Arturia new hardware Analogue Synth MiniBrute for 499 euro

[Dogboy73]

we've heard how all of the Moog Minitaur's parameters are controllable via MIDI CC.

I hadnt actually heard that. And Arturia dont say it themselves.

Well they wouldn't would they. I was talking about the Moog Minitaur!

Doh! Stupid me. 'Arturia' looks too much like 'Minitaur' (too many letters in common for someone skimming too quickly), I lost track... apologies.

No worries You're not alone in making that very same mistake. Digital Village put an article up on their website that announced 'Arturia Minibrute' that had a picture of a Moog Minitaur!! Doh! They've corrected it now I think. But the similar names are catching people out

[Fr@nk]

Now, I really wish they put selector switch alongside pre-VCF mixersliders so you can route any source to it's own input (like, square to LP in, triangle to HP in and noise to BP in). For slightly more frontend realestate and price, we would have much much much more fun (at least I would).

This is one thing I noticed too. The SP filter has some very unique options and I agree that it would be a lot of fun to fully implement all of those options. But the MiniBrute is not supposed to be a "modular in a pocket" synth. So leaving those addiotnal inputs in the filter section was a decision in favour of the usability of the instrument.

Frank

[urosh]

This is one thing I noticed too. The SP filter has some very unique options and I agree that it would be a lot of fun to fully implement all of those options. But the MiniBrute is not supposed to be a "modular in a pocket" synth. So leaving those addiotnal inputs in the filter section was a decision in favour of the usability of the instrument.

Frank

I think that adding selector switches would not affect usability that much (in dark&hectic environment of the stage it's much easier for me to hit some switches than to fiddle knob to desired position). As it is, tones Minibrute could produce distinguish it somewhat from the rest of the crowd, with polysaw, wavefolder and SP filter with that feedback. However, with multi-in filter it would go to places no other non-modular can go to.

Key feature IMveryHO is that it has just enough features to make it fun&versatile, and not enough to be a problem for live performance (BTW, that lfo1 sync to arp is more than a nice touch in my book).

BTW, since some people mentioned SH101. SP filter is something like opposite end of sonic spectrum compared to 4p cascade VCF in SH.

[qube123]

Really fancy this, it's size, sound and layout is perfect for me, would be able to dive straight in.

Wasn't expecting this from Arturia though so pleased if this is a new direction for them.

Now if only they could make something like the A6.

[Kim Olesen]

Streetdate?

[Fr@nk]

Streetdate?

Should be available in April

[Kim Olesen]

Streetdate?

Should be available in April

I know it will sound different to a sh101. But the layout of the synth is pretty similar. And i was really good at programming the sh101 so i'll like this one. And for studiosessions i really miss having a basic analog synth. And a used 101 will be more expendive to this synth. I'm most probably getting myself one when they come out.

[Shy]

The signal path of the synth engine is still 100% analog (including the VCOs) or am i wrong?

The audio signal path of an SP might be 100% analog. That doesnt mean the control voltage signal path of the SP automatically is. In fact it cant be, clearly; the interface and patch memories require that CV values are being digitally stored.

Little/Slim Phatty has, as Moog put it simply, "Real Analog Control" (RAC), "a proprietary technology enabling the performer to directly interface with the analog circuitry via the knobs on the control panel, without any digital processing."

[whyterabbyt]

Little/Slim Phatty has, as Moog put it simply, "Real Analog Control" (RAC), "a proprietary technology enabling the performer to directly interface with the analog circuitry via the knobs on the control panel, without any digital processing."

I understand how that doesn't actually contradict what I said. Do you?

[v1o]

It's still hard to believe that the MinBrute got no patch memory and comes with a bunch of patch sheets instead.
So if i would do sound design for the MiniBrute i would have to send a PDF file with patch sheets to the customers?

Like i already mentioned the part about the patch sheets at the Arturia website almost sounds like this is a great new invention.

When i got my Moog Slim Phatty i thought "OK, it only got 100 patch memories but it should be enough" and now the upcoming Pulse 2 will have 500 locations. IMO for a modern synth 64 memory loctions should be the minimum except it's a modular system.

Besides this the "Ultrasaw" as described on the Arturia site is like 3 detuned Saws which could be done with any 3OSC synth (e.g. Pulse 2). The "Metallizer" sounds like a RingMod (included in Pulse 2) to me and the "Brute factor" like an Overdrive/distortion. The Pulse 2 will have a Drive with different curves which should be comparable.
Based on the design of the oscillator section it will be not possible to create e.g. two detuned Squares or Triangles or two different Pulses. Additional features like Sync and FM/Crossmod seem to be missing too.


Ingo

I started off with VST plugins. Alot of ITB plugin users are really just preset tweakers.

Then when I tried the MS20 which has no menu diving, has everything laid out directly in front of you and no patch memory. It actually inspired me to become more creative. Because you are forced to forget about presets, turn the knobs around, create noises & tweak things further. And you know that when you accidentally come up with a great sound - you will never be able to recreate it exactly the next morning because the thing is so unstable. So you are forced to start recording and making tracks quick

[macmurphy]

i'll have to hear in in the flesh so to speak, because on this and other videos i've seen it sounds, well, shit. but then we all know how crap you tube videos sound, especially ones done at trade shows!

i look forward to hearing some proper audio demo's of it.

[Bronto Scorpio]

I think this is going into the right direction. But things like the "MiniBrute is a revolutionary new analog synthesizer from Arturia." marketing phrase make me chuckle
Revolutionary? Damn, they are slowly catching up with technology from 40 years ago. I wouldn't call that revolutionary

About the patch memory: In my opinion patch memory on simple synths like this, which also don't use endless encoders, patch memory is a waste of money. You could recall presets but as soon as you touch a knob everything would be "broken". Which isn't exactly ideal for realtime tweaking.

The Pulse 2 is the way to go imo. Analog synths with modern, digital control.
It seems like all parameters can be accessed very fast on the Pulse 2 so the 6 knobs are enough for realtime tweaking.
Just my opinion.

I don't say the MiniBrute is bad! I actually quite like it but I wouldn't have a use for the keyboard.

I'm glad there is finally some more competition going on on the analog market
This can only be good for us costumers

Cheers
Dennis

[macmurphy]

I'm glad there is finally some more competition going on on the analog market
This can only be good for us costumers

absolutely! the more the merrier

[breakmixer]

So how's this going to intergrate with a DAW like Cubase, is the 'editor' a vst editor or some standalone thing? Will it be simple to do if not?

Also the lack of keys - would you be able to play the synth via you main controller(in my case the Ultranova)?

Sorry, never had a real analogue, my mate set-up a Roland 303 with my Cubase and had to jump through hoops to get it working...

I was considering one day in the future a Mopho Keyboard - but this seems a better price...

[toitoi]

The only thing arturia missed here in my opinion is the full sized keyboard. For such tweeker-fx-bassliner synth a something mikrokorg-MC-202 keyboard would be ideal.