Arturia - MiniFreak

MiniFreak

Explore the
unconventional

In the rift where digital meets analog, engine meets engine, hardware meets software, expression meets impulse, and reality meets boundless imagination, dwells MiniFreak.

Discover endless sweet spots between sonic universes and tear up the rulebook with an addictive hybrid synthesizer that invites you to play without consequences.

Double the engines,
double the fun

2 engines, 6 voices, 31 oscillator modes.

From Virtual Analog to FM, Additive to Granular, collide contrasting modes for compound polyphonic timbres, feed Engine 1’s sound into Engine 2 for stacked sonic interplay, and process external audio through its architecture to unleash any sound’s wild side. Whether it’s mix-filling bass, textural percussion, or center-stage synth lead, you can mold MiniFreak’s many voices into whatever shape you desire.

Noise
Superwave
Harmo
Karplus Str.
BasicWaves
Audio In
Multi Filter
Surgeon Filter
Comb Filter
Phaser Filter
Destroy
FM/RM
V.Analog
Waveshaper
Two Op. FM
Formant
Chords
Speech
Modal
SawX
Harm
Bass
WaveTable
Sample
Cloud Grains
Hit Grains
Frozen
Skan
Particles
Lick
Raster

A simple analog-style pad evolves into a stuttering rhythmic motif, introducing modulation, filter sweeps, and FX.

Effortless
sound experimentation

Immediate modulation means nothing is off-limits.

With twin LFOs, polyphonic cycling envelopes, and customizable LFO shapes, modulate your sound engines, filters, effects - even your modulation sources themselves. Anything goes with this simple-but-powerful modulation matrix, putting any flavor of animated, evolving, or untamed sonic alteration at your disposal in seconds.

A simple sustained chord, progressively modulated with slewed S&H affecting the engines and filters.

Madness
in stereo

Savor vivid stereo textures with built-in effects.

Embellish your dual-engine sounds with beautifully hypnotic chorus, brutal distortion, immersive borderline-3D atmosphere, and beyond. MiniFreak is armed with stereo outputs and 3 FX slots, each with 11 curated FX algorithms to choose from, ensuring that every patch is mix-ready and as wide as you need it to be.

Chorus
Phaser
Flanger
Reverb
Delay
Distortion
Bit Crusher
3-Band EQ
Peak EQ
Multi Comp
Super Unison

Hear a simple sequence turned thick, wide, and resonant by introducing distortion, chorus, and reverb.

A Hands-on
Experience

Explore MiniFreak’s layout, controls, and secret sonic weapons in detail, from the one-knob Modulation Matrix to the multi-functional touch strips.

Overview
MiniFreak Front
1
x2 Oscillators
Engine 1 - A typically Freaky array of classic, quirky, and cutting-edge oscillator modes. Engine 1’s selection includes Arturia modes like Granular, Sample, SuperWaves, Karplus Strong, WaveTable and Audio In, Mutable Instruments’ open-source Plaits modes like Speech and Modal, and 3 modes designed with LA modular heavyweights Noise Engineering. Engine 2 - Expanding on Engine 1’s selection, Engine 2 can be used to process Engine 1 itself, with modes like Comb Filter, Destroy, and Ring Mod.
2
Analog Filters
Polyphonic state-variable resonant filters, with low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass modes, capable of self-oscillation.
3
Envelope
A standard ADSR envelope with 4 modes to choose from: polyphonic, monophonic, paraphonic, and unison.
4
Cycling Envelope
A handy shape-adjustable second envelope that can also be used in Run or Loop modes for responsive repeating modulations, even up to audio rate.
5
LFOs
2 LFOs perfectly complement MiniFreak’s dual-engine architecture, with the familiar shapes to choose from, free-running or sync’d operation, and even a custom LFO shaper.
6
Modulation Matrix
Create your own modulation tapestry with 7 sources, and dozens of possible destination combinations, from the familiar to the assignable.
7
Digital Effects
3 FX engines, 11 FX to choose from on each engine, for beautiful or explosive stereo sound depending on your mood.
8
Central controls
Navigate core settings, presets, and detailed customizations with single-knob operation and a crystal-clear display for real-time feedback.
9
Shift Button
The master key to MiniFreak’s many hidden talents; hold Shift to engage secondary settings, highlighted in blue on the control panel.
10
Touch strips
Yes, they do Pitch Bend and Mod - but it doesn’t end there. Use these strips to tweak your macro controls during performances, or alter your sequences on the fly with Spice & Dice.
11
Seq & Arp controls
The steering wheel for your sequences and arpeggios. Shift octaves, fire off ratchets, record modulation, or mutate any sequence of notes with a single touch.
12
LFO Shaper
Use these pads to add segments to your custom LFO shapes.
13
Keybed
A 37-note velocity-sensitive Slim-key keybed with aftertouch for responsive, comfortable playing.

