Arturia's MiniFreak 49: Weird Synth, Serious Keys

Arturia has introduced the MiniFreak 49, an expansion of its distinctive digital synthesizer family. This new model notably incorporates 49 full-sized, semi-weighted keys, a significant upgrade from the smaller keybeds found on previous Freak instruments. It also features dedicated aluminum pitch and mod wheels, enhancing its professional capabilities.

The MiniFreak 49 retains the core of its predecessor, offering over 30 digital oscillator types paired with analog filters. A standout addition is the new XYZ touchpad, which not only serves as a performance control but also streamlines preset browsing and macro manipulation. The instrument also boasts a larger LCD screen and dedicated controls for its dual sound engines, allowing for more immediate sound design.

This synthesizer provides 256MB of storage for user samples and wavetables, a feature recently added to the original MiniFreak via a firmware update. The MiniFreak 49 is available now with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $849, though actual street prices are expected to be lower.