Full Bucket Music has launched the Broken Mini, a unique and completely free synthesizer plugin for macOS and Windows that pays homage to the classic Minimoog—with a quirky twist.
What’s the Story Behind “Broken Mini”?
Yes, the name says it all. The Broken Mini is intentionally “broken.” Missing knobs, absent keys, and unpredictable behavior give it an eccentric edge, making it as unconventional as it is intriguing. It’s janky, glitchy, and not your standard plugin: and that’s precisely the point!
As we kick off a busy season for plugin deals and holiday sales, Full Bucket Music’s Björn Arlt offers something genuinely different with the Broken Mini. Known for his faithful recreations of vintage synths, such as the Six-Traq (inspired by the Sequential Circuits Six Trak) and the NY Polyphonic Ensemble (a Korg Lambda ES-50 tribute), Björn adds another layer of retro charm with this unique “broken” Minimoog experience.
Why Emulate a Broken Synth?
Many musicians know the charm of a banged-up vintage synth: a knob that doesn’t work, a few sticky keys, or a patch fixed with duct tape. Often, these quirks become a defining part of a studio’s sound. The Broken Mini transports that flawed, DIY spirit into the virtual world, bringing both character and charm.
Rather than “fixing” the issues in digital form, Full Bucket Music’s Broken Mini leans into these quirks, making them central to the experience. It’s a virtual Minimoog that captures the nostalgia of an imperfect synth right from your DAW.
Features and Sounds of the Broken Mini
When you open Broken Mini, you’ll notice little on-screen messages from Björn himself, hinting at how to get the most out of this “defective” synth. These hints add a touch of mystery and make exploring its sound palette feel almost like solving an in-game puzzle.
Despite its quirks, the Broken Mini delivers fantastic sounds. Known for its bass tones, it channels the warmth of classic synth icons like Bernie Worrell, a treat for bass lovers. And while the graphical interface shows missing keys, you’re not actually missing notes: you can play them freely via MIDI controller.
A Few “Broken” Surprises
The plugin holds a few secrets, especially around the Noise controls, which behave in unexpected ways. There’s more to discover as you explore the Broken Mini’s interface and sound options.
And of course, Björn has included a humorous user manual that’s more “proceed with caution” than instructional, offering safety warnings rather than specific directions. It’s all in line with the plugin’s lighthearted, glitchy concept.
Plugin Formats and Compatibility
Broken Mini is available in multiple formats, including AU, VST2, VST3, CLAP, and AAX, so you can enjoy it on both macOS and Windows in nearly any DAW.
Try the Broken Mini today for a totally new take on the Minimoog, one where the beauty is in the imperfections.