Overview
MiniFreak Back
1
MIDI
Connect MIDI in, out, or thru to get MiniFreak talking to your setup.
2
USB
Connect to your computer for updates, preset management, and using MiniFreak V in sync with your hardware.
3
Analog Clock
Keep things in sync with analog gear and modular.
4
Audio Input
Using MiniFreak’s ’Audio In’ mode, process incoming signals through its engines and filters.
5
Stereo outputs
Capture the full width of dual oscillators and 3 FX engines.

Like-minded
expression

Playfulness that communicates on your level.

MiniFreak is a monster built for playing. Enjoy polyphony that responds to your every input with a quality Slim-key keybed with aftertouch, make sweeping changes to your sound with dynamic macros, turn your melodies into dense chord stacks with Chord mode, and keep your harmony in-check with Scale mode.

Momentum,
meet chaos

Movement on tap, randomization on command.

Explore sequencing and arpeggiation that goes way beyond tapping notes in. Lock variety into your patterns with 4 modulation lanes, introduce dramatic octave jumps, drop in ratchets, repeats, and mutations on the fly - and of course, the Freaks’ signature Spice & Dice guarantees musical alterations and creative randomizations aplenty.

A sequence that never fully repeats, thanks to MiniFreak's Spice & Dice randomization and one-touch mutations.

MiniFreak V

MiniFreak’s sound and architecture mirrored virtually.

Enjoy the same wild hybrid sound, complete with modeled analog filters, in your DAW of choice with a like-for-like VST counterpart to MiniFreak, free and exclusive for its registered users. You can even use the same presets physically or virtually, and tweak the VST with MiniFreak’s controls for a seamless creative flow.

More Info

Preset

Out of the box, explore a curated selection of over 300 patches to whip up your appetite for Freaky hybrid sound. Created by some of the world’s most experienced and prolific sound designers, this library has a little something for everyone. But don’t take it from us, hear it for yourself…

Drums

Freaggae Ton

If you're feeling the reggaeton vibe, this preset has you covered!

Glitch Perc

Glitchy percussions to add spice to your tracks.

Bass

Harming Bass

A hard bass. The macro 1 controls the HP Filter cutoff and macro 2 adds an octave up.

Heavy B

Heavy bass sound, as the title suggests.

Leads

Alchemist

An atmospheric lead sound with some pitch drift.

Triumph

Hybridation of Granular with Analog Brass Lead.

Pads

Cygnus

Dreamy dark polyphonic pad.

Aevus Aeternu

A majestic pad sound where the aftertouch plays a big role in the expressiveness of the sound by increasing the modulation speed.

Keys

Crusty Pluck

A thin and noisy pluck sound. Macro 1 adds dramatic tremolo.

Plastic Pluck

Velocity-sensitive granular pluck.

FX

Sci Fi Slam

A huge, texture gesture generator.

Infinite Hall

Ominous cinematic pad SFX that drips with tension.

Vitalic

Defying genre-boundaries with MiniFreak

Producer and composer Vitalic first came onto the scene in 1996. Since then he has continued to redefine an inimitable and energetic sound, combining influences from rock, disco and techno into driving club classics and dancefloor favorites.

