The Microfreak is, I'm afraid, unusable as a portable studio instrument due to a plethora of CC messages being sent on prog change or startup. Local OFF exacerbates the issue and can put the synth into a state where it just can't respond. It's just no use with USB over MIDI, I can get it into a loop with Local OFF just turning the synth on. I spend more time fiddling with parameters in Midi Control Center – if it will connect – than making any music.
The only thing it's good for right now is noodling on as a standalone device or as a controller with a nice keyboard for other aftertouch-responsive soft synths. The chances of recording the internal sounds reliably, especially with sync, are very low.
Is there a firmware update coming imminently? My return window is closing, and I think I should make use of it. I don't want another Korg Prologue scenario where I'm left with an unusable device for many months.
Is anybody else trying and failing to use this in a studio setup with USB MIDI? I don't need to hear from those who don't use USB for MIDI; I do, with three other synths, and it's fine with them.
