Arturia MiniFreak

Recently I got my hands on my second MiniFreak. The first one got returned to Thomann because 3 of the keyboard keys were not working at all. I spent little time with that synth once I realized it's defective so I didn't pay much attention to other details. But it crossed my mind back then that quality control must be non-existent at Arturia, otherwise you won't get a synth with defective keybed approved for sale. I mean, checking the keys is the very first thing to try, so it looks like there is either no quality testing at all, or it's just someone checking if the synth powers up or not.

Anyway, I got another one recently and spent some time with it. The build quality is astonishingly poor, it's probably the worst piece of audio gear I ever had in terms of build quality. The worst part is the keyboard, all the keys have different pressure resistance, some keys feel "soft", and others feel "stiff". Based on what you are intending to play, this can be a big problem. At least all the keys are working this time, for now.

I'll keep the synth this time, I'm not returning it, but it's a little difficult to enjoy its otherwise great sound abilities while worrying about if some part of it will break down today or not.

Although it has some limitations, these are justified by its price.
The sound is great and has a myriad of sound generating algorithms, and the modulation matrix allows a good number of assignments.
It's packed with a lot of features.

Its digital design allows for the product to evolve updating the software.
Thanks to the firmware updates, now counts with granular algorithms and a vocoder on the same hardware.

Another great thing to consider is the fact that it comes with a digital standalone/vst version, allowing to connect the minifreak to the application and real time edit both through hardware or software and managing content banks.

It took me MONTHS of research before I decided on the Arturia Minifreak as my first ever synth. I had no idea at all of how synths worked but time and again, the Minifreak was recommended by some very well repected Youtubers who know FAR more than I do about these machines and I can honestly say, buying the Arturia Minifreak is one of the best decisions I've ever made - yes, it really is that good!

Now, there is a caveat here: you MUST be prepared to spend some considerable time learning how it works because there is a learning curve if you have never owned a synthesizer before. I am still getting to grips with it and what you can do with it is honestly limitless - incredible machine that will keep me busy creating amazing sounds, sequences and arpeggios for the rest of my life.
If you're like I was and wavering, just bite the bullet and buy one; you will be so very happy that you did!