Arturia MiniFreak 49 carries the original MiniFreak's recipe for success – two engines, six voices, 30+ oscillator modes, analog filters – along with an updated preset library and MiniFreak V companion software. It adds 49 full-size semi-weighted keys with mono/channel aftertouch, FM modulation of the analog filter cutoff, voice panning and an X/Y,Z touch matrix that handles modulation assignment, preset browsing, realtime sound control and live visual feedback on a single multitouch surface.
- 6-voice polyphony
- 49-note full-size semi-weighted keybed with velocity and mono/channel aftertouch
- Aluminum pitch and modulation wheels
- 2 digital sound engines with 30+ oscillator modes from Arturia, Mutable Instruments and Noise Engineering
- Engine 2 can process Engine 1
- Sound from the external audio input can be routed through the voice architecture
- Polyphonic analog state-variable filters and VCAs, audio-rate Filter FM from either engine
- 1 envelope per voice
- 1 cycling envelope per voice
- 2 LFOs per voice with user-customizable shapes
- Freak Control functionality with Macros, Gate and Spice, plus bipolar and vector layouts
- X/Y/Z touch matrix for visual feedback, modulation assignment, preset browsing and Freak Control
- Draw custom LFO shapes directly on the X/Y/Z touch matrix
- Voice panning with selectable stereo spread algorithms
- 3 digital effects slots with 13 algorithms available in each slot, including Self Vocoder and Ext In Vocoder
- 1.3" OLED display
- 3 direct engine-access buttons per oscillator
- Intuitive 64-step sequencer with 4 lanes of automated modulation
- Performance arpeggiator controls including octave jumps, ratchets, repeats and Spice & Dice
- 256MB of sample and wavetable memory
- Compatibility with original MiniFreak presets
- Polyphonic aftertouch compatible with capable controllers & DAWs
Push every sound further
MiniFreak 49 is a sound design playground that rewards curiosity. Filter FM drives the analog filters from smooth to feral, and the sweet spots are everywhere in between. Voice panning turns basses and pads into something huge, while deep modulation keeps patches in motion. Expanded hands-on controls bring both engines and all three effects slots closer to the surface, making it faster to shape, color or disrupt a sound without breaking the flow.
Touch, press, transform
MiniFreak 49's X/Y/Z touch matrix brings realtime performance, modulation and navigation onto one surface. Slide across it and press into it: a single touch moves several parameters at once, with pressure as a third dimension. With direct modulation assignment, swipe-able preset browsing and eye-catching visualizers that show the sound moving, every patch invites you to reach in and reshape it.
Range you can't plan for
MiniFreak 49 moves effortlessly between the familiar and the unexpected. Its two digital engines offer 30+ oscillator modes spanning virtual analog, FM, wavetable, granular, sample-based and physical modeling synthesis. Every voice runs through its own analog filter, bringing character and responsive shaping to even the most unconventional sounds. A refreshed library of expertly designed presets gives you more places to begin. Start somewhere you recognize, end somewhere you don't – everything in between is a sweet spot.
Room to play
49 full-size semi-weighted keys with velocity and mono aftertouch give you room for chords, melodic lines and fast two-handed playing with the response to shape each note as you go. Aluminum pitch and modulation wheels sit where your left hand lands. Hands-on sequencing and arpeggiation keep ideas moving. And the included MiniFreak V companion software carries everything into your DAW when it's time to finish the track.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Arturia MiniFreak 49?
The Arturia MiniFreak 49 is a 6-voice polyphonic synthesizer that pairs two digital sound engines with polyphonic analog filters. It features 49 full-size semi-weighted keys with velocity and aftertouch, an X/Y/Z touch matrix, a 64-step sequencer and a performance arpeggiator. It also includes the MiniFreak V companion software for working in your DAW.
How is the MiniFreak 49 different from the original Arturia MiniFreak?
The MiniFreak 49 keeps the original's two engines, six voices, 30+ oscillator modes and analog filters, then adds 49 full-size semi-weighted keys with mono aftertouch and aluminum pitch and mod wheels. New features include audio-rate FM of the analog filter cutoff from either engine, voice panning with selectable stereo spread algorithms, and an X/Y/Z touch matrix for modulation, preset browsing and performance control. It also ships with an updated preset library.
Is the MiniFreak 49 an analog or digital synthesizer?
