You're currently on:
Augmented YANGTZE
Acoustic instruments reinvented
Augmented YANGTZE is a software instrument that unites the unique essence of traditional Chinese instruments with the raw power of synthesis. Discover a spectrum of Chinese musical motifs and modern textures brought to life with experimental processing.
Traditional transformed
An exploration of China's rich musical heritage, seamlessly woven into the fabric of modern sound design.
Augmented YANGTZE blends meticulous sampling with innovative multilayered synthesis for a sound that transcends traditional musical boundaries. From the rich, earthy tones of the bass Dizi and Xiao to the sparkling overtones of the Yangqin and Erhu to the soulful plucked strings of the Pipa and Guqin - each timbre is presented with unparalleled clarity and depth. Whether you’re a composer, producer or sound designer, dive into a wellspring of expressive, textural soundscapes.
Bowed, plucked and more
Augmented YANGTZE offers a rich and uniquely textured palette of sounds from China’s most well-known traditional instruments. Explore 200 presets and discover breathtaking soundscapes with the Bass Dizi & Xiao, Pipa, Guqin, Yangqin and Erhu.
Layer your own sound
Build your own ensemble with Augmented YANGTZE’s multi-engine flexibility. Experiment with 2 layers, each containing 2 sound sources, and weave your own custom combination of sampling and synthesis for a convergence of acoustic textures and professional grade effects.
Authentic to abstract
Immersive, warped, traditional, transcendent and everything in between. 6 instruments, 38 articulations, 30 processed & multisample articulations, 4 types of synthesis, 2 sampler engines and built-in FX - explore a near-limitless spectrum of composition-ready textures and timbres.
Morphing power
Augmented YANGTZE’s library is designed to be morphed, giving you a truly unique & ever-evolving sound at the turn of a wheel. Augment music tradition into otherworldly sonic rendition, for a contemporary take on classic instruments.
Transform sound instantly
Enhance your sound with intuitive modulation using a streamlined set of macro controls and insert effects. Adjust your parameters with ease for both subtle changes and dramatic transformations - from cutoff color to call-and-response delay.
Deeper customization
Quickly select, morph and adjust a dynamic hybrid sound from the main instrument view, or dig deeper in the advanced panel for access to intricate modulation, arpeggiation, custom sound sources, and more.
Confluence of sound
Morph to discover a unity of opposites - between natural and artificial
On one side, a library of enhanced organic sounds. On the other, 4 ultra-powerful synth engines - Augmented YANGTZE invites ou to dance between the two to discover totally unique and evocative composition textures.
Sampling
Recorded with precision, Augmented YANGTZE's sample library embodies the unique spirit of its source, enabling deeply evocative compositions - whether you seek a dynamic textural melody of a lone Erhu or the intricate rhythms of a Guqin or Pipa.
Synthesis
Powered by 4 synth engines including Virtual Analog, Granular, Wavetable, Harmonic, and the Simpler engine - discover evolving ambiences, experimental processing and dynamic after-effects designed to blend and converge with Augmented YANGTZE’s evocative sample library.
Multi-Samples Layering
Virtual Analog
Wavetable
Granular
Harmonics
Simpler
Simple and intuitive
Leap into creativity with Augmented YANGTZE's user-friendly interface.
Designed for swift navigation, discover an instrument that facilitates immediate sound sculpting without sacrificing depth. Harness the vast library of presets and accessible controls to realize your vision quickly and efficiently, whether shaping a vivid Pipa solo or orchestrating a complex, layered soundscape.
Move seamlessly between organic and synthetic, create a dense tapestry of layered sound with a single sweep of Augmented YANGTZE’s central Morph control. A whole new dimension of authentic and abstract sound within one preset.
Advanced sound design
Push the boundaries of what's possible with Augmented YANGTZE's Advanced panel - to rearrange, modulate, and arpeggiate your hybrid ensemble.
Augmented YANGTZE’s intuitive interface and diverse preset library brings quick results when you need them - but further sound customisation is just a click away. The Advanced panel takes you deep into the inner workings of the instrument, giving you detailed control over your sound sources, modulation, performance, and beyond.
Tap into the full capabilities of Augmented YANGTZE’s sound sources by adjusting the dual engines within each layer. This puts 4 sound sources at your disposal; any combination of up to 2 sampling and 2 synthesis engines. Within each engine, make subtle tweaks or drastic changes, from filter sculpting to waveform combinations to sample mic blend.
Capturing Magic
We knew that in order to create fresh and exciting sounds with Augmented YANGTZE, we first had to capture beautiful and authentic samples.
