Arturia has released the MiniFreak V, a standalone virtual instrument that's identical to the MiniFreak — its "spontaneous algorithimic synthesiser" which launched last year as the follow-up to 2019's MicroFreak.

 

The MiniFreak V software version — which was offered out for free in 2022 to all owners of the MiniFreak synth — features the same hybrid sound engine as the hardware model, "fusing digital voices with modelled analog filters". It's available from the Arturia site for the limited price of $99 until 2nd February (retailing at $199), which is decidedly cheaper than the MiniFreak ($599). Watch a tutorial below.

 

Arturia rolled out various updates last year including Version 9 of their V Collection virtual instrument suite, which comes with new plugins including a clone of a mono classic, Korg’s MS-20. They also added their recently announced plugs, Augmented STRINGS and Augmented VOICES, which provide a simple interface control over morphing strings and vocal tones. 

 

The French company are known for enhancing vintage synths with high-tech touches, and for their collection of virtual historic synths. In 2020, they unveiled their clone of the Oberheim OBX-a.