The MiniFreak 49 is a hybrid design with digital sound engines and an analog signal path. Every voice runs through its own analog state-variable filter and VCA, adding analog character and responsive shaping to even the most unconventional digital sounds. The three effects slots are digital, with 13 algorithms available in each.
What types of synthesis can the Arturia MiniFreak 49 produce?
Its two digital engines offer 30+ oscillator modes from Arturia, Mutable Instruments and Noise Engineering. These span virtual analog, FM, wavetable, granular, sample-based and physical modeling synthesis. Engine 2 can also process Engine 1 for even more complex sounds, and 256MB of memory is available for samples and wavetables.
How many voices of polyphony does the MiniFreak 49 have?
The MiniFreak 49 offers 6 voices of polyphony, enough for chords, pads and layered parts. Each voice has its own analog filter and VCA, an envelope, a cycling envelope and 2 LFOs with user-customizable shapes. Voice panning with selectable stereo spread algorithms can widen basses and pads across the stereo field.
Can I load my original MiniFreak presets on the MiniFreak 49?
Yes, the MiniFreak 49 is compatible with original MiniFreak presets, so you can bring your existing sounds with you. It also includes 350 factory presets color coded on the matrix and 162 user preset slots for your own patches.
What can I do with the X/Y/Z touch matrix on the MiniFreak 49?
The X/Y/Z touch matrix combines realtime performance, modulation assignment, preset browsing and live visual feedback on one multitouch surface. A single touch can move several parameters at once, with pressure acting as a third dimension. You can also draw custom LFO shapes directly on the matrix and access Freak Control functions like Macros, Gate and Spice.
Can I use the MiniFreak 49 with my DAW?
Yes, the MiniFreak 49 connects to your computer over USB for MIDI and communication with the included MiniFreak V companion software. MiniFreak V carries your sounds into your DAW when it is time to finish a track. Traditional MIDI In, Out and Thru ports are also included for connecting other hardware.
Can I process external audio through the Arturia MiniFreak 49?
Yes, the 1/4" mono audio input can be routed through Oscillator 1 into the MiniFreak 49's voice architecture, including its analog filters and effects. The effects section also includes an Ext In Vocoder, letting you use the external input as a vocoder source.
Does the Arturia MiniFreak 49 support polyphonic aftertouch?
The MiniFreak 49's own keybed sends mono (channel) aftertouch along with velocity. However, the synth responds to polyphonic aftertouch when played from a capable external controller or sequenced from a compatible DAW.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | ART-MINIFREAK49CBK |
| Vendor | Arturia |
| Aftertouch | Yes |
| Analog Digital | Digital |
| Built In Speakers | No |
| Included From Manufacturer |
|
| Weighted Keys | Semi-Weighted |
| Number of Keys | 49 |
| Key Size | Full Size Keys |
| MIDI | In, Out, Thru, and USB |
| Monophonic/Polyphonic | Polyphonic |
| MPN | 571011 |
| Product Unique Features |
|
| Key Action | Semi-weighted |
| Number of Patches/Programs |
|
| Voices of Polyphony | 6 |
| Oscillators per Voice | Varies by sound engine |
| Effects |
|
| Sequencer | 64-step sequencer with 4 lanes of modulated automation |
| Internal Storage Capacity | 256MB sample and wavetable memory |
| Arpeggiator | Performance arpeggiator with octave, ratchet, repeat, mutate and Spice & Dice controls |
| USB Port (to Host) |
|
| Audio Inputs | 1/4" mono audio input can be routed on Osc 1 into MiniFreak's signal flow |
| Audio Outputs |
|
| Control Connections | 1/4" sustain footswitch input |
| Onboard Controllers |
|
| Width | 30.59" |
| Depth | 11.34" |
| Height | 2.8" |
| Product Weight | 12.57 lb |
Arturia hardware warranty is one year parts & labor, except for issues caused by the customer, such as mechanical/electrical damage, that are non-warranty. All warranty repairs/exchanges are handled through the new Arturia Service Center in Bellingham, WA. For warranty service, an RA# must first be obtained from Arturia. Arturia will pay for return shipping of the repaired/exchanged product to the store/customer. Arturia Service may charge a fee (restocking or return to dealer fee) for products that are received with 'no problem found' (returned to Arturia without being tested prior).
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