Arturia releases MicroBrute Analog Synthesizer

Arturia has announced the availability of the MicroBrute Analog Synthesizer — a compact, semi-modular analogue monosynth with built-in step sequencer, MIDI, USB, and CV connectivity, and a number of other unique features.

Arturia's MiniBrute Analog Synthesizer is joined by a little brother that puts the same basic building blocks of an analogue synth classic into a more compact package at a more affordable price.

Like its big brother, MicroBrute's Oscillator features Saw, Triangle, and Square waveforms that are all mixable to help shape the sound. Additionally, the new Overtone oscillator generates additional harmonic content, ranging from one octave down to a fifth above the base Oscillator pitch, while the Sub > Fifth control can continuously sweep spectrum. Moreover, Metalizer adds complex harmonics to the Triangle waveform for creating harsh, harmonically-rich sounds, while Ultrasaw adds a lively and bright ensemble effect to the Sawtooth waveform — designed for crafting sounds suited to dance anthems. There is also a Pulse Width control for creating nasal-thin tones or rich square sounds.

Again, like its big brother MicroBrute has the distinctive-sounding Steiner-Parker Filter. This filter design dates back to the Steiner-Parker Synthacon, an analogue monosynth built by the namesake Salt Lake City-based synth manufacturer between 1975 and 1979. Its HP (high-pass), BP (bandpass), and LP (lowpass) modes allow more filtering flexibility. Arturia's "Brute Factor" adds anything from subtle overdrive to full-blown intermodulation.

The easily accessible, front-panel mounted Mod Matrix is a Volt per Octave-standard patchable system of modulation routing with ENV (envelope) out, LFO (low frequency oscillator) out, Ultrasaw modulator in, PWM (pulse width modulation) in, Metal (Metalizer) in, Overtone/Sub modulator in, Filter cutoff in, and Pitch in — meaning more in-depth, inbuilt sound-sculpting possibilities, as well as allowing Arturia's own MicroBrute to be easily brought into the interfacing mix, or mixing and matching with third-party modular synth systems for far-out sonic explorations.

Similarly, the new eight-Pattern step Sequencer is designed to be a source of inspiration and rhythmic creativity — step input notes and rests to create storable sequences that can be played back and switched between on the fly at a variable Rate or synchronized to external MIDI clock.

MIDI, USB, and CV Gate connectivity combine to ensure that the MicroBrute is ready and willing to talk to the outside electronic musical instrument world wherever it may find itself. It's even blessed with an external audio Input with Input Level control, so why not use it to process whatever you feel like sticking into its 1/4-inch socket — within reason, of course.

With a space-saving 25-note mini-keyboard and weighing in at only 1.75kg, the MicroBrute Analog Synthesizer is truly compact.

Main Features:

• Monophonic synthesizer.
• 100% Analog Audio Signal Path.
• Steiner-Parker Multimode Filter (LP, BP, HP).
• Voltage Controlled Oscillator with new Overtone Sub-Osc.
• Oscillator Mixer (Sub, Sawtooth, Square, Triangle).
• LFO with 3 waveforms and destination attenuator.
• Brute Factor delivering saturation and rich harmonics.
• Ultrasaw generating shimmering sawtooth waveforms.
• Metalizer bringing extreme triangle harmonics.
• Fast Envelope Generator.
• 25 note mini Keyboard.
• External Analog Audio Input (level pot on rear).
• CV Inputs: Pitch, Filter, Sub-mod, Pulse, Saw animator, metalizer, gate in.
• CV outputs: Pitch, Gate, Env, LFO.
• MIDI In with 5-Pin DIN connector.
• USB MIDI In/Out.
• 1/4" Audio Output and 1/8" Headphone Output.
• Free Editor Software.
• Step Sequencer :
• 8 sequences stored on power down.
• Rate control.
• Sync to MIDI clock.
• Multiple modes (via software editor).
• Tap tempo/rest insert.

Price: €329.00 / $349.00 at the Arturia online store or any authorized dealer.