Arturia MiniFreak 49 is a six-voice hybrid synthesizer designed for keyboard players, producers and sound designers who want expressive performance and experimental sound creation. Combining two digital sound engines with analogue filters and VCAs per voice, it moves from familiar synthesizer tones to wavetable textures, granular soundscapes and complex processed sounds. Its 49 full-size semi-weighted keys feature velocity sensitivity and channel aftertouch, while a pressure-sensitive XYZ touch matrix provides direct control over modulation and performance gestures. A 64-step sequencer, three stereo effects slots and the included MiniFreak V software connect hands-on hardware exploration with DAW production.

Key features

• Six-voice polyphonic hybrid synthesizer
• 49 full-size semi-weighted keys with velocity and channel aftertouch
• Two digital sound engines with more than 30 oscillator modes
• Analogue multimode filter and VCA per voice
• Audio-rate filter FM from either sound engine
• Pressure-sensitive XYZ touch matrix for modulation and performance
• Dedicated controls for both sound engines
• Voice Panning with selectable stereo spread algorithms
• Three stereo effects slots with 13 algorithms available per slot
• 64-step sequencer with four modulation automation lanes
• Performance arpeggiator with Spice & Dice variation controls
• 256 MB memory for samples and wavetables
• USB-C, MIDI In/Out/Thru and analogue clock connections
• MiniFreak V software instrument included

Overview

Included Content

• Arturia MiniFreak 49 synthesizer
• Universal 12 V / 2 A power supply
• USB-C to USB-C cable
• Registration card
• Dedicated MiniFreak 49 version of MiniFreak V software, available through registration

Creative Tools

• Combine the two digital engines to build layered tones, or use Engine 2 to process Engine 1 for more complex filtering, distortion and harmonic interaction.
• Explore virtual analogue, wavetable, sample and granular synthesis alongside physical-modelled and experimental oscillator modes.
• Shape each voice through its analogue multimode filter, moving from rounded bass and focused chords to resonant leads and self-oscillating effects.
• Apply audio-rate Filter FM from either engine to introduce metallic harmonics, textured movement and vocal-like resonance.
• Use the XYZ touch matrix to change several parameters in one gesture, combining horizontal and vertical movement with pressure for expressive transformations.
• Create evolving patches with two LFOs per voice, cycling envelopes and the modulation matrix, then add further expression through velocity, aftertouch and the modulation wheel.
• Build patterns with the 64-step sequencer and record four lanes of parameter movement to animate filters, effects and other sound controls.
• Develop rhythmic variations with the arpeggiator and Spice & Dice, or use Chord and Scale modes to explore harmonised musical ideas.
• Spread individual voices across the stereo field and combine three effects slots for chorus, reverb, distortion, vocoding and other processing.
• Import samples and wavetables through the software, transfer them to the hardware and use the 256 MB memory to develop a personal sound library.
• Route external audio through Engine 2, the analogue filter and effects, turning the synthesizer into a creative processor for other sound sources.
• Move presets between the hardware and MiniFreak V, control the software from the instrument and use multiple software instances within a DAW arrangement.

Ideal For

• Keyboard players
• Electronic music producers
• Sound designers
• Live performers
• Film and game composers
• Experimental synthesis
• Hardware and software production setups
• Anyone seeking an expressive hybrid synthesizer with full-size keys and extensive modulation