Arturia MiniFuse 1 & 2

this test) immediately identiied the interface,
and we were away without any additional
software or drivers to install.
Our irst audition involved playing back
on-screen audio through the MiniFuse, while
comparing to other interfaces. Initial tests reveal
a relatively colourful signal; the bottom end
feels slightly loose and labby, with what feels
like a little bulge in the low-end mids.
Surprisingly, the top end did not seem to swell to
a similar extent, but the overall picture is of a
sonic spectrum which is gratifying, albeit a little
coloured and bloated at a couple of frequency
points. We’re being hyper-picky here, but in
doing so, we have to relect on the budget price
point – and for the money, there is no doubt that
these perform well.
Adding a microphone into the equation, we
tried recording some trombone and vocals.
Using a good quality budget condenser, both
signals performed pretty admirably, but there is
a slight lack of depth, especially in the mid
range. This is hardly much of a surprise, as the
mic-pres are also at the budget end. In Star Trek
terms, it’s running on auxiliary power, supplied
by a mere USB cable. It’s a perfectly usable
signal path, but could considerably be improved
with the addition of some form of voice channel
pre/compressor.
Check the connection
One constant with any USB-powered audio
component is that you sometimes have to be a
little careful with your plug-in points. We initially
plugged the MiniFuses into a top-notch
Thunderbolt hub; this resulted in quite a bit of
erroneous background noise, which we
eradicated by connecting directly to our laptop.
This absolutely has everything to do with our
setup and cable organisation, but it may have to
be a consideration for any personal setup,
where there are plenty of USB requirements.
One other bizarre point is a lack of any reference
to iOS connectivity. We plugged our review
Fuses into an iPad Pro via USBC, and were
pleasantly surprised to discover full
functionality and compatibility. This might still
be under testing at Arturia, but it seemed to
work seamlessly.
Ignition!
The MiniFuses are undeniably competent
interfaces; their exceptionally sturdy build
quality, coupled with mainstay features, provide
a tidy package which works straight out of the
box. A third unit, MiniFuse 4, is due next year
and you can probably guess the number of
inputs on ofer. This could be important,
depending on your intended use. If you need a
cheap little box to take on the move, the
MiniFuse 1 is ideal, but the added MIDI extras
that complement MiniFuse 2 make it a better
prospect for studio use, as long as two
simultaneous inputs are enough for you.
Otherwise, that’s where Arturia’s forthcoming
biggest brother could help you out!
Web arturia.com
Verdict
For Convenient input via XLR/ 1/4” jack
Bundled software is superb
No PSU required – USB powered
Portable and class compliant
Against Slightly lacks sonic solidity
Can be noisy, depending on USB used
Both of these units are budget
heavyweights, each providing an
inexpensive interface solution, with a large
menagerie of really useful software
8 / 1 0
Alternatively
Audient iD4 Mk2
£119
Another class-act within the budget
interface market
Focusrite Scarlett Solo
£99
A range that also ofers several I/O
options, with the Solo being the
budget mono-input version.
Another robust performer
As if the prospect of a feature-laden
MiniFuse interface isn’t enough, at this
competitive price point, Arturia’s
worthy desire to ensure that you have
everything you need to get going helps
to seal the deal.
All MiniFuse interfaces guide you in
the direction of registration with
Arturia, at which point you will be able
to download a very large bundle of
software, much of which ofers
considerable use outside of simple
recording, no matter where you intend
to roam musically.
Firstly, there’s a free DAW in the
shape of Ableton Live Lite. While many
OS platforms will ofer their own
freebies, (and in the case of Mac OS,
GarageBand is an excellent starting
point) the option to jump on a popular
commercial DAW is tempting.
But that’s not all; Analog Lab Intro
brings plenty of vintage synth
nostalgia to your desktop, while Guitar
Rig 6 LE will provide guitarists with
plenty of cab and efect simulations.
Whichever camp you’re in, the Arturia
FX bundle ofers preamps, plates, tape
echoes and chorus, for thickening up
those recordings. This is quite a
package, none of which should be
snifed at, with the latter plugins being
open to use in other DAWs, should you
move up the DAW food chain.
Bag-a-bundle-o’-software
Register at Arturia to
see your added extras
“A sonic spectrum
which is gratifying,
albeit a little coloured
and bloated at a few
frequency points”
Register at Arturia to
see your added extras
work seamlessly.
February 2022 / COMPUTER MUSIC / 69
arturia minifuse 1 & 2 / reviews <
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