Arturia MiniFuse 2 review

The MiniFuse 2 is built for people whose home setup centers on a keyboard and a computer. Its two combo inputs take mics or instruments, with an instrument level switch and 48V phantom power. The backlit gain knobs turn red when the signal is too hot, which is a simple, visible warning for beginners. On the back, MIDI DIN in and out connect older synths, and a USB-A hub port powers a USB device up to 250mA, such as a MIDI controller, so you use one fewer computer socket. Loopback lets you capture a voiceover with game or app audio in one take. Arturia includes Ableton Live Lite, Analog Lab Intro with 500 keyboard presets and four effects, and backs the range with a five-year warranty. The tradeoffs: Arturia lists a 110dB dynamic range and 56dB gain range, both below most picks here, there is no auto gain, and the US price did not load in our check. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not test it.

Who it is for

Beginners who use a USB MIDI keyboard and want a hub port, MIDI DIN and a five-year warranty.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Two combo XLR / 1/4 inch inputs with 48V phantom power
• Backlit gain knobs that turn red when the signal is too high
• MIDI DIN in and out plus a USB-A hub port
• Loopback for voiceovers with in-app or in-game audio
• Ableton Live Lite, Analog Lab Intro and four Arturia effects included

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Extra USB-A socket frees a computer port for a MIDI keyboard
• Strength: Gain knobs warn you visually when you are about to clip
• Strength: Five-year warranty, per Arturia
• Weakness: 110dB dynamic range is lower than most picks here
• Weakness: No automatic gain setting
• Weakness: US price did not load in our check

Key facts

• Inputs: Two combo XLR / 1/4 inch
• Gain range: 56dB
• Dynamic range: 110dB, per Arturia
• MIDI: DIN in and out
• Warranty: Five years, per Arturia

Where it ranks

Arturia MiniFuse 2 is No. 6 in our Best Audio Interfaces verdict.