Product: Arturia Analog Factory Experience
Price Paid: USD 350,00
Submitted
08/11/2008
at
05:09pm
by
Minimoogman
Ease of Use
:
10
The software is easy to install. There's no necessity of keyboard mapping (jus plug and play). Filter cutoff and resonance are always available for immediate editing (knob tweaking satisfaction). There are four parameters available for real time editing (different for each patch). The manual have clear instructions. Patches are organized by different standards, so finding the right one quickly is very easy.
Features
:
8
Polyphony varies for each patch and complexity. The Chorus and Delay mix cam be controlled in real time (knobs!), very good sounding and easy to use. You can save your own modified patches as a new one. Keyboard is velocity-sensitive (no aftertouch, unfortunately). Some patches can respond to aftertouch from external controller. Keyboard has only 32 keys (I'd wish 37 at least, but 49 would be really cool). You can record 8 snapshots for live applications, but it's too few for me. A "Bank" button would be perfect to multiply the number of user snapshots memory. VST and RTAS compatible
Expressiveness/Sounds
:
10
There's a huge quantity of sounds with unbelievable realism. The majority of the patches are ready-to-use, very reach, warm and fat. The software is a compilation of 7 Arturia's previous softsynths (Minimoog, Moog Modular, Arp 2600, Yamaha CS80, Roland Jupiter 8, Sequential Circuits Prophet 5 and Sequential Circuits Prophet VS). This is a fantastic analog-synth sound warehouse, but I miss a lot Oberheim sounds. Even without the OBs, this stuff has a vast collection of beautiful sounds, and deserves the highest ratings.
Reliability
:
9
The software is very stable. Arturia recommends genuine Intel 1.5GHz or higher processor, with 1GB RAM. I installed mine in a Celeron 1.4GHz with 1,25GB RAM. No problem at all until now. The keyboard hardware is made by CME, has decent synth action, a nice aluminum chase with wooden sides, and good quality plastic knobs. It is very tough, but would be nicer if equipped with metal knobs.
Customer Support
:
9
They were patient, kind and sincere answering a lot of e-mails I sent before purchasing. I didn't need more support until now.
Overall Rating
:
10
Pristine sounds and lots of them. Stable software, plug and play keyboard controller, the power of mythical synths at the reach of your fingers... These french fellows from Arturia made an incredible music instrument. It's a lot of sound power for the money.
