Arturia Bridges Analog and Digital: Sie Medway-Smith & Dan Lacksman’s Hybrid Jam

Hybrid Beginnings: Setting the Stage for Analog–Digital Synergy

The video opens with Sie Medway-Smith introducing the legendary Synsound studio in Brussels, home to Dan Lacksman of Telex. The atmosphere is one of anticipation as the two prepare to jam in Dan’s synth room, surrounded by a formidable array of analog keyboards and, crucially, the Moog Modular. Arturia’s entire software suite is also on hand, setting the scene for a session that promises to blur the lines between hardware and software workflows.

From the outset, there’s a clear intent to explore the integration of Arturia’s plugins with classic analog gear. The conversation quickly turns to the idea of using both the Moog Modular hardware and its Arturia Modular V software counterpart. This dual approach is positioned as both a technical experiment and a reflection of modern production realities, where tactile control and digital flexibility are equally valued.

Jamming the Divide: Moog Modular Meets Modular V

Sie and Dan launch into a jam session that places the Moog Modular and Arturia’s Modular V side by side. The workflow here is refreshingly pragmatic: rather than pitting hardware against software, the duo embraces both, letting each contribute its strengths to the evolving soundscape. The session is less about technical one-upmanship and more about creative interplay, with the musicians responding to each other and to the unique character of each instrument.

Throughout the jam, the video demonstrates how seamlessly the virtual Modular V can complement its analog ancestor. The result is a layered, evocative ensemble that leverages the immediacy of hardware patching alongside the recall and flexibility of software. The approach is emblematic of contemporary hybrid production, where the boundaries between physical and digital instruments are increasingly porous.

Tactility vs. Convenience: The Evolution of Software Instruments

As the session unfolds, Sie and Dan reflect on the rapid evolution of software instruments. They note that technological advances have brought plugins and hardware closer together than ever before, with the last five years marking a particularly significant leap. Yet, the tactile experience of hardware remains irreplaceable for both artists, who openly express their affection for reaching over and tweaking physical controls.

The conversation highlights a core tension in modern music production: the convenience and power of plugins versus the hands-on satisfaction of analog gear. Rather than seeing this as a binary choice, the video frames it as a spectrum—one where producers are increasingly free to combine the best of both worlds, depending on the needs of the moment and the demands of the music.

"The more the technology progresses, the closer these things come together."

© Screenshot/Quote: Arturiaofficial (YouTube)

FX Collection 5: Sculpting the Hybrid Mix

Mixdown is where Arturia’s FX Collection 5 steps into the spotlight. Sie and Dan walk through the process of enhancing their hybrid jam with a suite of effects, including the Dimension D for stereo widening, the new Bus Exciter for added presence, and classic EQ and compression tools. The workflow is direct: select a sound, choose an effect, and tweak parameters in real time, with immediate audible results.

What stands out is how the FX Collection 5 is used not just to polish virtual sounds, but also to bring out the character of analog sources. The effects are applied with a sense of playfulness and experimentation, demonstrating how modern plugins can serve as both corrective tools and creative partners in the mix. The process feels organic, with each effect slotting naturally into the hybrid signal chain.

Philosophy in Practice: Passion, Technology, and Effortless Mixing

"I don't think that I have ever mixed something with such ease in my life."

© Screenshot/Quote: Arturiaofficial (YouTube)

As the session wraps up, Sie and Dan reflect on the philosophy behind their workflow. They praise Arturia’s passion for instrument design, emphasizing that the company’s products feel crafted by people who genuinely care about the music-making experience. This ethos, they suggest, is what enables such a seamless blend of analog and digital tools.

The final mix is described as having almost arranged and mixed itself—a testament to the power of combining intuitive hardware with flexible software. The collaboration stands as a case study in how passion and technology, when thoughtfully integrated, can make the technical aspects of production almost invisible, allowing creativity to take center stage.