Arturia Pigments 3 Softsynth- Sonic LAB

Arturia today announced their latest update for their flagship softsynth. Pigments three has updated synthesis components, effects, wavetables and more and is a FREE update to existing users.
We take a look at the new stuff (or some of it) and a listen to a few sounds. One thing that (thankfully) Arturia have not done is mess with the intuitive way that you can set up the modulation mappings with th central section providing essential visual feedback for creating complex synthesis patches.
The update is available now free to existing Pigments owners, and 50% off at €99/$99 till May 13th.
#soniclab #arturia #pigments3
Exclusive extra content on Patreon
/ sonicstate
Frozen Reverbs Racks for Live: bit.ly/freezema...
Subscribe to Sonicstate on KZbin for new content!
bit.ly/SonicYTSub
Watch Sonicstate's Exclusive Series:
Sonic LAB: bit.ly/SonicLab
Meet The Makers: bit.ly/SonicMakers
Sonicstate Performances: bit.ly/SonicPer...
Sonic TALK Podcast: bit.ly/SonicTalk
NAMM 2020: bit.ly/NAMM20
Website: www.sonicstate.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com...
Facebook: / wwwsonicstate
Instagram: / sonicstateuk
Podcast/iTunes: goo.gl/4uOFA5

[@Divuar]

Each Pigments update proves it was a good purchase. Been using the synth since version 1

[@da1onlynickvicious]

My favorite synth period

[@annother3350]

It's solid. I didnt like their presets much so you have to programme it

[@laxplanet6046]

Pigments has become one of my favorites. So glad to have this update free

[@thegood9]

LOVE Pigments. I purchased it from v.1, and these updates that are FREE are just getting better and better. A LUSCIOUS synth.

[@senarodrigo]

This synthesizer is a masterpiece. It has everything I would want, and stuff I didn’t know I wanted

[@Mike__G]

Great review! I spent a year delving into Arturia V Collection and Pigments., after which I decided to sell all of my synth hardware and go strictly soft synth simply because you can do so much more with software (the reduced tactile element noted and agreed). I upgraded to a much more powerful computer and it barely breaks a sweat running these synths as VSTs in Reason 11. I added a Touche SE which brings back a good deal of the tactile element. Pigments is my favourite soft synth, hands down. Another favourite is Arturia’s DX7 emulation. It is similarly deep and is enormously helpful in understanding FM synthesis. I found hardware DX7s impenetrable for the most part. The software implementation makes things much clearer. Incidentally, I made one small concession to hardware. I managed to snag a Behringer 2600.

[@ryanpalma5947]

Nice!

[@cboscari]

Their DX7 is really really good. It's also cool that it will load old patches from the real thing

[@tothefinlandstation]

Better hurry, you only have 2876 days left on the demo!

[@peaterrepeater4441]

Massive X has two noise sources with a ton of various noises as well but great that Arturia added it to Pigments. Personai‘d live to be able to directly resample the output to the sample/granular engine.

[@ssssssssssss885]

For the price I paid (introductory discount and customer discount = $69 total) this is an amazing soft/digital synth. Just while trying it out (never used Pigments before) I made surprisingly good sounds including a "remake" of the Bojack Horseman theme random filter sweep rhythm sound that just popped out of nowhere at me. The engines sound is awesome, one has to be seriously infatuated with self, to say it can discern between this and a HW synth, analog or digital. I didn't even get to try functions, combinate and arp/seq parts yet. So many possibilities. Add 1200 presets to that, you get the point. The CPU I have is under the 2.5 GHz required (2.4). I happen to have a Keylab 88 MkII, which is a powerful controller, but for sound design I used the MPK mini Mk2. Pigments 3 is extremely responsive, there's no noticeable lag when using the MIDI controller and the qwerty keyboard in parallel. Sounds awesome with a Scarlett 2i2. Even at its full price ($199) it is an awesome price for a DAW musician. And with me being an amateur hobbyist, I did not see me forking $2K+ for any hardware synth that can do what Pigments 3 can do. I happen to be experienced to some extent with ZynAddSubFx; usage of Pigments 3 is a breeze compared to Zyn. Every knob can be controlled by automation modules/elements (Env, LFO, Func, Rand, Comb..) including those of the modules/elements themselves (e.g. control the rate of an LFO with another LFO or Env) and cascade three or more modules/elements. Practically limitless possibilities. It is like a modular setup, but can do 24 voice polyphony and it is multi-timbral.

