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Description
Step into a time machine with the Arturia CMI V, a captivating digital homage to the iconic Fairlight CMI—the first commercially available digital sampling system. This revolutionary tool redefined music production in the '80s, and now, it's back with a modern twist. The CMI V offers a blend of vintage charm and cutting-edge technology, allowing musicians to explore endless creative possibilities without breaking the bank.
This synth plugin is not just about nostalgia; it’s a comprehensive digital workstation that empowers your creativity. With the ability to handle up to 10 digital instruments simultaneously, you can mix, layer, and sequence like never before. The CMI V faithfully recreates the original sampling engine, while also introducing a new Spectral synthesis mode, offering a fresh perspective on sound design.
Whether you're a seasoned producer or an aspiring musician, you'll appreciate the rich library of over 600 original CMI presets and an additional 360 sounds crafted by Arturia's sound designers. The intuitive interface makes sound shaping a breeze, with features like variable bit depth and sample rate, a classic 32-step sequencer, and high-quality output effects.
Designed for versatility, the CMI V is compatible with a variety of formats including VST, VST3, AU, AAX, and can even be used standalone. Its resizable GUI ensures seamless integration into your workflow, whether you're in a DAW or working on a high-resolution screen.
Key Features:
- Software synthesizer playable through a MIDI keyboard
- 600 presets from the original CMI library
- 360 additional presets by Arturia sound designers
- 10-track expansion with polyphony up to 32 per track
- Faithful emulation of original sampling and additive synthesis
- New Spectral synthesis mode
- Classic 32-step sequencer inspired by "page-R"
- 24 modulation sources per track
- High-quality output effects
- Compatible with VST, VST3, AU, AAX, and standalone operation
Product specs
| Software Type | Synth/Sampler |
| Platform | Mac, PC |
| Upgrade/Full | Full |
| Download/Boxed | Download |
| Bit Depth | 64-bit |
| Format | VST2.4, VST3, AAX, AU, Standalone |
| Hardware Requirements - Mac | 2.5GHz processor or higher, 4GB RAM minimum, 12 GB free drive space |
| Hardware Requirements - PC | 2.5GHz processor or higher, 4GB RAM minimum, 12 GB free drive space |
| OS Requirements - Mac | OS X 10.10 or later |
| OS Requirements - PC | Windows 8.1 or later |
FAQs
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What is the Arturia CMI V used for?
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The Arturia CMI V is a virtual instrument plugin that emulates the classic Fairlight CMI synthesizer, known for its digital sampling capabilities and unique sound design options.
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Is the Arturia CMI V compatible with my DAW?
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The Arturia CMI V is compatible with most major DAWs as it supports VST2.4, VST3, AAX, and AU formats, and can also be used as a standalone application.
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What are the system requirements for the Arturia CMI V?
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For Mac, you'll need OS X 10.10 or later, and for PC, Windows 8.1 or later. Both require a 2.5GHz processor or higher, 4GB RAM minimum, and 12 GB of free drive space.
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Can the Arturia CMI V be used for live performances?
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Yes, the Arturia CMI V can be used for live performances thanks to its standalone mode, allowing musicians to utilize its sound design capabilities in real-time.
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Does the Arturia CMI V offer any unique features?
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The Arturia CMI V includes a spectral synth feature, which allows users to explore additive synthesis with ease, offering a distinct sound design experience.
Videos
Woody Piano Shack
Arturia CMI V | Enjoying Fairlight sample library
Reviews
PROS
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Authentic emulation of the classic Fairlight CMI sound
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Expansive sound design capabilities with numerous parameters
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Ability to sample any WAV file enhances flexibility
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Rich selection of 80s-inspired sounds
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Comes with a vast array of patches out of the box
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Great for standalone use and resampling
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A valuable tool for hobbyists and professional sound designers alike
CONS
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Sampler functionality could be more user-friendly
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Arturia CMI V.
Software and compatibility
Use cases and applications
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Rendering Apple loops to .aiff in Logic's desired tempo enables their use in CMI V, expanding creative possibilities for users.
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The Roland SP404 is recommended for those seeking Fairlight-like tricks in a simpler, more affordable package.
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The Fairlight is recognized for its unique contribution to iconic soundtracks like Terminator 2, capturing the interest of new users.
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Features and functionality
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CMI V's inability to import ".caf" files directly requires users to convert these files for full functionality within Logic.
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Users find the default presets overly processed, requiring deep menu diving to access original Fairlight sounds and disable unwanted effects.
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The plugin allows for DX7 sysex file import, but some files play at low volume, potentially distorting when volume is increased, requiring careful adjustment.
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Comparisons
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The Arturia DX7, praised for its vintage accuracy, offers built-in effects for added sound characteristics, differentiating it from Dexed despite similar sound quality.
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The Prophet X is highlighted as a high-end hardware alternative to the Fairlight, praised for its exceptional capabilities and sound quality.
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Akai keyboard samplers, such as the S1000 and X7000, are considered closer to the Fairlight in terms of features, while being more accessible.
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User experience
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 8 Ratings
75
Excellent sampler
love the ability to sample any wav file and love the 80s throwback sounds too
143
80s sampler and synth
Cool synth. With its sampler was easier to use but for the price I dig it.
355
Masterful Vintage Sound
This is a no joke VST sounds and options to change the sounds is amazing so may patches out the box and massive i run it in standalone mode create with it and bounce out to resample a must have for any sound designer
Artist usage
Add artist
This Snapshot was taken from 13/02/2021 Twitch Stream (https://www.twitch.tv/helloimlenno), proving that Lenno is using this Plugin.
GM: “After the process, it’s hard to tell the difference between a softsynth and a live synth but we used quite a few. There’s a lot of nice stuff in the Arturia package like the CMI Fairlight and Buchla libraries. We can’t afford the original gear so they’re useful.”
Graham Massey interviewed on MusicRadar, discussing the creation of the album Transmission Suite.
Album Usage
The Arturia CMI V has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Arturia CMI V, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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