In this video for Production Expert, Brent March takes a first look at Arturia FX Collection 2, released today, which includes 7 New FX Plugins, increasing the total FX bundle from 15 to 22 plugins, including Bus FORCE, Comp DIODE-609, Phaser BI-TRON, Chorus JUN-6, and more.
Bus processing is a fundamental part of achieving a cohesive and well-balanced mix. It’s often said that a little goes a long way in achieving a great mix. Using bus processing and a top-down mixing approach allows for a faster, more coherent mix in the long run.
Arturia’s FX Collection 2 now boasts the addition of three Master Bus processors that you can use in several situations. In this video, I’m using the included Master Bus Processors in a Stem Mastering scenario to improve masking issues and the overall crest factor using harmonic saturation.
The BUS Force is the most versatile Master Bus processor in FX Collection two. It offers the ability to EQ, filter, compress, saturate and clip in one comprehensive plugin. BUS FORCE also features a modular layout, making it very flexible for parallel busses, in this case – dry, saturation, and compression circuits.
The Arturia Comp DIODE-609 appears to be in homage to the Neve 33609. I’m using the DIODE-609 on the Keys and Brass bus to apply smooth and rich yet subtle compression in this track. With the addition of the dry/wet mix knob, we can dial in a more heavy-handed approach and then back off to taste.
Finally, the Arturia EQ SITRAL-295 is modelled after a German EQ used in broadcast studios. The EQ SITRAL-295 is very musical sounding and can be used either on the mix bus or in this situation on a group Stem insert to carve out some muddy frequencies and boost the overall stereo image by opening up the top end with some smooth sparkle. This EQ is what I’d reach for when you want that polished top end without the harshness that many EQ’s can present when making significant boosts.
As well as these fantastic new bus processing plugins, Arturia has also made some significant updates to the performance and stability of the original FX Collection line-up.
What’s New Arturia FX Collection 2
Delay TAPE-201 Preamp - Delay TAPE-201 now has multiple preamp options: no preamp, the original RE-201 preamp, and a newly-modelled Germanium preamp for a signature crunch.
Enhanced in-app tutorials - Get familiar with each plugin with newly integrated tutorials and tips, covering every parameter and component in detail.
Refined preset browser - FX Collection 2 features the same intuitive preset browser as V Collection, offering streamlined browsing, filtering, and saving of your favourite presets.
200 New Presets - Enjoy freshly-designed presets for almost every plugin in the collection, making it easier than ever to tweak on the fly and find the sonic magic you need.
NKS Compatibility - Every title in FX Collection now works with Native Kontrol Standard for a fluid workflow alongside the rest of your virtual instruments and effects.
A recap of all effects now included in FX Collection 2:
Bus FX
Bus FORCE - A powerful original parallel processor with 4 distinct modules: Filter, EQ, Compressor, and Saturation. Your new go-to mixing plugin.
Comp DIODE-609 - Based on the iconic Neve stereo compressor and limiter with a distinctly characterful crunchy response - great for drums.
EQ SITRAL-295 - A classic stereo EQ with gentle musical curves and warm transistor feel, based on the classic ‘70s Siemens broadcast console.
Modulation
Chorus DIMENSION-D - Simple 4-mode operation for beautifully smooth stereo chorus in one click, with perfectly-emulated BBD warmth.
Phaser BI-TRON - An elusive dual phaser that oozes boutique guitar pedal charm, with two phasing circuits and advanced routing options.
Flanger BL-20 - A rare & unique studio gem that goes from faint stereo width to out-of-this-world compound modulation in no time.
Chorus JUN-6 - Based on the classic Juno chorus for massive stereo richness, analog warmth, and subtle movement at the touch of a button.
Compressors
Comp FET-76 - The most coveted studio compressor ever made, known as the unit that makes everything sound better. Perfect vocals and instruments every time. +
Comp TUBE-STA - A reimagining of the legendary vacuum-tube powered Gates STA-Level, a secret weapon for bass and vocals since the ‘50s.
Comp VCA-65 - The ultimate rhythm section compressor, Comp VCA-65 is a hard-hitting solid-state VCA compressor with a modern twist.
Delays
Delay TAPE-201 - Organic, tape-saturated delay and metallic spring reverb at its finest, this is the echo box to end all echo boxes.
Delay MEMORY-BRIGADE - The iconic lo-fi delay known for its beautifully dark tone and swarming feedback, enhanced for today’s ambient needs.
Delay ETERNITY - An exciting original delay effect with huge modulation and textural capabilities - an innovative tool for the modern producer.
Reverbs
Rev PLATE-140 - A luxurious, rich, smooth plate reverb known for its mix-ready clarity, retrofitted with futuristic features.
Rev SPRING-636 - Enhance any sound with a vibrant, slappy, squelchy spring reverb that sounds so real, you’d swear you could kick it yourself.
Rev INTENSITY - Lose yourself in a totally new type of reverb. Rev INTENSITY combines cinematic sound with in-depth modulation and sound shaping.
Preamps
Pre 1973 - The iconic ‘70s Brit sound, a staple in the world’s most renowned studios, perfectly recreated for the modern producer.
Pre TridA - One of the most prized, rare, and exclusive channel strips ever made, known for its musical EQ, reborn in your DAW.
Pre V76 - The finest vintage tube preamp & a sound that defined ‘60s pop music, known as ‘The White Album Sound’, reborn in exquisite detail.
Filters
Filter M12 - The legendary Oberheim Matrix-12 filter, reworked with programmable modulation and advanced controls.
Filter MINI - A plugin recreation of Robert Moog’s famous 24dB per octave low-pass ladder filter, updated with exciting new features for the modern music maker.
Filter SEM - Taken from Tom Oberheim’s pioneering synth design, this is simply one of the best-loved filters of all time.
Pros
The DIODE-609 emulates a type of compressor which isn’t as commonly emulated in plugin format as other compressors. With the addition of some new advanced features, Arturia has reinvented an already legendary British classic.
The BUS Force is a real powerhouse. Both in its feature set and parallel routing capabilities.
All plugins appear to be very CPU friendly
Cons
The addition of a Stereo enhancer and M/S Control on the BUS Force would make it a true one-stop solution.
Pricing and Availablity
Arturia FX Collection 2 update has been released with an introductory offer. New users will be able to benefit from $299/299€ from June 8th to June 25th, 2021.
FX Collection 1 users and Arturia customers will be able to log in to their Arturia account to take advantage of custom priced offers.
For more details of Arturia FX Collection 2 head over to Arturia’s website.