Arturia Augmented YANGTZE: Chinese Instruments Synthesized
4,3 / 5,0 | 
Augmented Yangtze · Source: Arturia
Augmented Yangtze · Source: Arturia
Augmented Yangtze · Source: Arturia
The latest instalment in its Augmented series, Arturia Augmented YANGTZE, sees it venture east, blending traditional Chinese instruments with contemporary sound design.
There are few instruments to evoke images and sentiments about a single country and its culture simply by hearing a single note from them. This can be said about the Erhu, Pipa or Yangqin. All three of these immediately evoke images of China. China has a rich culture and music is at the very heart of it.
Arturia Augmented YANGTZE
And it is these instruments, and more, that Arturia has cleverly captured and embedded in their popular and versatile Augmented series. If you’re unfamiliar with the series, it’s a clever combination of deep, multi-sampling and synthesis techniques. It delivers superbly realistic sounds that can then be morphed into something more diverse.
All of this is done behind a beautifully simple interface so the user can make broad, sweeping changes with minimal effort. And Arturia’s Augmented YANGTZE continues this trend. They have taken six traditional Chinese instruments and used their synthesis know-how to allow for some powerful manipulation.
The Instruments
The samples derive from six classic Chinese instruments:
- Bass Dizi
- Xiao
- Pipa
- Guqin
- Yangqin
- Erhu
From these, Arturia have sampled 38 articulations, 30 processed and multi-sampled articulations, added two types of synthesis across two sample engines and an FX engine. YANGTZE features 200 presets out of the box. However, the power lies in the ability to craft your own.
The Interface
The Augmented interface is delightfully simple. The large, central control morphs between the two layers. Around this lie seven smaller controls for FX and sound shaping. Enter the Advanced area and you will then be able to spend time tweaking and building patches of your own. The interface is very reminiscent of Pigments. Clean, simple and graphical.
There’s plenty to play with here, including two LFOs, a randomization feature and an arpeggiator. Arturia’s Augmented series is anything but a boring sample library. What I love about this series, and YANGTZE is no exception, is its immediacy and instant gratification.
More Information
Arturia’s Augmented YANGTZE is a welcome addition to the family. Chinese instruments have been covered many times in sample libraries but none have been as engaging and diverse as this.
Arturia Augmented YANGTZE is available now for €98.99 from our affiliate partner, Plugin Boutique.
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