The patches in the Omnisphere 2.6 update are very close to the original sounds you may remember from way back when, that is, if you’ve ever heard the real deal. Even if you didn’t use the D-50 yourself, it has been used in many movie and TV soundtracks, and major artists have featured it on their albums.
- Legato Omnisphere 2 Free
- Omnisphere 2 Cheap
- Legato Omnisphere 2 0
- Omnisphere 2 Pc
- Legato Omnisphere 2 0
- Legato Omnisphere 2 1
A flagship synthesizer gets updated with an improved arpeggiator and many more profiles for hardware integration.
Legato Omnisphere 2 Free
by Rob Mitchell, May 2019
Omnisphere 2.6 features a new and improved arpeggiator and support for many more hardware synthesizers. Over 1,600 new patches have been added, it has over 500 DSP waveforms and it now includes over 14,000 sounds to choose from. Before I go into any depth on the new features in 2.6, I thought I’d briefly describe some basics of Omnisphere in case you are not familiar with it. Each patch (part) can have up to four layers, effects and a dedicated arp. For each layer, you can select between sample sources or waveforms for standard synthesis with optional unison or the Harmonia feature which multiplies each layer’s oscillator capabilities. The sample sources can also be manipulated with the synthesis features. You can easily copy and paste the settings between the layers. Several filter types are available with serial and parallel settings. There are 48 slots for setting up modulation in the mod matrix section, eight LFOs, twelve envelopes, waveshaping, ring modulation, FM and granular synthesis can further enhance your patches. A huge selection of effects are on board to give your patches just the right edginess or polish that they might need. A Multi is a higher level than the part that can use a combination of patches in different configurations with up to eight parts simultaneously. The re-sizable display makes it a joy to use on any size of monitor.
Omnisphere requires a 2.4 GHz or higher CPU and 8+ GB of RAM. For the PC it requires Windows 7 (or higher OS) 64-bit, and for the Mac you’ll need OS X 10.11 El Capitan (or higher). It works with AU, AAX, VST 2.4 compatible hosts and there is a standalone version.
This review will mainly lean towards what is new for version 2.6. Here is an earlier review we published for version 2.3 which covers some other details: https://soundbytesmag.net/omnisphere23review/
Arpeggiator
With the 2.6 update Spectrasonics has added eight additional pattern modes for the arpeggiator giving it a total of nineteen modes. Those modes include Chord, Up, Down, Up and Down, As Played, Stairs, Join, and many others. Here are three examples of some of the newer modes: The Join mode plays the low note, then the highest note, and continues alternating between notes until they reach each other (hence “join”) with the intervals between the notes closing in towards the middle. The Spread mode is similar to Join, but it works the other way around; alternating low and high, but this time gradually working their way outward (versus inward). The Stairs mode is a rising pattern which rises upward in a similar way to the shape of stairs: two notes upward and then one note down, and it continues that pattern repeatedly.
Omnisphere 2 Cheap
The three included Trigger modes will determine how and when the arp is restarted. The modes are Legato (the arp pattern continues as long as notes are played legato), Song Position (depends on the host settings) and Note (restarts pattern with each new note played). You can set up to a four octave range, change the speed of the arp, and adjust the length of the events you’ve configured in the arp. Other features include a swing amount control and a velocity slider. The velocity slider controls the balance between the step velocity settings in the pattern and the actual velocity of the keys that are played. To set the time value for the steps, you use the Clock setting. From there you may choose the timing value you’d like, such as 1/1, which would mean each step equals a quarter note, 1/2 equals a half note, and 1/4 is a quarter note, etc. Triplet and dotted settings are also included.
Each pattern can have up to 32 steps. To set the number of the steps, you just drag the small blue bar (below the sequence of numbers) until you have the desired amount. The button above of each step number will turn it on or off, or you can click above the button to set the velocity amount (drag up and down to set) and that will also enable the step. To transpose each step, you just click on the 0 (if you started with a blank arp setting) that’s above whichever step you want change.
When you click right above each step it will bring up a menu where you may select from a number of settings. These can be added per-step, and include Transpose, Slide, Chord voicings (with inversions!) and Hi or Lo. Hi ignores the arp and plays the highest note played for that step, and Lo does the same thing for the lowest note played. The Step Dividers will divide each step into various multiples of themselves (i.e. doubles, triples, etc.) and the velocity amount of each division can be set to rise or fall over time.
