Arturia worked with Robert Moog in 2003 to create the Modular V softsynth, which uses Arturia's True Analog Emulation (TAE) to faithfully reproduce the oscillators, filters, and other modules from the Moog 3C and Moog 55.[4][5] Following these releases, Arturia developed software emulations of well-known synthesizers, including the ARP 2600, Roland Jupiter-8, Minimoog, and Sequential Circuits Prophet-5. Arturia continues to develop software synthesizers and effects, bundled respectively in the V Collection and FX Collection, which are updated every year.
In 2007, Arturia combined sounds from several of their softsynth titles into Analog Factory, which offered about 2000 preset synthesizer patches,[6] offering this the following year as Analog Experience, a hybrid system which combined the software with a MIDI keyboard controller specifically designed to play and control it.[7]
Arturia MicroFreak (2019)
In 2009, Arturia released their first hardware synth, the Origin, a standalone, DSP-based system utilizing the same software engine as their virtual synth products.[8][9] This was followed up in 2012 with the MiniBrute, a vintage-style 25-key monophonic analog synthesizer with one voltage controlled oscillator, two low-frequency oscillators, and a multi-mode Steiner-Parker filter.[10] Despite pre-production uncertainty about sales, the MiniBrute sold well due to its low price point and expressive sound.[11] The following year, Arturia announced the MicroBrute, a smaller and less expensive version of the MiniBrute with minikeys, a patch bank, and a sequencer.[12] Both synthesizers received critical acclaim.[11]
In 2015, Arturia launched the AudioFuse,[13] a compact 2-input audio interface with dense connectivity. This was the start of a new line of products which now includes bigger-scale audio interfaces such as the AudioFuse studio, the AudioFuse 8pre and the updated version of the AudioFuse. In 2021, Arturia announced a more affordable line of audio interfaces called MiniFuse, with different number of inputs and colour formats.[14]
In 2016, Arturia released the KeyStep, an entry-level 32-note keyboard focusing on sequencing and connectivity. Arturia added to this line with the KeyStep Pro,[15] the BeatStep Pro and the KeyStep 37.
Released in 2016 as a part of the Brute family, the Drum Brute is an analog drum machine with a dedicated sequencer and 17 drum engines. Two years later Arturia released the DrumBrute Impact, a smaller and reworked version of the DrumBrute with the ability to add accent to sounds which changes the timbre of each drum engine.[16]
In 2018, they introduced MiniBrute 2, a semi-modular analog synth that includes a patch bay that connects to Eurorack modular gear.[17] They also introduced the MiniBrute 2S which swaps a traditional keyboard for performance pads and a sequencer that can be recorded in real time.[18]
In 2019, Arturia released the MicroFreak, a 4-voice digital synthesizer with an analog filter and a distinctive touch capacitive keyboard.[19] The digital oscillator allows for different algorithms to be loaded onto the unit, including algorithms by Mutable Instruments and Noise Engineering. Arturia followed up with the MiniFreak in 2022, which featured 6-voices, more functionality and a larger traditional keyboard.[20]
Arturia released the PolyBrute, its flagship 6-voice-polyphonic analog synthesiser in 2021. Its layout is reminiscent of its monophonic counterpart, the MatrixBrute, and shares a similar voice architecture to other analog synthesisers from Arturia's Brute range. In addition it features a touchstrip over the keyboard and a multidimensional touchpad called “morphée” which allows more control over the sound.[21] In May of 2024, Arturia released the PolyBrute 12.[22]
Arturia sells software instruments and software FX processors as individual items and also as part of the "V" synth collection or the "FX" collection.
Arturia's first instruments were emulations of historical synthesizers, organs, and pianos. Arturia's Analog Lab is a collection of presets of these synths with limited sound modeling available, and comes bundled with many of their Keyboard Midi controllers. In 2018 Arturia released their first original software synthesizer named Pigments. Pigments now features four synthesis types, extensive modulation sources and visual indication of control signals. In 2022 Arturia released a new line of "Augmented" software instruments, which brought new approaches to already known sounds. These Augmented instruments are Voice, Piano, Brass and Strings.
Arturia's first software FX processors were emulations of historical processors, such as preamps and filters. Arturia has since developed original FX processors, such as Rev Intensity, Buss Force, Efx Fragments (granular delay), and Coldfire Distortion.
When Arturia emulates a historical instrument or FX processor, they generally add new functionality such as additional modulation possibilities.
Related Research Articles
A music sequencer is a device or application software that can record, edit, or play back music, by handling note and performance information in several forms, typically CV/Gate, MIDI, or Open Sound Control, and possibly audio and automation data for digital audio workstations (DAWs) and plug-ins.
A software synthesizer or softsynth is a computer program that generates digital audio, usually for music. Computer software that can create sounds or music is not new, but advances in processing speed now allow softsynths to accomplish the same tasks that previously required the dedicated hardware of a conventional synthesizer. Softsynths may be readily interfaced with other music software such as music sequencers typically in the context of a digital audio workstation. Softsynths are usually less expensive and can be more portable than dedicated hardware.
