JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.
Stock up on studio essentials before your next session. Explore top selling gear from the best brands.
Checkout using your account
This form is protected by reCAPTCHA - the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Checkout as a new customer
Creating an account has many benefits:
For over 20 years, Arturia has been dedicated to empowering musicians, producers, and composers with easy-to-use creative tools.
The brand’s popular audio interfaces, synthesizers, MIDI controllers, and plug-ins can be found in studios all around the world—from humble home studios to world-class recording facilities. In particular, Arturia’s Fuse series audio interfaces have been a huge hit here at Vintage King ever since they were released back in 2015.
In this Buyer’s Guide, you’ll learn about Arturia’s versatile Fuse series audio interfaces, from the best-selling AudioFuse Studio to the compact MiniFuse range. But first, let’s talk about Arturia’s history.
Founded by Frédéric Brun and Gilles Pommereuil in 2000, Arturia began as a software company specializing in accurate software recreations of classic analog synths.
It wasn’t until 2009 that the brand released its first hardware synthesizer, the Origin, followed by the popular MiniBrute synth in 2012 and the MicroBrute in 2013. The Brute series includes a variety of synths and drum machines that combine the coveted analog sound with cutting-edge experimental functions.
Arturia introduced its Lab range of integrated software instruments and MIDI controllers in 2013 with the Minilab, followed by the full-size KeyLab keyboards in 2017. The Lab range features expressive MIDI controllers and easy-to-use software, combining professional performance with inspiring sounds.
In 2014, Arturia launched the BeatStep controller, which would later expand into the Step range, including the KeyStep keyboards. Arturia’s Step range of universal sequencing controllers is designed to keep all of your gear in perfect sync, with simple sequencing, arpeggios, chord modes, and more.
In 2015, Arturia broke into the audio interface market with the AudioFuse, a compact and straightforward desktop interface that combines studio-quality sound with thoughtful creative features.
Adding to the Brute family, Arturia released the DrumBrute drum machine in 2016, followed by the MiniBrute 2 in 2018, and the flagship PolyBrute analog synthesizer in 2020.
Arturia introduced its first hybrid synth, the MicroFreak, in 2019, followed by the MiniFreak in 2022. The Freak series combines a versatile digital synthesizer with analog filters and distinctive touch controls.
In 2019, the brand expanded the Fuse range with the 8Pre audio interface and ADAT Expander, as well as the AudioFuse Studio; a powerful 18x20 audio interface with unparalleled connectivity options.
In 2021, Aturira announced the MiniFuse series, which offers class-leading audio quality in a compact, affordable package. Perfect for musicians recording at home or on the go, MiniFuse audio interfaces make it easy to capture your creativity.
2023 saw the introduction of the AudioFuse 16Rig, a powerful rackmount audio interface with enough line inputs to support an entire synth studio. In 2024, Arturia introduced the AudioFuse X8 Expanders, designed to enhance the connectivity of your existing audio setup with eight channels of premium ADAT conversion.
Next, let's take a closer look at Arturia's Fuse series of audio interfaces.
As Arturia’s first audio interface, AudioFuse set the stage for all Fuse series interfaces, combining the brand’s proprietary Discrete Pro microphone preamps with intuitive controls. Under the hood, AudioFuse boasts Arturia’s state-of-the-art AD/DA converters for crystal-clear sound.
Don’t let its size fool you; this compact desktop USB audio interface offers impressive connectivity including two preamps with XLR/line combo jacks, two rear-panel line level inputs, phono jacks, and stereo inserts.
In terms of output, AudioFuse offers two headphone outputs, and two sets of speaker outputs—plus MIDI, ADAT, Word Clock, and S/PDIF IO. Oh, did we forget to mention the added 3-port USB hub for connecting additional devices? You can never have enough USB ports!
Plus, all AudioFuse series interfaces come bundled with the AudioFuse Creative Suite, an ever-evolving collection of software effects and instruments from Arturia's award-winning collection of plug-ins.
AudioFuse Studio builds on the original AudioFuse interface with more preamps, additional connectivity, and fresh new features like a built-in Bluetooth receiver and Reamping output.
