Arturia MiniBrute Analog Keyboard Synthesizer, 25-Key

Harness the power of analog synthesis with the Arturia MiniBrute. Grab knobs and push sliders to create fat sounds with the oscillator and multimode filter.

Overall User Ratings (based on 5 ratings)
  • Overall:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(5) (see rating details)
Submitted September 8, 2015 by John M in Lexington, KY

"Wow!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I too have wanted a "real" synth for many, many years but being primarily a drummer never got around to buying one. And while i have too many virtual synths and have done quite a lot with them and in spite of setting up CC controls with a keyboard controller, there were some holes in my synth understanding. I could start with a preset and warp it to something very different but had trouble initiating sounds from scratch. Enter the MiniBrute. Not enough can be said of having actual direct knob/slider/switch control of parameters on the actual instrument. The very first night playing with it, I had several epiphanies and suddenly certain aspects of synthesis that had eluded me for years were clear. I got it so to speak. From there, by the third night (with the help of echo and delay pedals), I had programmed the echo synth sound and effects from Pink Floyd's "Any Color You Like". And I developed the sound from scratch already knowing where to start. This may not seem such a feat to an experienced synth player, but for me it was a revelation. Now, as to the actual synth and not me, it is built like a tank and even the knobs and sliders have a bit of smooth resistance that feels very good when using. The sounds are as others have said very good. I have plyed it side by side with my friends Minimoog, and while it may not get quite the same bottom end, when played through a PA with a sub-woofer, it gets pretty close. And my friend who has a variety of older analog synths was very impressed. While i cannot think of a better "first" analogue synth, it is obvious the MiniBrute is capable of some very sophisticated sounds. As for the 25 key keyboard, I midi'd my 61 key controller to it to get a wider octave range without using the switch and it performs flawlessly with no latency. The after touch on the controller also worked seamlessly with the Mini. This synth can do leads, basses and sound effects and is therefore quite versatile. I know this, in the few weeks I've had it, i am thrilled and it has allowed me to greatly improve my skills and sound shaping abilities. I highly recommend this to anyone that wants a reasonably priced , analogue, monophonic synth. It's sound and capabilities go way beyond its price. Hat's off to Arturia for giving us this little beast! And once again a hearty Thanx! to zZounds for the pay as you play program!

Musical Background:

40+ years playing, recording, etc.

Musical Style:

Mostly rock, blues, fusion, and funk
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Submitted April 16, 2013 by K L in Houston, TX

"Great Voice & Easy to Operate"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
All controls are at your fingertips. I didn't even need to read the operation manual. Unique voice and effects with great after touch.

Musical Background:

I have been playing professionally for 40+ years. I play guitar, woodwinds, keyboard. . . etc

Musical Style:

Jazz
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Submitted February 3, 2013 by Tom B in Oakland, CA

"Go analog"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I had been wanting to get an analog synthesizer for a very long time. The synth itself seems like it's built to last. I got the minibrute and started having fun with it right out of the box. You definitely have to spend quality time with this instrument before you start pulling the truly amazing sounds out of it. My favorite thing about the minibrute is that there are no presets, no patches... so you've really got to feel the sounds out. I'd suggest this synth to you if you want great leads and sound effects, the bass is good and totally useable but not as amazing as the leads you can get with this thing.

Musical Background:

Producing electronic music for 10 years

Musical Style:

electro, rock, hip-hop, house
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Submitted October 4, 2012 by a customer from rocketmail.com

"Great little mono synth!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Good stuff! While not priced at the "professional level" (whatever that means), it is deceptively good. Definitely worth the sale price, in my opinion.
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Submitted February 26, 2016 by Jeff S in Oklahoma City, OK

"This thing rocks!"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I have been a sandman for a number of years. In that time I have heard many synths up close and personal. I took the plunge recently to start making music of my own primarily based in the electronic genre. I picked up the MiniBruie because I needed something to go with my Mother 32. I love this machine. It is a really solid synth. The easy access to the parameters is great. Yes you can get really good leads out of it but with the sub osc you can get some great bass sounds also. Not sold on the Brute factor yet but I absolutely love the Metalizer and the Ultra saw. All in all I would recommend this machine to a friend and to any pro synthesist.

Musical Background:

20 years as soundman.

Musical Style:

Ambient Dance is as close a style as you can get I guess
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