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Here we review the Arturia MiniFuse 2, a two-channel audio interface model with two microphone/instrument inputs and two outputs. In the fall of 2021, Arturia introduced a new series of MiniFuse audio interfaces. Unlike existing AudioFuse devices, the new interfaces are simpler and more affordable solutions aimed at a wide range of consumers.
To date, the MiniFuse series consists of three similar models, differing from each other in the number of inputs. MiniFuse 1 has one input (you can check out our review of this device at the link), MiniFuse 2 has two inputs, and MiniFuse 4 has four inputs. We'll look at all the features of this audio interface later, let's start our Arturia MiniFuse 2 review with the device specifications as usual.
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Best Price on Arturia MiniFuse 2 Audio Interface
The Arturia MiniFuse 2 Audio Interface offers a compelling blend of professional-grade features, compact design, and exceptional audio quality. |
Classic Package
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Line Input 1-2 (balanced TRS)
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Instrument Input 1-2 (unbalanced TS)
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Microphone Input 1-2 (balanced XLR)
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Speaker Out (balanced TRS)
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Headphone Out (TRS)
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As you remember from our reviews, AudioFuse devices had a very original design. The MiniFuse series has a more traditional and conventional appearance with the usual arrangement of controls. Traditionally, Arturia offers different color schemes for its devices. In the case of MiniFuse, all models are available in white and black.
The inputs are located at the front. Here you can find combined connectors that allow you to connect a microphone and a guitar. The inputs have three modes of operation: line, mic, and instrument. Switching the input from line to high impedance is done by buttons with the image of a guitar. The +48B phantom power supply mode is also activated from the front panel.
For convenience, there are indicators on the gain controls. When a signal is input, the indicator lights up in blue color, when overloaded, the indicator lights up in red. A six-segment audio meter (VU Meter) is provided for visual monitoring of the output signal.
The largest control knob changes the line output level. The headphone output is regulated separately. This is very important because usually in inexpensive devices a common regulator for headphones and line output is used. Here they are regulated separately, although the signal is the same. Of course, MiniFuse has the option of Direct Direct monitoring. The button and the knob that changes the balance between input and output are located next to each other.
All controls have a rubberized coating and rotate with force, allowing you to more accurately set the desired value. However, since the controls are analog, it's a bit difficult to get the level exactly right. If it's not crucial for the volume of the output or headphones, then setting the gain value with decibel accuracy requires skill.
At the back, there are balanced outputs on TRS connectors, full-fledged five-pin MIDI-input and MIDI-output, and HUB with an additional USB connector. The interface is connected via a USB Type-C connector. The power supply is possible only from the USB bus. A connection cable is included in the package.
So let's continue our Arturia MiniFuse 2 review and take a look inside the device. The device is built based on XMOS XU-208 processor.
Stereo codec CIRRUS LOGIC CS4272 is used as a converter. Its characteristics look very good: dynamic range 114 dB; Kg+noise <-100 dB (<0.001%).
JRC4580s are used as operational amplifiers.
Almost all inexpensive interfaces have a low-power headphone amplifier. In MiniFuse 2 the manufacturer paid special attention to the amplifier circuit. The headphone output turned out to be interesting and very powerful. Passport values of the amplifier are an impressive 137 mW.
While listening to music is unlikely to require high headphone power settings, when recording and monitoring the microphone signal, the headphone volume has to be turned up much higher. To create a comfortable balance between the microphone signal and the phonogram in the performer's headphones, the controller is often in the extreme position of the input, where the signal from the microphone is recorded with an overload margin. For this reason, the volume of the headphone output is sometimes insufficient. In Arturia MiniFuse 2 this scenario is excluded, as the headphone output is loud enough for any mass-market models.
The device control panel allows you to see a more accurate level of the input signal. Almost all control is done from the audio interface itself. From the advanced settings, there is a change in sampling frequency and ASIO buffer size available.
There is a standard ASIO panel with buffer selection too. Besides, it has a Safe Mode checkbox to avoid clicks on low-power notebook CPUs.
The latency is very low, 5 ms with a buffer of 64 samples. Separately for the output, the delay will be even lower.
After diagnostics, we made sure that the device could work in any mode up to 192 kHz. The system will show four inputs and four outputs. Two inputs and outputs correspond to physical inputs and outputs. Two additional LOOPBACK channels serve as virtual sources that can be used as inputs in recording, broadcasting, or streaming applications. This is a much-needed feature.
Before preparing our Arturia MiniFuse 2 review we studied the results of RMAA testing on specialized sites. In general, the measurements are very good. They confirm the passport parameters of the stereo codec. The spectrum is clean, and no problems were revealed by the measurements. For an inexpensive device, the results look decent.
Neumann TLM102 condenser microphone was used when testing the capabilities of microphone preamplifiers. For an inexpensive interface, the recording quality is good, bright, and quite detailed. The only thing to pay attention to is not very accurate gain controls and the lack of possibility to lock the input in the control panel. Otherwise, the device showed itself very well. We were pleased with the powerful headphone output, which allowed us to work comfortably at all stages of work with sound. And thanks to the separate volume control, you won't have to turn off the monitors during recording.
It's worth mentioning the bundled software that comes with MiniFuse devices: Ableton Live Lite, Analog Lab Intro, Arturia FX (Rev PLATE-140 reverb, Pre 1973 vintage preamp, Delay TAPE-201 echo, Chorus JUN-6 analog chorus), Native Instruments GUITAR RIG 6 LE, Auto-Tune Unlimited 3-month free subscription, Splice Creator Plan 3-month free subscription.
The new Arturia MiniFuse series looks very interesting. The MiniFuse 2 model gives an impression of a well-thought-out device, though with a minimal set of features. In our opinion, the manufacturer managed to create an inexpensive and competitive USB audio recording interface. The device boasts a solid metal case, powerful headphone output, separate volume control, additional Loopback channels, a USB hub, and a rich set of bundled software. As always Arturia pleasantly surprises us with its quality and thoughtful devices.
We hope you enjoyed our Arturia MiniFuse 2 review. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section below, we will be happy to answer all your comments, questions, and suggestions.
Pros
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Cons
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9.4
/10
Our Score
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