Arturia Pigments 6 (Software Download)

Pigments offers 6 types of synthesis, a deep modulation system, high quality effects and a generative arpeggiator-sequencer, all in an clear and intuitive interface. Explore the next chapter in Pigments’ evolution, where a powerful new Modal engine meets enhanced filters, modulators, and creative tools for unprecedented sound design freedom.

• New modal engine
• 3 new filters
• New vocoder effect
• 4 new modulators
• Granular engine improvements
• UX/UI improvements

New Modal Engine

• Explore physically-inspired tones created through collisions or friction, ranging from delicate plucked strings to richly resonant pads. Unlock a bold new realm in hybrid synthesis.

New Filters

• Expand your sound design possibilities with the analogue-flavoured Multimode V2, the layered Cluster filter for dynamic swirling textures, and the LoFi filter for crunchy, retro-style colouring.

New Vocoder Effect

• Incorporate everything from classic vocal textures to innovative colour-bass sound design into your patches. Seamlessly blend external audio or Pigments’ engines with versatile ease.

New Modulators

• Enhance expression by assigning unique modulation values per voice, introducing deeper randomness, triggering audio-driven envelope followers, and shaping curves with the upgraded Function V2.

Granular Improvements

• Manipulate samples mid-playback for immersive time-stretching atmospheres, randomise grain playback for individual notes, and smoothly adjust grain size for evolving, fluid textures.

UX & UI Enhancements

• Simplify modulations with Quick Edit V2’s intuitive drag-and-drop workflow, enjoy a revamped file browser, and navigate a refreshed interface - including a refined light theme - for effortless creativity.

Create a soft plucked string sound

• Select the string resonator mode and use only the collision exciter. Lower the brilliance knob to achieve a natural decay.

Create a chimes layer for a pad

• Use the friction exciter with a very slow rate, or opt for the granular exciter with a low rate and add randomisation to the rate. This will introduce a subtle chime-like layer to your sound.

Create a metallic timbre while maintaining a solid sense of pitch

• Generate dissonant tones using the Warp and Shape knobs. Then, increase the Range knob to prevent the first harmonics from wrapping and maintain the base pitch of the sound.

Use the modal resonator like a regular oscillator

• Set the Decay and Brilliance knobs to maximum to create infinite resonance, and use the collision exciter, which excites all frequencies equally. From there, customise the oscillator using the Warp, Shaper, and Timbre parameters, and apply filters and the Amp envelope as you would with a traditional oscillator.

Use Warp quantise to modulate the pitch of the partials while staying in tune

• Enable Warp Quantise (the small Q next to Warp), then modulate the Warp and Shape knobs with LFOs or random modulators to keep the pitch in tune.

Formant filter with the Cluster filter

• Choose the LP+HP 24 mode with the Cluster filter. Set a high resonance and a cutoff of 700Hz. Modulate the spread between 0 and 0.5, and play a rich signal like a Saw wave. For an added effect, use a bitcrusher in the FX to enhance the vowel sound.

Aliased Keys with the LOFI filter, to emulate the effect of old samples played across the keyboard

• Pick a source with minimal harmonics, such as a sine wave, triangle wave, or an electric piano sample. Maximise the Keytracking, enable the pre-filter, and reduce the Freq knob until you achieve the desired level of aliasing.

Resonant filter without losing bass

• Choose the Classic LP filter in Analog mode. Modulate the filter cutoff using an envelope. Play a bassline with a simple Saw wave and increase the resonance. To add more grit, raise the oscillator's output volume.

Talking Synth

• Make Pigments "speak" by using the external Audio Input with your voice. Experiment with Daft Punk-like signature sounds and push the boundaries using Pigments' full capabilities.

Colour Bass Sound Design

• Set the vocoder modulator at any point in your signal chain or to the FX input to self-vocode your signal and explore new sonic territories. Tweak the Mode, Bandwidth, and Band Numbers to transition from a modern, resonant spectral vocoder sound to a more lo-fi, gritty effect.

Water Drop Effect

• The Gate parameter triggers individual bands only when the amplitude of the band exceeds the threshold value. Find the ideal setting for your input sound and adjust the Decay parameter to create water droplet-like effects.

Voice Modulator

• Generate organic variations reminiscent of analog synths with the Voice Modulator, introducing subtle differences in the modulated parameters for each note played.

Envelope Follower

• Apply the Envelope Follower anywhere in Pigments' audio chain, using the amplitude of the sound to drive movements in any parameter, resulting in dynamic, organic behaviours.