Arturia Augmented Series 2: Hybrid Sound Design Reimagined

Arturia’s Augmented Series 2 is introduced as a hybrid instrument, purpose-built to blend the organic richness of sampled acoustic sounds with the flexibility and depth of modern synthesis. The video centers on Augmented STRINGS, but the architecture is shared across the series, allowing users to morph between expressive, cinematic, and even otherworldly timbres. This approach is not just about stacking samples on synths—it’s about creating a seamless continuum between the two worlds, making hybrid textures accessible and playable in real time.

The instrument’s core design revolves around four sound sources, or “parts,” organized into two layers (A and B). Each part can be powered by either a multi-sampler or a synth engine, and the Morph control becomes the central axis for blending and evolving sounds. This dual-layer, multi-part structure is key to the Augmented Series’ compositional depth, encouraging users to explore new sonic territory beyond the limits of traditional sample libraries or single-engine synths.

The redesigned interface is all about immediacy and hands-on control. The Play View puts both sound layers front and center, letting users solo, mute, drag-and-drop to reconfigure parts, and even randomize each part directly from the UI. This workflow is a clear nod to modern performance instruments, prioritizing speed and flexibility over menu-diving.

At the heart of the interface is the Morph macro, which lets you blend between layers A and B for dramatic sound evolution. Supporting this are three additional macros—Color, Time, and Motion—each mapped to groups of parameters for quick, expressive tweaks. Color shapes harmonic content, Time adjusts rhythmic feel, and Motion introduces modulation and movement, making it easy to sculpt presets on the fly.

Effect macros are also present, with dedicated controls for each layer’s effects and global delay/reverb. The macro system is designed for both performance and deep editing, allowing users to customize how each macro interacts with the underlying engine. This is a workflow-centric approach that should appeal to both preset surfers and hands-on tweakers.

Augmented Series 2 brings a host of workflow enhancements, starting with a fully visual drag-and-drop modulation system. Users can assign envelopes, LFOs, macros, and MIDI controls to nearly any parameter by simply dragging sources onto targets. Modulation depth is instantly visible and adjustable, making complex routings approachable even for those new to modular-style thinking.

Effects routing has been overhauled for more flexibility. Each layer gets two insert slots, while the main output features dedicated delay and reverb. Effects can be bypassed, soloed, and modulated, and a new send routing mode lets delay and reverb blend with the dry signal—preserving dynamics and clarity. The FX selector is reorganized for easier navigation, and more parameters are now modulatable, expanding creative potential.

The arpeggiator is now a creative powerhouse, supporting per-step chance, auto-regeneration for evolving patterns, and polymetric step lengths across velocity, gate, chance, and chord lanes. Chord mode allows full chords per step, turning the arpeggiator into a pseudo-sequencer for generative textures and rhythmic pulses. These upgrades make Augmented Series 2 a serious tool for both composition and live experimentation.