Updated with video: Arturia Microbrute- First pictures, rumored price, and info here!

Sorry to burst Arturia's bubble nearly a week early, but we seem to have official confirmation that the Microbrute, which was first teased earlier this week on Arturia's site, is their new hardware synthesizer. The Microbrute is a 25 mini-key monosynth with a rumored retail price of $299.  Other rumors suggest that the Microbrute is virtual analog, but these rumors are very unlikely, considering that the image above clearly states "analog" and features a mini patch bay and no presets, which would be unusual for a digital synth.  The Microbrute includes the Minibrute's waveshaping oscillator, multimode filter, a single LFO and envelope, a sequencer, and the aforementioned mini patch bay. which is currently unreadable due to the size of the above picture.  The official Arturia site says "modern connectivity" so there's even a chance this synth could be USB powered, which could be a nice feature for those working in a small space.

(Thanks to user Slujj for the video!)

So who is the Microbrute for?  There is probably a very small constituency of synthesists and bedroom producers who can't afford the already cheap Minibrute, and it appears this is an attempt to cater to them, and perhaps do battle with the DSI Mopho module, Korg Volca series, and Waldorf Rocket.  This will probably be a skip for Minibrute owners.

I think many people will be disappointed that this is not a a polysynth, seeing as how the low price point could be an indicator of how reasonably priced a 4 or 5 voice synth could be.  Months ago, Arturia was looking for a hardware engineer, which could indicate this elusive polysynth is in the pipeline but still months away, or years worst case scenario.  The Microbrute is, after all, just a repackaged Minibrute, so the engineer's expertise really wouldn't be needed for this project.  So I guess that's my official prediction on the matter-- I think we will see the Arturia Multibrute, or whatever name it may be called-- sometime in 2014 due to the existence of this synth and the Volca keys.

What do you think? Tweet at me.

Vince Clarke meets the Minibrute

So here's a bit of a silly one- Vince Clarke, of Depeche Mode/Yazoo/Erasure fame (and many others) gives an interview with Arturia about using the Minibrute.  Arturia knows who to give their synths to to impress the gear heads.

Arturia release iMini, a MiniMoog for your iPad

Been tempted by the Arturia MiniMoog, but haven't pulled the trigger yet?  Arturia has released the iMini, an iPad version of their MiniMoog plugin, for $9.99.  The layout is eerily similar to that of the Animoog, but of course, the core synthesis engine is still the same old Moog we know and love.  Check out the above video for a full demonstration of features.  Grab it on the App Store.

EDIT: Full press release:

Arturia advances history-making Minimoog to iPad musical masses!


"The iMini turned my iPad into an ‘old skool’ analogue bass monster! Its sound is irresistibly ‘phat’ and very close to the original. If you want that typical dirty Moog sound then the iMini is all you’ll ever need. It’s by far the most powerful and hypnotising synth app on the market.”
- Stefan Bodzin, 2013 (DJ/producer, remixer of Depeche Mode, Booka Shade, and more)

GRENOBLE, FRANCE: music software and hardware company Arturia is proud to announce availability of iMini, an authentic recreation of the all-time classic Minimoog monosynth for Apple’s all-conquering iPad, as of February 27...
iMini is based on the TAE® (True Analog Emulation) synthesis technology found in Arturia’s award-winning Mini V soft synth, meticulously modelling the distinctive tones and analogue nuances of the legendary Seventies-vintage Minimoog Model D monosynth. Moog changed the musical world with the Minimoog and Arturia helped change the music software world with the Mini V.

Arturia now brings the still-sought-after classic Minimoog sound to the musical masses, transforming any iPad mini, iPad 2, or iPad with Retina display into the ultimate analogue synth emulation! Those timeless three oscillators and that 24dB per octave fabled filter are all present and accounted for in iMini. It also successfully sports the look and feel of Dr Bob Moog’s namesake iconic synthesizer for all to see (and hear). But being a game-changing iPad app for 2013 and not an analogue synth design dating back to 1970 means there’s a whole lot more to iMini than first meets the eye...

Arturia Minibrute Tips and Tricks [Video]

Here's a 12 minute video on some of the subtleties of the Arturia Minibrute, in addition to some tricks and tips on programming it.  Really nice video-- haven't watched the full thing yet, but important if you're looking to get the most out of your Minibrute.  User flux302 points out how using the mixer at 50 percent delivers less gritty sounds, increasing the tonal range of the Minibrute.  Cool!

