Arturia Intros MicroFreak Stellar ‘Experimental Hybrid Synth’
Limited-edition hardware for newbies and a free firmware update for existing users.
Arturia MicroFreak synth gets a Stellar update – new look, sampling capabilities and 3 granular engines.
Ahead of Superbooth 2023, being held in Berlin May 11-13, Arturia has unveiled the MicroFreak Stellar Experimental Hybrid Synth, a limited-edition variant of the popular MicroFreak, and a free firmware update for existing users.
MicroFreak Stellar is a limited edition that features a sleek black finish with ‘quirky’ space-age graphics. There are some exclusive new presets as well.
What they say about it:
“The Freak within. MicroFreak Stellar features the same inspiring, bonkers sound but embellished with a unique space-age design.
Beneath its space-age exterior, you’ll find sparkling digital and wavetable oscillators collide with a velvety analog filter. A unique poly-aftertouch PCB keyboard combines with a distinctly freaky arpeggiator & sequencer. Bathe your mix in sonic hysterics with the erratic mod matrix or the unique Spice & Dice randomizers. MicroFreak is out to break the rules. It’s an unpredictable instrument for the adventurous. An adrenaline rush for the thrill-seeking musician. A mind-bending tool that dares you to stray from the path and think differently. Freak out.”
Alongside this – Arturia has unveiled a V5 firmware update for all MicroFreak owners, including those who purchase the Stellar.
Arturia MicroFreak version 5 is a massive update that adds 4 new engines and allows users to load their own samples and use them with one of the four new sample/granular engines.
You can now import, play back and loop your own samples, and they can be manipulated using the three new granular engines. The MicroFreak’s keyboard can be transformed into a S&H modulation source, and the synth’s envelopes can now have even shorter attack values for a little extra snap.
Finally, you can now access 512 preset slots, and the factory preset count has risen to more than 300.
What’s new in MicroFreak v5.0:
- New sampling engine: Manipulate and trigger recorded audio using MicroFreak.
- 3 new granular engines: Scan, Cloud, and Hit modes for Freaky granular exploration.
- New Preset factory
Using MIDI Control Center, you can import your own samples, up to 24 seconds long. You can then send them to MicroFreak.
The new v5 Firmware will be available for download on May 30th, 2023. See the Arturia website for more info.
The MicroFreak Stellar is available now priced at $399/ €349. The Firmware V5 will be available for all MicroFreak owners May 30th, 2023.
