Arturia has recently released new firmware and hardware updates for two of its products. Here’s what’s new for the MicroFreak and KeyLab Essential.

MicroFreak Firmware V5.0

MicroFreak owners are in for a treat as Arturia has released the latest Firmware 5.0 update for the hybrid hardware synth. The update is free to all MicroFreak owners and adds a range of new features. 

One of the biggest new additions thanks to the update is sample import and playback. This means the MicroFreak users can now import their own samples, play them back, and loop them. The only restrictions are that samples can only be up to 24 seconds in length and in 16-bit / 32kHz / mono format. With a total of 3.5 minutes worth of total sample storage space, there’s plenty of room to experiment with this new feature. 

Next up is three brand-new granular engines that Arturia states will allow for “wild audio manipulation.” The three new engines consist of Scan Grains, Cloud Grains, and Hit Grains, which allow users to explore slices, textures, and impacts via granular manipulation of their imported samples. 

Also new is the ability to transform your keyboard as a sample-and-hold-style modulation source using the Preset Utility settings. With this new feature, every time a key is pressed it will generate a random bipolar value for unpredictable modulation that responds to what you are playing. Also now accessible via the Preset Utility setting is the option to access even shorter attack values with MicroFreak’s envelopes. According to Arturia the snappy envelopes are perfect for gritty, crackling, razor-sharp percussive sounds. Last up is the addition of more than 300 new factory presets, along with an expanded 512 total preset slots.

 Visit the official Arturia website to download the latest firmware update (https://www.arturia.com/products/hardware-synths/microfreak/resources#download). A step-by-step on how to update the firmware is also available for users who are unfamiliar with the process (https://support.arturia.com/hc/en-us/articles/9002305582108-MicroFreak-Firmware-V5). 

KeyLab Essential

Arturia has also released a new update to their popular KeyLab Essential MIDI keyboard controller. The KeyLab Essential Mk3 is available in 49 and 61-note configurations while featuring some design changes and updates compared to previous models. 

According to Arturia, the KeyLab Essential Mk3 sports an optimized design, which includes a bigger 2.5-inch LCD as well as four contextual buttons. The keyboard also now has five dedicated DAW scripts for more seamless integration with popular DAWs such as Ableton Live, FL Studio, Bitwig Studio, and more. Arturia has also enhanced the compatibility of the keyboard with their own software suites like Analog Lab and V Collection. In addition, Arturia has placed a greater emphasis on new creative features, such as a built-in multi-mode arpeggiator, chord play functionality, scale mode, and more.

Those who care about the environment will also be glad to hear that Arturia has prioritized sustainability in the production of the Mk3 version of the keyboard. To accomplish this, Arturia has stated that a minimum of 40% recycled plastic is used during the production process, reducing its material carbon footprint by 18%. 

The Arturia KeyLab Essential Mk3 is available now at $219 for the 49-key version and $269 for the 61-key version. To get users started, Arturia is also including a comprehensive software package with the keyboards featuring products such as Ableton Live Lite, UVI Model D, a 2-month Loopcloud subscription, Melodics subscription, and more. For more information and the full specifications visit the official website (https://www.arturia.com/store/hybrid-synths/keylabessential49mk3).