Arturia Pigments 6: Complete Review
Pigments 6 is the most versatile modern synthesizer. 6 synthesis engines (wavetable, analog, sample, granular...), 5,000 presets, gorgeous interface. At $229, it's the best hybrid synth competing with Serum. Warmer sound, more character, beautiful workflow.
📊 Technical Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | $229 |
| Synthesis Engines | 6 (Wavetable, Analog, Sample, Granular, Harmonic, Utility) |
| Presets | 3,500+ |
| Modulation | Unlimited + Function Generator |
| Sequencers | 3 (Arp + 2 polyphonic sequencers) |
| Effects | 17 types + Multimode Filter |
| Import | Serum wavetables compatible |
| Formats | VST, VST3, AU, AAX |
| OS | Windows 10+, macOS 10.13+ |
🎛️ 6 Synthesis Engines
Mix & Match Any Combination
| Engine | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Wavetable | Digital precise | EDM leads, modern basses (like Serum) |
| Analog | Virtual analog | Warm pads, vintage bass, classic synth sound |
| Sample | Audio playback | Import your own samples, realistic textures |
| Granular | Microscopic | Evolving pads, glitchy textures, sound design |
| Harmonic | Additive | Bell tones, organ-like sounds, metallic |
| Utility | Noise/multi-wave | Layers, noise sweeps, sub bass |
Power move: Combine Wavetable (precision) + Analog (warmth) = best of both worlds. Pigments excels at layering.
🎨 Interface & Workflow
Most Beautiful Synth UI
Pigments has the best-looking interface in software synthesis:
- Gradient color-coded sections
- Animated waveforms (real-time visualization)
- Resizable window (HiDPI perfect)
- Dark/Light themes
Modulation Matrix
- Drag & drop modulation (like Serum)
- Function Generator (draw custom LFO shapes)
- Random modulation per note
- MPE support (expressive controllers)
🔊 Sound Character
Pigments vs Serum Sound
- Serum: Crystal-clear, clinical precision, modern EDM
- Pigments: Warmer, more color, slightly analog character
Why it matters: Pigments adds subtle warmth even in digital engines. Less "harsh" than Serum on extreme sounds. Better for organic genres (indie, pop, trap).
Serum Wavetable Import
Pigments can import Serum wavetables directly. Access your Serum library + Pigments' warmer tone = win-win.
📦 Presets: 3,500 Sounds
Curated Quality
- Genre packs: EDM, Hip-Hop, Pop, Ambient, Experimental
- Artist banks: Signature sounds from pro producers
- Modern focus: 2020s production-ready sounds
Browser: Tag-based search (mood, timbre, genre). Find sounds in seconds.
⚖️ Pigments vs Competition
| Synth | Price | Engines | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pigments 6 | $229 | 6 (hybrid) | Warm, versatile, beautiful |
| Serum 2 | $189 | 1 (wavetable) | Clean, precise, EDM standard |
| Vital | FREE | 1 (wavetable) | Clean, Serum-like |
| Phase Plant | $179 | Modular | Flexible, complex |
| Omnisphere 2 | $499 | 6 (hybrid) | Cinematic, massive library |
Verdict: Pigments = best "one synth for everything". Serum = best for pure EDM. Vital = free alternative to both.
✅ Verdict
Strengths
- ✅ 6 synthesis engines (ultimate versatility)
- ✅ Warmer sound than Serum (more character)
- ✅ Gorgeous interface (best-looking synth)
- ✅ 3,500 modern presets
- ✅ Import Serum wavetables
- ✅ $229 (same price as Serum)
Weaknesses
- ❌ Heavier CPU than Serum
- ❌ Smaller third-party preset ecosystem
- ❌ Learning curve (6 engines to master)
🛒 Where to Buy Pigments 6
Full version: $229
Upgrade: $99 (from previous versions)
Included in: V Collection 9 ($599)
Buy on Arturia View on Plugin Boutique🎯 Final Verdict
Pigments 6 is the best "one synth for everything". 6 engines give you analog warmth, wavetable precision, granular textures, and more. The interface is gorgeous, the sound is warmer than Serum, and it can import Serum wavetables.
Worth it? Absolutely. If you want ONE versatile synth, Pigments beats Serum for variety (though Serum has faster workflow for pure EDM). At $229, it's a steal.
Who is it for? Producers wanting maximum versatility, anyone tired of one-dimensional sounds, people who value beautiful UI. Skip if you ONLY produce hard EDM (Serum is faster there).