The new Capture function will grab the notes that you played along with any arp settings you are using at the same time. You can drag the file it generates to another track in your DAW for use with other synth/sampler plugins you may have. The length of the recording can be set to 1, 2, 4, 8 or 16 bars and it automatically starts with the first note you play. It worked perfectly for me when I tried it myself. This is how it looks after I dragged the recorded arp sequence over into my DAW:
Hardware Integration
One of the most exciting features added in version 2.5 was the hardware integration. It allows you to use your hardware synthesizer as a controller to interface with Omnisphere. It isn’t just a MIDI-learn type of setting, as it goes much deeper than that. Each profile is primed and ready to work specifically with that particular synthesizer. You can take the original synth’s sound (or at least a very close likeness of it) to new heights of creativity using the many modulation capabilities and effects available in Omnisphere. I mention a “close likeness” because the way this works depends on how the Spectrasonics programming wizards configured it for each synth. They went into great detail for each of them, and added some new features to make Omnisphere work in much the same way as the hardware.
One such feature that was added in 2.6 is the Bias control. With this addition, it can match the same bias settings that the Roland D-50 synthesizer has. There are eight bias controls per part and you can set them to a certain key (the Bias Point) which affects the other keys above or below it in a linear fashion. It is similar to key tracking, but is more customizable and can be assigned to any of Omnisphere’s available modulation targets. A Left/Right setting lets you pick which side of the keyboard is affected on either side of the Bias point. The range of modulation can also be multiplied by 4 using the 4X button.
Most patches included use more than one layer per patch. Some will use a combination of samples in one layer along with Omnisphere’s powerful synthesis features in another layer. In this latest update, Omnisphere now includes support for over 60 hardware synthesizers and hundreds of new patches.
Here is the synth hardware support list at the time of my review (there may be others in the works).
Even if you don’t have one of those hardware synths, you can still load the patches that were made to integrate with it and access the modeled waveforms and/or samples. For this part of the review I thought I’d cover my experiences while using the Moog Sub Phatty.
It’s very easy to get started. Up at the top of the GUI is a small button labeled HW. Clicking that will give you a menu with a long list of hardware profiles. For my setup, I chose Moog Sub Phatty from that list and it was smooth sailing after that. There are several patches to choose from in Omnisphere (under the category name of SPHAT) that you can tweak or you might want to start from scratch with just basic settings. The controls on the hardware work well with the software and I didn’t run into any issues. Say you want to switch the waveform for the LFO. No problem there. When you change it on the Sub Phatty it switches over to the same waveform in Omnisphere. The same goes for selecting the waveform type for the oscillator, and many others. If you change filter cutoff or the ADSR envelope settings, it automatically bounces you over to the correct display in Omnisphere and changes the corresponding setting.
I noticed that within the Default Sub Phatty patch (first patch when you load the profile) there is a Moog Modular Raw Triangle sample which is used in place of the sub-oscillator in the Sub Phatty. Turning up the sub-oscillator control on the Sub Phatty increases the level for the sample in the layer. The only issue I had with that is the Sub Phatty uses a square waveform for the sub-oscillator, but it still sounds good anyway. Another thing I noticed is that none of the patches in the SPHAT category use the modeled Sub Phatty waveforms in Omnisphere, but around 90% of the patches are using the modeled Moog Modular 4X Shapes wavetable instead. It seems they designed them that way because the regular Sub Phatty modeled waveforms only blend between two different shapes. The Modular 4X type can blend between the same (or at least very similar) waveform shapes that are available on the Sub Phatty, so in that way it is much closer to feel of the original. I know it is supposed to be in the likeness of the hardware and not an emulation of sorts, but I was a little surprised when I found a patch called “Yearning Chips” in the SPHAT category which uses none of the Moog labeled waveforms at all.
When I tried using the preset buttons located over the left side of Sub Phatty, I thought that maybe it would switch to similar sounding patches in Omnisphere, but it didn’t. Then I remembered that there is a part in the setup instructions that mentions for the preset buttons to work you have to assign them with the MIDI Program Change Learn function.
One other thing I wanted to test was using the hidden functions that the Sub Phatty has. The first one I tried was the filter slope setting. The results were a little strange, as I selected (in order) 6dB/octave, 12dB/octave, 18dB/octave and finally the classic Moog 4-pole 24dB/octave setting on the Sub Phatty. This is done by going into what they call Shift mode, and then you press the Bank 2 and Patch 1 buttons at the same time. Then you just press one of the four lowest keys (C, C#, D, D#) to change to one of the different slope settings I mentioned earlier. So what result did I get? When I pressed the low C key it changed to the HPF Power 24dB, C# gave me the Bandpass Power 24dB, the D key switched it to the LPF Power 12dB, and the D# changed it to the LPF Power 24dB. Anyway, C should have been 6dB/octave, C# normally changes it to 12dB/octave, D is for 18dB/octave slope, and D# is for the 4-pole 24dB/octave setting. Long story short, I ended up writing to Spectrasonics support. They promptly wrote me back that same day and told me the hidden functions of the Sub Phatty are not mapped out. I’m glad I reached out to them since it saved me lots of time and frustration. However, the fact that they are not mapped should be documented somewhere.
