Arturia FX Collection 5: Cesar Sogbe’s Toolbox for Modern Mixing

Cesar Sogbe introduces himself not just as a veteran engineer, but as someone who has fully embraced the digital workflow. He describes his journey from analog studios to a point where he no longer feels the need to return to hardware consoles, thanks in large part to the capabilities of modern plugins. For Sogbe, FX Collection 5 isn’t just a set of effects—it’s an essential component of his daily mixing process, motivating him to explore new sonic territory with each project.

The video establishes FX Collection 5 as more than a static suite; Sogbe emphasizes how the constant evolution of Arturia’s plugins keeps his creative process fresh. He recounts how, when mixing Bacilos’ new album, the transition from analog to in-the-box was seamless enough that his clients didn’t request a single revision. This speaks to both the quality of the tools and the trust they inspire in a professional workflow.

Sogbe’s walkthrough spotlights specific plugins that have become mainstays in his mixes. The Bus Peak Clipper, for example, is highlighted for its ability to tame drum bus peaks and add punch without sacrificing musicality. Sogbe admits he’s not overly technical—he simply moves the sliders until it feels right, a testament to the intuitive interface design that Arturia aims for. The demonstration includes an A/B comparison, revealing how the clipper evens out drum transients and brings out the energy in the toms.

The Exciter plugin also gets a focused moment. Sogbe uses it subtly on claps and horns, noting that while it can rescue dull or damaged tracks, it’s equally effective for adding presence to already well-recorded material. He demonstrates how just a touch of high-end enhancement can bring elements forward in the mix, with the flexibility to target low-end if needed. The workflow here is about quick, musical decisions rather than deep menu-diving.

Moving beyond individual tracks, Sogbe illustrates how FX Collection 5 enables creative scene changes within a song. He describes imagining different sonic treatments for verses, choruses, and bridges—each with its own character. The Dimension D plugin is central to this approach, providing width and depth to vocal releases while maintaining clarity. Sogbe praises the authenticity of Arturia’s emulation, even down to the visual details, and prefers to use the plugin as-is rather than tweaking under the hood.

By automating plugin settings and routing vocals through different channels for each section, Sogbe achieves dramatic shifts in space and tone. The result is a mix that breathes and evolves, with effects serving the narrative of the song rather than just adding gloss. This section underscores how digital tools, when thoughtfully deployed, can rival and even surpass the flexibility of analog workflows.

Sogbe frames FX Collection 5 as a true engineer’s toolbox, packed with everything from compressors to modulators and clippers. He stresses that the real power lies in the suite’s versatility: he rarely knows in advance which plugin he’ll reach for, preferring to let the song dictate his choices. This adaptability is crucial in modern production environments, where each track may require a unique solution.

The video positions the collection as a catalyst for experimentation, encouraging users to stay open-minded and collaborative. Sogbe’s workflow is less about rigid templates and more about responding to the music in real time, using the breadth of Arturia’s offerings to solve problems and spark new ideas on the fly.