Arturia Condenses Spark to SparkLE, Lowers Price

If you were interested in Spark before, but thought it was too pricey or bulky, Arturia has just announced the next generation of Spark, called SparkLE.  It's the basic idea of Spark cut down to a thinner controller with some knobs removed and repurposed.  Seems like an excellent move since the original could be a bit bulky.  At $299, it's a bit cheaper as well, so if you were on the fence before perhaps this will sweeten the deal for you.

Not sure why the name "SparkLE" was chosen, but it seems to be pronounced "Spark LE", not "sparkle."  No word yet if the unit comes with glitter and sparkles.

 

"NAMM news: Arturia redefines drum machine with SparkLE

“The drums, samples, and FX in SparkLE are so spot-on with what’s happening today. And the patterns are genius. I’ve never loved a drum machine this much!”
- Junior Sanchez, 2013 (remixer: Daft Punk, Placebo; producer: Katy Perry, Ima Robot)

GRENOBLE, FRANCE: music software and hardware company Arturia is proud to announce the NAMM 2013 launch of SparkLE Creative Drum Machine, its newest hybrid beat production centre combining intuitive hardware hands-on control with software strength and integration...

Quite simply, SPARK Creative Drum Machine revolutionised hands-on beat-making by cleverly combining TAE® (True Analog Emulation) synthesis, sample playback (with multiple layering modes and post-processing), and physical modelling technologies with the intuitive workflow of a hardware drum machine upon its June 2011 launch; today, SparkLE Creative Drum Machine joins its bigger brother to take this concept to the masses in an all-new, ultra-portable package at a takeaway price point that’s tough to beat (€249.00 EURO/$299.00 USD).

The solidly-constructed, super-slimline SparkLE Creative Drum Machine hardware measures a mere 1.6cm in depth and comes complete with a handy neoprene slipcase to take your beats to the streets with that ‘real instrument feel’ so many other controllers clearly lack. With it comes direct access to all the features needed to create patterns, write automation, and perform live.

SparkLE Creative Drum Machine serves up classic ‘TR-style’ workflow via its brightly backlit step sequencer buttons, while a musical platter of bangin’ beats can quite literally be banged out using its eight velocity- and pressure-sensitive backlit pads. Stunning live performances are a breeze thanks to the advanced Looper and beat-slicing functions, while beats can be transformed on the fly with the touch-sensitive FX pad that features eight filter modes (including the famed Oberheim SEM V filter featured in Arturia’s acclaimed Oberheim SEM V soft synth namesake) and seven Slicer modes. Three assignable encoders ease writing automation and realtime sound control. More musical still, TUNE mode permits playing sounds chromatically across those 16 step sequencer buttons or eight pads — try having the kick drum follow the bass root note for truly trouser-flapping lows, play a synth bass/lead sound, or transform percussion sounds into pitched instruments... it’s all there for the hands-on taking!

Software-wise, SparkLE Creative Drum Machine makes use of the same full-featured Spark Engine software shipping with the original SPARK Creative Drum Machine. It includes an awesome library of over 1,500 instruments and 100 kits, providing top-notch, professional sounds covering a variety of dancefloor-friendly genres and stylings, ever-expandable with Arturia add-ons (like the Hip Hop Essentials and DubStep Essentials Expansion Packs).

Priced to go, there has never been a better time than now to add a little sparkle to your rhythmic creativity with SparkLE Creative Drum Machine!

SparkLE Creative Drum Machine will be available to purchase from the Arturia online store (http://www.arturia.com/evolution/en/buy/online-shop.html) or any dealer for €249.00 EURO/$299.00 USD from mid-March 2013."

Get Arturia announces Spark Drum Machine Price Promotion

If you're a producer who's looking for a great drum plugin/controller combo, or if you've been eying up Arturia's Spark hardware and software combo, you're in luck for the next 2 months.  Arturia has announced that they're lowering the price of Spark (which includes the software and controller) from the usual $599 down to $399.  This is a pretty hefty sale (1/3 off!) and it's a great chance to get your hands on this tool.  Spark has gotten pretty good reviews around the web (though I haven't tried the original Spark or its controller), and I was personally a huge fan of the Vintage Drum Machine version, which works with the included controller.  So if you've been looking at Spark, or want to get hands on with your drum creation, take advantage of this sale-- it lasts until December 31st.

