Post by spacedog on Jul 20, 2019 13:07:22 GMT
This is more of a heads-up than a review, plus it's in The Lounge as it's only tangentially of interest to AE Modular users because of the interesting connectivity.
I bought myself a shiny Arturia MicroFreak, mainly for access to some interesting oscillator types and also because I quite liked the idea of the different keyboard (it uses a capacitive contact board). I was also very interested in how the sequencers could add some extra flavouring to what I do. Unusually, the decision to buy wasn't really based on a lot of what I was hearing via the usual YouTube reviewers, as most reviewers were stepping through the boring presets. I thought that I could get something more from it.
It's a class-compliant device, so MIDI CCs and sequences are transmitted and a totally unexpected bonus is the ability for it to act as a proper MIDI Thru, if you want. Plus, there is an analogue clock in/out on the back, if needed. Overall, the connectivity is really quite high, with a lot of potential to act as a controller in a number of circumstances.
An unexpected positive is that there is a set of three analogue outputs marked up as CV/Gate/Pressure. The various levels and curves can be set up bt connecting up to a MIDI Control Centre, via USB to a laptop (in my case). This last bit is very interesting for an AE Modular, as not only is there the standard Pitch and Gate, but the pressure is transmitted as a controllable modulation output - bearing in mind that the main purpose is Eurorack, so care is required.
I've added an attachment to show how these outputs can be configured (the last two columns show that the confirguration is via both the control software and the device itself)
Initial take-aways for AE Modular users:
- Small, lightweight and well-connected MIDI or CV/Gate controller for an AE Modular, with bonus of modulation CV from keyboard;
- Can be powered via USB; and
- Interesting oscillator types for processing through AE Modular.
As for the device itself, I am not particularly interested in the vast majority of the presets, they're just not my style and they're way too busy trying to show off (is this the purpose of a preset...?). However, I have pulled out some good sounds for myself quite quickly and I intend to investigate its connectivity. It's about the sounds and, after all, I need to make an all-AE album on this special day
