It’s perhaps quite fitting that one of the new inclusions to this package is the Mellotron V, often regarded as the first true sampler, but firmly in analogue form – thanks to the use of analogue tape – and the hefty playback mechanism. The list isn’t purely about synthesizers, thanks to the presence of both Rhodes and Wurlitzer electric pianos, as well as the Piano V2, which includes 12 different piano models. The latest version feels easier to work with, while the details are clearer to see, partly due to the increased image sizing.Īnd so the list of classics continues, with the Jupiter-8V, Oberheim SEM, and even the Solina String machine.

Wherever you delve in the collection, a weighty palette awaits, with another particular favourite from the old batch being the software emulation of the Yamaha CS-80, now also given the v3 brush-up. The accuracy of sound is largely down to Arturia’s True Analog Emulation (TAE) modelling technology, which for my money has always provided the essence of analogue in a software construct. With similar credentials, the Moog Modular, which is also in its v3 incarnation, is laden with oscillators, sequencers and more, all strung together by virtual patch cables. It continues to pack the mightiest of punches, with a substantial depth to its sonic makeup that will have the room shaking in seconds. My guess would be that with the recent hardware mono-monsters that have come to market, many might overlook this slightly humber soft-synth, but do so at your peril. The aforementioned Minimoog is now in its v3 release, and continues to be a superb-sounding software recreation of the real thing. But before we come up to date, it’s important to give a name-check to some of the older products, many of which continue to box way above their sonic weight.

This latest anthology of 24 instruments is drawn from the extensive library of Arturia’s instrument set, with the inclusion of some of the more recent titles that have been developed.

Arturia classic synths