Upon its release, the original Arturia Analog MiniBrute offered a true analog synthesizer in a compact design. The VCO oscillator and sub oscillator allowed players to create warm, fat basslines. Connectable to a computer and other synths through USB, MIDI, and CV, it was also able to be easily integrated into most rigs.
Today, Arturia announces that it will release the MiniBrute 2 in March, which keeps all of the original design (including its much-loved multimode filter and its namesake Brute Factor knob) while featuring a second, fully tunable VCO. The biggest update is the inclusion of a 48 in/out patchbay, turning the MiniBrute into a semi-modular synth more compatible with a Eurorack setup.
But the company has withheld what it calls its most exciting news: an explanation of the MiniBrute 2’s new "Link" function. At its annual Loop conference this year, Ableton unveiled its own "Ableton Link," which allows two computers to sync their tempos wirelessly. Whether Arturia’s will work in a similar fashion remains to be seen. Arturia plans to explain the new function tomorrow, so check back here for updates.
Update 1/16/2018: Arturia announced today another version of the MiniBrute 2—the MiniBrute 2S, which ditches the keyboard layout and adds instead an advanced step sequencer with velocity-sensitive pads. The company has still not fully explained its Link function, though it is an apparent way to connect MiniBrutes (and likely other new Arturia instruments).
As with the other new MiniBrute, the 2S features the 48 in/out patchbay, which will allow players to use the sequencer to control their modular setups. Arturia is teasing a third and final day of MiniBrute announcements tomorrow. So check back here for further updates.
Update 1/17/2018: With today's announcement of the RackBrute Eurorack mounting system, Arturia officially enters the Eurorack space. The aforementioned Link is not a way to connect between the company's new synthesizers, but a way to mount them to the RackBrute, allowing the MiniBrute 2 and MiniBrute 2S to easily integrate into a modular synth setup.
The 3U RackBrute model is designed with 88HP total width with 83HP available when the power supply module is connected. The 6U version comes in at 176HP total width with 171HP of available space beyond the power supply module.
For the full system in action, watch the video below.