Arturia Releases MiniFreak Vocoder and Updates MiniFreak V and MiniFreak Firmware to 4.0

Arturia has announced the release of the MiniFreak Vocoder and the MiniFreak 4.0 firmware update, significantly expanding the capabilities of their hybrid polyphonic synthesizer. It seems like the MiniFreak just keeps getting more versatile, doesn't it? The big news here is the addition of a powerful 16-band vocoder engine, available as a free update for existing MiniFreak owners. This isn't just any vocoder; Arturia developed a whole new engine specifically for the MiniFreak, making it quite a robust addition to the synth's already impressive sound design tools. MiniFreak 4.0 Firmware Features: The 4.0 firmware upgrade introduces the new vocoder with two distinct operation modes: External Vocoder Mode: This classic setup lets you feed an external signal, like your voice via a microphone, into the MiniFreak. The synth then shapes the sound based on the frequency content of your input, giving you those iconic 'robot voice' sounds or expressive vocal textures. You can tweak parameters like decay, formant shift, and dry/wet mix in real-time. Self-Vocoder Mode: This is where things get really interesting for pure synthesis. You can use the vocoder effect directly on the MiniFreak's internal synth engine, turning it into a creative filter bank. Imagine sculpting your synth sounds with the nuanced characteristics of a vocoder without needing an external mic. This mode offers parameters like spectrum, formant shift, and dry/wet. Beyond the vocoder, the 4.0 firmware also brings some handy improvements: New FX Vocoder Ext IN with four presets: Clean, Vintage, Narrow, and Gated. New FX Vocoder Self with four presets: Clean, Vintage, Narrow, and Gated. Utility enhancements: Added 'Input Mode' and 'Input Gain' settings in the 'Audio' section, giving you more control over incoming signals. Various bug fixes and stability improvements, including better USB stability and MIDI Learn functionality. {PRODUCT-HEADER-24535-minifreak}. MiniFreak Vocoder Hardware: For those looking to jump right in, Arturia is also releasing a MiniFreak Vocoder Edition hardware unit. This special version comes with a matching gooseneck microphone, ready for instant vocoder action. It retains all the core features of the original MiniFreak, including its 6-voice polyphony, dual digital engines with 22 oscillator modes, and rich analog filters. {PRODUCT-HEADER-31543-minifreakvocoder}. Pricing and Availability: The MiniFreak 4.0 firmware update is available now as a free download for all existing MiniFreak and MiniFreak V users through the Arturia website or Arturia Software Centre. The new MiniFreak Vocoder Edition hardware, which includes the gooseneck microphone, is available for $649 / €629. This is a pretty straightforward package, making it easy for anyone wanting to add vocoding to their setup without extra purchases. Read More