Arturia releases Augmented Persia

Arturia has released Augmented Persia, a software instrument that unites the expressive depth of Persian and Middle Eastern instruments with the power of modern synthesis.

From the resonant pluck of the Oud, Tar, and Saz to the breathy Ney and bowed intensity of Alto Kamancheh and Shah Kaman, each sound is captured in exceptional detail and can be morphed into bold, expressive hybrid textures.

Main features

• Morph between acoustic & synthetic sounds: Effortlessly blend real instrumental recordings with futuristic synth layers for evolving hybrid sounds.
• Hybrid engine combining sampling & synthesis: Enjoy detailed acoustic samples alongside Virtual Analog, Granular, Wavetable, and Harmonic engines.
• Intuitive modulation & macro controls: Shape any sound in seconds with assignable macros, drag-and-drop modulation, and a clear, streamlined interface.
• MPE support for enhanced expression: Unlock nuanced polyphonic control for more dynamic, lifelike performances and tactile sound design.
• Quality, cinematic-ready presets: Instantly access an inspiring library of mix-ready sounds, from classic tones to experimental textures.
• Built-in arpeggiator & sequencer: Add rhythmic movement and depth with a versatile arpeggiator and chance-based sequencing.

6 Core Sampled Instruments

Recorded in exclusive partnership with Evolution Series, the library features six essential instruments meticulously captured to provide a spectrum of timbres from deep, warm plucks to haunting, breathy winds.

To ensure authenticity, Tremolo Swells were recorded at specific dynamic layers: the Oud at a soft dynamic for delicate builds, while the Tar and Saz were recorded at a loud dynamic for maximum percussive impact.

The Instruments:

• Oud (Plucked String): A short-necked, fretless lute from Iran and Syria. It provides a deep, pear-shaped body and a distinctively warm, resonant tone.
• Tar (Plucked String): A long-necked lute from Iran and Azerbaijan with a figure-eight body covered in skin. It produces a bright, percussive attack with rich sustain.
• Saz (Plucked String): Also known as Bağlama, this Turkish long-necked lute features movable frets and produces a bright, metallic tone.
• Alto Kamancheh (Bowed String): A vertically held spike fiddle. It offers a warm, mid-range register with a vocal, haunting quality.
• Shah Kaman (Bowed String): A modern evolution of the Kamancheh with a fuller body and broader dynamic range, designed for contemporary performance and recording.
• Ney (Woodwind): An ancient end-blown reed flute (dating back over 4500 years) significant in Persian, Turkish, Jewish, Arabic, and Egyptian traditions. Known for its breathy, ethereal sound and spiritual depth.

What's Behind Augmented Persia?

The technical architecture of Augmented Persia utilizes the Augmented V2 dual-engine architecture with flexible modulation routing. The V2 engine utilizes a sampler engine for high-fidelity playback of the Evolution Series library, layered with:

• Virtual Analog: Emulating classic subtractive synthesis with Arturia's renowned modeling technology.
• Granular: Deconstructing samples into microscopic grains for textured, avant-garde exploration.
• Wavetable: Providing modern, evolving digital timbres and sharp transitions.
• Harmonic: An additive synthesis engine for creating complex, metallic harmonic structures.

Processed and Additional Samples

The "Augmented" layer includes "Processed" sounds—original instrument recordings transformed via boutique guitar pedal chains, heavy digital effects, and vintage tape machines. "Additional" samples provide non-instrumental atmospheres and SFX designed to complement the regional textures, resulting in unrecognizable, "future-ready" sonic artworks.

Pricing & Availability

Augmented Persia is available for macOS and Windows in VST3, AU and AAX plugin formats for $149.

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