Arturia Minifuse 2 USER’S MANUAL

USER MANUAL

_MINIFUSE 2

Special Thanks

DIRECTION

Frédéric BRUN Kevin MOLCARD

DEVELOPMENT

Jérôme LAURENT	Aurore BAUD	Lionel FERRAGUT
Daire O'NEILL	Benjamin REYNIER	Nadine LANTHEAUME
Timothée BEHETY	Arthur RÖNISCH	Jérôme BLANC

DESIGN

Martin DUTASTA Morgan PERRIER Axel HARTMANN

TESTING

Thomas BARBIER Matthieu BOSSHARDT Emilie JACUSZIN

BETA TESTING

Paolo NEGRI	Luca LEFÈVRE	Andrew HENDERSON	Adán SÁNCHEZ DE PEDRO
Marco CORREIA	David BIRDWELL	Chuck ZWICKY	CRESPO

Bernd WALDSTÄDT	Navi RETLAV	George WARE	Are LEISTAD

Khutornoy Maksim	Gert BRAAKMAN	Tony FLYING SQUIRREL	Luis RODRIGUEZ

JUREVICH	Pierre GACHET	Terence MARSDEN

Erik VAN DE VOSSENBERG	Charles CAPSIS IV	Kirke GODFREY

MANUAL

Stephan VANKOV	Holger STEINBRINK	Gala KHALIFE
Jimmy MICHON	Minoru KOIKE	Justin TROMBLEY

38330 Montbonnot-Saint-Martin

FRANCE

www.arturia.com

Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Arturia. The software described in this manual is provided under the terms of a license agreement or non-disclosure agreement. The software license agreement specifies the terms and conditions for its lawful use. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any purpose other than purchaser’s personal use, without the express written permission of ARTURIA S.A.

All other products, logos or company names quoted in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Product version: 1.0.0

Revision date: 28 September 2021

Thank you for purchasing the Arturia MiniFuse 2!

This manual covers the features and operation of Arturia’s MiniFuse 2. MiniFuse 2 is a professional-grade audio interface that empowers the recording and production of music and audio content. Whether in the studio, on the road, or at home, we are confident that the MiniFuse 2 will become an indispensable tool in your kit.

Be sure to register your MiniFuse 2 as soon as possible! There is a sticker on the bottom panel that contains the serial number of your unit and an unlock code. These are required during the online registration process at www.arturia.com. You may want to record these elsewhere or take a photo of the sticker in case it becomes damaged.

Registering your MiniFuse 2 provides the following benefits:

•Access to the latest version of the Arturia Software Center and MiniFuse Control Center applications

•Special offers restricted to MiniFuse owners

As a registered owner, you also have access to an exclusive software bundle that includes:

•Arturia's Pre 1973, Rev PLATE-140, Delay TAPE-201, Chorus JUN-6 audio effects

•Arturia's Analog Lab Intro containing thousands of ready-to-use instruments and sounds

•Ableton Live Lite

•NI Guitar Rig 6 LE

•3-month complimentary subscription to Splice

•3-month complimentary subscription to Auto-Tune Unlimited

•Exclusive Ableton Live Lite sessions curated by producers around the globe

MiniFuse 2 is easy to use, so you’ll probably start experimenting with it right out of the box. However, please be sure to read this manual even if you are an experienced user, as we describe many useful tips that will help you get the most out of your purchase. We're sure you will find MiniFuse 2 a powerful tool in your setup and we hope you'll use it to its fullest potential.

Happy music making!

The Arturia team

Special Message Section

Specifications Subject to Change:

The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing. However, Arturia reserves the right to change or modify any of the specifications without notice or obligation to update the hardware that has been purchased.

IMPORTANT:

The product and its software, when used in combination with an amplifier, headphones or speakers, may be able to produce sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. DO NOT operate for long periods of time at a high level or at a level that is uncomfortable.

If you encounter any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist.

NOTICE:

Service charges incurred due to a lack of knowledge relating to how a function or feature works (when the product is operating as designed) are not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and are therefore the owner's responsibility. Please study this manual carefully and consult your dealer before requesting service.

Precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:

1.Read and understand all the instructions.

2.Always follow the instructions on the device.

3.Before cleaning the device, always remove the USB cable. When cleaning, use a soft and dry cloth. Do not use gasoline, alcohol, acetone, turpentine or any other organic solutions; do not use a liquid cleaner, spray or cloth that is too wet.

