Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $373
Budget/Beginner
$500
$1501+
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Budget
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High-end
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Description
Meet the Arturia MicroBrute Analog Synthesizer, a compact and portable powerhouse for any music enthusiast. This little beast packs in three mixable waveforms, allowing for a plethora of unique sound design options. It's more than just a synthesizer, it's a creative tool with patchable CV implementation and audio processing. Its classic monosynth controls, including ADSR envelopes for amplitude and filter and an assignable LFO, make it a versatile instrument for both beginners and seasoned musicians. This is not just another synth; this is the MicroBrute - an innovative and compact musical companion that's ready to accompany you on your sonic journey.
Key Features:
- Three mixable waveforms for diverse sound design possibilities
- Patchable CV implementation enhances connectivity and control
- Audio processing capability for added versatility
- Full range of classic monosynth controls, including ADSR envelopes for amplitude and filter
- Assignable LFO for creative sound modulation
Product specs
| Brand | Arturia |
| Model | MicroBrute 25-Key Synthesizer, MicroBrute Red 25-Key Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black, Red |
| Year | 2014 - 2025 |
| Categories | Analog Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Mini |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, USB MIDI |
| Number of Keys | 25 Keys |
| Polyphony | 1 Voice |
FAQs
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Is the Arturia MicroBrute synthesizer polyphonic?
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The Arturia MicroBrute is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play only one note at a time, which is typical for many analog synthesizers.
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What kind of filter does the Arturia MicroBrute use?
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The Arturia MicroBrute features a Steiner-Parker 2 pole Multimode Filter, offering Low Pass, Band Pass, and High Pass options for shaping your sound.
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Can the Arturia MicroBrute connect to other MIDI devices?
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Yes, the Arturia MicroBrute has MIDI Input and USB MIDI capabilities, allowing it to connect with other MIDI devices and DAWs for expanded control and integration.
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Does the Arturia MicroBrute have an arpeggiator?
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Yes, the Arturia MicroBrute includes a full-function step sequencer with an arpeggiator, which can be clock-synced for precise rhythmic patterns.
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What is the Brute Factor on the Arturia MicroBrute?
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The Brute Factor on the Arturia MicroBrute adds saturation and rich harmonics to your sound, providing a unique and powerful character to your synth patches.
Videos
SourceDistributionTV
Arturia MicroBrute Analog Synth Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent for beginners with a straightforward interface
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Analog sound with creative wave-shaping options
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Versatile sequencer and arpeggiator included
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Sub-oscillator adds depth to sounds
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Mod Matrix adds almost modular capabilities
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Sturdy build quality despite compact size
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Integrates well with Eurorack and other modular gear
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Unique filter with rich harmonics
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Can produce a wide range of sounds, from fat basses to aggressive leads
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Good value for price
CONS
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Mini keys can be problematic for some users
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Limited sonic variety may lead to repetitive patches
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Lacks built-in effects
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Some users find the synth's overall sound too punchy or warm
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No preset memory for quick sound recall
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Plastic housing and build may not last
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LFO rate jumping reported by some users
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No noise generator, limiting percussive sound creation
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Arturia MicroBrute.
Comparisons
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Some owners find the MicroBrute's sound sterile and suggest exploring the Arturia Microfreak for more versatile digital oscillators.
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The Microfreak includes an analog SEM-style filter, providing transparency and high resonance, which some users find can be overwhelming at high volumes.
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The MicroBrute offers a Moog-style subtractive synthesis experience, ideal for bass, lead, and percussion, contrasting with the Microfreak's digital paraphonic capabilities.
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The Minibrute 1 is noted for its aftertouch and additional envelope, offering more sound flexibility compared to the MicroBrute, which excels in portability and patchability.
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User experience
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Some owners transitioned from the MicroBrute to the Microfreak for its versatility in filling gaps within existing setups, highlighting its broader modulation options and sequencing capabilities.
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Piano players may prefer connecting the MicroBrute to a MIDI keyboard with weighted keys for better playability, especially for basslines.
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Owners appreciate the MicroBrute's immediacy and straightforwardness, making it a staple in setups for quick sound dialing and live adjustments.
