A hybrid MiniFreak software emulation for your DAW of the MiniFreak hardware synthesiser was promised by Arturia back in October, and it has now been delivered.
According to the press release, MiniFreak V is a “like-for-like software emulation of its hardware polysynth predecessor.” Along with identical digital engines, analogue filters that are models, and a tonne of outrageously imaginative modulation, sequencing, and expression settings, it has all of these qualities.
You can view the hardware in a broader manner using the GUI. The filter, FX, and a long row of animated modulations are all rendered after the oscillator visualisations. The modulation matrix and the two macro controls, which you can put on the touch strips, are also completely accessible.
The Sequencer page offers a piano roll with velocity and automation lanes, where you can still spice it all up to your heart’s content.
The most important thing to realise is that only owners of the MiniFreak hardware synth currently have access to MiniFreak V. You may load many instances just like any other VSTi, and it can run without the synth being plugged in. Therefore, even though there is a link between the two to transfer data, MiniFreak V will function without it. Hopefully, in the future, MiniFreak V will become available as a standalone synth!
In the meantime, Arturia has shared an in-depth demo where it covers MiniFreak V’s features, how it sounds, and how it integrates with the hardware synth.
Check out the Arturia site for more details.
