Author: Jooyoung Kim

Mixing Engineer, Music Producer

Arturia FX Collection 5 Overview & Sale (50% Off, Until December 10th)

Hello everyone, this is Jooyoung Kim, an audio engineer and music producer.

Today, I’d like to introduce you to one of Arturia’s flagship bundles: FX Collection 5.

This product was provided to me as an NFR (Not for Resale) through Plugin Boutique and Arturia. If you make a purchase through the links in this post, I’ll receive a small commission, which greatly supports my blog. Let’s dive in!

Purchase Arturia FX Collection 5 at Plugin Boutique

I remember using Arturia’s early audio interface, Audiofuse, back in the day. At the time, there wasn’t an FX Collection bundle—just a handful of hardware emulation plugins. Now that FX Collection has reached version 5, time really flies!

This bundle introduces 4 new plugins, bringing the total to 34 plugins. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.

Here’s one of my favorites: Arturia Chorus Dimension-D

Table of Features and Emulations

NameEmulated HardwareKey Features
Efx REFRACTNoneAdds distortion and harmonics for rich textures and tonal transformation.
Efx MOTIONSNoneIntroduces dynamic movement and rhythmic variations, adding vibrancy to the mix.
Efx FRAGMENTSNoneGranular processing for rhythmic stutter effects and spatial soundscapes.
Bus EXCITER-104Aphex Aural Exciter Model 104Enhances brightness without noise; deepens vocals and kick drums.
Bus PEAKNoneOptimizes mix loudness, boosts low-end power, and controls drum energy.
Bus FORCENoneA parallel processor combining filter, EQ, compression, and saturation.
Dist COLDFIRENoneDual-engine distortion ranging from warm tube saturation to aggressive clipping.
Dist TUBE-CULTUREThermionic Culture – THE CULTURE VULTUREAdds analog warmth and natural distortion in a digital environment.
Dist OPAMP-21Tech 21 SansAmp Guitar PedalDigital recreation of a guitar pedal, offering treble distortion and amp texture.
Tape MELLO-FIMellotronInstantly adds vintage vibes and analog warmth.
EQ SITRAL-295Siemens Sitral w295bSmooth, musical curves with warm transistor character in a stereo EQ.
Pre 1973Neve 1073Modern recreation of the iconic ’70s British sound.
Pre TRIDATrident Audio A-Range Dual Channel StripRare channel strip with musical EQ for unique tonal shaping.
Pre V76Telefunken V76Renowned for its ’60s pop sound, famously used in the “White Album.”
Rev LX-24Lexicon 224Realistic spatial depth with subtle shimmer textures.
Rev PLATE-140EMT 140Smooth and clear plate reverb, blending retro and modern elements.
Rev INTENSITYNoneCombines cinematic ambience with deep modulation for a fresh reverb type.
Rev SPRING-636Hammond Spring ReverbCaptures the dynamic texture of real spring reverb.
Comp DIODE-609Neve 33609A crunchy compressor, perfect for drums.
Comp VCA-65SSL G Series VCA CompressorA powerful VCA compressor tailored for rhythm sections.
Comp TUBE-STARetro STA-LevelVintage compressor ideal for bass and vocals.
Comp FET-76Universal Audio 1176LNVersatile studio compressor for all sound sources.
Filter MS-20Korg MS-20Adds dynamic filter sweeps and distinctive distortion.
Filter MINIMoog MiniMoogFeatures a 24dB/octave low-pass filter with modern enhancements.
Filter SEMOberheim SEMMulti-purpose filter suitable for a variety of synth applications.
Filter M12Oberheim Matrix-12Offers advanced modulation and programmable control.
Rotary CLS-222Dynacord CLS-222Smooth stereo swirl with patterned spin effects.
Chorus DIMENSION-DRoland Dimension D SDD-320Simple 4-mode operation for warm stereo chorus.
Phaser BI-TRONMu-Tron Bi-Phase IIComplex routing with boutique phaser sounds.
Flanger BL-20B.E.L Electronic BF-20 Stereo FlangerProvides wide stereo imaging and intricate modulation.
Chorus JUN-6Built-in Chorus from Roland Juno-6Delivers rich stereo presence and analog warmth.
Delay TAPE-201Roland RE-201 Space EchoCombines tape saturation with metallic spring reverb.
Delay BRIGADEElectro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory ManAmbient delay with dark tones and enhanced feedback.
Delay ETERNITYNoneRich modulation and texturing capabilities in a versatile delay unit.