The recording sessions unfolded over several full days in Sydney, Australia, under the meticulous guidance of experienced sound designers and engineers. We relied on esteemed microphones such as the Neumann U47, Neumann KM84s, and Neumann KM54s, paired with top-tier API and TG preamps. This setup was chosen to preserve the natural, rich, and clear essence of each instrument, deliberately minimizing outboard processing to maintain the authentic timbre and full-bodied sound.
Evocative instruments
An ancient musical tradition, recast for the future.
Augmented YANGTZE harnesses the natural, evolving textures of traditional Chinese instruments, many of which are inspired by elemental features of the landscape.
Erhu
A two-stringed bowed instrument, the Erhu is one of the most recognizable Chinese instruments in both China and the wider world. It's known for its expressive sound, capable of conveying a range of emotions.
Pipa
Often referred to as the Chinese lute, the Pipa is a four-stringed plucked instrument with a pear-shaped body. It is 2,000 years old and is celebrated for its dynamic range and distinctive sound.
Guqin
A seven-stringed zither, the Guqin is one of the oldest Chinese musical instruments, dating back to over 3,000 years ago. It is highly regarded in Chinese culture for its refined sound and association with scholars and philosophers.
Bass Dizi
A type of Chinese flute, the Dizi is known for its bright and resonant sound. The Bass Dizi refers to the lower-pitched versions of this instrument. Dizis are made of bamboo and are used widely throughout Chinese music.
Xiao
A vertical bamboo flute, the Xiao has a mellower tone compared to the Dizi. It is an ancient instrument, traditionally associated with scholarly and spiritual practice.
Yangqin
A hammered dulcimer, the Yangqin is struck with bamboo mallets to produce a crisp and melodious sound. It's used in both solo and ensemble settings and adds a distinct brightness to Chinese music.
Brought to life with evolution series
Augmented YANGTZE has been made possible with the expertise and sounds of Evolution Series. A dedicated team of developers who capture the most expressive performances to deliver completely authentic libraries. With a focus on the raw quality of traditional instruments and voices, Evolution Series continues to set the bar for high-quality sound and intuitive engines, suitable for all types of composing.
Dynamic presets for every purpose
From lo-fi trills and dynamic pizzicato strings to misty, evolving drones.
Embark on a sonic journey from echoes of ancient China to groundbreaking hybrid textures. Augmented YANGTZE's library is your gateway to immediate and impactful musical storytelling, suited for any creative challenge.
PressClippings
Gearspace
On Augmented YANGTZE
“It strikes a great balance between capturing the essence of its source material and providing ample room for creative sound design”
ANR
On Augmented YANGTZE
“It strikes a great balance between capturing the essence of its source material and providing ample room for creative sound design.”
The features you need
Gallery
Main Features
Virtual Instruments playable in a DAW (Live, FL Studio, Logic,...) or standalone with a MIDI keyboard.
2 Layers within each preset; each layer contains 2 customizable sound sources
Detailed Chinese instrument sample library with processed and multisample articulations
- Winds: Bass Dizi / Xiao
- Plucked Strings: Pipa / Guqin
- Hit Strings: Yangqin
- Bowed Strings: Erhu
- 38 instrument articulations
- 15 Processed Multisample/articulations
- 15 additional Multisample/articulations
Flexible synth engines
- Virtual analog with our award winning TAE® technology
- Granular engine producing Warp, glitch and stretch sounds
- Harmonic engine based on additive synthesis
- Wavetable engine for more abrasive digital sounds
- Two types of sampler engines
Morph control moves between Layers A and B, as well as affecting up to 8 custom destinations
7 additional macros: Time, Color, Motion, FX A, FX B, Reverb, Delay
2 LFOs, 2 Function Generators, 2 Random Generators, 4 Keyboard modulation sources, dedicated Vibrato & Tremolo
2 FX slots per layer with 14 FX including ParamEQ, Bitcrusher, BL-20 Flanger, and more
Dedicated Delay and Reverb sends with 5 spatial/time-based algorithms
Built-in 16-step arpeggiator
200 factory presets included
MPE compatibility
Platform specifications
Windows
- Win 10+ (64bit)
- 4 GB RAM
- 4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost)
- 3GB free hard disk space
- OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU
- ARM processors not supported on Windows
Required configuration
- Works in Standalone, VST, AAX, Audio Unit, NKS (64-bit DAWs only).
Apple
- Mac OS 11+
- 4 GB RAM
- 4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost) or M1 CPU
- 3GB free hard disk space
- OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU
Work with ASC
- An elegant and simple solution to help you install, activate, and update your Arturia software instruments.
All manufacturer and product names mentioned on this page are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Arturia. The trademarks of other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products of those manufacturers whose features and sound were studied during the development. All names of equipment, inventors, and manufacturers have been included for illustrative and educational purposes only, and do not suggest any affiliation or endorsement by any equipment inventor or manufacturer.
*NKS ready
| Variant | 1 |
