Microfreak Preset Knob Locked

Freak MicroFreak
#1

I was just working on my Microfreak, turning the preset knob to select the next preset and the knob locked. The knob won’t turn and it won’t click. It’s locked in position. Has anyone else had this happen?

My Microfreak has been lightly used, is kept in my home studio and, when not in use, it’s kept under a Decksaver cover. It’s not a dirt or abuse issue.

#2

HI @rehills and welcome to The Sound Explorers Forum!

Sorry to hear about this, i’ve not heard this before about The MicroFreak, but it does crop up from time to time on this and other manufacturer’s boards.

If your unit is still under warranty you might want to speak to the retailer you purchased from about an exchange/repair/refund, if not then, if you feel confident enough try the following…

The usual reasons are either a build up of sweat, dead skin etc (it’s shocking how much can build up without one realising… i ‘serviced’ my TV remote a couple of days ago and was disgusted at the horrible stuff i found in it), or it’s a mechanical issue such as it’s lacking in lubrication or it’s been bent somehow.

If you can gently prise the cap off of the potentiometer stem, i would do so to see if it’s catching on the casing.
Check to see if the nut that fixes the pot to the case, if it’s an external one, hasn’t worked loose.
If not, try using some AF Spray or similar to loosen. i’d leave it 24hrs for the spray to fully penetrate and then try to gently move it.

HTH!

Ps,
Please make sure to subscribe to The Arturia Newsletter to be the first to know about the latest from Arturia.

1 Like
#3

I’ve been working with Arturia for a week. It’s been handed off from tech support to post sales. Still hoping to get an answer.

I took off the cap. As expected, it’s not dirt or dust and it’s not binding on the case. The endless encoder itself has failed and is solidly locked. I’ve never experienced this on any other synth and I have several 20+ year old synths. Hoping this isn’t a common problem with the Microfreak since the Preset knob is the most used knob on the synth.

Love my microfreak and I’m hoping to get it going again.

#4

Hi again @rehills and thanks for updating us on your situation.
Strangely, i’ve just been with a friend most of this afternoon who’s a BIG fan of the MicroFreak and has been using his for years now. He’s never had any issue with his unit and often sings its praises.
This is VERY unusual i can assure you, it’s the first one of its kind that i’ve heard of personally.
Good to hear Support are working with you on this.
I hope you get a quick and satisfactory solution!

#5

The same thing happened to one of the encoders on my Beatstep Pro.