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The MicroBrute's sound is described as having a unique, sometimes harsh metallic quality, which can be compelling and powerful, though it may be limiting for some users.
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Use cases and applications
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The MicroBrute is considered an excellent entry point for users planning to expand into DIY synths, due to its capability to control other synths.
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The MicroBrute pairs well with Volcas and external reverb for creating engaging soundscapes.
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Users highlight the MicroBrute's strength as a bass machine with enormous presence, making it ideal for bass sounds.
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Features and functionality
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The MicroBrute's CV-Gate outputs and modulation matrix can efficiently initiate a modular system setup with just a few additional pieces of gear.
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The MicroBrute's patch bay offers flexibility, especially when integrating with other gear like SQ-1 or Volcas. Despite limited modulation, it's valuable for creative setups.
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The sequencer may require computer software to reset from internal to external clock, indicating a potential setup quirk.
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It’s noted that the MicroBrute’s controls have a "normal" sound at 50% on the sliders/knobs, with 100% introducing overdrive, offering distinct sound shaping options.
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Value and pricing
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MicroBrutes are often available for slightly over $100, but may not be seen as great value due to their perceived lack of analog benefits.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 31 Reviews and 173 Ratings
Great little monster
Tiny, versatile analog semi modular monosynth with some interesting wave shaping options, interfaces well with Eurorack modular, and I love the sub-oscillator. Steiner-Parker filter sounds great. I also like the instrument input.
It’s kind of limited, but great for what it is.
22
Great little synth for the price!
It's small, costs relatively little, and offers great fun twisting knobs and making sounds.
Obviously it comes with some limitations: no noise generator (but audio in can be used for that), so percussive sounds are a little tricky to make; and no preset memory. Some people will not like the small keys, but personally I have no problem with them.
The sounds are great, and the CV mod matrix possibilities can be a tempting intro into modular synths...
370
Great synth!
This thing is a little screamer. You can get really good sounds if you run the waveform volumes below 50%. If you run them higher you get nice and dirty sounds. I actually have this as a desktop module.
196
A gem in the rough
This is a great little product from the masters, Arturia. It's size and weight don't do justice to some of the sonic possibilities this tool can bring as part of your production setup. Although there aren't too many elements to this machine, it does have some nice effects through the use of hard-wiring it's LFO through an analog patching section, providing some delightful ways to add energy to your production.
703
Little Beast!!
You can make some pretty brutal sounds with this synth, I mean come on man It's not called the micro brute for no reason.
1271
addictive !!!
Very easy to use, direct, versatile, powerfull, complete : what need more ???
65
Fun, portable
It's small and durable enough to ride in a backpack. It sounds great and one ups the Minibrute on the inclusion of the modular section and step sequencer. I have both the Micro and Mini, but will reach for the Micro first, 4 out of 5 times.
315
Great mono synth
Works really well with Eurorack modular. Very fat sounding synth easy to dial up custom patches. Brut Factor and step sequencer are awesome!
1064
Good Place To Start
Bought this as my first piece of outboard gear. Following my slight change in sound I wanted to experiment with analogue sounds, and for bass and lead sounds this is a great little synth. Very generously priced too.
Artist usage
Add artist
In this photo from Thijs' Tumblr, an Arturia MicroBrute rests on top of his large modular synthesizer in his studio.
Dirty South posted, "New studio toy...so cute perfect for my sausage fingers" on his Instagram, showing off his Arturia MicroBrute Analog Synth.
You can see the Arturia Microbrute situated among John's synth set up a few times throughout the video, particularly at 10:13. He's not playing it during the mentioned time stamp but it's clearly visible under his right arm.
In this picture on The Prodigy's Facebook you can see they use the Microbrute live.
In this video, Anthony Gonzalez from M83 can be seen jamming with the MicroBrute/MiniBrute in his Hollywood studio. From Arturia's website, Anthony Gonzalez says:
"It is actually the best thing on earth for travelers. I spend a lot of time on the road and being able to record anytime with a beautiful sounding analogue synth is just priceless"
Album Usage
The Arturia MicroBrute has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Arturia MicroBrute, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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