Arturia Wurli V

The Wurlitzer V is a high end software recreation of the classic Wurlitzer 200A electric piano.

Unlike sample libraries, its physical modeling engine reproduces the very acoustic properties of reeds, key action and amplification, bringing you high realism while offering maximum flexibility on sound.

As most producers know, the legendary bright and overdriven Wurlitzer sound heard on classic records also comes from the use of fine amplifiers, micing and processing. This is why the Wurlitzer V goes further by putting you in command of a studio from the 70’s, filled with vintage stompboxes and classic tube amps… everything you need to get a true classic vibe!

If you are looking for a lively electric piano combined with inspiring studio tools, the Wurlitzer V is the ultimate package.

MAIN FEATURES:

• Physical Modeling of the classic Wurlitzer 200A Electric Piano
• Advanced parameters to allow in-depth control over your sound design
• Includes 11 classic stompbox-type modeled effects*
• 4 Guitar Tube Amps and 1 Rotary Speaker modeling for vintage live sound **
• Extensive MIDI mapping of pedals, effects and sound engine parameters

*Modeled amplifiers: Fender Deluxe Reverb Blackface, Fender Twin Reverb Blackface, Fender Bassman, Marshall Plexi, Leslie Speaker.

*Modeled microphones: Shure SM57, Sennheiser MD 421, Neumann U 87.

**Modeled effects: Wah wah pedal, Autowah, Overdrive, Flanger, Compressor, Phaser, Chorus, Delay, Pitch Shifter / Chorus, Vocal Filter, Reverb. 

As the Wurlitzer pianos in good shape are sadly quite rare today, Arturia is proud to revive this classic by introducing a high end physical modeling reproduction.

Where most sample libraries would only focus on recording several facettes of the instrument, the Wurlitzer V brings you an in-depth reproduction, along with a complete studio environment to fully experience the feeling of this electric piano.

PHYSICAL MODELING ENGINE :

Physical modeling synthesis is a method in which the waveform of the sound to be generated is computed by using a mathematical model, being a set of equations and algorithms to simulate a physical source of sound.

Our brand new physical model has been implemented in the Wurlitzer V. It models all components of the Wurlitzer piano with attention to details, including the reeds and hammers themselves, but also the mechanism and action, not forgetting the internal amplification system and acoustic properties of the plastic body. 

The Wurlitzer V carefully emulates the traditional “bag of shot” genuine piano action present in the 200A as pictured below, with the hammers striking the flat reeds at around their center point, causing the reed to vibrate and be converted into electric energy by electrostatic pickups. 

 The result of physical modeling allows notes to be really played (“constructed” in real-time, like on a real Wurlitzer). The sound is alive, not static: it is not a simple recording, but a genuine instrument that responds to the player´s interpretation. Moreover, it´s really light on the computer, does not require storing a huge collection of samples, and avoids the nightmare of tuning each reed.

MAXIMUM SONIC FLEXIBILITY :

The Wurlitzer V allows the musician to interact with the sound, by bringing in-depth parameters right on the main panel.

These parameters allow for deep sound design capabilities, and let you tailor the sound you are looking for in unique ways. This is why the Wurlitzer V is not only great at offering an accurate recreation of the legendary Wurlitzer keyboards, but also ideal for sound-design experiments and creations. 

The Wurlitzer V carefully emulates the traditional “bag of shot” genuine piano action present in the 200-A as pictured above, with the hammers striking the flat reeds at around centrepoint, causing the reed to vibrate and be converted in electric energy by electrostatic pickups. 

The Wurlitzer V settings include :

• Graphic Equalizer: The 10 band graphic Equalizer provides control over the sound spectrum for the Wurlitzer V.
• Vibrato Rate: Sets the speed of the vibrato.
• Pickup Distance: Sets the distance between the tone source and the pickup. When the pickup is moved closer to the tone source, the sound becomes more distorted and the timbre change between soft and loud increases.
• Pickup Axis: In the real Wurlitzer, the pickup is not exactly in front of the tone source at rest. When it is exactly in front, due to the symmetry of the device, the note jumps one octave higher than the normal tone. Turning the pickup Axis knob clockwise makes the pickup move from an unsymmetrical position to a symmetrical position, thus providing a wide range of timbres.
• Impedance:Sets the mechanical impedance of the tines: the greater the impedance, the longer the sound becomes.
• Damper Position:When a note is released, each overtone decays more or less rapidly depending on the damper position. It is particularly noticeable in the bass notes when using partial pedals (and also with keyboards sending variable key release velocity).
• Dynamics:Controls the loudness level between pianissimo and fortissimo. Thanks to the fact that the effect is applied each time a note is calculated, the dynamics feature can be seen as the perfect compressor as it allows you to adjust the dynamics without any distortion.
• Octave Stretch:Octave stretch allows you to simulate a stretch tuning. It can go from subtle to extreme.
• Hammer Hardness:You can choose the hammer hardness.The harder the felt, the more brilliant the sound becomes.
• Hammer Noise:You can adjust the hammer noise, that is, the weight of the hammer percussion sound. With a loud hammer noise, you will feel as though you are standing close to the piano.
• Note Off Noise:Sets the level of key release noise.
• Sustain Pedal Noise:On a Wurlitzer you can hear the mechanical action of the sustain pedal. You can set how loud or soft you want this mechanical noise to sound.
• Velocity Curve:Allows you to adjust the response of your keyboard.