[@secondstone4968]

How did you get the extra discounts???

[@FatalExit]

Woah this is awesome, and a free update too! Must go download it right now!

[@soniibeatz]

I just got it on sale for $69! It is definitely worth it!

[@nachshonrorick]

How? I’m only seeing 99 - thx!

[@secondstone4968]

Hooooooow???😳

[@crmusicproduction]

Just downloaded it about one hour ago, I have tried it. And love it so far, very easy to navigate. A great addition to my growing library

[@sandwich-breath]

never understood the one hour in review. Sounds a lot like confirmation bias to me.

[@allwelikeworms]

around 4:20 into a video posted on 4/20 Nick says his magic words (it's really 4:23, but I'm saying it's magic enough): "Pulse Width"

[@billB101]

PIgments has easily become my most used synth ( and that includes my eurorack ) it's just a great sounding softsynth. My only wish is that it had another two engines to fire into the mix.

[@mrotaveria]

the additive engine sounds pretty similar to the Odessa euro module, awesome

[@midierror]

Ooof that looks very tempting. I love the fat arturia sound! Really smooth, flowing interface.

[@Garflips]

Sounds terrific. I've been working with Newfangled's Generate VST and there's definitely some similarity to some of those massive analogish sounds found in Pigments 3. I've been considering a Pro 3, but there are so many choices now and virtual has raised the bar!

[@TomSaouz]

4:21 I was waiting for this moment ! PWM

[@TheNimasan]

lol

[@WarrenPostma]

The best just got better.

[@ToyKeeper]

I hope someday they'll make a hardware version of Pigments, or a Linux version.

[@alcomatt]

it works pretty well with yabridge and wine under linux. Been using it for a while now. To be honest, most of the Arturia's synth collection runs fine. But I agree, linux native VST3 would be nice.

[@Roderick_Legato]

A hardware version would mean no more updates (you can't add knobs or re-arrange controls), plus a hardware version would be -extremely- expensive - sooo many knobs.

[@ToyKeeper]

@@Roderick_Legato Hardware would, of course, need to have a touchscreen or a completely redesigned interface... or both. Perhaps sort of a hybrid, so it can keep some of the nice visualization features but also use physical controls. It might not need a huge knob count though. For example, the Hydrasynth has a zillion controls but manages to make everything nicely accessible with just 8 knobs, 8 buttons, and 4 little screens... because it did a clever thing with a routing diagram made of buttons. Regardless, I can't blame my lack of music on my lack of Pigments. The limiting factor is me, not my tools. :P

[@timweinheimer1]

wow downloading right now

[@DavidGilden]

Guess I need to send you some $$$-- thanks for bringing to my attention!

[@TheDavidPoole]

What the fecking FECK!?! Wow, this is a huge update you've got to hand it to Arturia, they could so easily take these updates, slap on a different gui and sell it as a whole new synth. But no, they give it away. Or in the case of new users make it even more of a no-brainer to buy. Gotta love 'em. I need this now!

[@Roderick_Legato]

It's a little thing called competition, and yeah, Arturia's doing it right.

[@TheNimasan]

the pigments 3 might aguabely be the greatest soft synth with the new upaate....absolut nuts!!!!

[@Justin.Franks]

As a Keylab Essential owner, I got an offer to get Pigments 3 plus a couple of their preset packs for $69. It was a no-brainer at that price!

[@passivehouseaustralia4406]

You could create a full three year degree course to understand this VST synth.... jeezus

[@coachsteve.]

I've been eyeing this synth for a bit, but had to pull the trigger. Too many great things. Also had a $30 discount (I think from getting a keystep recently), so it was a no brainer really.

[@artao5]

I see you're using a KeyStep Pro as the controller keyboard. Any chance you'll be doing an episode on the KSP at some point? You've only ever done NAMM (IIRC) coverage of it.

[@DrGrooveBeat]

4:23 Pulse Width 😎

[@JayKaufman]

"It's a pretty basic section, but we can do pulse width modulation." Suddenly the synth is *moar* better according to Nick Batt's Rule of PWM.

