MusicRadar

The Origin interface is cluttered, but with so many features, it had to be.

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Mix and match

By swapping modules around, you can really start to hear what the different combinations sound like with only a couple of button presses. Using the main round dial for editing parameters and navigating pages/ functions (which is also a select button) makes editing/navigating straightforward, though a mouse option would have been the business.

Modules from the four main engine types (CS-80V, Minimoog V, Jupiter-8V, and ARP2600 V) can be selected and – if you're worried that things might be a little too analogue for you – Arturia have even included a Wavetable Oscillator module, loaded up with thousands of pristine digital Prophet VS wavetables.

All can be selected and combined in new ways for never-before-heard sounds, which is the real key to the Origin's appeal.

For example, you can mix any combination of oscillators and filters until the 32-note polyphony runs out. 32 notes may seem stingy, but in practice, only massively layered CPU-heavy sounds result in noticeable note robbing.

Most combinations remain perfectly playable even when there are many oscillators and filters in residence. Also, it's worth noting the 'Origin' labelled modules on board, which are designed to lessen CPU load.

Control

The eight white dials surrounding the screen can be mapped to various functions as required in the live page. They don't correlate directly in line with functions on the screen - this is because they can be freely assigned to any parameter.

Each dial also has its own colour in the display and each parameter selected takes on the colour of the corresponding dial to help show you what tweaks what.

One major downside for tweakers and performers is that there is only one front-panel envelope. Most people would have much-preferred two – one for the amp and one for the filter.

As it stands, you have to do some menu diving and butting pressing to swap the envelope between amp and filter. This is a pain; most synths have both on their front panels for maximum performance grab-ability.

Sound

It's with great pleasure that we can tell you that the Origin sounds amazing and well worth the effort that Arturia has put into programming it. It's everything you would expect and more and should keep you occupied for many years.

Any presets that you might make can be moved between the Origin hardware version and the computer thanks to the Origin Connection software. These can then be uploaded and shared on the web. However, the option to have Origin appear in your DAW as software not yet there.

Anyone familiar with the Arturia Jupiter-8V, Moog Minimoog/Modular V and the CS-80V will feel very at home with the Origin's emulations. What is missing in the current release version of the software, though, are real graphical emulations of three of these instruments. The Minimoog does have a full graphical representation and is much easier to program as a result.

"Origin's sound quality is deep, rich, earthy and wonderfully analogue with each synth engine having its own unmistakeable character."