Read the Story

Hear it
in action

Broken Landscapes

Graphyt

A MiniFreak exploration of textures and sounds finding between something beautiful and broken, something melodic and distorted.

Funk Freak

Louison Pugin

A vibrant funk demo using Minifreak Factory presets.

Boss Fight

Joe Sheldrick

An intense bass-heavy track with a cinematic and video game feeling, using many MiniFreak granular presets.

Hypersona

Victor Morello

A hyperpop track using the Minifreak's Engine capabilities. No external effects were used.

In 20 Years Time

Dimitris Kordis

An intimate, expressive cinematic track using the Minifreak. No external effects were used.

Void Construct

Culprate

A melodic but heavy-hitting and dense track, result of the union of Culprate and the MiniFreak granular.

PressClippings

Amazona
On MiniFreak V
“A successful update that also provides a typically granular aesthetic with the factory samples.”
Sonic State
On MiniFreak V
“The MiniFreak V has unusual and harmonically rich oscillator types.”
Happy Mag
On MiniFreak V
“The MiniFreak V is one of those synths that does everything, and everything well.”
Engadget
On MiniFreak V
“The multi-engine synth core of the MiniFreak is incredibly versatile.”
MusicTech
On MiniFreak V
“MiniFreak V is an astonishing synth.”
Sound On Sound
On MiniFreak
“Bigger, Better, Freakier! The MiniFreak really is a great sounding and uniquely versatile synth. ”
Music Radar
On MiniFreak
“This is a versatile-sounding hybrid synth that’s a joy to get hands-on with. For all of its versatility too, Arturia has done an excellent job of creating a UI that feels like it has no wrong answers.”
Audio Fanzine
On MiniFreak
“It wins the 2022 Quality/Price Award!”
MusicTech
On MiniFreak
“A bantamweight synth that packs a heavyweight punch.”
DJMag
On MiniFreak
“It is difficult to remain indifferent to this stroke of genius by Arturia. This MiniFreak may well be a revolution. ”
Synth Anatomy
On MiniFreak
“The new firmware 3.0 is probably one of the biggest and most sound-changing updates so far for the MiniFreak and MiniFreak V. It is a fantastic update that clearly sets Arturia’s hybrid Synthesizer apart from other hybrid synths.MiniFreak is now not only a Synthesizer but also a sampler—all without costing more—great! ”
Gearspace
On MiniFreak V
“ MiniFreak V can make some great, freaky sounds as well as excellent pads and slowly evolving soundscapes and has a lot going for (5/5).”
Engadget
On MiniFreak
“The multi-engine synth core of the MiniFreak is incredibly versatile.”