4.Do not use the device near water or moisture, such as a bathtub, sink, swimming pool or similar place.

5.Do not place the device in an unstable position where it might accidentally fall over.

6.Do not place heavy objects on the device. Do not block openings or vents of the device; these locations are used for air circulation to prevent the device from overheating. Do not place the device near a heat vent at any location with poor air circulation.

7.Do not open or insert anything into the device that may cause a fire or electrical shock.

8.Do not spill any kind of liquid onto the device.

9.Always take the device to a qualified service center. You will invalidate your warranty if you open and remove the cover, and improper assembly may cause electrical shock or other malfunctions.

10.Do not use the device with thunder and lightning present; otherwise it may cause long distance electrical shock.

11.Do not expose the device to hot sunlight.

12.Do not use the device when there is a gas leak nearby.

13.Arturia is not responsible for any damage or data loss caused by improper operation of the device.

Table Of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................................................	2
1.1. WHAT IS AN AUDIO INTERFACE AND WHY DO I NEED ONE?..................................................................	2
1.2. MINIFUSE 2 FEATURES OVERVIEW...........................................................................................................................	2
2. CONNECTION DIAGRAM.........................................................................................................................................	3
3. FRONT PANEL FEATURES........................................................................................................................................	4
4. REAR PANEL FEATURES ...........................................................................................................................................	6
5. SETUP...................................................................................................................................................................................	7
5.1. Changing default system audio input and output ..........................................................................................	8
5.1.1. MacOS...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................	8
5.1.2. Windows .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................	10
5.2. Using the MiniFuse 2 as an audio device with your DAW .......................................................................	11
5.2.1. Configuring audio in Ableton Live...................................................................................................................................................................	12
5.2.2. Configuring audio in FL Studio ........................................................................................................................................................................	13
5.2.3. Configuring audio in Analog Lab ...................................................................................................................................................................	14
5.3. Recording audio into your DAW...............................................................................................................................	15
5.4. Using the MiniFuse 2 as a MIDI device with your DAW ..........................................................................	16
5.4.1. Configuring MIDI in Ableton Live ....................................................................................................................................................................	16
5.4.2. Configuring MIDI in FL Studio...........................................................................................................................................................................	17
5.4.3. Configuring MIDI in Analog Lab.....................................................................................................................................................................	18
5.5. Recording MIDI from the MiniFuse 2 into your DAW.................................................................................	19
6. MINIFUSE CONTROL CENTER ..........................................................................................................................	20
6.1. Top Toolbar ............................................................................................................................................................................	20
6.2. Device Controls...................................................................................................................................................................	22
7. LOOPBACK RECORDING FEATURE.................................................................................................................	24
7.1. Routing computer audio to the Loopback output/input............................................................................	24
7.1.1. Recording all computer audio............................................................................................................................................................................	24
7.1.2. Record audio from specific applications ...................................................................................................................................................	28
7.1.3. Recording into your DAW....................................................................................................................................................................................	30
8. A QUICK PRIMER ON DIGITAL AUDIO........................................................................................................	32
8.1. What is latency?.................................................................................................................................................................	32
8.2. Sample Rate..........................................................................................................................................................................	33
8.3. Buffer Size..............................................................................................................................................................................	34
8.4. A red herring.........................................................................................................................................................................	34
8.5. How to deal with latency..............................................................................................................................................	35
8.5.1. Recording live audio................................................................................................................................................................................................	35
8.5.2. Recording a MIDI part..........................................................................................................................................................................................	35
8.5.3. Mixing and mastering ...........................................................................................................................................................................................	35
9. SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................................................................................................................	36
9.1. Box Contents..........................................................................................................................................................................	36
9.2. Hardware Specifications..............................................................................................................................................	37
10. Declaration of Conformity................................................................................................................................	39
11. Software License Agreement ..........................................................................................................................	40

1. INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing our compact audio interface, the MiniFuse 2. We at Arturia are committed to delivering excellent products that satisfy the needs of modern musicians and producers - we are confident that the MiniFuse 2 will be a perfect companion to any computer-based music production and recording setup.

