In synthesis terms, Pigments now gets a new sampling sound engine this brings hundreds of samples into the factory library, including straightforward pianos, cityscape field recordings and drum loops, and of course user content. There are some that sound fairly great as-is, but if you don’t create your own sounds, or at least customise the factory content, you’re not going to get anything like the best from the Pigments experience.

If you don’t have a keyboard connected, you can trigger notes using the computer keyboard, which isn’t as dull as it sounds once you factor in the sequencer.Īlthough Pigments features an analogue sound engine, I’d say the bulk of the preset sounds are more digital-sounding and the analogue source is more useful as a way of warming those up. When a preset is loaded, there are four pre-configured macro knobs at the right of the screen, ready to use or map to a MIDI controller. Then to the presets, with an updated library, divided into 11 categories including filter, pad, FX, percussion and so forth, some of which reflect the possibilities afforded by new features. On launch, it’s worth taking a minute just to appreciate what a good-looking thing Pigments is the UI is immediately captivating. Pigments was well-received at the time of launch – in fact here at Music Tech we got very excited, describing it as “brilliant” and “wonderful” and “one of the most visually appealing synths ever” – so no pressure following that up, then! However, time has passed and Pigments’ user base has been able to feedback with ideas and suggestions, and inevitably new versions have appeared, which is why we’re here to talk about Pigments 2 now. Bundle this up with an attractive and logical GUI, a polyrhythmic sequencer and arpeggiators, and what you get is a very capable instrument with an extensive library of presets. It also includes an assortment of classic and modern filters (used two at a time, in parallel or series) and audio effects including overdrive, parametric EQ and delay, with insert or send routing options.

Pigments is a plug-in, or standalone, synthesizer that combines virtual analog and wavetable synthesis engines (in the first release) with three envelopes, three LFOs, and extensive modulation. I must confess, I’m new to Pigments, so I need a recap even if you don’t.

Arturia pigments and reason