MiniFreak V “Link to hardware” disables ARP/SEQ MIDI output from hardware (FW 4.0.1)

Freak MiniFreak V
#1

Hi,

I’m running into a workflow-blocking issue with the MiniFreak hardware ↔ MiniFreak V link.

Desired workflow

  1. Use the hardware to explore sounds.
  2. When I like something, record the generated ARP/SEQ MIDI notes into the DAW.
  3. Then use MiniFreak V to continue playing that MIDI clip.
  4. Build multiple layers, each on its own track, each with its own MiniFreak V instance and preset.
  5. Use the hardware surface to control whichever instance I’m currently working on.

The problem

On the hardware:

  • Utility → MIDI Settings
  • Local Control = ON
  • ARP/SEQ set to send MIDI notes (so generated notes are transmitted over USB)

In this state, everything works correctly:

  • When ARP/SEQ is playing, the DAW receives the generated MIDI notes (confirmed in Snoize MIDI Monitor).

However:

As soon as I click “Link to MiniFreak” in MiniFreak V:

  • The hardware stops sending ARP/SEQ-generated MIDI notes.
  • The DAW only receives the notes I’m actively holding.
  • The Utility → MIDI settings appear to be overridden.
  • Even if I manually restore the hardware MIDI settings, ARP/SEQ notes are still not transmitted.
  • The only way to restore ARP/SEQ MIDI output is to:
    • Unlink
    • Power-cycle the hardware

This happens:

  • In Ableton Live 12 Standard
  • In MiniFreak V standalone
  • So it does not appear to be DAW-specific

System

  • macOS Tahoe 26 (M1 MacBook Air)
  • Ableton Live 12 Standard
  • MiniFreak firmware: 4.0.1.2229
  • MiniFreak V: 4.0.2.6369 (arm64)
  • Snoize MIDI Monitor used to confirm actual MIDI output

Question

Is this expected behaviour when linked?

Or is this a known bug where the link process overrides the hardware’s ARP/SEQ MIDI transmit setting?

If this is by design, what is the recommended workflow for:

  • Recording ARP/SEQ-generated MIDI from hardware
  • Then using MiniFreak V instances to build layered arrangements
  • While still using the hardware as the controller surface?

Thanks in advance.

#2

Hi, I will investigate this and get back to you!

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#3

OK I tested on my side:

It does seem like it’s designed so that when Link is ON, the sequencer on the MiniFreak V side plays the Arp/Seq. but the MIDI Seq/Synth and Local Control settings no longer respond.

To get the individual MIDI notes played by the Arp/Seq in the hardware to record in the piano roll in your DAW:

  • Link OFF
  • MIDI from: “MiniFreak MIDI”
  • on the MiniFreak hardware: go to Utility->MIDI->MIDI Seq/Synth and make sure the configuration is set to MIDI->Synth

Now, whatever Arp/Seq you launch on your hardware, you can record the exact MIDI notes from within the hardware onto your DAW piano roll.

Hope that helps!

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