CMI V is a software recreation of the Fairlight CMI sampling workstation, a digital instrument from Arturia that layers sampling, additive synthesis and a set of built-in sounds.
CMI V at a glance
| Developer | Arturia |
|---|---|
| Type | Instruments / Sampler |
| Formats | VST2, AU, AAX, Standalone |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS 10.13 or later |
| Apple Silicon | Native |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| RAM | 4 GB or more |
| Disk space | 3 GB |
| Free trial | Available |
| Price on Plugin Boutique (October 2026) | €147.76 |
What CMI V does
The plugin is presented as a faithful reincarnation of the Fairlight CMI, which the developer describes as the first commercially available digital sampler. Arturia states that the software keeps the character of the original while adding features that were not possible at the time. Ten digital instruments can be played at once in a mixing layout, and each instrument draws from three different means of sound generation.
The sampling engine is the most obvious part of the design, and the developer notes it is the first use of the term in the industry. A separate additive synthesis engine lets each harmonic component be shaped over time, and a simpler additive mode is offered for exploring the same technique. Around 300 presets are included, drawing on an original library of sounds, and samples can be worked on from the included library.
Key features
- Sampling engine. The sampling engine is the core of the instrument and is the same technique the original Fairlight CMI introduced to the industry in 1980.
- Additive synthesis engine. Each harmonic component can be controlled over time, so timbres are built from the harmonics up instead of being sampled.
- Simplified additive mode. A newer, simpler additive mode is included for users who want to explore additive synthesis without the full control set.
- Ten instruments at once. Up to ten digital instruments can be played simultaneously in a mixing layout, each combining the three sound generation methods.
- Presets and library. Around 300 expertly designed presets are included, along with an original library of sounds that can be used as a starting point.
- Crack, keygen and serial variants. Keygen, serial key and crack builds of the plugin appear in search results alongside the name, and the Standalone version is listed separately.
Use cases
- Sampling and synthesis together. The instrument is intended for work at the intersection of sampling and digital synthesis, where samples and additive timbres are combined in one patch.
- Sound design from the harmonics up. Sound designers can shape timbres by controlling individual harmonic components rather than starting from a recorded sample.
Compatibility
CMI V is available as VST2, AU and AAX plugins and as a Standalone application for Windows and macOS (64-bit), with native support for Apple Silicon listed. The minimum macOS version is 10.13, and it needs 4 GB of RAM and 3 GB of disk space.
Who it is for
Producers and sound designers who want to work with the sound of the original Fairlight CMI or explore sampling combined with additive synthesis will find the instrument’s structure useful. A trial is available for checking the layout before use.
Price and availability
CMI V was listed on Plugin Boutique in October 2026 at €147.76. A free trial is offered. Prices change often, so the store page shows the current one.
CMI V FAQ
Is there a working serial key or keygen for CMI V?
Keygen and serial key strings are searched alongside the name, and the x64 crack and x86 crack builds are the ones most often named in those queries.
Is CMI V available as a torrent or magnet link?
Torrent and magnet link copies of the instrument are listed in searches, and the repack is packed as .rar and .iso files.
Does CMI V run on Apple Silicon Macs?
Yes. The developer lists native support for Apple Silicon, and the minimum macOS version is 10.13.