Pigments by Arturia Review
Pigments Synth is the latest software synthesizer from instrument creator Arturia. Combining the best of two worlds, it features hugely influential, cutting-edge wavetable synthesis alongside its award-winning virtual analog technology.
Arturia’s software solutions have been emulations of synths and other instruments. The latest release Pigments is different as it is remarkably potent but also extremely intuitive when using it.
The interface is uncluttered, with the main focus on oscillators and filters. There are three oscillators, two of which are analog modeled (VA), while the third is a digital wavetable oscillator.
Pigments is available in two versions: the standalone version and the plugin version. The plugin version supports all the major plugin formats, such as VST, AU, and AAX.
Pigments can be used as a synth or as an effect. When used as an effect, it can be inserted into any channel of your DAW.
Pigments is a very powerful and innovative synth that is sure to become one of your go-to instruments.
Arturia mentioned that after spending 20 years analyzing and emulating the best synthesizers ever made, they have now used their expertise to create an original, uniquely “Arturia” software synthesizer. Pigments produce outstanding sound thanks to its hugely powerful architecture and lightning-fast workflow that makes complex modulations easy, fast, and fun.
Exclusive Pigments deals are available for existing Arturia customers and V Collection owners. Arturia did send a review copy with no strings attached.
Installation
You can try this wavetable and virtual analog instrument for free until Jan, 10th 2019 download it here. It works in Standalone, VST 2.4, VST 3, AAX, and Audio Units. You install it in the most comfortable way through the Arturia Software Center.
Pigments – Sound
Pigments synth is based on two kinds of synthesizer cores. Pigments use an analog three-oscillator engine coupled with multiple morphing wavetable engines. Combine that with classic filters taken from the Arturia products. Pigments stand out with their included polyrhythmic sequencer capable of construction themes and timbres.
Arturia Pigments manages wavetables the VA oscillators draw on Arturia’s know-how of many analog emulations. There are Sine, Saw, Triangle, Square, and Noise with the usual parameters. There are more than 100 wavetables to choose from in the wavetable engine, among which you can morph.
Pigments want to be different by offering:
- AScale quantized pitch modulations to build complex melodic sequences
- Continuous unison controls that can be modulated, with classic and chord modes
- Extensive waveshaping options for the wavetable oscillator, with great aliasing control
- The usual modulation sources and some more unconventional ones like the Turing and Binary random generators
- Powerful gate/retrig handling for modulators. Perfect to inspire unusual rhythmic sequences or self-generating patches
- Polyrhythmic sequencer with a strong emphasis on randomness, with scale control to remain musical
PIGMENTS features:
Two engines in parallel: the best of both worlds
• Virtual Analog triple oscillator engine
• Complex Wavetable engine with morphing and import
Twin filters: dozens to choose from
• Classic filters from V Collection instruments
• Modern filters like surgeon and comb
• Continuous series/parallel routing
Powerful effects section: an all-in-one solution
• 13 stunning effects, including wavefolder, overdrive, parametric EQ, and delay
• Insert or Send routing options with drag and drop for easy switching
• All the essential parameters can be modulated
Advanced modulation system: modulate anything with anything
• Graphical editing, source-based or destination-based
• Envelopes, LFOs, Function generators, Random sources
• 4 assignable Macros to control multiple parameters at once
Visual interface: understand your sound
• Graphical representation of the most important modules
• Living, moving waveform to see your sound come alive
Polyrhythmic Sequencer and Arpeggiator: get creative
• Create complex, custom and evolving sequences or arps
Extensive factory preset library: learn from the masters
• Hundreds of presets from awesome artists and experienced sound designers, including Jeremy Savage, Starcadian, Cubic Spline, Mord Fustang, and Jörg Hüttner
• Highlighted “notes” to show which parameters are recommended to tweak
User interface & Usability
The cooperative chord mode to create new sequences across unison, gating and retriggering sounds using the source you select — clearly, a powerful way to generate new sounds and allows you to enter an experimental sound design in this appealing interface.
Pigments is comfortable to use and include an Arturia unique user interface that guides you.
Conclusion
The Arturia Pigments synthesizer is a powerful and innovative instrument that offers a wealth of features and possibilities for sound design. With its virtual analog engine and complex wavetable engine, it provides a wealth of sonic options for creating unique sounds. Additionally, its effects section provides a wealth of options for further tweaking and shaping sounds.
I would recommend the Arturia Pigments synthesizer to anyone looking for a powerful and innovative instrument with a wealth of sound design options. its advanced modulation system and polyrhythmic sequencer make it perfect for creating complex and custom sounds. Overall, the Arturia Pigments is a great choice for anyone.
Rating: Five out of five stars
Pigments — clearly a twin synth engine allows you to produce excellent sounding instruments or dive into sound design. Arturia keeps the promise that Pigments can sound like other synths; no other synth can sound like Pigments. New vibes and tones are always helpful to stay unique with the sound you deliver.
Pigments due to its layout and approach an outstanding way to learn how to use a Synth.
Pigments is a tremendously outstanding synth and sound design tool.