The hardware replicas were identified by me, while the descriptions are from Arturia’s website. 😊

Among them, I frequently use the Pre 1973 (modeled after the Neve 1073), Comp Diode-609 (modeled after the Neve 33609/N), and Chorus Dimension-D (modeled after the Roland SDD-320). Other notable mentions include:

  • Comp VCA-65 (modeled after the dbx 165)
  • Chorus JUN-6 (from the Juno synthesizer)
  • Filter M12 (inspired by the Oberheim Matrix-12)

While I’d love to introduce every single plugin, covering all 34 of them in one post would be too much. Instead, I’ll share links to my previous reviews of FX Collection 2:

https://jooyoungmusic.com/2024/06/04/arturia-fx-collection-2-plug-in-review-part-1-bus-force/

This post will focus on the new additions: Bus PEAK, Bus EXCITER-104, Efx MOTIONS, and Efx REFRACT. Among these, Bus PEAK and Bus EXCITER-104 caught my attention as an engineer.

Bus PEAK

Bus PEAK combines a Clipper, Limiter, and Tilt EQ into one plugin, designed for mastering.

It offers convenient features like True Peak and LUFS metering. One standout feature is Equal Loudness, which allows you to compare the sound before and after applying effects at the same perceived loudness.

Another noteworthy parameter is Character: increasing it enhances attack, while lowering it softens attack.

I’ve tested it on a project, and it’s fantastic. It’s transparent yet effective, thanks to its built-in clipper. You won’t need to add a separate clipper plugin anymore.

You can even adjust the Clipper Knee, shaping how hard or soft the clipping sounds.

Previously, I relied on Fabfilter Pro-L2 for loudness boosting, but now I’m seriously considering using Bus PEAK for all my future projects. It’s that good.

For users of FX Collection 4, the upgrade decision might be tough, but if you have version 3 or older, I’d say the new additions make it worth it. Even as standalone plugins, I highly recommend them.

Bus Exciter-104

Bus Exciter-104 is a faithful recreation of the Aphex Aural Exciter Model 104, a type of saturator designed to enhance audio clarity and presence.

Recently, I’ve been exploring various saturators and enhancers, and this plugin has effectively addressed many of my concerns.

The plugin operates in two distinct sections: Big Bass, which handles low frequencies, and Exciter, which focuses on higher frequencies.

In the above image, the settings show some Drive applied in the Big Bass section and Mix in the Exciter section, though these aren’t the default values.

  • Big Bass adjusts the low-end frequencies by controlling both volume and drive.
  • Exciter generates additional harmonics slightly below the high-frequency range, enriching the sound with artificial overtones.

By carefully tweaking these parameters, you can achieve a well-balanced mix without overwhelming either the bass or high-frequency regions.

The results are immediately noticeable, and I imagine this would be particularly effective for producers working with drum loops or aiming for a more pronounced, textured sound.

Efx REFRACT

Efx REFRACT allows you to clone the original source up to eight times, expanding the stereo image through modulation.

The cloned signals are then passed through five different effects: Band Pass, Comb Filter, Bit Crusher, Distortion, and Harmonizer, enabling you to craft unique and experimental soundscapes.

This plugin is more suited for creative uses in the composition phase than traditional mixing. It works well not only on vocals but also on lead instruments and even background elements.

For genres like instrumental or experimental music, Efx REFRACT can truly shine.

Efx MOTIONS

Efx MOTIONS is a multi-effects plugin centered around Filter, Noise, Volume, Pan, and Drive.

Its design reminded me of Cableguys’ ShaperBox, suggesting a direct competition between the two.

The plugin offers a variety of control options, including Envelope Sequencers, Euclidean patterns, Transient detection, and MIDI triggers. It even includes advanced features like macros, sequencers, and an envelope follower, making it highly versatile for both sound design and mixing.

With additional functionalities like Repeat/FX for loop-based effects, reverse playback, and pitch modulation, it feels like a hybrid between a sampler and a virtual synth.

For someone like me who frequently uses ShaperBox in mixes, Efx MOTIONS feels even more flexible. I’m excited to explore its full potential in upcoming projects.

Purchase Arturia FX Collection 5 at Plugin Boutique

Arturia FX plugins can be resource-intensive, but their unique sound often makes them indispensable in my mixing workflow. With modern hardware, especially on Macs, these plugins run smoothly.

