“Let's start from the past... I loved the TB 303, a truly enchanting bass machine with such a particular sound that it quickly became an indispensable tool for music production. Now, with Acid V, I've found the same sound but on steroids! The convenience of having a plugin for your DAW always ready is a huge strong point. Let's then talk about all the additional functions that Team Arturia has accustomed us to having in all its products, well I can't do without them anymore. I have always found the filter of the TB303 amazing, characterized by an incredible wickedness and acidity, which have made it a real trademark, but with Acid V I have much more at my disposal: 14 types of distortion, a powerful sequencer with 64 steps which combined with the "Polymetric" function gives the possibility of creating truly unique sequences, a truly complete set of integrated effects, 3 modulation sources that can be freely programmed and assigned to what I want and much more. I love Acid V and think it will be a favorite tool for many producers. As mentioned before Acid V is a TB303 on steroids! Basically I don't have a standardized method when I do sound design work. In fact I typically follow the instinct and sensations that the instrument I'm working on gives me. It's really a matter of emotions and inspiration. Naturally then I try to make the most of the possibilities and potential of the instrument to achieve what I have in mind. Another important thing is that being a musician, I always keep in mind that everything I create in terms of sound design "has to be playable". I believe this is an essential characteristic in my work. Another case is if I have a specific target to follow. In this case, the goal is always to create fantastic sounds but which fit, for example, into a certain musical genre. Here too, however, many of the choices I make are dictated by sensations.”

“I understand that the fact that the original 303 sequencer is difficult to use is probably one of the reasons why the first few pieces released with the 303 sound as they do. However, having a sequencer that makes it simple to edit the various parameters actually makes a difference when compared to the hardware version. With just a few clicks, one may create very interesting sequences. The "Rotate" function is quite useful as it makes it easy to hear the same sequence under a new angle. Another fast way to have variations on an existing sequence is to use the "Gate" parameters. It is frequently rewarding to modulate it. The distortion plays a major part in the 303's sound. Having all of Arturia's distortion algorithms integrated makes it possible to quickly adjust the sound and determine whether anything works or not. My main sources of inspiration were electro tracks in the vein of labels such as CPU records or Analogical Force. Of course, I adore using distortion on my synths, but there are moments when I prefer the unadulterated 303 tones with a straightforward 606 beat. In these circumstances, one can truly appreciate the uniqueness of the 303's sound. I also tried to get away from the typical short sequences. Acid-V has made it simple to alter the sequence, therefore there are no longer any reasons why there shouldn't be variations for the 64 steps. That allowed me to try making more ambient presets, which isn't the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the 303.”

“I really like the possibility of additional modulation and the various types of distortions that give a unique character to the entire instrument. This allows for creating completely original sounds or reproducing the sounds associated with iconic tracks. The most important thing for me was to create a sound and pattern that would be progressive and unique, so that each time it was played there would be slight differences in the character of its sound or dynamics. Non-obvious and unique sounds are also important to me.”

“I love the modulation section with the sequencer and effects. It’s way more user friendly and efficient to dial in a pattern. The fact that you attach these patterns to the distortion which allows you to accentuate certain notes in the pattern is probably the most powerful feature. I also love the randomizer in the sequencer, which allows you to introduce specific amounts of randomization… SO cool. When designing acid sounds, my goal is usually to provide an interesting, driving and catchy pattern that can articulate a range of intensity so the user can reduce the distortion or close the filter as a way of introducing the sound and then gradually open the filter or add more distortion to add tension and build the song. This makes the preset so much more versatile and fun to play with!”

“I love how Acid V remains true to the character of the 303 but is not afraid to expand on its possibilities and its tonal palette. The fact that absolutely EVERYTHING in it can be so easily modulated makes me wish all older Arturia synths would get a similar upgrade! Maybe something for the future? If so, you'll make so many of us happy! It's a bit of a natural flow for me. I will start with whatever sounds the most fun. Admittedly, more often than not, that means cranking up the distortion all the way. Then I dial it down (or not) until it makes sense to me, add a bit of variation, modulation here and there. Then I'll do that again a few times to get similar sounds with different tones. Then my ears get fatigued, and that's when I start going in the opposite direction, looking for ways to make it sound smooth and mellow. Then something in between. Then some bread and butter sounds since we all need some keyboardist friendly presets, and to wrap things up, I start pushing the synth in ALL the wrong directions until it doesn't sound like it's supposed to. It's always a fun ride!”