Arturia Augmented Series Bundle is a comprehensive collection of virtual instruments that combines traditional sampled sounds with advanced synthesis techniques. This innovative bundle includes six instruments: Augmented Piano, Augmented Voices, Augmented Strings, Augmented Woodwinds, Augmented Brass, and Augmented Yangtze. Each instrument in the series blends meticulously sampled acoustic sounds with powerful synthesizer engines, allowing users to create unique hybrid timbres that range from subtle variations of traditional instruments to completely otherworldly textures. At the heart of each Augmented instrument is a dual-layer architecture, where each layer can contain either sampled or synthesized sounds. The bundle’s standout feature is its Morph control, which enables seamless transitions between these two layers, opening up a vast sonic playground for producers, composers, and sound designers. With an intuitive interface and a wealth of presets, the Augmented Series Bundle caters to both novice users looking for inspiration and experienced sound sculptors seeking deep editing capabilities.
Pros:
• Innovative hybrid approach combining samples and synthesis
• Intuitive Morph control for seamless sound blending
• Extensive preset library covering a wide range of musical styles
• Powerful modulation options for complex, evolving sounds
• Clean, user-friendly interface with easy-to-use macro controls
Cons:
• Can be CPU-intensive, especially when using multiple instances
• Limited number of included samples compared to dedicated sample libraries
The Augmented Series Bundle offers a rich set of features designed to inspire creativity and facilitate sound design. Each instrument in the bundle follows a consistent layout, making it easy to transfer skills between them. The main interface presents users with eight macro controls, including the central Morph knob, which allows for dramatic sound transformations with a single gesture. Additional macros like Time, Color, and Motion provide quick access to key parameters, enabling real-time performance adjustments.
Diving deeper into the edit mode reveals the true power of the Augmented Series. Each instrument offers two layers, A and B, which can be independently configured with different sound sources. These sources include high-quality sampled instruments, as well as four synthesis engines: virtual analog, granular, harmonic, and wavetable. This combination allows for an incredibly diverse range of timbres, from realistic acoustic emulations to complex, evolving textures.
The modulation system in the Augmented Series is particularly noteworthy. It features two LFOs, two function generators, two random generators, and four keyboard modulation sources. These can be easily assigned to various parameters using a drag-and-drop interface, allowing for intricate sound design possibilities. The visual feedback provided by the modulation system helps users understand how different modulators affect the sound, making it easier to create dynamic, expressive patches.
Effects play a crucial role in shaping the final sound, and the Augmented Series doesn’t disappoint in this regard. Each layer has access to two effect slots, with a choice of 14 different effects including filters, EQ, compression, distortion, and various modulation effects. Additionally, there are global delay and reverb sends with five different algorithms each, allowing for spacious and atmospheric sounds.
The arpeggiator is another powerful feature, offering a 16-step sequencer with per-step control over velocity, gate time, and chord settings. This can be used to create rhythmic patterns, evolving textures, or complex melodic sequences. Combined with the modulation options, the arpeggiator opens up possibilities for creating intricate, ever-changing soundscapes.
MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) compatibility is included across the series, allowing for expressive performance when used with compatible controllers. This feature enables per-note control over various parameters, adding an extra layer of nuance to performances.
When compared to similar plugins, the Arturia Augmented Series Bundle stands out for its unique hybrid approach. While there are other virtual instruments that combine sampling and synthesis, such as Native Instruments’ Kontakt-based instruments or UVI’s Falcon, the Augmented Series offers a more streamlined and focused experience. The Morph control, in particular, sets it apart by allowing for smooth transitions between disparate sounds in a way that few other instruments can match. In terms of sound quality, the Augmented Series holds its own against dedicated sample libraries and synthesizers. While it may not have the depth of sampling found in libraries from companies like Spitfire Audio or Orchestral Tools, it compensates with its flexible synthesis engines and sound design capabilities. Compared to other hybrid instruments like Output’s Arcade or Heavyocity’s Mosaic series, the Augmented Series offers a more cohesive ecosystem with its consistent interface across all instruments in the bundle.
While the CPU demands and learning curve may present challenges for some users, the depth and flexibility of the Augmented Series more than compensate for these minor drawbacks. The consistent design across all instruments in the bundle creates a cohesive ecosystem that rewards exploration and experimentation. Whether you’re a film composer looking for distinctive textures, an electronic music producer seeking fresh sounds, or a sound designer in need of a versatile toolset, the Augmented Series Bundle offers a wealth of creative possibilities. Its ability to bridge the gap between acoustic and synthetic sounds makes it a valuable addition to any producer’s arsenal, capable of generating everything from subtle hybrid timbres to completely otherworldly soundscapes.
This plugin is best for:
• Film and game composers seeking unique, hybrid sounds
• Electronic music producers looking to expand their sonic palette
• Sound designers in need of flexible tools for creating evolving textures
• Musicians wanting to blend acoustic and synthetic elements seamlessly
• Producers seeking inspiration through the extensive preset library
Arturia Augmented Series Bundle represents a significant step forward in the world of virtual instruments. By seamlessly blending high-quality samples with powerful synthesis engines, it offers a unique toolkit for modern music production and sound design. The intuitive interface, centered around the innovative Morph control, makes it easy for users to create complex, evolving sounds that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional instruments or plugins.