1.1. WHAT IS AN AUDIO INTERFACE AND WHY DO I NEED ONE?

An audio interface is an outboard device that handles processing of audio input and output. While all laptop and desktop computers these days come equipped with integrated soundcards, in practice these are only meant for casual use and are, in most cases, insufficient for the demanding tasks of audio production and recording. Our MiniFuse 2 is an affordable, professional-grade dedicated audio interface that offers the following advantages over a typical onboard soundcard:

•Optimized for low-latency performance

•Microphone preamp(s) for crisp, present recording of vocals and instruments

•High-impedance input(s) to directly record your guitar or bass.

•Headphone and speaker system outputs for flexible monitoring

•Loopback recording for recording computer audio without any messy hardware or software configurations.

•Direct Monitoring for monitoring your performance without any processing latency.

1.2. MINIFUSE 2 FEATURES OVERVIEW

•2 x combo Mic/Inst/Line XLR inputs with optional 48V phantom power

•2 x 1/4" TRS balanced line outputs

•1 x 1/4" stereo headphone output

•1 x 5-pin MIDI input

•1 x 5-pin MIDI output

•1 x USB2 type A hub (low power)

•USB-C interface compatible with PC, Mac, fully USB 2.0 compatible

•Bus-powered

•Up to 192kHZ / 24bits

•Loopback stereo input (at all sample rates)

2	Arturia - User Manual MiniFuse 2 - INTRODUCTION

2. CONNECTION DIAGRAM

1 : XLR/TRS combo inputs for microphones, guitars/basses or other instruments 2 : Monitor Volume knob

3 : Headphones output

1 : TRS outputs to connect powered speakers or mixers/amplifiers

2 : MIDI input/output to control a synthesizer, drum machine or some other Midi device

3 : USB hub port allowing connection of thumb drives, controllers or other USB devices requiring less than 250mA

4 : Connection to the computer

Note: We strongly recommend using the included cable with your interface when connecting your device to a computer to avoid any connectivity issues. The included USB cable has been specially designed for the Arturia MiniFuse 2.

Arturia - User Manual MiniFuse 2 - CONNECTION DIAGRAM

3. FRONT PANEL FEATURES

The front panel of the MiniFuse 2 provides access to most of the essential features on the unit.

1.The combo jack(s) accept two different kinds of input - XLR and TRS - allowing you to connect a variety of microphones and instruments into the MiniFuse. The type of input is determined by the Guitar and 48V switches next to the input.

2.The Inst switch toggles the high-impedance circuit for the corresponding input.

When recording instruments with pickups, like guitar and bass, using the high-impedance setting adjusts the internal circuit so that you can plug the instrument directly into the input without having to first plug into an amp or a direct box. When using other types of inputs, like synthesizers or microphones, leave this switch in the inactive position.

3.48V switch turns on phantom power for the input(s). Phantom power delivers a power current to a connected microphone and may be required to get a good signal out of certain types of microphones. Please read the following recommendations regarding when and how to use phantom power:

Only certain types of microphones, like condenser microphones, require phantom power to function properly. Please check your microphone’s user manual to determine which type it is. Phantom power may damage some equipment, like certain ribbon microphones. Ensure that you are only using phantom power with microphones that require it. Do not connect or disconnect microphones while phantom power is turned on. Turn off phantom power first, then connect or disconnect the microphone.

4.The Gain knob controls the gain of the input preamp. Use it to adjust the volume of the input to ensure that you are capturing a good signal without overloading. The knob also features a LED indicator to help with setting input gain. When an instrument or microphone source is detected, the LED will illuminate blue. If the input signal overloads, the LED will illuminate red. If this happens, turn down the Gain knob.

High-resolution input metering is available through the MiniFuse Control Center [p.20] application.

4	Arturia - User Manual MiniFuse 2 - FRONT PANEL FEATURES

5.Monitor Volume knob controls the volume of the signal sent to the speakers (outputs L & R on the rear panel).

6.Monitor Mix knob controls the mix of direct input signal (Direct Monitoring) and computer audio playback. Its default position is Fully Clockwise. At minimum position, you will only hear signal from the interface input(s). As you turn up the knob, you will gradually crossfade to computer playback. At maximum position, you will only hear computer playback.

Recording live instruments on a computer can sometimes present challenges, depending on your computer configuration and CPU load. Since your computer processes incoming and outgoing audio in buffer “chunks”, this can result in delayed playback of the input signal, which can create distracting echoes that could throw off a performance. Instead of monitoring the input signal through software, the MiniFuse 2 gives you the option of using Direct Monitoring. Direct Monitoring sends the input signal(s) directly to the outputs, allowing you to listen to the input(s) directly without any latency introduced by computer processing. To read more about latency and how to best deal with it, please see the A Quick Primer On Digital Audio [p.32] section of this manual.

