Tonepusher Turns the MiniFreak into Sonic Anarchy

In the latest effort from Tonepusher, the MiniFreak synthesizer is put through its paces, transforming into an industrial machine that Trent Reznor would probably nod approvingly at. The video’s opener dives right into the heart of industrial soundscapes, invoking the spirit of Nine Inch Nails’ Pretty Hate Machine and spreading that gritty, raw FM vibe like a virus in a cyberpunk dystopia. Channeling the iconic Prophet VS patch, the creator doesn’t claim the MiniFreak is a direct replacement, but it gets heartbreakingly close – with a pinch of extra character to boot. The journey starts with the Wave Shaper on Oscillator 1, a dash of distortion, and the Super Unison option. The wobbly dance begins as LFO 1 modulates the timbre, injecting a bit of organic chaos into the mix.

Next on the chopping block is the MiniFreak’s filter section, which Tonepusher manipulates with all the precision of a seasoned audio surgeon. Filters, a cornerstone of industrial music, are dissected and examined with delight. From frontline assault-level records to Charlie Clouser remixes, filters play that pivotal role in giving the sounds a hellish twist. The video delves into using the second oscillator as a filter—a trick not for the faint-hearted. With options ranging from multi-filter to the brutally named ‘destroy filter’, Tonepusher takes us on a tour of ear-bending possibilities. Particularly enchanting is the comb filter, which resonates like a theremin trapped in a rave toilet. Whether it’s low-pass or surgeon filters, each adds a layer of raw intrigue to the sonic fabric.

Distortion, the wild child of the industrial world, finds its playground in the MiniFreak in a way that’s both endearing and unruly. The notion of piling on multiple distortions is right in Tonepusher’s wheelhouse, bringing that earth-shattering roar to everything from drums to synth lines. With an underlying philosophy of ‘why settle for one distortion when you can have two?’ the video doubles down on the dirt, baptising the sounds in filth. Tinkering with the fold distortion, along with utilising the phase filter executed earlier, creates tactile audio that punches through space-time like a misplaced cricket bat in the ear.

Tonepusher wraps up this industrial escapade by focusing on a key feature of the MiniFreak: its sequencer. With reverent admiration, the video highlights what is described as one of the finest sequencers out there on a synth. The touch-sensitive buttons offer fluidity akin to a dancer at a late-night club, whilst the spice feature sprinkles a touch of unpredictability. It’s as if the sequencer was hand-tailored for those who prefer their music to edge unpredictably toward chaos. Through a series of examples, including meticulous note adjustments and the occasional sonic explosion, the sequencer is depicted as a pivotal tool in Tonepusher’s armoury, allowing for precision, creativity, and a dash of madness.