Arturia MicroFreak vs Yamaha A-S501

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...

But, man alive do I love these things!. The sound is incredibly detailed yet not clinical.

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)

Another lack is a low volume bass boost, but since the bass is usually at neutral I've found I can turn it up a smidgen to get improved bass at low volume. By doing this and utilizing the Pure Input it is almost like having the bass boost option.

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 ...

Those things aside, this is a very competent unit with clean sound that is true to the Yamaha name. If you're looking to get into 2-channel stereo (including a real phono input) without some of the challenges that can come with vintage gear, this unit (or one of it's other family members) is a reasonable place to start. No, it isn't high end, but it's very good for the price.

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...

If you've got any questions about it leave us a comment below and if you've liked what you've seen and you want to see more don't forget to hit subscr...

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

If you're interested in specs, I did do an unboxing video where I read through some of the most important specs, and I'll link to that right there. As...

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

There are a host of analog inputs and outputs, as well as a decent headphone output. I say “decent” because it does have high output impedance, which means it will cause some frequency response issues with certain headphones. It gives my Sennheiser 58x headphones a bit of a bass boost as a result, which I don’t mind, but people who fuss over headphones will want to use a standalone headphone amp via the amp’s analog outs. I find it odd that plugging headphones into the port shuts off audio to the speakers, and I wish I could leave my headphones connected to the amp at all times