brilliant - extremely tactile, and there are ridges between the keys to stop accidentally pressing multiple keys at once.
This will go alongside my analogue set up to add a bit of spice and weirdness (the range of sounds and tones is infinite - with classic synth sounds to FM style synthesis. The MIDI in and out are 3.5 mm jacks, but the unit come with two 3.5mm to MIDI converter cables so no issues.
I haven’t used the vocoder yet as I’m still enjoying playing with the sound synthesis for the keyboard- but the microphone fits well, if a little short which means leaning over the keyboard to speak. However, it means that the whole setup is portable, and you can plug-in your own microphone if you wish.
Buy one!!
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Wrote the following about Arturia MicroFreak Vocoder Synthesizer
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