Arturia Spark 1.5 New Features

Arturia's incredibly fun Spark plugin has been updated recently.  Check out some of the new abilities above.

"Mike Hosker, Director of Sound Design at Arturia, takes us on a video tour showing the new features of SPARK 1.5.  

See tips & tricks on how to boost your creativity and performance with the new Sample layering, Tune mode, and Choke groups features."

New MiniBrute Videos; Supply issues are "nearly solved"

It appears that Arturia has finally cracked the supply issue that's left so many preorders unmet.  Apparently the cause of so many of the delays was a move to a new plant-- so hopefully this is the end of the incredibly long waiting times.  Years from now, there will be eBay auctions for "original factory" MiniBrutes, or "later edition"...

Also, check out new videos they've released above and below.  The above shows some inspiring looping, and the cool drum sounds possible with the MiniBrute.


Here's Arturia's official note:

Jupiter-8V2 Review - How does the Jupiter stand up with a fresh pair of 64-bit legs?

From the upgraded collection of the Arturia plugins comes another vintage synth, the Jupiter-8V2.  The Jupiter-8 is, again, regarded as one of the classic and legendary 80s synths.  A quick look on eBay will show you that right now, these are hot, going for as high as $8,000, which is money you could build an entire studio with.  The Roland Jupiter-8 was first released in 1981 and was Roland's first great synth.  It offered all the bells and whistles of the time-- it was multitimbral, it had an arpeggiator, dual oscillators for each of the 8 voices, and two envelopes.  These are pretty standard and almost expected today, but at the time, it was an important step forward.  Roland filters have always had a unique sound to them, and the Jupiter-8 is no different, being the favorite for many who are making string sounds.  Of course, it does many other fantastic sounds as well.

Pro Tools Expert's Review of the Arturia MiniBrute

"Russ gets his hands on the Arturia analogue synth and takes it for a spin.

See and hear what he thinks of this little baby."

Here's a lengthy review of the new MiniBrute.

Arturia Prophet-V2 Review

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about Arturia stepping up their game recently and revamping their line of softsynths into the new 64-bit future, meaning they'll run better on newer machines that have 64-bit processing.  Since this blog has been around for only a year, this offers me a unique opportunity to revisit some of their older plugins.  I was given 3 for review, and the first one I'll be talking about is the classic Prophet-V2 plugin, based on the Sequential Circuits Prophet 5.

If you don't know, the Prophet 5 is a classic.  It's been incredibly popular since its release in 1978, and was a huge step forward for synthesizer technology, being one of the first to have patch memory and polyphonic sound -- hence the "5", for the 5 voices, in the name.  The synthesizer has been used by so many greats-- off the top of my head, Phil Collins-- that its status as legend has propelled its price point up into the thousands range.  Enter Arturia, who take classic and convert them to code so the average musician can enjoy and perform with the sounds of the legends.

Minibrute Jam 7/28/12

Here's a video that shows off some great sounds of the Arturia MiniBrute courtesy of Keith Handy on Vimeo.  Check it out!

MiniBrutes hit consumer's hands, Finally

After months of desperate questioning of Arturia and local music shops, synth heads are finally plugging in their new Arturia MiniBrutes this past week (at least, in the USA).  Various posts from around the web confirm the excitement, and people seem to be impressed.  There's also been a fair collection of new YouTube videos being uploaded.  A few are below.

Well, was it worth the wait?  Are people happy?  Early reports seem to be a resounding "yes".  Future Music recently ran a review claiming it was well worth the price.  The few complaints I've seen on the net seem to be the external power supply is shoddy, it has a few missing buttons for features (that can only be accessed by computers) and that there are slight issues with software, but nothing that seems to deal breaker for anyone.

Check out the videos below, and be on the lookout for more posts on the MiniBrute.

 

Arturia Announce 'Next-Gen' Software, Drop Prices

Last week, Arturia announced that it would be releasing updated versions of their current line of soft synths with 64-bit compatibility.  In addition to this, the software has dropped in price dramatically (for some of the synths, anyway) to $99 USD, or 99 euros.  If you haven't tried any of this software, it's all pretty stellar and has had rave reviews for a while, in some cases considered some of the best analog emulation-- in fact, when I upgrade my computer in the near future, some of these will be on the list of things to get.

