EFx REFRACT by Arturia multi-effect plugin interface

EFx REFRACT: Multi-Effect Unison Plugin by Arturia

Rated 4.3/5 on Plugin Boutique (14 ratings)

EFx REFRACT is a stereo multi-effect plugin from Arturia that spreads any audio source across up to 8 unison voices and a selectable Mode FX, such as Bandpass, Comb Filter, Bitcrusher, Distortion or Harmonizer.

VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

EFx REFRACT uses a super unison engine to duplicate the signal into multiple stereo voices, widening and thickening the sound in a chorus-like way. Each voice can be processed through one of five Mode FX, and the visual interface shows the dispersion path as you adjust voices, filters, effects and the LFO. The plugin ships with 47 built-in presets and is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats for Windows and macOS.

Best for

Widening stereo sounds
Building tension in arrangements
Distorted synth textures
Harmonized pad effects
Experimental sound design
Sweeping filtered atmospheres

Developer: Arturia
Category: Multi-Effects
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Super Unison refraction engine with up to 8 stereo voices
Five selectable Mode FX with specific controls for each
Bandpass, Comb Filter, Bitcrusher, Distortion and Harmonizer modes
Four distortion algorithms and 12 harmonizer chords
Input and output filters for shaping the signal
Pre-configured LFO with synced rates
Dynamic interface with real-time 3D graphics
47 built-in presets and A/B comparison

03In depth

Super Unison Sound and Mode FX

The core of EFx REFRACT is its super unison engine, which runs up to 8 stereo voices in parallel. Used on its own, the refraction stage enriches and widens a sound. Arturia also includes input and output filters to shape the signal before and after processing.

The five Mode FX give the engine a wider range of character. Bandpass creates sweeping, muted tones through a Cutoff control centered across the dispersion voices. Comb Filter, Bitcrusher, Distortion and Harmonizer are also available. The Distortion section offers four algorithms, and the Harmonizer offers 12 chords.

Controls, LFO and Workflow

EFx REFRACT is built around a simple control scheme that maps several parameters at once to produce its dispersion effect. The interface uses real-time 3D graphics that animate as you change voices, filters, Mode FX and the LFO, so you can see how the signal path is changing.

The pre-configured LFO includes synced rates, which helps keep modulation locked to your project tempo. An A/B comparison function lets you switch between two settings to check changes quickly.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Arturia
Type	Plugin
Category	Multi Effect
Formats	VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats and operating systems does EFx REFRACT support?

EFx REFRACT is available in VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS, and the plugin is 64-bit.

What do I need to run EFx REFRACT?

EFx REFRACT needs a 64-bit host that supports VST, AAX, Audio Unit or NKS plugins. On macOS it requires macOS 11 or later, and on Windows Windows 10 or later (64-bit). Both platforms need 4 GB of RAM, a 4-core CPU, 1 GB of free disk space and an OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU. ARM processors are not supported on Windows.

What are the main effect modes in EFx REFRACT?

You can refract on its own or add one of five Mode FX: Bandpass, Comb Filter, Bitcrusher, Distortion or Harmonizer. Each mode has its own set of controls.