Described as sitting somewhere between a full effects chain and an instrument in itself, Arturia’s latest plug-in has been designed to add some movement to static sounds. Efx MOTIONS comes with a selection of effects modules equipped with envelope controls, allowing users to draw in everything from subtle, evolving changes to dramatic beat-driven effects.
A Dashboard view offers quick access to the plug-in’s key features, and is divided into three sections: Macros, Crossover and Output/Mix. The first section allows users to assign macro controls that can be used to adjust multiple parameters with a single dial, whilst the second sets the overall frequency range being processed. The final section then defines how much processing is applied by the plug-in.
There are five main effects modules: Noise, Distortion, Filter, Volume and Pan. Each are equipped with their own set of parameters, along with a pair of controls labelled Motion and Dynamics, which define the amount of modulation applied by the plug-in’s Motion and Triggers & Dynamics sections.
Motion is equipped with an envelope control that comes loaded with pre-defined shapes, or allows users to draw their own, making it possible to create one-shot or repeating effects such as filter sweeps, volume and pan modulations, evolving distortions and much more. Triggers & Dynamics then provides a way to trigger the effects modules based on a range of different inputs. Trance Gate and Euclidean modes offer editable and algorithmic gate patterns respectively, whilst Clock and MIDI modes allow the plug-in to be trigger via a clock signal or incoming MIDI notes. Finally, a Transient mode can be used to fire effects when transients are detected in the input signal.
Some further processing is then offered by a Beat Repeat & Effects section. A synchronised Beat Repeat grid runs independently of the rest of the plug-in’s processing, allowing users to sample the entire output and apply variations such as rolls, reverses or pitch and time-stretching effects. There are then two global effects slots which offer a total of 14 effects that can be used to add the finishing touches to the plug-in’s output.
For keen sound designers looking for even more in-depth tools, an Advanced view provides access to additional functions such as enhanced macro control and three more customisable modulation generators.
Compatibility
Efx MOTIONS is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or higher, and Macs running macOS 10.13 and above. It is available in VST, AU and AAX plug-in formats, and also features NKS support for enhanced integration with Native Instruments' range of hardware controllers.
Pricing & Availability
Efx MOTIONS is available now, and is being offered for an introductory price of €79 until 9 November 2023, after which it will cost €99.