Novation Digital Music Systems Ltd. is a British musical equipment manufacturer, founded in 1992 by Ian Jannaway and Mark Thompson as Novation Electronic Music Systems. Today the company specializes in MIDI controllers with and without keyboards, both analog and virtual analog performance synthesizers, grid-based performance controllers, and audio interfaces. At present, Novation products are primarily manufactured in China.
The Yamaha CS-80 is an analog synthesizer introduced by Yamaha Corporation in 1977. It supports true 8-voice polyphony, with two independent synthesizer layers per voice each with its own set of front panel controls, in addition to a number of hardwired preset voice settings and four parameter settings stores based on banks of subminiature potentiometers.
Sequential is an American synthesizer company founded in 1974 as Sequential Circuits by Dave Smith. In 1978, Sequential released the Prophet-5, the first programmable polyphonic synthesizer, which was widely used in the music industry. In the 1980s, Sequential was important in the development of MIDI, a technical standard for synchronizing electronic instruments.
The Jupiter-8, or JP-8, is an eight-voice polyphonic analog subtractive synthesizer introduced by Roland Corporation in early 1981.
Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments (BEMI) was a manufacturer of synthesizers and unique MIDI controllers. The origins of the company could be found in Buchla & Associates, created in 1963 by synthesizer pioneer Don Buchla of Berkeley, California. In 2012 the original company led by Don Buchla was acquired by a group of Australian investors trading as Audio Supermarket Pty. Ltd. The company was renamed Buchla Electronic Musical Instruments as part of the acquisition. In 2018 the assets of BEMI were acquired by a new entity, Buchla U.S.A., and the company continues under new ownership.
Waldorf Music is a German synthesizer company. They are best known for the Microwave wavetable synthesizer and Blofeld virtual analogue synthesizer.
An analog modeling synthesizer is a synthesizer that generates the sounds of traditional analog synthesizers using digital signal processing components and software algorithms. Analog modeling synthesizers simulate the behavior of the original electronic circuitry in order to digitally replicate their tone.
The Korg MS-20 is a patchable semi-modular monophonic analog synthesizer which Korg released in 1978 and which was in production until 1983. It was part of Korg's MS series of instruments, which also included the single oscillator MS-10, the keyboardless MS-50 module, the SQ-10 sequencer, and the VC-10 Vocoder. Additional devices included the MS-01 Foot Controller, MS-02 Interface, MS-03 Signal Processor, and MS-04 Modulation Pedal.
The RolandJuno-60 is an analog synthesizer manufactured by the Roland Corporation between 1982 and 1984. It followed the Juno-6, an almost identical synthesizer released months earlier. The Juno synthesizers introduced Roland's digitally controlled oscillators, allowing for greatly improved tuning stability over its competitors.
The Prophet-5 is an analog synthesizer manufactured by the American company Sequential. It was designed by Dave Smith and John Bowen in 1977. It was the first polyphonic synthesizer with fully programmable memory.
Synapse Audio Software is a software company located in Germany. Previously known as Sonic Syndicate and headed by Richard Hoffmann, they develop music production software for the Mac OS and Microsoft Windows platforms. They started developing software in November 1998 as Sonic Syndicate and changed their name to Synapse Audio with the release of Orion Platinum in 2002.
Electronic Dream Plant (EDP) was a small British synthesizer manufacturer, active during the late 1970s and early 1980s. At the time their products were not particularly successful commercially. In later years products like the "WASP" became prized by collectors for their unique sound, and later synthesizer companies have successfully copied some of their design elements.
A synthesizer is an electronic musical instrument that generates audio signals. Synthesizers typically create sounds by generating waveforms through methods including subtractive synthesis, additive synthesis and frequency modulation synthesis. These sounds may be altered by components such as filters, which cut or boost frequencies; envelopes, which control articulation, or how notes begin and end; and low-frequency oscillators, which modulate parameters such as pitch, volume, or filter characteristics affecting timbre. Synthesizers are typically played with keyboards or controlled by sequencers, software or other instruments, and may be synchronized to other equipment via MIDI.
The Steiner-Parker Synthacon is a monophonic analog synthesizer that was built between 1975 and 1979 by Steiner-Parker, a Salt Lake City-based synthesizer manufacturer. It was introduced as a competitor to other analog synthesizers, like the Minimoog and ARP Odyssey.
The Arturia MiniBrute is a synthesizer manufactured by Arturia. Although the MiniBrute was the first piece of analog hardware created by Arturia—which had previously exclusively marketed software synthesizers—it generated strong sales.
The Grandmother is an analog semi-modular subtractive, 32-key synthesizer released by Moog Music Inc., incorporating circuits based on the Moog modular synthesizer Model 15 and the Minimoog.
References
↑ ”Arturia”, Music Trades Magazine, December 2014, p. 92
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