Artistscorner

dBridge
dBridge/Bad Company
Minifreak is definitely punching above it's weight. This freak offers mood, tones and attitude for any occasion. I love incorporing off grid sound design in my compositions and this is a useful tool to arrive to this kind of result really quickly !
Jeff Rona
Composer / Music scores
A fresh synth with real character and quirks! MiniFreak V is that rare instrument that can push you into experimenting with sound in unexpected ways without overwhelming you with too many features. I just love it!
Sega Bodega
Producer
This thing really has some amazing low end, the presets across the thing I don’t even really wanna change much.
Space Dimension Controller
Producer
As soon as I loaded the MiniFreak I was blown away by the first preset. This thing sounds more alive than any other synth plugin i’ve played in recent memory. It can have such a soft and beautiful feel with all the nuance of hardware whilst at the same time being capable of sounding raw and huge.
J:Kenzo
Producer
The Mini Freak V is an absolute beast! A great addition to my productions and brings that true analog sound in the beauty of a soft synth. 10/10
Hyas
Producer
MiniFreak V is very inspiring, so easy to use and its algorithmic oscillators are really flexible. This virtual synthesizer allows me to find a sound that suits me quickly, but also to be able to modify it with surprising sound design depth.
Daisuke Tanabe
Producer
MiniFreak V has some iconic sounds with very nice low end.
Galaxian
Producer
The sequencer and arp are seriously powerful. It feels like a straightforward workflow yet it has great depth. I really enjoy the clear and uncluttered interface which makes it highly usable. The simplicitly of use but complexity of patches is brilliant.
Kink
DJ / Producer
MiniFreak V is really impressive and the matrix mode is super easy to use
Carl Craig
DJ / Producer
The MiniFreak is a very powerful synth with a sound that should be in a box as large as the MatrixBrute. The bass sounds are heavy but the few string sounds included are Detroit Techno production ready. Its a bigger freak when I plugged it into my Prime Time and H949. Watch out, this Freak will make an amateur sound like a pro!
Rone
Producer
Arturia's MiniFreak is an outstanding synthesizer! I am really impressed by its versatility and its ability to generate fantastic and original sounds! Compact and very powerful, I can't live without it and I take it with me wherever I go. It inspires me and opens up new and exciting possibilities! Congrats Arturia!
Paula Temple
Producer
When I have seen so many synths often doing similar things I was really surprised by the MiniFreak V. The synth sounds great, but mostly I am really into the combined sequencer and arpeggiator. Experimenting with this can create some unpredictable melodies which I really love.
Marcel Dettmann
Producer
Top plugin to work with while I’m on tour and don’t have access to my full studio set up - especially loving the sequencer.
Alix Perez
DJ / Producer
The MiniFreak V VST has come in really handy when I want to quickly draw for something during a session, particularly for layering pads and high end musical textures. The plug is straight forward which gives easy results on the go.
Fakear
Producer
Compact and powerful, it's the most versatile synth I've been able to use on tour. The large keys are well fitted for live shows, for a synth of this size, this is astonishing. And it fits in your backpack !
Breakbot & Irfane
DJ / Producer
It is so much fun to play with the mini freak ! It offers endless possibilities in terms of sound and texture creation, with a wide array of extremely varied and well designed presets to start off from should you want to take a safer route.
Kmru
Producer
The minifreak has become a favourite addition to my composition process, I love its versatility and capabilities on its own, its hold function has become a simple obsession and definitely a synth that will be with me more often in the studio and live

Gallery

Main Features

6-voice polyphonic hybrid synthesizer

37-note velocity-sensitive Slim-key keybed with aftertouch

2 sound Engines with 31 oscillator modes in total

Engine 2 can be used to process Engine 1

1 envelope per voice

1 cycling envelope per voice

2 LFOs per voice

Polyphonic analog filters and VCAs

6-voice polyphonic, 12-voice paraphonic, unison, or mono configuration

3 digital FX slots in insert or send mode, with 11 FX to choose from

User-customizable LFO curves

Mod Matrix with 7 sources and 13 potential destinations

OLED display for real-time visual feedback

Intuitive 64-step sequencer (4 pages of 16 steps)

4 lanes of automated modulation

Performance Arpeggiator controls including Ratchet, Octave Randomize, and more

MIDI in/out/thru

USB connectivity

Sustain, audio in, and clock in/out connectivity

Balanced stereo outputs

384 factory presets

256 user preset slots for MiniFreak hardware

Platform Specifications

Windows

Win 10+ (64bit)
2.5 GHz CPU
4 GB RAM
2GB free hard disk space
OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU
ARM processors not supported on Windows

Required configuration

VST, AAX, Audio Unit

Apple

Mac OS 10.13+
2.5 GHz or Apple Silicon CPU
4 GB RAM
2GB free hard disk space
OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU

Work with ASC

An elegant and simple solution to help you install, activate, and update your Arturia software instruments

MiniFreak

Explore theunconventional

Double the engines,double the fun

Effortlesssound experimentation

Madnessin stereo

A Hands-onExperience

Overview

MiniFreak Front

1

x2 Oscillators

2

Analog Filters

3

Envelope

4

Cycling Envelope

5

LFOs

6

Modulation Matrix

7

Digital Effects

8

Central controls

9

Shift Button

10

Touch strips

11

Seq & Arp controls

12

LFO Shaper

13

Keybed