AudioPilz vs. Arturia Pigments: The Last Synth or Just Another Plugin Poshboy?

AudioPilz kicks things off with his trademark irreverence, questioning whether Arturia’s Pigments really is the second coming for synth nerds or just another over-polished plugin with a fancy UI. The video wastes no time lampooning the hype, poking fun at the idea that Pigments is the first plugin to sound better than top-tier hardware—a claim that’s about as believable as a pub jukebox that only plays chart hits.

We’re reminded that, for hardware diehards, the world of plugins often feels like a parallel universe where innovation means more colours and more menus. Pigments, with its relentless optimisation and colour-coded interface, is painted as the poster child for this trend. But AudioPilz isn’t buying the hype just yet, setting the stage for a proper teardown rather than a love letter.

Pigments comes loaded with two synthesis engines, ticking all the boxes from virtual analog and FM to wavetables and even a physical modelling mode called ‘modal.’ There’s also additive harmonic stacking and a utility oscillator for extra spice, though AudioPilz can’t resist a jab at the oscillator section’s supposed versatility—suggesting some hardware or VST purists will scoff at it over breakfast.

Modulation is where Pigments tries to flex, with envelopes, LFOs, function generators, randomisers, and a combinator section that’s as confusing as a Soho back alley at 3am. Assigning modulators is dead easy, but the sheer number of options feels like overkill for anyone who prefers their synths with a bit of unpredictability and grime. It’s all very slick, but is it too much of a good thing?

AudioPilz doesn’t let Pigments off the hook for its polished sound design. Sure, the FX section is stacked—classic modulations, lush reverbs, delays, and even a shimmer for those who never quite got over the EDM boom. The arpeggiator and sequencer are user-friendly, and generative features make it easy to autopilot your way through a track.

But here’s the rub: all this polish comes at a cost. The presets are plentiful and tasteful, the UI is smoother than a posh cocktail bar, but there’s a nagging sense that something’s missing. AudioPilz longs for the grit and unpredictability of hardware, hinting that Pigments’ streamlined experience might be a bit too safe for those of us who like our synths with a side of chaos.

AudioPilz wraps things up with a verdict that’s as sharp as a broken pint glass. Pigments is powerful, elegantly designed, and surprisingly light on the CPU, but it’s missing that vital spark—the unpredictable, sometimes unruly character that makes a synth truly memorable. For all its dirt and chaos-inducing features, the results are just a bit too polite.

He challenges the notion that Pigments could ever be the last synth you’ll need, especially for those of us who crave gear with attitude. If Arturia wants to win over the crustier, more cynical synth heads, they’ll need to offer more than a thermostat UI and spouse-friendly plugin hosts. Until then, Pigments is just another contender in a crowded ring—not the undisputed champ.