MiniBrute 2S
The Arturia MiniBrute 2S is a semi-modular monophonic analog synthesizer that replaces traditional keys with a sophisticated 64-step triple-track sequencer, 16 velocity-and-pressure-sensitive pads, and an expansive 48-point CV/Gate patch matrix. Its pure 100% analog sound engine features dual VCOs with waveform waveshapers (UltraSaw, Metalizer, Pulse Width), a 12dB/oct Steiner-Parker multi-mode filter, and the signature Brute Factor overdrive. NOTE: Voice parameters (such as filter cutoff, resonance, and oscillator levels) are controlled by physical potentiometers on the analog signal path and do not transmit or receive MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) messages. However, the MiniBrute 2S fully supports Web MIDI note sequencing, clock synchronization, transport control, velocity, aftertouch, and MCC pattern configuration.
💡 How to configure the Arturia MiniBrute 2S in closeby.one▼
To connect your Arturia MiniBrute 2S to your web browser, connect your synth using a USB cable or a dedicated USB-to-MIDI interface.
Open the MIDI Settings panel above, set the Output Port to your connected MiniBrute 2S device, and select the correct MIDI channel (default is channel 1). Once configured, you can trigger notes, play sequences and arpeggios, synchronize master MIDI clock, and document patch routing sheets directly in your browser.
Web MIDI Hardware Controller
Route live note tracking, test triggers, and clock sync to your synthesizer.
Physical Patchbay Connections
0 CablesPhysical Discrete Analog Architecture
The Arturia MiniBrute 2S utilizes a discrete, hands-on analog signal path where timbre parameters (such as filter cutoff, resonance, oscillator waveform mixers, and envelope timings) are wired directly to physical potentiometers. Because there are no digital encoders or DAC-controlled VCAs on the parameter circuits, voice controls do not transmit or receive MIDI Continuous Controller (CC) values.
However, the MiniBrute 2S integrates seamlessly with closeby.one for Web MIDI note sequencing, polyphonic/monophonic melody lines, arpeggios, and rock-solid MIDI clock synchronization.
Hardware Engine & Sound Generation
VCO 1 (Sawtooth + UltraSaw, Square + Pulse Width, Triangle + Metalizer) + VCO 2 (Sine / Saw / Square with Fine/Coarse tuning and pitch tracking switch) + Sub-Oscillator + White Noise Generator + External Audio Input
Steiner-Parker 2-pole (12 dB/octave) Multi-Mode Filter (Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, Notch) with continuous Resonance self-oscillation and Brute Factor saturation feedback loop
Dual Envelopes: 1x ADSR envelope with velocity modulation input + 1x AD/Looping envelope with CV gate triggers and attack/decay curve response
Dual LFOs offering 6 selectable waveforms (Sine, Triangle, Sawtooth, Square, Random Stepped Sample & Hold, Random Smooth S&H) with MIDI Clock synchronization and free-running rate modes
Triple-track 64-step sequencer: Track 1 (Pitch/Gate), Tracks 2 & 3 (assignable to Velocity, Gate, Pressure, or Modulation envelopes/LFOs for CV output). Includes 16 velocity-and-pressure pads, 64 pattern memories, and real-time step recording
Supported MIDI & Sequencing Features
CV / Gate Modular Routing & Patchbay
48 CV/Gate 3.5mm minijack I/O matrix covering Pitch (1V/Oct), Gate, Velocity, Pressure, Mod 1/2 outputs, VCF Cutoff, Metalizer, UltraSaw, Pitch 1/2 inputs, Envelope gates, LFO rates, Inverters, and Attenuators
Launch closeby.one Studio with MiniBrute 2S
Drive patterns, acid basslines, polyrhythms, and master clock directly from your browser.
Firmware & Help Reference
Firmware Version Details
MIDI Troubleshooting
🚨 Syncing the 2S step sequencer to closeby.one or a master clock
Press the SYNC button on the top panel of the MiniBrute 2S until 'USB' (if connected via USB) or 'MIDI' (if using DIN cables) is lit. In closeby.one, enable MIDI Clock Transmission in the MIDI Settings panel to automatically lock tempo and transport start/stop.
🚨 Why do MIDI CC sliders not adjust the filter or oscillator knobs?
The MiniBrute 2S sound generation path is 100% discrete analog; its knobs are physical potentiometers without digital encoders. To automate timbre changes, use the sequencer's Mod Track 2 & 3 or an external MIDI-to-CV converter patched into the 48-point CV/Gate matrix (e.g., patching Mod 1 out to VCF Cutoff in).
🚨 High-pitched noise, hum, or ground loop when using USB
This is a common USB ground loop when combining analog audio circuits and computer USB power. Power the MiniBrute 2S with its dedicated 12V DC power adapter, and consider using a galvanic USB ground isolator or standard 5-pin DIN MIDI cables.
🚨 Changing sequencer patterns remotely via MIDI
Send MIDI Program Change messages (PC 0 to 63) on the MiniBrute 2S base MIDI channel. The synth will queue the new pattern and switch seamlessly at the end of the current measure.
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Suggest Profile Edit
Suggest adjustments to device descriptions, engine specifications, and hardware notes.