9.1Essential
Arturia Pigments is a software synthesizer combining six synthesis engines, drag-and-drop modulation, filters, effects, and sequencing.
Plugin comparison
Arturia Pigments vs Output Substance
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which synth to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
Contenders
The side-by-side
8.3Great
Output Substance is a multi-mode sample instrument for modern basses, designed hits, and hybrid low-end sound design.
Score verdict
Which should you buy?
On the Dubspot Score, Arturia Pigments comes out ahead (9.1). That said, the right pick depends on your workflow and budget — read both reviews before deciding.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | Arturia Pigments | Output Substance |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | $199 |
| Dubspot Score | 9.1 | 8.3 |
| Formats | Standalone, VST, VST3, AAX, Audio Unit (AU), NKS | VST3, AU, AAX |
| Synthesis engines | Six engines: Modal, Granular, Wavetable, Sample, Harmonic, and Virtual Analog (plus a Utility engine) | — |
| Filters | 19 filter types and 68 filter modes | — |
| Effects | 20 effects, with 3 FX slots per bus across two insert buses and one send/return bus | — |
| Presets | Over 1,700 presets | — |
| Current version | Pigments 7 | — |
| Platforms | Windows 10+ (64-bit) and macOS 11+ (incl. Apple M1); 4 GB RAM, 3 GB disk space | — |
| Type | — | Multi-mode sample instrument |
| Developer | — | Output |
| Typical price | — | $199 |
| Formats | — | VST3, AU, AAX |
| Primary job | — | Designed basses, hits, and hybrid low-end |
| Catalog status | — | Current as of 2026 |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.