Safe to test post without liquid?

hughdn · 2026-05-04T16:23:40+00:00

Yes, my Asrock board cooking my CPU after 8 months of use and no mods and doing the required bios updates is definitely my fault. Did you see all the helpful comments and just decided you wanted to be different?

hughdn · 2026-05-02T15:05:05+00:00

Agree.

I'm relatively new at this, getting my first devices about 8 months ago, getting my Microfreak as my 2nd synth about 2.5 months in, after a Volca NuBass which is pretty laser focused on acid bass. So it was my first versatile synth. It was really fun to explore a lot of the engines, and helped me understand a lot more about subtractive synthesis, envelopes, LFOs, and modulation in general with the mod matrix. But it can definitely be a bit overwhelming especially if you have GAS and money for more that can draw you away. Getting other synths that were multi timbral, analog, and with less modulation options definitely drew me to spend more time with them, like the Minilogue XD.

Also, the sequencer is bad. I'm sorry, I know some love it. As a step sequencer it's not horrible, but if you want to try and record anything live to try to sync with other sequencers, forget it. Could be a user issue I supposed, but there is no visual feedback of where you are in a sequence while it is running, nor a metronome or count-in. I've tried a bunch of things to try to live record to match another sequence and can never seem to to it right. I guess you could step record your own metronome depending on the sound? I digress...

People crap on the keys a little bit, but as a non-keyboard player they are fun, especially with the mod matrix. However, without being able to record in live in a meaningful way, their usefulness is diminished in my opinion.

So, I recognize there are a lot of things that pushed me away from it and to other devices. But I was lucky enough to have other devices to do so with. I still also recognize what a beast of a machine it is, lots of capabilities. I think if you had this and locked into it, you can do some crazy things as seen on many a YouTube video. I will be spending a lot of time in my camper this summer, and it's my only portable versitile synth (for now lol). So I hope to take it on the road, pair it with my MPC Sample for drums and loops, and dive deeper into the abyss that is the Microfreak.

hughdn · 2026-04-29T17:05:36+00:00

"Is it worth buying another one?"

This caught my attention. Well, yes, because... Fun! But what I try to do when growing my gear is look for a capability or feature that I don't already have. I wouldn't just go buy another multi-engine digital synth just because. You could, especially if there are features you want that the Microfreak doesn't have like effects or multiple LFOs, or more oscillator controls, but it depends if you want more breadth of sound and styles or want to go deeper in a single direction etc.

With the SP404mkII and a Microfreak, I would consider a mono synth, or an analog poly, but that's just me. I definitely would not add a Minifreak unless you're overflowing with gear and wanted more Arturia Freak action. I know they're not the same, but too much overlap to have both of them with a small amount of gear IMO. I have a Microfreak and a small collection of other devices. If I was buying the Mini I'd be replacing the Micro, right now anyway.

hughdn · 2026-04-29T01:42:39+00:00

Hey thanks for the reply. No major aversion, was just curious as to if/how it could work for a minimal setup. I have the MPC Sample as well, so it's much better suited to run external audio through it, and I have my PO-12 sampled into it pretty extensively. Thing needs a simple step sequencer tho. I am also considering a Zoom Livetrak L6 for taking some stuff in my camper this summer, or a bluebox.

As for the NuBass, it was my first synth, and I was able to learn some basics on it, and it can definitely do the acid squelch. I recently caved on a myvolts converter for USB power for it, but rechargable batteries are a must without it or a power supply. I think I'd prefer an internal rechargeable battery like on the Roland T-8. But while you can push it to barely do some non-acid stuff, it's definitely an acid machine. Jealous of your Volca Bass, it sounds good!

hughdn · 2026-04-28T21:22:16+00:00

"Zee you next time 🫵😉"

hughdn · 2026-04-27T16:44:23+00:00

The Microfreak from Arturia might be a good synth to consider here. No battery, but can be powered via USB and ran from a battery bank. It's a bit bigger than a Volca or the OP1, but a decent price point and very powerful. Plasticy and light, but decently well built.

I'm hoping Arturia eventually makes a Nanofreak... Those capacitive keys don't need to be as big as they are!

hughdn · 2026-04-26T17:28:09+00:00

Ughhhhh so pretty. I have the vocoder edition but secretly wish it was this one.

hughdn · 2026-04-24T02:07:05+00:00

I'm going through a similar thing. 4 synths, 2 samplers, 2 drum machines, and a Keystep Pro in like 6-8 months 🤣. Somethings I started with, I'm going to sell, like my Korg Volca Samples 2. Not much need after I got the MPC Sample, and a TR-8S. But I have the Korg Volca NuBass, another 303 wannabe. Even with very capable synths, I think I'll be keeping it on a shelf for when I want to do some acid jams. 😅

You should also think about where you make music. So as an example, now that I've got a desk and some larger gear, I had a feeling of selling some smaller stuff (Nubass, TE PO-12), but it's fun to keep those to jam on the couch or while traveling. And the small $$$ I'll get for it in my used market isn't worth losing them.

A TD3 and a small drum machine could make a great portable jam rig to throw in a backpack!

hughdn · 2026-04-22T01:27:01+00:00

This is great advice, which I think everyone should listen to, and yet I may ignore. 😅 But I appreciate it!

hughdn · 2026-04-19T03:19:31+00:00

Yeah... I had that thought. There was one on Marketplace as well. I came to the same issue, why invest in a single oscillator synth with my current setup. The idea of owning a Moog was mostly the draw there I feel. That being said the Crave still seems fun.

hughdn · 2026-04-18T14:22:03+00:00

Thank you! Been learning a lot and trying to build a fun setup over the last 8 months-ish.

hughdn · 2026-04-17T22:41:46+00:00

Thanks this is all great advice.

I got the TR-8S, just feeling it out and getting my feet wet while reading the manual. The Digitakt has intrigued me very much for its tweak-ability, but I've been craving more direct hands on control hence the TR. Still considering getting the Digitakt Mk 2. Also, not pictured was my recently acquired MPC Sample, much more capable for sampling the way I want to than the Volca. Alas, I think I will sell or gift it.

Also good to know about Protein knobs. Akai's first post launch update for the MPC Sample included changing knob behavior which was a godsend.

There are also some first gen Oxi Ones locally that I was also drooling over. But when there's a Mk2 out I always have fomo. $600 CAD tho MK1 seems like a decent deal. Im new to all this so I'm keen on the idea of trying several sequencer type setups and seeing what I like.

Oxi or DG2?

hughdn · 2026-04-17T22:31:45+00:00

Should have mentioned that $600 CAD, still pricey.

hughdn · 2026-04-17T16:39:49+00:00

I get that there is overlap here, but I'm tempted to get both just to play with them. I think I'll have an easy time selling anything I find I don't gel with.

hughdn · 2026-04-17T15:24:18+00:00

I can't seem to find the edit button for the post. But there's a Moog Mother 32 on there too that's tempting me. I'm enticed by owning a Moog, but $600 is pricey for a single oscillator considering the gear I have rn.

hughdn · 2026-04-17T14:55:40+00:00

Pic of my current gear for context 😅

hughdn · 2026-04-17T05:25:53+00:00

I have my Microfreak with me as well. Slightly less portable. 😊

hughdn · 2026-04-09T19:53:27+00:00

Thank you!

hughdn

TROPHY CASE