Arturia MicroFreak vs Roland SYSTEM-8
| Arturia MicroFreak | Roland SYSTEM-8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Key action | 25-key capacitive keybed with polyphonic aftertouch | 49 keys (with velocity) |
| Polyphony | 4 | 8 |
| Sounds / presets | 512 | — |
| Sequencer | 64-step sequencer; 2 patterns per preset; 4 automation tracks | — |
| Sound engine | Digital oscillators (14 types incl. Pluck/Granular) + analog filter | SYSTEM-8 + PLUG-OUT 1–3 (Analog Circuit Behavior, ACB) |
| Effects | 4 FX slots | — |
| Speakers | None (line out only) | None (line out only) |
| Bluetooth | No | — |
| USB audio | Yes | — |
| Weight | 1.02 kg | 5.9 kg |
| Battery power | 6× AA | — |
| Released | 2019 | 2016 |
| Status | current | discontinued |
| Keys | 25 | 49 |
Which one should you buy?
- Choose the Arturia MicroFreak if lighter to carry to gigs and lessons (1.02 kg vs 5.9 kg).
- Choose the Roland SYSTEM-8 if you layer sounds or use the sustain pedal heavily (4 vs 8).
Full spec sheets: Arturia MicroFreak · Roland SYSTEM-8. Rows with a highlighted background differ.