If you’ve been curious about Arturia’s mixing and mastering tools, this sale is a great opportunity. Even if you own previous bundles, the new Bus PEAK alone might justify the upgrade.

See you in the next post!

Arturia V Collection X: Introduction and Black Friday Sale (50% Off Until 12/10)

Hello, I’m Jooyoung Kim, an engineer and music producer.

Arturia is currently running their Black Friday sale, and I’ve been provided with licenses for the V Collection X, FX Collection 5, and Synthi V NFR for review purposes by Plugin Boutique and Arturia.

Over the next few posts, I’ll be reviewing these plugins in detail. As always, these reviews are based solely on my own opinions, and I haven’t received any scripts or directives. If you make purchases through the links provided, I’ll receive a small commission.

Let’s dive in!

Purchase V Collection X at Plugin Boutique

The V Collection is Arturia’s flagship virtual instrument bundle, featuring a total of 39 instruments. Here’s a breakdown of some key instruments included:

Analog Synthesizers

Virtual InstrumentReal Instrument ReplicatedDescription
Acid VRoland TB-303A bass synthesizer known as a pioneer in rave music.
Mini V 4Moog Minimoog Model DClassic monophonic synth famous for its warm bass and lead sounds.
KORG MS-20 VKorg MS-20Synth offering intense and aggressive analog sounds.
Jun-6 VRoland Juno-6 / Juno-60Popular DCO-based polyphonic synth.
OP-Xa VOberheim OB-XaIconic ‘Jump’ synth, a powerful 1980s classic.
Prophet-5 VSequential Prophet-5A legendary polyphonic synth known for its warm, creamy sound.
CS-80 VYamaha CS-80A renowned Japanese synth, ideal for cinematic sounds in film scores.
Synthi VEMS Synthi AKSBritish modular synth with a unique pin-patch matrix.
Jup-8 VRoland Jupiter-8Popular 1980s polyphonic synth for pop and synth-pop.
Buchla Easel VBuchla Music EaselModular synth ideal for experimental sound design.
Modular VMoog Modular SystemA massive modular synth that revolutionized electronic music.
Vocoder VRoland VP-330 Vocoder Plus16-band vocoder famously used by Daft Punk.
Matrix-12 VOberheim Matrix-12Polyphonic synth known for its matrix modulation and filters.
SEM VOberheim SEMA polyphonic module loved by sound designers.
ARP 2600 VARP 2600Semi-modular synth providing versatile effects and sound textures.

Digital Synthesizers & Samplers

Virtual InstrumentReal Instrument ReplicatedDescription
MiniFreak VArturia MiniFreak (Hardware-Based)Combines digital synthesis with analog filters.
SQ80 VEnsoniq SQ-80Hybrid ‘Crosswave’ synth offering complex textures.
Emulator II VE-mu Emulator IIMultitimbral sampler popular in the 1980s.
CZ VCasio CZ-101 / CZ-1000Synth with sharp phase distortion sounds.
DX7 VYamaha DX7Revolutionary FM synth of the 1980s.
Synclavier VNew England Digital SynclavierDigital synth used in 1980s hits and film soundtracks.
Prophet-VS VSequential Prophet VSA pioneering vector synth.
CMI VFairlight CMIA trailblazer in sampling and additive synthesis.

Keyboards & Organs

Virtual InstrumentReal Instrument ReplicatedDescription
Mellotron VMellotronEarly orchestral keyboard using tape samples.
B-3 VHammond B-3Electronic organ used in jazz, rock, and more.
Farfisa VFarfisa CompactTransistor organ featured in 1960s hits.
Solina VARP Solina String EnsembleA blend of string synth and organ sounds.
VOX Continental VVOX ContinentalTransistor organ loved during the ‘British Invasion.’
Clavinet VHohner ClavinetElectric keyboard instrument with a funky tone.

Acoustic & Electric Pianos

Virtual InstrumentReal Instrument ReplicatedDescription
CP-70 VYamaha CP-70Electro-acoustic piano popular in the 1970s-80s.
Wurli V 3Wurlitzer 200AElectric piano favored in funk and rock.
Piano VVarious Piano ModelsIncludes everything from German grand pianos to modern designs.
Stage-73 VFender RhodesLegendary electric piano beloved on stage and in studios.

MiniFreak V

MiniFreak V is a virtual instrument based on Arturia’s hardware synthesizer, MiniFreak.

This synthesizer features a straightforward setup with two oscillators, a filter, and built-in effects.