Equipped with four of the brand’s signature Discrete Pro preamps, AudioFuse Studio features four front-panel XLR/line combo jacks, plus four additional line-level inputs on the back. The back panel also features dedicated phono inputs and four line-level inserts.
In addition to more inputs, AudioFuse Studio also offers more outputs than the original, including four line-level inserts and dedicated Aux outputs for reamping. The onboard Bluetooth receiver makes it easy to stream from your phone directly to the speakers.
Much like the original AudioFuse, AudioFuse Studio also features two sets of speaker outputs, two headphone outputs (with both ¼” and ⅛” jacks), plus MIDI, ADAT, Word Clock, and S/PDIF IO, and a 3-port USB hub.
Tailor-made to complement Arturia’s impressive selection of analog synthesizers, the AudioFuse 16Rig offers 16 TRS analog inputs, 12 analog outputs, and enhanced MIDI connectivity.
Unlike the AudioFuse and AudioFuse Studio, the AudioFuse 16Rig features a 19” chassis. However, it can be rack-mounted or configured for desktop use, depending on your needs.
Let’s take a look at the inputs and outputs of the AudioFuse 16Rig. Starting on the left side of the front panel, you’ll find two line-level outputs for interfacing with outboard synths or signal processors.
To the right, you’ll find XLR/line combo jacks for inputs 1 and 2, followed by an ⅛” jack for inputs 3 and 4, making it easy to connect your phone or other consumer-grade devices.
Next, you’ll find the color display, providing detailed real-time feedback on levels, routing, settings, and more, along with easy-to-use routing and gain controls.
On the right side of the front panel, you’ll find level controls for speaker and headphone outputs, as well as ¼” and ⅛” headphone input jacks, a USB hub jack, and a second USB input just for MIDI data.
The rear panel is fairly straightforward with ¼” jacks for line-level inputs 1-16, followed by line-level outputs 3-10 (with outputs 1 and 2 easily accessible from the front panel).
To the left of the line outputs, you’ll find a set of monitor outputs, as well as ADAT, Word Clock, and MIDI IO—plus one more USB hub port for good measure. Unlike the other AudioFuse series interfaces, the 16Rig features both USB and traditional 5-pin DIN connectors for MIDI devices.
Not only does the 16Rig offer the most flexible routing of the Fuse series interfaces but it can also be used as a standalone mixer without connecting to a computer or DAW.
The latest additions to the Fuse series are Arturia’s X8 In and X8 Out ADAT Expanders. Perfect for expanding your existing studio setup, the AudioFuse X8 Expanders feature eight analog inputs or outputs via ADAT, offering a simple way to add more channels to your workflow without the unnecessary cost and clutter of a fully-featured audio interface.
Each unit sports the latest generation 24-bit Cirrus Logic converters, offering eight channels of premium conversion up to 96 kHz. Both X8 In and X8 Out feature a world clock input on BNC and come in a compact half-rack chassis that works equally well as a desktop unit or mounted in a standard rack setup.
Building on the success of the brand’s Fuse series of USB audio interfaces, Arturia released the MiniFuse series in 2021, offering class-leading audio quality in a compact and affordable package.
All of the MiniFuse interfaces also come bundled with additional software to help kickstart your creativity, including Ableton Live Lite, Arturia Analog Lab Intro, Arturia FX, and GUITAR RIG 6 LE, plus a 3-month subscription to Auto-Tune and Splice.
Let’s take a closer look at the different models in the MiniFuse range.
The smallest of the Fuse line, the MiniFuse 1 features a single XLR/line combo jack, plus stereo monitor and headphone outputs, each with dedicated controls. The MiniFuse 1 is also available in white.
The MiniFuse 2 adds a few additional features to the mix, including a second preamp with XLR/line combo jack and MIDI IO. MiniFuse 2 also features a Level Mix knob that lets you blend between the input signal and the signal from your computer and a Direct Mono switch for summing your inputs into a single mono signal for more direct input sound.
The MiniFuse 2 is also available in white.
The largest of the MiniFuse family, the MiniFuse 4 adds two more line-level inputs, two more line-level outputs, a second headphone output with dedicated level controls, and a 2-port USB hub for connecting additional devices.
The MiniFuse 4 is also available in white.
* Required Fields
exclamation-circle
