Arturia MicroFreak Stellar Limited Edition - Analog Synthesizer

Product Information

You'll be pleased to know that four-voice unison mode can now be used for all oscillator types. This provides you with a unison spread of up to 12 semitones, all of which can be used as a destination for modulation. Achieving "phat" sounding basses and melodies has never been so easy! Digital Oscillator Modes: Over 20 modes, including modes from Noise Engineering & Mutable Instruments Aside from these well-known synthesis types, MicroFreak also features several experimentally-minded oscillator modes. The Speak-and-Spell-style Speech mode outputs synthetic vowels and consonants that can be scanned through, while the Granular Formant oscillator breaks a waveform into ‘particles’ and allows you to recombine formants in various ways. The versatile digital oscillators in the MICROFREAK feature varied modes, so you can create weird and wonderful sounds with ease. Modes like Texturer, Karplus strong, Harmonic OSC, and Superwave give the MICROFREAK a huge range for creating your own interesting soundscapes. If you want an instrument that features an incredibly versatile sound set and don't want to be restrained by other more focused synths, then MICROFREAK's flexible and powerful synthesizer engine is ideal for this and loads of other applications. Plaits by Mutable Instruments

Wavetable – a method of synthesis where the waveform transitions through a table of different waveforms, The MicroFreak is a synthesizer manufactured by French music technology company Arturia and released in 2019. [1] Described as a "Hybrid Experimental Synthesizer", it uses 18 digital sound engines (algorithms) to synthesize raw tones. [2] This digital oscillator is then fed into a multi-mode analog filter, giving the MicroFreak its hybrid sounds. If you haven’t tried granular synthesis before and don’t have a MicroFreak to hand, I’d recommend trying a granular synth plugin to experiment with this unique style. It’s great for soundbeds and unique textures. Sometimes excellent for comforting ambient textures, granular is also great at creating warped or stretched sounds for more ominous moods or some out-there percussive sounds. Frequency Modulation (two operators) – a method of synthesis where a wave modulates the frequency of another wave, Multimode Filtering - MICROFREAK's digital oscillators are incredibly versatile, offering a wide range of modes that make it easy to create unique and unusual sounds. With modes like Texturer, Karplus Strong, Harmonic OSC, and Superwave, MICROFREAK provides a vast sonic palette to craft your own interesting soundscapes. Whether you're looking for a synthesizer that offers a versatile sound set or one that doesn't limit your creativity like other more focused synths, MICROFREAK's flexible and powerful synthesizer engine is perfect for a range of applications.The firmware update also includes three new granular engines, named Scan Grains, Cloud Grains, and Hit Grains. These engines offer even more options for editing samples, making the MicroFreak an even more versatile tool for musicians. Building on the success of the original MicroFreak, this limited edition version not only features a brand new look but the updated firmware introduces four powerful engines. The new sampling engine allows you to use manipulate and trigger recorded audio directly from the MicroFreak, allowing you to run your favourite samples through the powerful analog filter and modulation controls. Three new granular engines are also included, comprised of Scan, Cloud and Hit modes allowing you to journey into the depths of granular exploration. Despite the new look, the MicroFreak Stellar Edition still offers the same great features that musicians have come to love. The touch keyboard with 25 keys and polyphonic aftertouch is still there, along with the orange knobs and small OLED display. The synth still boasts various digital oscillator engines and an analog state variable filter that can be switched between low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass characteristics. It received a limited edition white Vocoder design in 2020. [5] MicroFreak Vocoder (in white) is located on top of MatrixBrute (leftmost synthesizer) Reception [ edit ] Classic Analogue Filter - MICROFREAK's state-variable filter is based on a classic analogue 12db/Oct filter and can deliver both subtle and aggressive tonal changes. With the ability to self-oscillate, the filter opens up new possibilities for sound design. You can also modulate the cut-off with keyboard pressure or the sequencer, allowing you to create dynamic and expressive soundscapes. Whether you want to add a finishing touch to your sound design or tame harsh wavetable sounds, the filter provides a wide range of options.

a b Rogerson, Ben (2020-08-25). "Arturia releases MicroFreak Vocoder Edition, and there's a pleasant surprise for owners of the original synth, too". MusicRadar . Retrieved 2022-10-25. MicroFreak Stellar comes with an exclusive selection of presets designed to boldly go where no Freak has gone before. The next chapter in the Freak story. MicroFreak is the hybrid desktop synth that refuses to stop evolving and continues to inspire with every update. Arturia made available user installable firmware updates for the MicroFreak with additional features and improvements in the years after the original release. [8] [9] The same loveable hybrid beast that’s shaken up the synth world, retrofitted for out-of-this-world sound exploration.All the original modes are still included such as analog modelling and Karplus-strong to physical modelling engines as well as integrating the legendary Plaits oscillator modes from Mutable Instruments via open source. The MicroFreak also features a rich 12dB/oct analog filter which allows you to shape and sculpt your sound with maximum precision. Offering powerful warmth and a distinctive character; the MicroFreak is perfect for music production, sound design and live performance. For us, though, the USP is the Chords oscillator, which outputs a four-voice chord. The Wave knob is used to choose one of 11 chords, the Timbre knob switches the current inversion, and Shape scans through a host of waveform shapes. The MicroFreak Stellar’s sequencer and randomisation features, including the Spice & Dice function, ribbon controller and four lanes of automation, let you create melodies, motifs and rhythmic patterns on the fly, blurring the lines between sequencing and arpeggiation. Two sequence patterns can be stored on a per-patch basis, making the MicroFreak Stellar an excellent performance synth. Unique Poly Aftertouch PCB Keybed While the oscillator is unashamedly digital, the filter it feeds into is fully analogue, albeit digitally controlled. Inspired by the classic Oberheim SEM design, this state-variable, two-pole tone-shaper can be switched between low-, high- and band-pass modes with the Type button, and is flanked by Cutoff and Resonance knobs.