Of course, it comes equipped with essential synthesizer functions like LFOs, macros, and envelopes.

Though it may not be a common tool for songwriting, MiniFreak V also includes a built-in sequencer, allowing for versatile performances using just this one instrument.

Since the original MiniFreak hardware is already a digital emulation, the sound difference between this virtual instrument and its hardware counterpart isn’t particularly dramatic.
(There are differences, but they’re minor enough to be compensated for with other effects.)

Personally, I find MiniFreak V excels in producing bass and lead sounds. While it’s versatile enough for various uses, it offers a more modern and refined sound compared to the vintage warmth of something like the Mini Moog.

Acid V

Acid V is a virtual recreation of the iconic Roland TB-303.

The Roland TB-303, released in 1981, was initially designed as a bass synthesizer to replace bass guitars. However, its artificial sound failed to satisfy early users, leading to its discontinuation.

The discontinued model found new life in the hands of the Chicago-based electronic music group Phuture, who repurposed it for a groundbreaking musical direction. Their track “Acid Tracks,” released in 1987, became the cornerstone of the acid genre, eventually sparking the global acid house movement.

In recent years, Behringer has released its own clone, and Roland followed up with the TB-03, a modern take on the original.

Using Acid V is incredibly straightforward:

  1. Select the waveform (saw or square).
  2. Adjust the filter.
  3. Tweak the envelope.
  4. Set the sub-oscillator.
  5. Modify the vibrato.
  6. Control the distortion.
  7. Configure the sequence and pattern.

That’s all there is to it.

This instrument is perfect for creating bass lines with a pattern-focused approach, staying true to the TB-303’s legacy.

With 14 types of distortion available, Acid V is also well-suited for sound design, offering plenty of flexibility for crafting unique tones.

CP-70 V

CP-70 V is a virtual instrument that faithfully recreates Yamaha’s electric piano, the CP-70.

Unlike digital pianos, electric pianos amplify the sound of real acoustic strings through an electrical circuit.

The CP-70 works by striking strings, much like a traditional piano, but it uses piezo pickups (similar to those on acoustic guitars) to amplify the sound.
Because of this, it needs regular tuning like an acoustic piano, and it offers a unique tonal character.

In its original form, electric pianos like the CP-70 were typically connected to amplifiers, and effects pedals were often used alongside them.
As a result, the sound output was mono.

However, by applying effects like chorus, phaser, flanger, or auto-pan, you can achieve a stereo sound that adds more depth and character to your tracks.
Personally, when I use electric pianos, I frequently apply modulation effects or auto-pan to enhance the sound.

Compared to electric pianos like the Fender Rhodes or Wurlitzer, the CP-70 delivers a slightly brighter, more percussive tone.
It’s a versatile instrument suitable for various musical styles.

Augmented Series

The word Augment means “to increase.”

As the name and UI suggest, the Augmented series by Arturia is a collection of original virtual instruments that layer multiple sound sources.

If I recall correctly, they previously offered the String instrument for free, and now there are six instruments in the series!
The latest additions include Brass, Woodwinds, and Grand Piano.

The UI across these instruments is similar, so I’ll cover them all in one go.

Each instrument features two samplers and two synthesizers, which can be freely assigned to Layers A and B.
The synthesizer section offers five synthesis types: Analog, Granular, Harmonic, Simplified, and Wavetable.
The sampler section also provides a wide variety of sounds, allowing for rich sound design through layering and synthesis.

These instruments are especially useful when you want the sound of a particular instrument but find that a fully recorded virtual instrument doesn’t quite fit your track.

Even if you’re not deeply versed in synthesis techniques, the straightforward UI lets you craft diverse tones with just a few knob adjustments.
It’s a well-designed virtual instrument that caters to both beginners and advanced users.

Purchase V Collection X at Plugin Boutique

Arturia is one of the most prominent companies in the field of synthesizer recreations.

If you’re considering studying synthesis or purchasing a bundle of synths this Black Friday, Arturia’s offerings are an easy recommendation.

This month, if you purchase from Plugin Boutique, you’ll also get:

  1. Iconic Analog Mono Synth, a recreation of Monark’s Mini Moog.
  2. Access to a professional mastering course.

Make sure to claim these perks if you’re buying from Plugin Boutique!

Stay tuned for the next post, where I’ll dive into Arturia’s FX Bundle~ 😊

Basics of Mixing – 9.4 Tape Saturation

Hello! I’m Jooyoung Kim, a mixing engineer and music producer.

