Arturia MiniFreak 49 Hybrid Synthesizer

Arturia MiniFreak 49 Hybrid Synthesizer, 6 Voices, 49 Keys, XYZ Touch Matrix

The Arturia MiniFreak 49 is the larger version of the hybrid digital and analog synthesizer Arturia launched in 2022. It keeps the two engines, six voices, 30+ oscillator modes and analog filters of the original, then adds a full-size keybed, an XYZ touch matrix, Voice Panning and audio-rate FM of the filter cutoff. MiniFreak V software is included.

Two Engines, Six Voices

Two digital engines offer more than 30 oscillator modes, from Virtual Analog and FM to granular and sample. Engine 2 can process Engine 1, and three shortcut buttons jump straight to the synth, wavetable or sample engines. Audio In routes external signals through the voice architecture, so other instruments can be processed too.

Analog Filter

Each voice has its own polyphonic analog state-variable filter, switchable between low pass, high pass and band pass. It resonates up to self-oscillation, and the cutoff can now be frequency modulated at audio rate from either engine.

XYZ Touch Matrix

One multitouch surface works in four modes. Visualizer shows live animations in response to your playing, with four to choose from per preset. Modulation Matrix allows direct, colour-coded assignment. Preset Browsing shows full pages of presets that you swipe through. Freak Control gives access to Macros, Gate and Spice, plus bipolar and vector layouts pre-mapped across the synth, and any sweet spot you find can be latched.

Modulation And Stereo Movement

Two LFOs offer selectable waveforms, free or synced timing, a custom shape editor and drawing directly on the matrix. A polyphonic cycling envelope with Run and Loop modes works at audio rate. Three effect slots each hold one of 13 algorithms, and Voice Panning places each of the six voices in the stereo field using selectable spread algorithms.

Keybed And Controls

The 49 full-size semi-weighted keys respond to velocity and mono aftertouch, and use the Arturia-designed keybed shared with the KeyLab mk3 49 and 61. The pitch and mod wheels are aluminium, the OLED display is larger than the original, and a shift layer gives access to secondary functions across the panel.

Sequencer And Arpeggiator

The sequencer has four modulation tracks. The arpeggiator adds octave jumps, ratchets and repeats, and Spice and Dice varies or randomises any pattern on the fly.

Software Included

MiniFreak V companion software is included, for full DAW integration, preset management and control of the plugin from the hardware.

KEY FEATURES: Arturia MiniFreak 49

• Two digital engines, six voices, 30+ oscillator modes.
• Polyphonic analog filter per voice, LP/HP/BP.
• Audio-rate FM of filter cutoff from either engine.
• New XYZ multitouch matrix with four modes.
• 49 full-size semi-weighted keys with mono aftertouch.
• Voice Panning spreads six voices across stereo field.
• Three effect slots, 13 algorithms each.
• Two LFOs and polyphonic audio-rate cycling envelope.
• Sequencer with four modulation tracks, plus arpeggiator.
• Audio In processes external signals through the voices.
• Aluminium pitch and mod wheels, larger OLED display.
• MiniFreak V companion software included.