Arturia MiniFreak 49: Full-Size Keys and an XYZ Touch Matrix (2026)
The Arturia MiniFreak 49 is $1,099.99 CAD. It is the MiniFreak for keyboard players: the same hybrid sound, now under full-size keys you can play chords and two-handed parts on. A new touch matrix lets the hand that is not playing reshape the sound as you go.
What changes from the MiniFreak
The original MiniFreak has 37 slim keys. The MiniFreak 49 moves to 49 full-size semi-weighted keys with velocity and mono aftertouch, and aluminum pitch and modulation wheels sit beside them. That is room for a bass line in the left hand under chords in the right.
Two digital engines now hold more than 30 oscillator modes, with models from Mutable Instruments and Noise Engineering alongside Arturia's own. They cover virtual analog, FM, wavetable, granular, sample-based and physical modeling synthesis, and each of the 6 voices still runs through its own analog filter. Presets from the original MiniFreak load as they are, so a library you built on the 37-key comes with you.
The XYZ touch matrix
The biggest new control is the XYZ touch matrix. It reads where your finger is and how hard you press, so one touch moves several parameters at once with pressure as a third axis. You also use it to assign modulation by color, swipe through presets and draw your own LFO shapes.
Freak Control turns the matrix into a performance surface, with Macros, Gate and Spice in bipolar and vector layouts. Visualizers on the matrix show the sound moving, which helps when several modulation sources run at once.
Sound design and effects
Filter FM lets either engine modulate the analog filters at audio rate, for anything between a gentle wobble and a harsh, metallic edge. Voice Panning spreads the six voices across the stereo field, so pads and basses sound wider without an extra effect. Engine 2 can process Engine 1, and the audio input can run through the full voice.
Three effects slots hold 13 algorithms each, including a Self Vocoder and a vocoder for an external input. Each voice gets an envelope, a cycling envelope and two LFOs. The 64-step sequencer records four lanes of modulation, and the arpeggiator adds octave jumps, ratchets, repeats and Arturia's Spice and Dice randomizers.
Connections and software
Full-size MIDI In, Out and Thru connect it to older gear without adapters, clock in and out keep it in time with drum machines, and USB-C covers the computer. The included MiniFreak V plugin brings the synth into your DAW, with preset management and two-way control of the hardware.
MicroFreak, MiniFreak or MiniFreak 49
Arturia now makes three Freaks. Here is how they line up on the things all three share.
| MicroFreak | MiniFreak | MiniFreak 49 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (CAD) | $499.99 | $899.99 | $1,099.99 |
| Keys | 25-key touch plate, polyphonic aftertouch | 37 slim keys, velocity and aftertouch | 49 full-size semi-weighted keys, velocity and mono aftertouch |
| Voices | Mono, or paraphonic up to 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Oscillator modes | 21 | 22 | 30+ |
| Sequencer | 64 steps, 4 automation tracks | 64 steps, polyphonic | 64 steps, 4 modulation lanes |
| Weight | 1.02 kg | 2.94 kg | 5.7 kg |
The MicroFreak is the cheapest way into the Freak sound. Its flat touch keyboard responds to pressure under each finger, and it fits beside a laptop. The MiniFreak adds six voices of polyphony, three effects slots and real keys.
For $200 more than the 37-key MiniFreak, the MiniFreak 49 gives you full-size semi-weighted keys, the touch matrix and the larger set of oscillator modes. If you play your synth more than you program it, get the 49. If it lives on a small desk next to a computer, the MiniFreak or MicroFreak will fit better.
Canadian pricing
At Blackout Audio the MiniFreak 49 is $1,099.99 CAD, with free shipping across Canada on orders over $199.