Today’s topic is tape saturation. This content is based on my Korean book, Basics of Mixing.

Let’s get started!

Before CDs, tape was the main storage medium, recording sound through magnetic properties. There was even digital tape during the transition from analog to digital. Tape’s unique magnetic characteristics create distinct audio qualities.

Hysteresis Loop

Do you remember playing with magnets and needles as a kid? If you rubbed a needle with a magnet and then removed it, the needle retained some of the magnet’s properties. This phenomenon, where output doesn’t completely disappear even when the input stops, is called hysteresis.

In tape recording, hysteresis causes non-linear recording, meaning quiet sounds are recorded even quieter. This is a fascinating trait unique to tape.

Mixing Basics – 9.1 Harmonics and Saturation – I previously discussed how non-linear outputs inevitably produce harmonic distortion.

Additionally, because quiet sounds are recorded even quieter, a high-frequency tone (bias) is added, increasing sound pressure to prevent this quieting effect.

The Tape Head and Other Characteristics

The tape head has a very narrow gap. Sounds with wavelengths smaller than this gap (i.e., higher frequencies) cannot be recorded accurately, causing high frequencies to roll off.

Over time, other tape-specific effects emerge: pitch variation due to tape stretch, wow and flutter noise from tape movement and dust, among others.

All these factors create tape’s unique saturation characteristics.

This is why tape plugins often include frequency response, harmonic distortion, and other distinctive features. Some plugins even emphasize high frequencies unexpectedly.

So why use tape? Simply put, it sounds good! Understanding these characteristics also helps in adjusting plugin parameters effectively.

That’s all for today. See you in the next post!

Baby Audio Transit 2 Sale (~12/31)

Hello! I’m Jooyoung Kim, an audio engineer and music producer.

Today, I’ll introduce “Transit 2,” a plugin developed in collaboration between Canadian musician Andrew Huang, known widely on YouTube, and Baby Audio.

This is Andrew Huang!

As always, I received this plugin from Plugin Boutique in an NFR (Not For Resale) format. The views in this post are entirely my own.

Let’s dive in!

Purchase Transit 2 at Plugin Boutique

(If you purchase the Transit 2 plugin through the link above or below, a small commission will help support my blog!)

Transit 2 is an all-in-one plugin offering 28 effects.

Typically, plugins like this are less about mixing and more useful for adding dynamics during composition with tools like LFO and macros. Think of it as a way to add energy to your track.

Transit 2 features six modulation options: Macro, LFO, Audio Follower, Sidechain, Gate, and Sequencer, allowing you to alter effect parameters based on your chosen setting.

Rather than going through each of the 28 effects, let’s explore how you might best use Transit 2 in your workflow.

Clicking the dice icon in the top right corner…

…changes only the parameters for the top three effects, while the bottom four effects are fully randomized, including the effect type itself.

The dot in the center acts as a switch to toggle modulation on and off for parameters like Macro. Blue indicates a positive direction, red a negative direction, and yellow is a fixed, non-modulated value.

There are also numerous presets.

So, how should you use it? There are two main approaches:

  1. If you’re familiar with each effect and know the exact sound you want, you can create a setup from scratch. It’s a bit time-consuming but allows for precise customization.
  2. If you’re looking for something fresh, start by exploring presets. Once you find a tone you like, place the core effects in the top row and let the randomization feature introduce a bit of unpredictability, like a modular synth. This approach takes some time too.

Personally, I find that applying modulation effects and using the Follow or Sidechain functions creates a groove that blends well with other sounds.

Without any effects applied, there’s some basic saturation, and the volume decreases.

Interestingly, bypassing the plugin creates a unique harmonic distortion.

The plugin is well-optimized, with low latency considering the effects it offers. Testing a few presets, I noticed almost no channel latency, with the highest around 1.4 ms.

With a plugin like this, you can achieve various effects, making it a versatile addition.

I tried it with different instruments like piano, bass, guitar, and vocals. Personally, it worked exceptionally well with recorded electric bass.

Additionally, you can create interesting sounds by experimenting with samples from places like Splice.

Find out Solina and Orange Vocoder at Plugin Boutique

This month, if you purchase a plugin from Plugin Boutique, you can get AIR Music Technology’s Solina virtual instrument or Zynaptiq’s ORANGE VOCODER NANO for free.

With Black Friday approaching and Transit 2 on sale until the end of the year, it might be worth keeping an eye on it and grabbing it during the sale.

See you in the next post!