MicroFreak: 12 oscillator arpeggiator jam (with Empress ZOIA)

Just jamming through the 12 oscillator models of the Arturia MicroFreak. Here is my first impression: great little synth, but also a bit difficult guy at the beginning. The diversity of the oscillator models is challenging as the model parameters (Wave, Timbre, Shape) can have a completely different meaning and a totally different impact on the sound. I tried to find a quick walk through the models that reflects a bit the overall range of sounds. The interaction with the analog filter varies a lot across different models and also the demand for some external effect varies. In my opinion, most of the models profit from additional FX, such as delay or reverb. But the required degree again varies a lot. For the jam the compromise was a modulated delay (echo) effect in the Empress ZOIA with a relatively low FX level of 25%. The modified ZOIA patch (“Delay Trainer”), which also supplies the kick type metronome, was one of the few usable ones among the factory presets. My impression of the ZOIA is that despite of a basically good concept and sound, the final realization is not optimal so far, in particular, if you take into account the price. For any kind of details ask me in the comments … and don't forget to subscribe!

Update:
SInce I was asked about my critical remarks about the ZOIA , here are my points about the device in its current form (05/2019):

1. For me, the user interface feels uncomfortable. I find the required amount of patching actions cumbersome and urgently miss some kind of (additional) “easy mode” where you can quickly create linear effect chains where all the trivial connections are made automatically. In addition, I don't like the free coloring of modules and clearly would prefer a fixed color scheme, which would make it easier to quickly understand patches from other people.

2. Midi clock support is half-hearted. A corresponding module has just been introduced with the latest firmware update. I do not understand why midi clock was not integrated right from the beginning, with the option that parameters of time/frequency dependent modules could be specified in terms of note values.

3. My hope was that the high quality algorithms of the empress reverb would also be integrated into the ZOIA, but this is not the case. A corresponding FAQ can be found at the empress web site, the answer I find a bit disappointing.