Choosing between MiniBrute vs MicroBrute is quite challenging, especially for those who just enter the music-making industry. Each model has its unique functions and style.
This article will give you a detailed analysis of these products, make a clear comparison, and answer frequently asked questions about both. Check it out now!
Microbrute vs Minibrute: Similarities
Either Minibrute or Microbrute shares several similarities.
First, they all belong to Monophonic Analog Sound Engine Type and offer a 100% analog audio path for signals which fit young music enthusiasts and 25 numbers of keys for easy operation.
Secondly, both possess stylish small keyboards with mini keys. They feature a multi-wave oscillator with three waveforms: Triangle, Saw, and Square waves.
These waveforms combine to create complex and unique harmonics. They operate well on DC 12V power supply.
Lastly, their Brute Factor, Metalizar functions proceed similarly. The Brute Factor is strongly inspired by a renowned vintage synthesizer.
The lower the Brute setting is, the deeper and rounder the bottom end is. The Metalizar analyzes the basic waveform into complex waveforms offering outstanding harmonics.
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Arturia MiniBrute 2 Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer and Step Sequencer | Check Price |
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Arturia MicroBrute Analog Synthesizer | Check Price |
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Minibrute vs Microbrute: Differences
There are several differences between MiniBrute vs MicroBrute. Firstly, it is about the number of controls.
While MiniBrute possesses its own Ultra Saw modulation LFO with separate control which is better for easier sound adjustment, MicroBrute necessitates you to patch a single global LFO into service.
Additionally, when it comes to MiniBrute, the Metalizer and Pulse Width amount have their depth controls and envelope modulation parameters in the LFO section.
Conversely, due to the neat panel, you can patch the LFO depth and envelope to distinct locations by using the 3.5mm mini-jacks.
The last one, MicroBrute surpasses in terms of a wide range of Gate/CV interfacing options. It outweighs as it allows users to connect more devices.
Arturia Minibrute 2 Semi-Modular Analog Overview
Even though MiniBrute was first created in the 21st century, its quality is equal to MiniMgs, Odysseys, MS-20s, or Pro-Ones. It allows players to show off their characteristics.
The product is perfectly designed to offer brilliant analog sounds. What makes it awesome is that it can handle all types of music.
It can easily hit the target dead-center, serve up screaming leads, ethereal monopods, powerful basses, 80’s arpeggios.
It can produce mellow and retro leads, woodwind-like sounds, or deep funky, and groovy basses as well.
Oscillator
MiniBrute doesn’t come with presets. Thus, it boosts your creativity and helps you approach music naturally and instinctively.
Say no to Digital Controlled Oscillator (DCO), this unit keeps its absolute authenticity with a pure Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO).
Besides its classic sounds, MiniBrute is worn on a modern design with 4 simultaneous waveshapes.
The waveshapes help mix the external audio input and white noise.
Plus, manufacturers tend to add a couple of analog signal enhancers for the sake of custom waveshapes.
The sub-oscillator can create a square wave as double as octaves down. Besides, it also features Ultra Saw to enrich the sound.
This Ultra Saw feature mixes 2 shifted copies of the sawtooth waveform and sawtooth signal to generate a lively and rich ensemble effect.
Besides, Metalizer is added to create waveforms that are rich in high harmonics. It warps and folds the initial triangular wave to make complex waveforms.
The metalized function is perfect for clavinet- and harpsichord-type tones.
Modulations Galore
While other synths offer a limited collection of sounds, MiniBrute features Modulations Galore to widen the sound palette.
This function can be led to 4 destinations: Amplifier, PWM & Metalizer, Filter, and Pitch. The LFO1 waveforms contain sawtooth, sine, triangle, square, random sine, and random square waves.
The wide range of LFO facilitates the modulation to handle subtle evolutions as well as wide FM effects.
Brute Factor
This factor is born for those who are keen on grungy and raspy sounds. It connects the external audio input to the headphone output.
At a low setting level, Brute Factor offers a gentle and smooth distortion. However, when the level gets 75% of MiniBrute’s maximum, it becomes unpleasant to hear.
To control volume and filter, the product adds 2 full ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) envelopes.
Connectivity
This keyboard offers a full USB/MIDI/CV connectivity which makes it perfect for both traditional and contemporary studios.
Plus, it can act as a converter that links your gear with the computer-based studio.
Control & Keyboard
To deliver direct and great control over sounds, this equipment contains 29 high-precision knobs, 8 metal switches, and 14 metal sliders. Its high-quality keyboard has 25 semi-weighted keys to deliver exceptional performance.
