Arturia has revealed the MiniFreak 49 featuring full-size keys, a pressure-sensitive XYZ touch matrix, filter FM, and voice panning.
Arturia has introduced the MiniFreak 49, expanding the six-voice hybrid synthesizer into a larger form factor.
Updated hardware and keyboard
The primary change involves the keybed: replacing the 37 slim keys of the original model, this version features 49 full-size, semi-weighted keys with velocity and mono aftertouch. Aluminum pitch and modulation wheels are positioned on the left. Furthermore, a pressure-sensitive XYZ touch matrix combines modulation, navigation, and performance controls. Users can browse presets, route modulation destinations, and handle macros, gate, and the spice function across this surface. Bipolar and vector layouts facilitate shifts between opposing settings, while pressure adds a third axis of control.
Sound features and specifications
Two new sound options have been added: audio-rate filter FM from one of the engines creates additional overtones and textures, accompanied by dedicated controls for type, wave, timbre, and shape alongside oscillator shortcuts. Additionally, voice panning distributes the voices across the stereo spectrum.
The foundational synthesis architecture remains unchanged:
- 6-voice polyphony with two digital engines and analog filters per voice
- Oscillator algorithms from Arturia, Mutable Instruments, and Noise Engineering
- Three FX slots featuring 13 algorithms each
- 64-step sequencer with four modulation tracks, arpeggiator functions, and spice & dice
- Audio, MIDI, and USB connectivity located on the rear panel
The unit includes the MiniFreak V plugin, which replicates the hardware sound within a DAW and allows bidirectional control.
Source: Delamar
