Arturia MicroFreak vs Nord Wave 2
| Arturia MicroFreak | Nord Wave 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Key action | 25-key capacitive keybed with polyphonic aftertouch | 61-key semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch |
| Polyphony | 4 | 48 |
| Sounds / presets | 512 | 0 |
| Sequencer | 64-step sequencer; 2 patterns per preset; 4 automation tracks | — |
| Sound engine | Digital oscillators (14 types incl. Pluck/Granular) + analog filter | 4-layer performance synthesizer: Virtual Analog, Wavetable, FM and sample playback (Nord Sample Library 3.0, 1 GB memory) |
| Effects | 4 FX slots | Per-layer filter mode (HP24/LP24), tube amp sim, 3-band EQ with sweepable mid, compressor, reverb, delay, modulation effects |
| Speakers | None (line out only) | None (line out only) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| USB audio | Yes | No |
| Pads / faders | — | no |
| Weight | 1.02 kg | 8.75 kg |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | — | [990, 100, 295] mm |
| Battery power | 6× AA | no |
| Released | 2019 | 2020 |
| Status | current | legacy |
| Keys | 25 | 61 |
Which one should you buy?
- Choose the Arturia MicroFreak if lighter to carry to gigs and lessons (1.02 kg vs 8.75 kg).
- Choose the Nord Wave 2 if you layer sounds or use the sustain pedal heavily (4 vs 48).
- Choose the Arturia MicroFreak if you want more variety of built-in voices (512 vs 0).
- Choose the Arturia MicroFreak if you play away from mains power.
Full spec sheets: Arturia MicroFreak · Nord Wave 2. Rows with a highlighted background differ.