7.Direct Mono switch controls how the input signals are distributed across the stereo output when using Direct Monitoring. In the inactive position, input 1 is sent to the left channel (output 1) while input 2 is sent to the right channel (output 2). In the active position, inputs 1 and 2 are turned into mono signals that are sent to both channels; effectively this means that both inputs will play back centered in the stereo image instead of panned to one speaker or the other.

The Direct Mono switch only impacts how signal from the inputs is routed to the speakers and headphones. It does not have any effect on the stereo image of computer playback.

8.The 1/4” stereo headphone output can be used for connecting headphones. The headphone output mirrors the Monitor Output but has its own independent volume control.

9.Headphone Volume adjusts the volume of the headphone output.

Listening to loud music for prolonged durations of time through headphones can have a negative impact on your hearing. When using headphones, we recommend taking frequent breaks to give your ears a rest and avoiding high volumes for prolonged durations.

Arturia - User Manual MiniFuse 2 - FRONT PANEL FEATURES

4. REAR PANEL FEATURES

The rear panel of the MiniFuse 2 provides access to audio and MIDI connections.

1.Outputs - these 1/4” balanced stereo outputs can be connected directly to active studio speakers or other devices such as amplifiers and mixers.

2.MIDI In - connect MIDI devices to this jack using a standard 5-pin MIDI cable. Devices connected to this input can be used to trigger and control software instruments and effects.

3.MIDI Out - this output allows you to output MIDI data from your computer to control other MIDI-compatible hardware devices.

4.Hub - this convenient USB port allows you to plug in other USB devices, like thumb drives or MIDI controllers.

While the Hub port is sufficient for powering most controllers and portable drives up to 250mA, it may not provide enough power for some devices that require higher power draw. In these situations, we recommend plugging these devices directly into your computer, or into a separate powered USB hub.

5.USB - connect the interface to your computer by plugging the supplied USB cable into this port and your computer. This connection provides power to the interface and enables communication between the interface and your computer.

6.Kensington lock - this optional security slot can be used for securing the interface using a Kensington lock cable.

6	Arturia - User Manual MiniFuse 2 - REAR PANEL FEATURES

5. SETUP

The first time you connect the MiniFuse 2 to your computer, it will appear as an external disk drive.

Open the drive to access its contents, and double-click the Click here to Get Started link.

This link will open the MiniFuse registration page in your web browser. Follow the instructions there to register your unit and download the MiniFuse Control Center application.

Benefits of registering:

•Free exclusive effects and instruments from Arturia, Ableton, and many more

•Access to tutorials, sound banks, and helpful content to get you started

•Regular free firmware updates

•Exclusive discounts on Arturia products as a registered user

While it is possible to use the MiniFuse 2 immediately without the MiniFuse Control Center application, we highly recommend following the steps outlined in this section to initialize your MiniFuse 2 so that you can take advantage of all of its features. The MiniFuse Control Center installer includes the MiniFuse ASIO driver for Windows, enabling the best performances from your MiniFuse.

Once you have downloaded and installed the MiniFuse Control Center application, doubleclick to start it.

You will see the following pop-up window. Press Ok to complete the installation.

Arturia - User Manual MiniFuse 2 - SETUP

Congratulations, your MiniFuse 2 is now ready to use! For more information and support online, you may visit www.arturia.com/support.

For more information on the features available in the MiniFuse Control Center application, see the MiniFuse Control Center [p.20] section of this manual.

5.1. Changing default system audio input and output

If you would like to use the MiniFuse 2 as your computer's default audio playback and recording device, please follow the instructions below.

Most pro audio applications have their own audio preferences where you can select the MiniFuse 2 as the active audio device. If you intend to only use the MiniFuse for playback and recording with these applications, it is not necessary to change the default system audio input and output.

5.1.1.MacOS

1.Navigate to your Applications folder.

2.Double-click System Preferences.

3.Click the Sound icon.

4.If you would like all computer audio - such as audio from browsers and movie players

-to be played back through the MiniFuse 2, click the Output tab and select the MiniFuse as the default output device.

8	Arturia - User Manual MiniFuse 2 - SETUP

5. If you would like to use a microphone connected to the MiniFuse 2 as the default sound input into your computer, click the Input tab and select the MiniFuse as the default input device.