Download Arturia Augmented STRINGS for macOS

Version 2.0.0 lands with a refined engine that makes it even easier to push string sounds into unexpected territory. I love getting lost in the dual-layer design—each holds two sound engines, one sampled, one synthesized, so you're stacking a real cello against a digital overtone right out of the gate.

1. Pick your layers. Browse authentic, abstract, and evocative presets to load a sound source into Layer A. Then add a contrasting texture in Layer B—maybe a fragile pluck against a swelling synth wash.
2. Move with the Morph control. Drag the central morph slider to crossfade between layers. It turns a static chord into a shifting, breathing pad in seconds.
3. Add motion. Tap into the dynamic sequencing and complex modulation to animate filter sweeps, volume, or timbre across the keyboard. The arpeggiator and built-in effects let you craft rhythmic pulses without leaving the plugin.
4. Shape the space. Dial in reverb, delay, and distortion from the effects panel. A little grit on a sampled viola can make it sit beautifully in a dense electronic mix.

The result is a sound that feels simultaneously organic and otherworldly—perfect for soundtrack work where strings need to evolve or pop productions that call for a layer no-one can quite name but everyone feels.

Right-click to assign a macro instantly

Some of my favorite touches aren't in the flashy macro knobs. They're the quiet accelerators that save you ten trips to the manual.

• Right-click any parameter to assign it to a macro slot instantly. No digging through mod matrices when you're in the middle of shaping a phrase.
• Double-click a knob to reset it to its saved value. That's a lifesaver when you've twisted a filter into oblivion and just want the preset's sweet spot back.
• Hold Option while dragging for fine control over the Morph slider. It's the difference between a quick blend audition and surgically placing the crossfade where the string body and synth layer lock in perfectly.
• The keyboard octave buttons in standalone mode remember where you left them between sessions. A tiny thing, but it means you won't start every morning slamming the low C on a piccolo articulation.

Drop the buffer to 128 for tighter Morph feel

Out of the box, Augmented STRINGS sounds lovely. A couple of preference tweaks make it yours faster.

• Audio buffer size in standalone: Crank it down to 128 or 64 samples if your Mac can handle it. The Morph control feels noticeably snappier with low latency, and you'll rely on that slider constantly.
• Morph destination count: The default setup maps a few obvious targets. Head into the modulation panel and fill out all eight custom destinations early. Mapping Morph to grain density, reverb mix, and a synth oscillator's detune on the same gesture turns a simple patch into an evolving performance.
• Velocity curve: The factory curve works for piano-style controllers, but weighted-key players might prefer a slightly softer response for the bowed articulations. It keeps those long crescendos from jumping to fortissimo too abruptly.
• MIDI channel routing: If you're sequencing with multiple controllers, lock each layer to its own channel and control string swells independently from a fader bank.

• macOS 11 or later
• 64-bit DAW (Intel and Apple Silicon supported)