Arturia FX Collection 5: Modern Clarity Meets Analog Warmth in Sie Medway-Smith’s Workflow

Arturia positions FX Collection 5 as an essential suite for today’s studio workflows, blending a broad palette of mixing tools and creative effects. In this video, the collection is not just presented as a set of plugins, but as a foundational resource for achieving both clarity and character in a modern mix. The context is a pop R&B track by Bellicious, where the goal is to retain a live feel while embracing the punch and polish of contemporary production.

Sie Medway-Smith’s approach underscores the importance of having versatile, high-quality effects at one’s disposal. Rather than relying on a single signature sound, FX Collection 5 is shown as a flexible toolkit that adapts to the needs of each track element. The suite’s breadth is highlighted as vital for producers seeking both creative inspiration and technical reliability in their mixes.

Medway-Smith draws attention to the intuitive nature of Arturia’s plugins, emphasizing how quickly users can achieve results without wrestling with convoluted interfaces. The plugins are described as approachable for both seasoned engineers and newcomers, with controls that make sense in a musical context rather than just a technical one.

What sets these effects apart, according to Medway-Smith, is the meticulous attention to sonic detail. He notes that the plugins go beyond expectations, capturing the warmth and nuance of analog gear while delivering the precision and clarity required for modern mixes. This balance is central to the FX Collection 5’s appeal: it’s not just about emulating vintage hardware, but about making those classic sounds accessible and usable in fast-paced digital workflows.

Medway-Smith moves beyond the basics by integrating effects like the rotary CLS and dimension D into his mix. The rotary CLS plugin is used to recreate the movement of a Leslie cabinet on a Hammond organ recording, compensating for the absence of the real hardware during tracking. The ability to blend the rotary effect in parallel with the dry signal is highlighted as a key feature, allowing for nuanced control over the stereo image and movement.

The dimension D plugin is applied to a Wurlitzer, with Medway-Smith noting its authenticity compared to the hardware unit present in the studio. The flexibility of running multiple instances in a session is underscored, demonstrating how digital effects can scale in ways that hardware simply cannot. The immediate sonic impact of the dimension D is showcased, with the plugin adding depth and a certain indefinable magic to the sound.

Throughout this section, the workflow emphasis is clear: these plugins are not just static emulations, but dynamic tools for creative mixing. The ability to blend, automate, and stack effects opens up a range of possibilities for shaping the mix, all within an intuitive digital environment.

The bus exciter emerges as a standout addition in Medway-Smith’s workflow, particularly for vocal processing. He demonstrates how the exciter adds harmonic saturation and shimmer, helping vocals sit confidently at the front of the mix. The effect is described as transformative, making the difference between a vocal that blends in and one that commands attention—a crucial distinction in modern pop production.

Beyond vocals, the bus exciter is also used on the mix bus, where it brings perceived loudness and sparkle without harshness. Medway-Smith pushes the plugin to its limits, noting its ability to handle significant drive before breaking up. This segment reinforces the value of having finely tuned digital tools that can deliver both subtle enhancement and bold coloration, all while maintaining mix integrity.