Press release is as follows:

"Arturia announces ‘Next Generation’ Analog Classic software 

GRENOBLE, FRANCE: music software and hardware company Arturia is proud to announce availability of ‘Next Generation’ versions of its Analog Classic software instruments as of July 6... 

 Ten of Arturia’s most popular Mac (OS X 10.5 or higher) and Windows (7/Vista/XP) software instruments have had a complete makeover. Slick new packaging coincides with 64-bit compatibility for all, together with MIDI assignment improvements and better performance.

But best of all... all ten titles are now €99.00 EURO/$99.00 USD, a dramatic drop to half their previous street pricing (in most cases). Titles included are the Oberheim SEM V, Jupiter-8V, Prophet-V, ARP 2600V, Mini V (formerly Minimoog-V), CS-80V, and Modular V (formerly Moog Modular V) soft synths; Wurlitzer-V EP 200A electric piano software emulation; Analog Laboratory software synthesizer workstation; and SPARK Vintage Drum Machines.

 Quite simply, there has never been a better time than now to step into Arturia’s True Analogue Emulation (TAE®) world of those high-end synthesizers and drum machines favoured by a wide range of acclaimed artists like Ritchie Hawtin, deadmau5, Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), The Crystal Method, Junkie XL, Herbie Hancock, Howard Jones, Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails), Hans Zimmer, Jean-Michel Jarre, Geoff Downes (Asia), and many more besides. So why wait to join them? Reach out to the Next Generation... today!

 Oberheim SEM V, Jupiter-8V, Prophet-V, ARP 2600V, Mini V, CS-80V, Modular V, Wurlitzer-V, Analog Laboratory, and SPARK Vintage Drum Machines can each be purchased as software downloads for €99.00 EURO/$99.00 USD or boxed versions for €119.00 EURO/$129.00 USD from Arturia’s Online Shop: http://www.arturia.com/evolution/en/buy/online-shop.html 


 As always, updates are free for all registered users from here: http://www.arturia.com/evolution/en/downloads/updates.html"

The Arturia/Moog Partnership ends; Does this mean Moog Plugins are on the way?

While Arturia releases the MiniMoog Original for free, the two companies seem to part ways

Last week, Arturia released a free version of their legendary MiniMoog plugin on Facebook and through their site.  I've been thoroughly enjoying it, but it begs the question: why release one of your products in its almost complete form for free?  The 'occasion' for this seems to have been World Music Day, but also the ending of a partnership between Moog and Arturia.  Arturia has said that they will release the same plugin in the future but with a changed name, which likely means that Moog didn't want to keep their partnership going.  Why not?

File this under "pure speculation", but my guess is that Moog is not far away from their own digital plugins of their popular synths.  The Animoog and Filtatron have been hits on the iPad and iPhone, so they obviously have an incentive to take it further.  They have the programming abilities in house to take care of programming sound apps, and they've released a plugin controller (no sound, however) for the Little Phatty so it can be used easily with a DAW.  The user interfaces of the Moog apps are outstanding, which is a huge selling point.  There's also a market of musicians who want authentic, "from Moog" sound, but don't have the pocket change to buy a MiniTaur or Slim Phatty.  Furthermore, Arturia has stepped into Moog's territory by creating the MiniBrute, which no doubt is in direct competition with at least three of Moog's synths.  The last big factor is that Moog is a synth company whose hardware isn't cheap, but they can easily hit a whole new spectrum of buyers in the sub-$200 range with software.

I know that seems vague, but I would put money on a Moog plugin for your Mac or PC coming down the pipeline-- perhaps very close to the MiniMoog in terms of style.  Maybe we'll even see some digital versions of the massive collection of MoogerFoogers that exist (because I can't quite see myself dropping $700 on a delay pedal any time soon).  What would you like to see from Moog in terms of plugins?

