Arturia Augmented Mallets Play is a new free virtual instrument plugin that features mallet sounds created using samples and synthesis.
A few years ago, Arturia expanded its massive Synthesizer plugin bundle V Collection with the Augmented Serie, instruments that focus on classic sounds like strings, choirs, and more. They are taking here an interesting approach. The instruments combine multi-sampling with deep synthesis, including granular.
As a user of these instruments, you can access the hybrid engine and create your own patches. This Christmas, there is an extension in this series. Arturia has just released the Augmented Mallets Play, a new virtual instrument plugin that is free for a limited time.
Arturia Augmented Mallets Play
Augmented Mallets Play is a new Mallets virtual instrument for macOS and Windows. It’s based on the same hybrid engine as the other Augmented Serie instruments.
The sounds were crafted from multi-sampled mallet sounds and deep synthesis. More detail: two sampler engines, four synthesis types, and a built-in FX processor. Thanks to this combination, you get much more exciting sounds than from classic multi-sampling material.
However, you have no complete access to the engine. The Play word in the product name gives that away. Arturia Augmented Mallets Play is a stripped-down version with fewer controls. We will probably see a full version in a future V Collection release.
The Augmented Mallets Play interface gives you eight different macro controls to shape your sounds in real-time: time, motion, FX A and B, delay, reverb, color, and a mighty big morph knob in the middle.
Tweak the morph knob, and you can move between two layers (A/B) and modulate several parameters of the hybrid engine at once, like the cutoff, envelopes, and FX. You can get new sounds from a ready-made preset in no time.
The plugin ships with 50 inspiring presets that cover a wide range of sounds, from misty acoustic vibes to glistening bells and chimes. And don’t forget. With the mighty morph knob, you get out of these 50 presets, 200 or even more sounds.
First Impression
A beautiful free virtual instrument that transports you to a dreamy, fairytale world. It’s perfect for a late Christmas soundtrack. It’s a shame you don’t have complete access to the engine, but the eight parameters make a lot possible.
If you are looking for mallet sounds on a budget that goes beyond the classical, you have come to the right place. Don’t miss this Christmas gift from Arturia.
Arturia Augmented Mallets Play is now available for free download until January 2, 2024. It runs as a VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows.
More information here: Arturia
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