- Analog Synthesizer with 2 VCO's and 2 LFO's
- Steiner Parker filter with 4 modes: Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, Notch
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 13:40 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose Minibrute?
For those who have a large budget and target to be professional music players, investing in an Arturia MiniBrute is a smart investment. Whatever style you follow, all satisfy you as it fits both vintage and modern styles.
The sound and control ability that this synth delivers is superb. The outstanding flexibility of the Arturia model facilitates professional synth enthusiasts to create a wide range of sounds.
Arturia Microbrute Overview
Unlike MiniBrute, MicroBrute is a pure analog sonic equipment that amazes music lovers by its massive sounds in just a tiny look.
With wide connectivity via CV, MINI, USB/ GATE and 100% pure voice path, this machine turns sound making into a pleasant process.
VCO
With a unique VCO, you can mix waveforms in diversified amounts. Wave modifiers are equipped for the sake of tonal variation.
While other products need 3 oscillators to make a big sound, the product achieves a wide tonal range with just an oscillator.
Overtone
The MicroBrute’s overtone facilitates the player to have complex harmonics, fatter basses, and classic sounding leads.
The overtone control can be modified with the LFO or ENVELOPE through the mod matrix to generate fantastic new sounds.
Metalizer and Modulation
This keyboard comes with a massive oscillator featuring sawtooth, triangle, and pulse waves with distinctive modifiers.
The Ultra Saw and Metalizer gives huge sounds and complicated harmonics to the wave. This product comes with a standard ADSR envelope, a full-featured LFO, and MOD MATRIX.
The MOD MATRIX offers you controls over either external synths, modules, and distinct internal sources.
The modulation and pitch wheels deliver a smooth and precise feeling which is rarely found on cheaper products.
While the pitch wheel is responsible for oscillating pitch, the modulation wheel is used to control the cutoff frequency of the filter as well as LFO amount.
This small-size noisemaker has 25 miniature synth action keys. These velocity sensitive keys transmit velocity data through the MIDI controller.
MicroBrute has 5 LED diodes that can actually cover 6 distinct octave states.
Steiner-Parket filter & Brute factor
Its Steiner-Parker filter features 3 mods: Band Pass, Low Pass and High Pass. The filter offers a wide range of resonance and cutoff.
Some other synths with double price compared to MicroBrute only feature 1 low pass filter. With a low Brute setup, MicroBrute gives you a decent roundness and depth to the bottom end.
When you change the setting to 65% or more, your synths can be annoying to hear.
- 100% Analog Audio Signal Path
- Steiner-Parker Multimode Filter (LP, BP, HP)
Last update on 2024-04-25 at 13:40 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose Microbrute?
If you are a beginner who is searching for an easy-to-use and modern synthesizer, Arturia MicroBrute best suits you.
Plus, this product comes with an affordable price that can fit players’ pockets. With its small size, MicroBrute is a handy option for those who are keen on compact and fully portable setup.
Besides, this model offers a sequencer built-in for easy storage and an easy method to check sounds and set basic songs. Simple operation inspires new players to play and create new sounds.
FAQS
Between MiniBrute vs MicroBrute, which one is good for beginners?
As we mentioned above, MicroBrute is an ideal pick for all beginners because it is much cheaper, compact and user-friendly.
Unlike its previous model, this option is designed with a modern style that fits youngsters. This compact model ensures a variety of sound-making capabilities.
Otherwise, MicroBrute is the next generation of the Brute synthesizers.
Can I play multi keys at a time?
Yes sure.
MicroBrute and MiniBrute both allow you to play multi keys at a time. This function helps you to create a more complex sound and boost your music making efficiency.
Which is better for kids?
When it comes to kids, MicroBrute has more advantages compared to its ancestor.
With a small size, kids can get used to the machine easier. Instead of featuring a wide range of buttons with complicated functions, MicroBrute comes with sufficient features for kids to gradually learn.
Can I use it without connecting with a computer?
It is obvious that you need to connect the synthesizer to the computer via the USB connection to start operation.
Some newbies usually make a mistake of connecting the MicroBrute/MiniBrute with the USB hub.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, if you are at beginner level and have a limited budget on a synth, MicroBrute is our big recommendation.
Let’s start with a simple, compact synth first and practice daily to get used to the machine and gradually enhance your skills.
When your skill is sharp enough, investing a MiniBrute will make sense.
That’s all for today's article. Thank you for reading our article.
Hopefully, after reading this article, you can differentiate MiniBrute vs MicroBrute and make a lucid purchase decision.
Have a great day ahead!
Related Post:
Further Reading:
A Beginner's Guide to the Synth