Arturia Unveils MicroFreak Stellar ‘Experimental Hybrid Synth’

Ahead of Superbooth 2023, being held in Berlin May 11-13, Arturia has introduced the MicroFreak Stellar Experimental Hybrid Synth, a limited-edition variant of the popular MicroFreak.

MicroFreak Stellar is a limited edition that features a sleek black finish with ‘quirky’ space-age graphics.

Here’s what they have to say about it:

“The Freak within. MicroFreak Stellar features the same inspiring, bonkers sound but embellished with a unique space-age design.

Beneath its space-age exterior, you’ll find sparkling digital and wavetable oscillators collide with a velvety analog filter. A unique poly-aftertouch PCB keyboard combines with a distinctly freaky arpeggiator & sequencer. Bathe your mix in sonic hysterics with the erratic mod matrix or the unique Spice & Dice randomizers. MicroFreak is out to break the rules. It’s an unpredictable instrument for the adventurous. An adrenaline rush for the thrill-seeking musician. A mind-bending tool that dares you to stray from the path and think differently. Freak out.”

Here’s what’s new with the Arturia MicroFreak Stellar Edition:

  • A limited edition look. Discover a synth that looks as weird and wonderful as it sounds with a slick all-black exterior, decorated with detailed space-age graphics reflecting its controls.
  • New firmware. Launched alongside MicroFreak Stellar is another free firmware update for all MicroFreak users, introducing user sample import, a Sampler engine and 3 Granular engines.
  • Fresh presets. MicroFreak Stellar comes with an exclusive selection of presets designed to boldly go where no Freak has gone before.

Pricing and Availability:

MicroFreak Stellar Edition is available now for $399 USD.  MicroFreak Firmware V5 will be available for all MicroFreak owners May 30th, 2023.

14 thoughts on “Arturia Unveils MicroFreak Stellar ‘Experimental Hybrid Synth’

  1. I love my MicroFreak. I also never get to use it because it only goes haywire when I turn it on. This keyboard is so awesome but it just doesn’t play well with the (possibly shoddy) circuitry in my home.

    1. The keyboard on my micro freak glitches and behaves as it is being touched when it isn’t. I detached the keyboard (easily done), built as cardboard case and use it as a module. It behaves for me like this. Worth a try if you are having problems.

    2. I have sweaty hands, that makes it interesting to play!
      Seriously, the wetter your hands the more expressive the keyboard can be.

    3. have you tried to plug it in with mains power but from a separate wall socket than your other music gear? that will clear all the ground hum if you experience that.

  2. I really wish arturia would stop the car manufacturer esq re paint game or simply pour away all the black paint they over ordered.

    The time saved and resources in marketing would be better spent in even more R&D and pushing firmware etc even further.

    If they had left the rebadge and doubled down in delivering truly new features not just a lift and shift granular alt firmware, they would sell a bucketload more.

    The industry needs to concentrate on ideas and not trying techniques from 70’s marketing books to rekindle interest across the board.

    1. did you straight up not read the post? did you miss all of the features this update adds? and that it’s available to existing, long-ago-purchased units? this isn’t just a re-skin.
      weird take there, steve.

    1. Definitely.
      I bought mine new for £229 a few years ago.
      I don’t think you can get any better for that money. The sound palette is massive. The synthesis options are varied and it quite intuitive to use.
      The constant updates have made it even better.
      I get it’s a bit quirky, and some don’t like the keyboard, but I think that’s part of it’s charm.

  3. User sample import is becoming more common, although I rarely hear a sound that seems like that’s its base. Its a natural if you want a big-balls stack of four layered hardware synths, but I wonder if people use the feature for anything more subtle. With all of the great synths and huge libraries, it may not seem that necessary. If someone really embraced it, I’d expect it to be a regular aspect of their work. It sure makes the MicroFreak more impressive.

  4. I tend to prefer the standard look of Arturia’s synths over the ‘Dark’ editions because I find it easier to read the panel. They do look cool though and it’s fun and funky. Of greater interest is the new OS which is available to all. They’re really killing it in the support department.

  5. Awesome update. That’s four huge updates in three years. The microFreak is a way more capable instrument than it was three years ago.

    Arturia deserves credit for that. Novation & Elektron have been great about doing huge updates, too.

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