Arturia MicroFreak vs Audiolab 6000A

So these are the basic super wave shapes and then we've actually got their own modulation in D tune. So this is the amount of detuning and then the vo...

First impressions have been very good. They definitely punch above their weight. I was very surprised by two things: 1) the amount of bass they throw off without a sub (granted, it's not punchy bass, but the low end is sufficient for a lot of music), and 2) the 75 watt into 4 ohm amp had no problem driving the speakers. They've been a lot of fun so far!

If you're a bass player, it's E to E key bed range is very appreciated, and the slim keys are actually pretty nice. (Those are not mini keys as these keys are the normal length, just skinnier)

I’m not sure how much of it was in my head, but the sound seemed a good bit cleaner with the stand. The previous setup was a conventional old TV cabinet with a drawer and a hinged door that used to resonate at certain bass frequencies. On first blushes with the Atacama, the system seems slightly more willing to make its bass presentation more cleanly. I could hear Mick Fleetwood hammering the drums right at the back of the soundstage I think more clearly than I had before, which is about the maximum extent of my impression right now lol

It has a mod matrix that reminds you a lot of a pocket version of a matrix or poly boot and has a touch capacitive keyboard that you will either love ...

This is where the amp / pre feature is handy. Very good entry level product. Ease of operation makes this nifty box great for most listeners.

So there's a few interesting things going on. Additionally, there's a 35-point modulation matrix here, and this is a something that you just kind of d...

It's not going to be the highlight of this review, but it's adequate in most cases the included remote is very nice. It has a solid feel and, unlike s...

So, after watching tons of Youtube videos, I decided on the Arturia Microfreak...and I'm glad I did! It has a LOT of sound design potential, and using the Mod Matrix is a joy

But while the design looks beautiful and the construction quality is outstanding, that same elegant design isn't so functional.

in fact, the entire unit has a much cheaper feel than the brute series. I would have paid another $100 to have it with a higher build quality. Now on to the good: the sounds are incredible. So much better than the Korg mini/monologue

I knew I'd have to go on a five week work trip so I invested in a Dragonfly DAC and a set of Sennheiser HD 560 S headphones. Easily the best headphones I've ever had, much better bass extension and detail than my Grado SR80s. They sound amazing plugged into my Audiolab 6000a and sound fantastic with this DAC running Tidal. I still miss my stereo though