AudioPilz’s MiniBrute Awakening

In the land of synth gear where heroes are born and vanquished, AudioPilz kicks off by introducing us to the Arturia MiniBrute 2S. This isn’t just any synth—it’s a beast without a keyboard, the kind that lurks in the shadows of modular chaos. The 2S is strapped with tech that can simultaneously attract synth newbies with its ‘non-modular’ charm while leading them straight into Eurorack temptation. At first glance, its familiar design might seem like déjà vu, but hold your horses—this is the graffiti-covered dark alley of synths, not the orderly shopping street.

AudioPilz dives into the technical nitty-gritty of the MiniBrute 2S, peeling back layers like an onion wrapped in oscillators. This monosynth wields a monophonic, analog engine that’s both classic and confounding. With oscillators that somehow manage to tread the line between awe-inspiring and perplexing—think dodgy kebabs at 2 a.m.—the 2S offers PWM, a harsh noise generator, and the appropriately named ‘Metalizer’. The filter is courtesy of the Steiner-Parker design, notorious for its uncanny ability to embarrass even the most valiant of patches. In a market filled with digital perfection, this analog grit is as refreshing as a pint after a punk gig. With the sequencer at its heart, the 2S is not just a synth; it’s a rallying cry for analog enthusiasts.

The MiniBrute 2S doesn’t stop at sound creation. It proudly flaunts a 64-step sequencer that seems more like a relentless punk rock drummer than a humble piece of tech. With dedicated outputs and real-time transposition, this sequencer is a playground for those who love to push boundaries, forcefully nudging you towards a Eurorack setup like a gentle shove into a mosh pit. Yet, AudioPilz reveals it also doubles as a strategic retreat for synth warriors looking to escape the digital clutches of their DAWs.

In a candid conclusion, AudioPilz delivers the final assessment. The MiniBrute 2S stands as a compelling contender in a sea of synth choices, particularly for those with a taste for its visceral, unapologetic sound—a flavour akin to Marmite, dividing opinions at every chord. While it seduces the unwary into the depths of Eurorack expansion, it also offers itself as a trusty sidekick in any studio rig. It’s a gateway drug, a blatant tease, yet undeniably a foot in the door for analogue newcomers. Ultimately, Florian’s take is an anthem for those who crave raw, unpolished soundscapes.