Arturia Pigments 3 is out!

[Erik_Lucas]

If I had to conclude it in one word, I would say "lacklustre". If I compare it to Largo, then Largo begs me to play with the filters, while Pigments says "Meh... yes, there's also filters in me."

How well does Largo compare to other synths in 2021? What's it been? 12 years?

[Krakatau]

How well does Largo compare to other synths in 2021? What's it been? 12 years?

Clever and relevant question IMO

[WatchTheGuitar]

If you’re unhappy with a plugin’s filtering options then you could always just leave everything wide open and pass the audio output on to process in a different plugin like Soundtoys FilterFreak or Korg MS20FX.
Voltage Modular FX has some great (paid) third party filter options available like MRB’s Syrup and Oberfilter.
Obviously it’s harder to trigger something via a mod matrix, but time related or envelope stuff can still be done in the external plugin.

[chk071]

If I had to conclude it in one word, I would say "lacklustre". If I compare it to Largo, then Largo begs me to play with the filters, while Pigments says "Meh... yes, there's also filters in me."

How well does Largo compare to other synths in 2021? What's it been? 12 years?

Extremely well IMO.

I never understood about KVR Audio that such great synths go for $30 in the Sell & Buy forum, and don't sell, while other, inferior plugins, go for $100 or more. Well, KVR is a weird place.

If you’re unhappy with a plugin’s filtering options then you could always just leave everything wide open and pass the audio output on to process in a different plugin like Soundtoys FilterFreak or Korg MS20FX.
Voltage Modular FX has some great (paid) third party filter options available like MRB’s Syrup and Oberfilter.
Obviously it’s harder to trigger something via a mod matrix, but time related or envelope stuff can still be done in the external plugin.

Yes, it opens up a whole bunch of issues: Can't trigger a filter envelope, can't modulate and beat sync the filter cutoff, can't modulate the filter with the same envelope which triggers other paratemers in the synth etc.

Anyway, I didn't want to turn this into one of those gruesome this vs. that thread. Just wanted to state my opinion about the filters. I think Pigments is a nice synth apart from that.

[Rastkovic]

If you’re unhappy with a plugin’s filtering options then you could always just leave everything wide open and pass the audio output on to process in a different plugin like Soundtoys FilterFreak or Korg MS20FX.
Voltage Modular FX has some great (paid) third party filter options available like MRB’s Syrup and Oberfilter.
Obviously it’s harder to trigger something via a mod matrix, but time related or envelope stuff can still be done in the external plugin.

Yes, it opens up a whole bunch of issues: Can't trigger a filter envelope, can't modulate and beat sync the filter cutoff, can't modulate the filter with the same envelope which triggers other paratemers in the synth etc.

This is easily possible with modular environments such Reaktor and Softube Modular, their FX versions can receive Midi. Of course, you can do only monophonic filtering. I use this sometimes as a special effect, with several FX plugins before the filter....

Anyway, I didn't want to turn this into one of those gruesome this vs. that thread. Just wanted to state my opinion about the filters. I think Pigments is a nice synth apart from that.

I asked a question, you gave an answer. I don't see anything wrong with that. I'm always curios about personal opinions, there doesn't always have to be scientific reasons why you use a plugin, and why not.

[nirm123]

you asked a perfectly valid question and as you've mentioned, it's a personal taste.

For me Pigments filters are its strongest attribute as I just love Arturia filters and even purchased the 3 filters as FX units so I'd be able to use them as audio FX.

[Sampleconstruct]

Demo for a new Pigments 3 patch which uses the additive and analog oscillators, automating the installed Macros in Logic X.

[LeVzi]

I just tried the demo and I am pleasantly surprised. I had read people complaining about CPU , but it's not really an issue.

The patches sound really nice, it seems quite a learning curve, but one i'd be interested in.

[Teksonik]

I had read people complaining about CPU , but it's not really an issue.

Try this patch......

Contemplate Tek.zip

[Vortifex]

Edited

[LeVzi]

I had read people complaining about CPU , but it's not really an issue.

Try this patch......

Contemplate Tek.zip

Well that killed it, but the factory presets in Pigments aren't killing my CPU. I was under the impression it was a CPU killer from the get go.

It isn't.

[pdxindy]

For regular VA stuff Pigments is definitely on the higher end of CPU hit compared to other synths I own, roughly equal to OB-Xa V but not as bad as Repro. But the granular section of Pigments can bring my CPU to its knees.

I stopped using Pigments cause the CPU use is so heavy. Plus, I don't feel it has some special sonic character that I am getting in exchange for that CPU.

[Teksonik]

Well that killed it, but the factory presets in Pigments aren't killing my CPU. I was under the impression it was a CPU killer from the get go.
It isn't.

Of course they aren't going to make the factory presets CPU hungry. I don't have any trouble running Pigments but it is one of the most CPU demanding synths I own.

I stopped using Pigments cause the CPU use is so heavy. Plus, I don't feel it has some special sonic character that I am getting in exchange for that CPU.

Agreed. I rarely reach for Pigments because as you say the CPU demand really isn't worth what you're getting in return.

Still a fun synth to patch but doesn't get much use in projects.

[pdxindy]

I stopped using Pigments cause the CPU use is so heavy. Plus, I don't feel it has some special sonic character that I am getting in exchange for that CPU.

Agreed. I rarely reach for Pigments because as you say the CPU demand really isn't worth what you're getting in return.

Still a fun synth to patch but doesn't get much use in projects.

Pigments is a fresh creative visualization of a synth. In general, Arturia is doing good work... both hardware and software. They come up with new ideas.

I want to get the PolyBrute.

[Fleer]

I’m hoping it’ll be Apple Silicon native soon. M1 power will tame the beast. Easily.