In a move that's sure to excite music producers and audio enthusiasts, Arturia has unveiled FX Collection 6, the latest iteration of its popular effects plugin suite. The update introduces two innovative new plugins, EFX Ambient and Pitch Shifter-910, expanding the toolkit for sound designers seeking both classic vibes and experimental flair. Announced this week, the collection now boasts 39 effects in its full Pro version, priced at $499, while a more accessible Intro edition offers six essential plugins for just $99.
Arturia, a French company renowned for its software emulations of vintage synthesizers and effects, has been steadily building its FX Collection since its debut in 2020 with just 15 plugins. According to coverage from The Verge, the suite has grown significantly, reaching 39 effects by what appears to be a projected 2026 lineup, though the exact timeline reflects the company's ambitious expansion plans. This evolution underscores Arturia's commitment to providing comprehensive audio processing tools that blend historical accuracy with modern usability.
At the heart of the new release are the two fresh additions, each drawing from unique sonic legacies. Pitch Shifter-910 is modeled after the iconic Eventide H910 Harmonizer, a groundbreaking digital pitch shifter and delay unit first introduced in 1974. As The Verge reports, "Pitch Shifter-910 is based on the iconic Eventide H910 Harmonizer from 1974, an early digital pitchshifter and delay with a very unique character." This emulation captures the original's glitchy, unpredictable nature, far from the clean harmonies of contemporary tools.
Rather than aiming for seamless vocal layering, Pitch Shifter-910 embraces its quirky heritage, producing effects like high-pitched "chipmunk vocals" when shifted upward. The plugin includes a modern mode that reduces some artifacts while retaining the H910's distinctive charm, though purists might prefer the unfiltered version for its raw unpredictability. Arturia's developers have preserved these elements to honor the hardware's role in shaping experimental music from the analog-to-digital transition era.
Complementing this is EFX Ambient, a versatile ambient processor that's as unconventional as it is immersive. Described by The Verge as a plugin that "does what it says on the tin, but doesn’t always do it in predictable ways," EFX Ambient goes beyond standard reverbs to incorporate resonators, glitch processing, and reverse delays. It features six distinct modes, each routed through a expansive reverb tail, with an X/Y pad control allowing users to introduce dynamic movement to their sounds.
This combination makes EFX Ambient ideal for creating ethereal landscapes or disruptive textures, appealing to genres from ambient electronica to avant-garde soundscapes. While traditional reverb plugins focus on clarity and space, Arturia's take infuses unpredictability, ensuring that no two applications sound quite the same. The plugin's design reflects a broader trend in music production software toward tools that encourage creative serendipity over precision.
The introduction of the $99 Intro version marks a significant accessibility push for FX Collection 6. This pared-down edition includes six core plugins: EFX Motions for modulation, EFX Fragments for granular processing, Mix Drums for drum enhancement, Tape Mello-Fi for lo-fi tape emulation, Rev Plate-140 for plate reverb, and Delay Tape-201 for analog-style delays. According to The Verge, these selections provide "excellent versatility covering delay, reverb, tape-like lo-fi, modulation, and even granular processing."
Notably absent from the Intro bundle are the two newest effects, EFX Ambient and Pitch Shifter-910, as well as more specialized tools like the saturation and compression options in the full suite. Users also miss out on advanced reverbs such as Rev LX-24, which emulates the legendary Lexicon 224 from 1978, a staple in professional studios during the late 20th century. This curation ensures beginners or budget-conscious creators get a solid foundation without overwhelming complexity.
The full FX Collection Pro, at $499, encompasses the entire library of 39 plugins, including bus processors, compressors, and a wide array of delays and reverbs inspired by hardware from the 1970s and 1980s. Arturia's growth in this area has transformed the suite from a niche offering into a competitive alternative to bundles from competitors like Universal Audio or Waves. While the V Collection of virtual synthesizers remains Arturia's flagship product, the FX line is gaining traction for its high-fidelity emulations.
Industry observers note that the pricing strategy balances premium quality with entry-level appeal. The Intro version's $99 tag is a fraction of the Pro's cost, making professional-grade effects available to hobbyists and students. As one tech publication highlighted, the full collection's value has improved markedly since 2020, when it launched with far fewer options, positioning Arturia as a go-to for producers seeking authentic vintage tones in a digital workflow.
Arturia's plugins are compatible with major digital audio workstations like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools, running on both Windows and macOS platforms. The company emphasizes ease of integration, with each effect featuring intuitive interfaces that mimic their hardware inspirations while adding contemporary features like MIDI control and preset management. This launch comes amid a booming market for plugin software, valued at billions globally, as remote production and home studios proliferate post-pandemic.
Feedback from early users, as reported in tech circles, praises the new plugins for their characterful sound. One reviewer noted the Pitch Shifter-910's ability to "relish in its weirdness," ideal for adding vintage digital artifacts to modern tracks. Similarly, EFX Ambient's glitch elements have been lauded for opening new creative avenues, though some might find its unpredictability challenging for precise mixing tasks.
Looking ahead, Arturia plans to continue updating the FX Collection, potentially incorporating user feedback to refine existing emulations or add more historical recreations. The Intro version could serve as an on-ramp for newcomers, with upgrade paths to the full suite available at discounted rates. In an industry where software bundles evolve rapidly, this release solidifies Arturia's reputation for delivering tools that bridge yesterday's innovations with tomorrow's productions.
The broader implications of FX Collection 6 extend to how musicians approach sound design in 2024. With affordable access to emulations of rare, expensive hardware like the Eventide H910 or Lexicon 224, independent artists can experiment without the barriers of physical gear. This democratization aligns with Arturia's ethos, founded in 1999 as a hardware maker before pivoting to software, now serving a global community of creators from bedrooms to major studios.
As the music technology landscape shifts toward AI-assisted tools and immersive audio, Arturia's focus on tactile, character-driven effects reminds producers of the value in imperfection. Whether crafting a shimmering ambient wash or a glitchy vocal shift, FX Collection 6 equips users to push sonic boundaries. For now, the launch invites a new wave of experimentation, with Arturia poised to capture more of the plugin market's attention.