[@grooveguv]

I’ll probably never understand Nick’s infatuation with pure sawtooth wave and white noise

[@TheRealCalijokes01]

Gotta be something with it I sense he not alone

[@sugarhigh4242]

The midi mapping could be a lot smarter. Imo give a set of physical controls, it should map them to visually grouped parameters, and provide some "bank" buttons to quickly remap the controls to other params.

[@lambd01d]

Nice update, but Arturia really need to sort their servers out. I had problems logging in and when I did log in I couldn't sync my licenses.

[@6581punk]

It's a combination of free upgrade combined with a big discount for new owners. But yep as usual legit software owners suffer while the pirates don't.

[@disarmsox]

it's only due to demand.. just have to wait a few hours or so that's all.

[@6581punk]

I think your review has caused the Arturia servers to crash, can't connect to activate right now doh :)

[@6581punk]

Got there in the end, took long enough. I think the discount to £89 has caused a lot of activity.

[@st0rmchild]

Arturia has server problems every time they release something. Must be running an old 486 in a closet. They need to hire someone competent to help them move to a proper CDN.

[@linusyay5748]

Your the best !!

[@chrisccc503]

this plug in does not recognize my midi under settings at all and will not play out....how do you do this?

[@mickharvey764]

Massive X has a 'utility engine' noise section as well

[@sonicstate]

Ah ok it's been a while

[@Oblique331]

Thanks Nick - is it possible to add custom samples to the utility engine?

[@Am6-9]

How does anyone think that a gray font on a dark anthracite background helps readability??

[@aptudo]

For a skilled sound designer, this instrument is undoubtedly a remarkable achievement in synthesis. I don't want to take away from that. I admire what Arturia has done here. But I can tell you right now that for a mere mortal such as myself, there are simply too many options for me to learn the whole instrument deeply the way I like to do with the MUCH simpler hardware synths I own. I literally know what every knob and menu option does in those things. Aren't the thought leaders in our field always telling us to really get to know the instruments we own? This instrument seems virtually impossible to "know" in the traditional respect because it's too vast. I'm open to hearing contrary opinions if I'm wrong! Peace.

[@maxine2798]

I understand what you’re saying but you have to give into the fact you won’t hit every aspect on this synth. I don’t think it goes too wormhole deep in menus and nothing like a DAW with unused and not even understood menu/shortcut options. Enjoy using each bit at a time and you’ll have it all learnt. I’ve still got my Microwave II layout in my head but I never really learnt my EMU Audity. Having things on a proper screen rather than a 2 line LCD makes a HUGE difference. This is one of the synths you don’t think you want too many of but still end up buying because they’re affordable in relative terms. (I do ok not buying them!!)

[@TheRealCalijokes01]

Actually I watched a few videos and more I watch it looks more simple , but it does look spooky at first no lie , but wants you learn hell you will the smart guy you speak of

[@syntheshwara]

How are your CPUs fairing guys??

[@blkbird]

Sound reminds me of NI Absynth if anyone remembers that.

[@Pulse2AM]

Sounds good! I have to admit I just don't buy VST synths anymore, aside from having some they just don't sound as good to me as VA or analogue synths. The other thing is they die and are no longer supported by the manufacturer.

[@final_mile_music9713]

I have select VSTs with my hardware. I have Omnisphere, Keyscape, arturia V8, Pigments 3 and all the Output stuff (except Arcade). I use them for my poly stuff along with my Moogs and Sequentials. The best VST’s are just superb and compliment the hardware really well. They modernize the sound and yet my analog stuff keeps the mix characterful and warm. I’m not a purist. Arturia are masters at this stuff and Pigments is superb.

[@Pulse2AM]

@@final_mile_music9713 I hear ya. I do use mine occasionally but only as little filler bits, atmospheric stuff that are not main sounds. VST's are great in one regard they offer those on a budget a lot of sound possibilities. I just prefer hardware for my music, I can hear the difference. I have Analogue lab, I use it occasionally I also use it to practice my piano playing.

[@BappinProductions]

It sounds good enough though, especially for 69e. Your looking at maybe 10k in modules to get anything close to the same depth and flexibility as Pigments in the hardware world.

[@Pulse2AM]

@@BappinProductions It wouldn't matter to me if it was 5 Euros if I'm not going to use it.

[@Roderick_Legato]

@@BappinProductions Agree completely. Trying to recreate Pigments in hardware would be insane. For instance, every variable modulation point (practically every knob in Pigments) is a VCA.

