Owners of the MiniFreak keyboard got an early Christmas present recently when Arturia announced the release of the MiniFreak V. According to Arturia, MiniFreak V is a mirror image of the MiniFreak, only in software form. However, the two products also share a deeper connection thanks to some of the functionality. 

The two products share preset unity, so users can edit presets on MiniFreak before continuing right where they left off when switching to the MiniFreak V. The process works in reverse, too, allowing users to share the same sounds in their DAW as their hardware setup. The result is a seamless sound design workflow. 

Another highlight of the MiniFreak V software is that it is synced to the hardware. Therefore, all the controls of the MiniFreak keyboard can be used to tweak and play MiniFreak V, which makes it possible to interact with DAW projects in real-time. In addition, of course, the Minifreak keyboard can be used as a dedicated hardware controller with MiniFreak V and other virtual instruments. 

Unfortunately, while the MiniFreak V software is available completely free to owners of the MiniFreak keyboard, Arturia has no plans for a standalone release. This means that the only way for users to get their hands on MiniFreak V is by shelling out $599 for the MiniFreak keyboard. 

For more information about the MiniFreak keyboard and MiniFreak V, visit the official website (https://www.arturia.com/products/hardware-synths/minifreak/minifreakv) or check out the video below. The video features sound designer Matt Pike giving an in-depth tour of the software to give viewers an overview of how it sounds and how well it integrates with the hardware version.