Arturia to release free-for-1-day-only MiniMoog Original Plugin

Arturia, who's quickly becoming one of my new favorite companies, is releasing a free plugin this Thursday, June 21st for World Music Day.  The MiniMoog plugin is not identical to their normal plugin, but a slightly stripped down version designed to work just like the original MiniMoog.  If you're any fan of plugins, you know that the Arturia emulations are outstanding, and some of the best in terms of recreating those vintage warm tones.  The MiniMoog is a great emulation of the original, so I absolutely wouldn't miss this chance to get your hands on such a high quality product for free.  This will also be a nice distraction for those of you waiting for the new MiniBrute, which is supposedly just around the corner in terms of shipping.  For the time being, everyone can get a little Moog in their sounds without emptying their wallet.  Dr. Moog would be proud.  Don't forget though, this is a one day only offer, so make sure you don't miss it!

From the press release:

"Get Arturia Minimoog-V Original for free on June 21!

GRENOBLE, FRANCE: music software and hardware company Arturia announces the end of an agreement with Moog Music that will see its Moog Modular V and Minimoog V soft synths soon remerging as the updated and renamed Modular V and Mini-V, and is marking the occasion by giving away a one-off ‘commemorative’ edition of the Minimoog-V on World Music Day... 


 On June 21 only, musicians everywhere can download Minimoog-V Original from the Arturia website (http://www.arturia.com/minimoogv-original) — for free! Minimoog-V Original includes all the sounds (more than 1,000 presets created by talented artists and renowned sound designers) and features (32-voice polyphony, plus much more besides) from the latest Minimoog- V update (Version 2.5), but without the additional functionality accessible behind the ‘hinged’ front panel — just like the original Minimoog.

Minimoog by name. Minimoog by nature. It’s been several successful years since Arturia announced the release of its much-admired Minimoog-V soft synth — meticulously modelling the distinctive tones and analogue nuances of the legendary Seventies-vintage Minimoog Model D monosynth — in an agreement with Moog Music initiated by Bob Moog himself. Moog changed the musical world with the Minimoog and Arturia helped change the music software world with the Minimoog-V, so what better way to toast the passing of that productive partnership and end the arrangement between the two companies on a high note than with a generous giveaway on World Music Day?


Don’t miss out: go get Minimoog-V Original for free on June 21! Save the ‘download date’ in your calendar..."

Artist & ARTURIA #17 - Jean-Benoît Dunckel (AIR) meets the Arturia MiniB...

"We had the great pleasure to meet Jean-Benoit Dunckel, one half on the talented french electronic duo AIR and early fan of MiniBrute, for a live improvisation and a video interview !"
via Arturia on YouTube

Arturia SPARK Vintage Drum Machines Review

Arturia, the softsynth giant who has recently captured the hearts of producers everywhere with the MiniBrute, has also pushed into the territory of drum machines recently with the Spark drum plugin and hardware combination.  They've just come out with a different Spark called Vintage Drum Machines, and I felt it was my duty to check this out for all of you, seeing as how drum machines, especially those of the 80s, are so essential to many producers out there.  If you checked out the press release, you'll know they've got all the classics included-- the Roland 707, 808, 909, the LinnDrum, and lots of other kits.  Now the package of the software comes in at about $99 USD as a download, and $129 as a boxed product.  It's certainly more expensive than samples (which can be found of varying prices and qualities on the net), but is it worth it?  Let's find out.

Arturia drops two new releases: The Wurlitzer 200A Electric Piano and the SPARK Vintage Drum Machines Software Instruments

Here's a couple of new releases from Arturia.  I'm actually really intrigued by the SPARK vintage drum machines because vintage drums are among my favorite sounds, just below vintage analog synths.  If you check the list below of the drums included, some really great sounds are there, like the Oberheim DMX (used on New Order's "Bizarre Love Triangle") and the Sequential Circuits DrumTraks (a Chromeo favorite).  Of course, the Wurlitzer emulation sounds pretty authentic too...

Arturia announces availability of drum machine software

GRENOBLE, FRANCE: music software and hardware company Arturia is proud to announce availability of its newly-developed SPARK Vintage Drum Machines (Standalone, VST 2.4 & 3 — 32-bit and 64-bit, RTAS and US — 32- and 64-bit) software instrument, placing 30 legendary drum machines at discerning musicians’ rhythmic fingertips!

Arturia MiniBrute Waveforms

Here's a nice little demo from Audio Central Magazine demonstrating what the waveforms of the Arturia Minibrute look like on a oscilloscope.  It offers a nice demonstration of what the features like the metalizer, super saw, and brute factor do exactly.  At this point, this synth seems like it could be a big hit for every producer, not only for its unique features, but also its low price of $500 USD.