[@DongStone]

We look forward to collaborating on your subscribers and followers .....

[@Roderick_Legato]

12:24 You're using PWM?!? Shocking!!

[@freejazzbone]

sort of like Steinberg’s Halion 6,

[@zeus1117]

I got this for 99$ including 5 patch libraries ;) Now all I need is some time to learn this. I found this pretty overpowering inside a mix, any advice?

[@TheRealCalijokes01]

Take away things ❤

[@System-DK]

Curious what is the closest hardware synth in terms of sound engine feature (combining various types of synthesis like Pigments does)?

[@janne-seta]

Waldorf Quantum/Iridium comes into mind, having wavetables, virtual analog, granular/samples, resonator, fm etc.

[@System-DK]

would be sweet if Arturia ports Pigments port to iOS, I'd buy it right away. Desktop for studio work and iOS for performance!

[@geertmaertens7372]

You were first!! (in my list of subscriptions at least 😀)

[@OryxDJ]

Has anyone tried if it's allready nks compatible? Using a NI komplete kontrol s-seried with nks compatible soft makes a huge difference in 'connecting' yourself with a complex synth like this.

[@st0rmchild]

The new presets are not available in NKS yet. It still has all the old NKS presets though. NKS "support" is nothing but making presets with the controls mapped for NKS. Each of the presets has the entire control mapping saved in it, so the controls can actually vary from one preset to another, but usually they'll set up the mapping once and just re-save all the presets as NKS. Seems like a very tedious, manual process, which is probably why it always takes several months after the release of a new or updated plugin for Arturia to get around to it.

[@KozmykJ]

Nick Batt lost in Pigments ... 💫

[@paulgrooveside2803]

How does Pigments 3 work with Pigments 2 sounds? I have a track that features a Pigments 2 sound prominently and I don't want to lose it. Will I be better advised not to upgrade my Pigments so i dont lose the sound?.

[@LungAnt]

it will work

[@Pulse2AM]

I got in the habit of rendering to wav files pretty much anything I couldn't afford to lose.

[@st0rmchild]

Fully backwards compatible. All the old presets are still there and sound the same as they did before.

[@st0rmchild]

@@Pulse2AM That's the smart way to do it.

[@Pulse2AM]

@@st0rmchild Yeah you learn the hard way when your computer crashes! Back things up!

[@chakko007]

Interesting that you find soft synths impenetrable, compared to hardware. For me, it's exactly the other way around. Especially when you have as many features as on a soft synth, there just isn't nearly enough controls to operate it like a soft synth, which means a lot of menu diving, and a lot of not really visual programming.

[@mushroomsounds]

Here are 30 FREE presets for Pigments (+ a beat contest!) : kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4eqoqVtad6BerM

[@terrellclane8715]

🤔🔥🔥🔥

[@PedroMiguel-if3ll]

Too bad it sucks on CPU usage

[@88keyz]

👍🏾

[@waynebo248]

I didn't see the granular option that was added in version 2. Did they remove it in version 3?

[@sonicstate]

Nope it's still there

[@tothefinlandstation]

Granular is an option under the "sample" engine.

[@mushroomsounds]

For those interested I created a soundset for Pigments, you can check the demo here : kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5zPgmCFZdR4bLs

[@FatalFriction]

I hate those mieces to pieces!

[@orbitfold]

My biggest issue with it is still the awful interface and ridiculous loading times. It's amazing that something free like vital can get it right but a big company can't. I guess usability does not necessarily correlate with sales.

[@final_mile_music9713]

This is the best, most intuitive interface there is I think. As for loading times, it’s lightning quick for me 🤷‍♂️

[@orbitfold]

@@final_mile_music9713 you really need to try other synths then

[@newignis]

How much time on average, Vytautas, does it take you to load another sound in Pigments 3?

[@orbitfold]

@@newignis sounds load fine, the gui framerate is literally 1 per second. And no its not my laptop.

[@newignis]

@@orbitfold I checked it out for you on my computer and I can tell it's certainly also not Pigments 3. The sounds load in less than a quarter of a seconds, and the GUI is 100% smooth. For comparison: Pigments is using 0,4 GB RAM, 14% CPU and 12% GPU on my computer. I'm running 64 bit Win 10 on an HP Envy i7 1,8 GHz with 16 GB RAM. If your laptop has good specs, guess somewhere a configuration issue is occurring.