[Download] Not sure why I waited so long to order it, its a must have for any electronic music sound creator. Fun started right out of the box and it goes much deeper, lot's of tricks under the hood in this synth. Arturia has created a true freak of FM synthesis.

[3 GB] Endless sound possibilities. It's opened up an amazing world for me. It's expressive and powerful. Run it through some chorus and slight reverb and it sounds like a fully bloomed analog synth. My only complaint is that it comes by default with 300+ presets and in order to save your own, you have to scroll forever to a blank slot (or overwrite a factory one). AND if you mistakenly bonk that preset knob, you've lost whatever you were just working with. Happened so many times.

[Yes] I have several little synths like this from the minilogue to the roli seaboard and I have to say nothing is quite like sitting down with the microfreak for a few hours exploring the possibilities of digital synthesis along with the tactlessness of the strange but wonderful circuit keyboard. If you lay your finger on a key you can produce strange short out sounds or an increase or decrease in the desired effect depending on what you are doing. I wish it had a few more outputs but other than that this thing is a ton of fun for the price.

[Download] Hits the spot when you need it.

[Yes] Keyboard is shrunken but playable synth-action with velocity and after-touch to work out your music. The 64-step, 8-note sequencer lets you do some complicated things already, not just dance beats. It’s sturdy built and stays put nicely. Knobs and pads are firm to touch.

Actually got the BeatStep first but realized that’s more for DJ’s. Thought I’d miss the knobs but I play with one hand and the other using the mouse works fine to tweak the sound. The sequencer here also excels, worth it alone. Merchandise exchange with B&H no problem, thanks.

Quality product, check it out if it works for you.

[Synthesizer] I bought the MicroFreak over a year ago, and I'm still finding new things to do with it. There
are many digital oscillator types. While the oscillators themselves offer only three controls, the modulation matrix give this instrument much more depth and allows it to punch far above it's weight class.

I'm glad I waited to write a review because since I bought it the device has received a massive firmware update (5th major update) that allows you to load short samples onto it. There are three sample playback modes (e.g. granular, oneshot) and these can be routed through the modulation matrix providing a very interesting sound design opportunties.


Because this is such a popular item, I found that getting help with creating a patch or trouble shooting is easily available from the community of experts.

The capacitive keyboard is a mixed bag. The aftertouch puts additional modulation dimension in the keys themselves. However, it's easy to touch the wrong note. I like owning such a unique playing interface, but if it's your only keyboard it's very non-standard. Also the capacitive controls and buttons, like the pitch bend ribbon don't respond well when running on USB power some of the times. I've found can be finicky even with the legit power supply.


Even with a few flaws this thing is 5 stars. Very good value for money.


PROS:
Many Oscillator Models
Works as CV to MIDI or MIDI to CV converter
Step Sequencer
Arpeggiator with interesting controls and MIDI out
Analog filter*
User-Sample Playback


CONS:
capacitive controls are touchy
12db filter only*






* The SEM filter isn't bad, but I'd like to
have seen a 24db filter as well. There are a range of sounds I can't make
without outboard gear. I can't really knock the device too much for this though
because the immense value of this thing delivers overwise.

[Yes] The sequencer and arp are a plus.

[Download] I own a LOT of saturation plugins. They all serve a purpose but FabFilter's Saturn takes saturation to a whole different level. Everything from subtle mastering to wild tape effects and everything in between, Saturn 2 has you covered.

[2 ] Punchy and raw...

[Standard] Great sequencer keyboard, I use it with Ableton and it works like a charm. The built in ARP is super fun and I look forward to exploring more features.