Arturia MiniBrute 2S Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer/Sequencer

The Arturia MiniBrute 2S Synthesizer replaces the keyboard with 16 pressure and velocity-sensitive pads and adds an advanced 3-track sequencer borrowed from Arturia’s KeyStep controller. Additional updates include a second VCO, a second LFO, and VCO and filter frequency modulation possibilities, as well as modifier-related modulation destinations and a loopable AD envelope.

The MiniBrute 2S features a 100% analog signal path and a familiar voice architecture with two independent VCOs. VCO 1 allows for waveform mixing and includes level faders for sawtooth, square, and triangle waveforms, as well as white noise and an external audio input. VCO 2 also includes a level fader and offers a selector with sine, sawtooth, and square wave selections, a tuning knob, and three range selections, including Fine, All, and LFO.

Like the original, the MiniBrute 2S includes the classic Steiner-Parker multi-mode filter with LP, BP, HP, and notch selections, as well as the Brute Factor overdrive. There are dedicated knobs for frequency modulation of the filter and resonance modulation via LFO1 by default. Two envelope generators are included and feature a classic ADSR and an AD with multiple modes, allowing for a wide variety of sonic possibilities, including looping. No synthesizer would be complete without an LFO, and the MiniBrute 2S offers two with six waveform selections and the ability to run free or sync to the on-board arpeggiator or loop.

The 3-track, 64-step sequencer offers up to 64 sequence memories. Sequencer 1 controls pitch, gate, velocity, and pressure, while Sequencer 2 or 3 can generate other types of signals, such as gates, CV, pitch, LFOs, and envelopes. Real-time and step-by-step editing are available. All sequence patterns can be saved and recalled on-the-fly.

With its user-friendly control interface, classic aesthetic, and potential for endless exploration and tonal tinkering, the MiniBrute 2s definitely encourages creativity. Experiment with rewiring the instrument’s internal architecture or further expand and explore its sonic capabilities by interfacing with Eurorack modules. The rugged aluminum enclosure features wooden sides for vintage synthesizer appeal and is also compatible with the RackBrute link system, allowing for Arturia’s 3 RU or 6 RU Eurorack enclosure to be connected for creating a customized setup with a variety of positions. The Arturia MiniBrute 2S Synthesizer ships with a power supply, eight patch cables, and a cookbook with recipes for creating a wide variety of tones and patches.