bemusiDarren
Released Too Soon? Arturia Augmented Strings Intro
Arturia Augmented Strings Intro
If you know Arturia products you’ll know they are best regarded for their incredible emulations of rare and not so rare synths made famous during the 70s, 80s and beyond. But now Arturia have entered the tight space of acoustic instrument emulations with their brand new Augmented Strings Intro. As of writing this it is free to download but how does it sound and is it any good?
What is Augmented Strings Intro?
Augmented Strings Intro is part of a new series of instruments that I am guessing will be based on rich and deeply sampled instruments. This particular instrument is focused on all things strings, the instrument has a number of layers that can be combined and morphed using the main dial, which morphs from one layer to the next.
The GUI looks similar to Spitfire’s layout and seems to be the new trend for interfaces, clean clear and easy to use. Quick to access and quick to get instant results.
Bold Claim
There’s no disputing Arturia’s ability to create and replicate high quality instruments but Arturia’s claim “Acoustic Instruments Reinvented” is a bold one as it places itself squarely in the territory well trodden by the likes of the aforementioned Spitfire and others such as Output and Native Instruments.
So what makes this a reinvented instrument that is “redefining strings”? I think the main USP is the four layers, which morph between sampled strings and synthetic layers, which probably stem from their extensive library and knowledge of sampling in emulating synthesisers.
As you turn the morph dial the various layers gradually morph from one to the other creating an ever evolving soundscape.
The layers can be further controlled and tweaked by controlling the other 7 dials, providing control over tone, time, motion and more.
Free is Driven by The Presets
The Free version, which is Free until April 30, 2022 relies heavily on the presets as you can’t change the layers to suit your own needs. The layers that are part of the presets come baked in and your only control over the instrument is via the Morph and real time macro controls. If you want to go deeper into the editing you’ll be disappointed. My guess is that will come with the paid version allowing users more control and power to create more unique sounds.
My hope is that this version will remain free, there’s not much control other than morph and the macros and at this point not much in the way of presets. So this current version would be great as a free intro offer and then a paid tier with all the bells and whistles.
The Future is Hybrid
Arturia have entered a market space that is only going to grow and get better. Personally I don’t think they have quite met their claim of ‘reinventing acoustic instruments’ quite yet but have no doubt in time they will push the boundaries and indeed other companies too. Spitfire have also just released Polaris, another hybrid instrument featuring a modern orchestral sound, recorded in a unique way with multiple layers imitating classic synths sounds and more control. Created in partnership with Grammy nominated BT this instrument might just have the edge on ‘reinventing the orchestra’ for the modern hybrid scoring composer.
Want to be a better composer?
Subscribe to the be musi mailing list and learn more about music, be musi courses, how to develop your career, musicianship, and production skills.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE
