⚠50% off code: SAMP50⚠
⚠50% off code: SAMP50⚠
by Anders Johanson January 02, 2021 9 min read
Despite the widespread impact of the year 2020 on individuals, Arturia’s team remains unstoppable. While the global population is confined indoors, the Arturia team continues to forge ahead with their relentless pursuit of product design and software development. Their dedication has been unparalleled. Not only have they elevated the quality of their MIDI controllers and desktop keyboard interfaces, which cater to a wide range of budgets and capabilities, but they have also been diligently preparing to unveil the PolyBrute 6. This remarkable six-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer boasts an impressive array of features and functions. It is the latest addition to the esteemed Brute line of analog synthesizers, commencing with the MicroBrute and culminating in the upcoming January release of the monstrous PolyBrute. Hardware, however, is not the sole focus for Arturia, as they have also recently announced the availability of the newest version of their V Collection. This expansive collection presents software instruments that reimagine vintage synthesizers, constantly expanding its repertoire. If you have yet to explore the realm of software synthesizers, the V Collection may serve as an ideal starting point. Admittedly, its price may initially appear daunting, but you will swiftly realize the exceptional value it offers.
Indeed, there are definitely freeware and comparable yet not entirely authentic versions of these synthesizers available. Perhaps that suits your preferences and you can work with those options. However, if you seek the utmost precision in recreating iconic synthesizers, keyboards, organs, electric pianos, and string machines, the team at Arturia has meticulously assembled a tribute to the most exceptional keyboards in history - all encompassed within this extraordinary collection. Indeed, there are certainly freeware and similar-but-not-quite-the-real-deal versions of these synthesizers available. And maybe that is your cup of tea and you can operate with it. But if you are in search of the most accurate replication of classic synthesizers, keyboards, organs, electric pianos, and string machines, the individuals at Arturia have expertly compiled a tribute to the greatest keyboards that have ever existed - all contained within this comprehensive collection.
V Collection 8 showcases Arturia's latest software suite of timeless keyboard instruments. This impressive collection includes all the beloved synthesizers and pianos from previous editions, as well as a delightful array of new additions making their debut here. Prepare to be captivated by updated classic sounds, fresh presets, and enhanced software integration, all seamlessly presented through an intuitive interface designed to mirror the tactile experience of using real-life synthesizers. Arturia's unparalleled attention to detail shines through as you effortlessly manipulate these virtual instruments. But that's not all - the V Collection 8's range of synthesizers and keyboards extends far beyond the exciting new arrivals mentioned above. This comprehensive library offers an extraordinary selection for sound design and composition, making it one of the most diverse collections available. Now, let's take a quick glimpse at the exceptional new instruments awaiting you within V Collection 8.
Arturia V Collection 8 brings a slew of fresh synthesizers and keyboard instruments, meticulously recreated with accurate sound engines and complete with user-friendly interfaces that mirror their original hardware counterparts. These iconic synthesizers hold an esteemed status in the synthesizer realm, and this software adaptation grants you access to the entire repertoire at a fraction of the cost compared to acquiring them as physical instruments. Among the novel software instruments are the Jun-6 V, Emulator II V, Vocoder V, OB-Xa V, and Stage-73 V 2. Alongside these instruments, V Collection 8 grants entry to Analog Lab V, Arturia's comprehensive library of keyboard presets and settings, as well as PatchWorks, a handpicked compilation of presets crafted exclusively for V Collection.
Jun-6 V
The Jun-6 V offers a meticulously designed version of the renowned Roland Juno 6 series of analog synthesizers. While the Juno line has expanded into the realm of digital synthesis and modeling, the iconic analog Juno synthesizers remain highly coveted in the market. However, obtaining one of these hardware synthesizers may be challenging in the present times, and even the smaller boutique version released by Roland a few years ago is scarce. This software edition brings the classic polysynth to your fingertips, allowing you to effortlessly shape those familiar sounds without straining your budget. The interface faithfully replicates a Roland Juno unit, ensuring that as soon as you launch the software, you will encounter the reassuring simplicity of the front panel. As you navigate the faders, you will be guided through each synthesis step, ultimately reproducing the timeless analog sound. The Jun-6 V comes equipped with 185 premade presets for you to explore, and naturally, you have the option to create your own or access additional options from the Analog Lab.
Emulator II V
Based on the iconic E-mu Systems Emulator II, this software instrument is a powerhouse of 8-bit goodness. While many of the stock samples and sounds may sound familiar, little do people know that they originated from these Emulator machines. However, the Emulator II V has a few surprises in store. With its sampling engine, it offers a more modern and sleek interface, allowing you to finely tune and color your samples in ways that were previously impossible with the hardware counterpart. Although the user interface may appear clunky and unassuming at first glance, the vast spectrum of sounds that can be produced with this software will keep you coming back to incorporate it into your templates and projects. Whether you're craving lo-fi distortion and warmth or clean and crisp sampling, the Emulator II V has a treasure trove of tricks waiting to be explored.
Vocoder V
Arturia’s Vocoder V software is an innovative rendition of the classic vocoder unit developed by Bob Moog in 1979, featuring contemporary enhancements for effortless usage and sound manipulation. Unlike the original hardware version, which had separate vocoding and synthesis units, V Collection 8's software version combines both functionalities into a single unit. Vocoder V boasts a versatile patchbay interface that enables manipulation of frequencies, allowing you to creatively connect them to one another, thereby offering further processing options for your input sounds. Incorporating vocoder layers into a track can infuse it with enhanced depth, and while they may possess a familiar sonic character, they can be skillfully integrated into various genres with careful experimentation. The vocoder can process incoming audio signals, just like a conventional vocoder would, or you can load samples into the software and trigger them by playing keys on the keyboard to apply the vocoder effect. This approach yields distinct effects depending on the loaded samples, how you utilize the patchbay connections, and the additional plugins you apply atop it.
OB-Xa V
The Oberheim synthesizers offer a broad range of sounds, ranging from gritty and aggressive basslines to beautiful soundscapes. This software adaptation continues that tradition. If the high price of the hardware version deters you, then this software is the perfect alternative. It will leave you questioning whether the sounds it produces come from a computer or a physical synthesizer. As one of the most legendary synthesizers of the 1980s, the Oberheim played a crucial role in shaping pop music with its supersaw pads and powerful lead lines. Arturia has enhanced this software by adding additional sound-molding features, making the OB-Xa V an even more impressive instrument. With its cross-modulation matrix, mixable oscillators, and arpeggiator, it offers a wide range of creative possibilities.
Jup-8 V
The Roland Jupiter took inspiration from the Juno line and pushed the boundaries even further. While the Juno was known for its user-friendly and simplistic design, the Jupiter added complexity and depth to its sound capabilities. It was the pioneer in introducing keyboard splitting and a modulation matrix, which were not replicated for many years to come. In this collection, the software version of the Jupiter, called the Jup-8 V, stands as Arturia's powerhouse synthesizer. Regardless of the need for a synthesizer in your mix, the Jup-8 V can fulfill it with ease. Whether it's chords, bass, leads, or pads, this software synthesizer can handle it all. While the overall design stays true and authentic to the original, Arturia has incorporated additional features in V Collection 8, making the Jup-8 V surpass its hardware predecessor. With the ability to stack and spread voices, disperse parameters, and send them in various directions to shape your sound, the Jup-8 V is an exceptionally remarkable software synthesizer.
Stage 73 V2
Arturia's faithful recreation of the Fender Rhodes Seventy-Three piano brings the timeless electric piano sound that has graced numerous records throughout the decades. Unlike the original Rhodes, which had limited options, the Stage 73 V 2 instrument offers a selection of different Fender electric piano models to suit your preferences. Additionally, this software provides a vast array of effects pedals to enhance your sound, including distortion, chorus, EQ, reverb, and delay. You can even choose your desired amp type and fine-tune parameters like velocity sensitivity and pickup distance, if you're inclined to explore the menus. With its versatile features and meticulous attention to detail, this virtual electric piano opens up a world of possibilities for your tracks.
These few synthesizers and keyboards are the latest additions to the collection of instruments that can be found in this compilation. The complete version offers a wider selection of synths, pianos, and other instruments to choose from, making it a worthwhile investment to purchase the full version and take advantage of the amazing sounds offered by Arturia.
You can now get your hands on The V Collection 8 at a price of $499. This price grants you access to not only the latest synthesizers in this collection but also all the instruments from previous versions. With Arturia's V Collection 8, you'll have a total of 28 synthesizers, keyboards, string machines, and electric pianos at your disposal as soon as you launch the software. Being the latest iteration of this software, it also offers selected features from previous releases through presets and libraries in the Analog Lab. Purchasing each new synthesizer individually would cost you $199 each, so the $499 price tag for the entire collection seems like a no-brainer. These authentic recreations of classic and vintage synthesizers would be a valuable addition to any software library toolkit. This software functions as a standalone plugin and is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems.
Final Thoughts
If you happen to be similar to me, owning one of these synthesizers as a physical instrument might seem like an unattainable dream. The mere thought of having it placed in your studio, connected and ready to utilize instantly is nothing short of a fantasy. However, Arturia has made it more convenient for me to acquire those desired sounds with the introduction of V Collection 8. If this happens to be the sole set of software synthesizers you ever invest in, I firmly believe that you will be fully equipped for a lifetime. With the exclusion of perhaps one or two additional synthesizers from other creators, what Arturia has skillfully assembled in the V Collection serves as a comprehensive solution for any sound you may require. These instruments, including solely the ones presented in this latest version, hold significant historical value in the realm of keyboard instruments. Additionally, when you factor in the twenty-two additional instruments included in the package, along with the extensive library of presets and customizable settings at your disposal, combined with the impeccable workmanship demonstrated by the Arturia team, this software collection is worth far more than its price tag suggests. Undoubtedly, this collection rivals any recent releases from competing companies.
The collection includes iconic machines like the Jupiter, Juno, Emulator, Oberheim, Rhodes Seventy-Three, and Vocoder. These instruments have been widely used in music production over the years. Now, they are all conveniently bundled in this pack. The software synthesizer market is a constant tug-of-war, with new leaders emerging every few months. However, with the release of this Arturia collection, it would be difficult for any competitor to surpass their offering. If you have been searching elsewhere for a software synthesizer, your search ends here. At just $499, Arturia's package is an incredible value.
by Anders Johanson January 30, 2021 12 min read
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