As for the other sounds that are available, the Roland D-50 patches hold a special place in my heart as I used the actual synth hardware while attending college. They had a D-50 in the music studio along with (among other items) some samplers, drum machines, many microphones and cords, a mixing console, patch bay and an Atari 1040ST. When I first heard the D-50 I was amazed by its sound and wanted to use it for nearly everything. The patches in the Omnisphere 2.6 update are very close to the original sounds you may remember from way back when, that is, if you’ve ever heard the real deal. Even if you didn’t use the D-50 yourself, it has been used in many movie and TV soundtracks, and major artists have featured it on their albums. It was definitely one popular synth, that’s for sure! Don’t get me wrong, there are many great patches from other synths included as well. I found myself returning to the Alesis Andromeda, Sequential OB-6, and Nord Wave patches more often than some of the others. I can’t imagine how much work Spectrasonics put in to create all the sampled sounds, modeled waveforms/wavetables and patches, as well as the hardware configuration settings. It must have been an enormous task, but I am sure it was a labor of love along the way. Hopefully they will have more releases for the hardware integration (along with additional patches, of course) down the road.
Conclusion
I was very impressed by Omnisphere’s easy to use interface. Once I knew where everything was located (there is a small learning curve) it was easy to navigate to the various sections of the synth. It is very intuitive and a joy to work with. It is easily one of simplest to use (yet most powerful!) synths I have ever encountered. With that said, for such a small update (0.1 increment) it represents a huge undertaking in man-hours for the craftsmanship of preset design and hardware integration. The only improvements I can think of are the ability to use the arpeggiator as a mod source and maybe a few more options for the granular synthesis. Though I have never seen Omnisphere on any type of sale (unless I didn’t get the memo?), the updates are such a huge value that it easily makes the full price asked for well worth the cost. Well done Spectrasonics!
Omnisphere 2.6 retails for $499 USD you can get more info on Omnisphere here:
You may also be interested in:
Spectrasonics released their flagship synthesizer Omnisphere back in 2008. Since then it’s become known to professional sound designers and discerning producers as a feature-rich synth that’s capable of creating lush organic and synthetic soundscapes in the studio in addition to being an expressive and fully customizable performance tool.
The highly anticipated Omnisphere 2 was recently released and boasts many features that expand its sonic palette even further. It now includes a library of more than 12,000 classic and modern sounds that includes the Spotlight EDM library, all of which is easily accessible through Omnisphere 2’s intuitive new browser. Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2 is one of the most popular plugins among Splice users – Sign up for a free Splice account to download full Abelton Live, FL Studio, and Logic projects that make use of Omnisphere 2’s features and read on to discover some of the ways that it can contribute to your production toolkit.
Main Page
Omnisphere 2’s Main Page is where you’ll access most of its primary controls. It’s here that you can adjust global tuning and performance parameters that affect all aspects of Omnisphere 2’s sound and behavioral characteristics. The Main Page is also where you can adjust global parameters such as overall amplitude gain, MIDI channel routing, and audio output routing. The Master Filter section at the bottom of the Main Page provides you with a global Highpass and global Lowpass filter with adjustable Cutoff and Resonance controls.
Notes view offers an overview of the currently selected patch, while Layers view provides a more detailed look at the various layers that combine to create it. Each patch that you create using Omnisphere 2 can be constructed of components derived from both Waveforms and Soundsources, which you can freely explore by cycling through them in this window.
Soundsource Zoom gives you further control over the sound and behavior of Soundsources by allowing you to adjust virtual microphone placement, selection of playback algorithms, articulation modes, legato settings, and more.
The Oscillator Zoom section provides you with advanced options for sculpting your sounds and is the center of Omnisphere 2’s sound design capabilities. It’s here that you can choose from over 400 available wavetables and access several synthesis modes including FM, RM, Waveshaper, Unison, Harmonia, and Granular. You can use the Shape, Symmetry, and Hard Sync sliders to adjust the shape of the selected wavetable and alter its characteristics.
Orb
Omnisphere 2’s Orb is one of its most unique and defining features, and functions equally well as both a production and performance tool. The Orb allows you to instantly manipulate a sound in many different ways by introducing dynamic gestures to macro parameter automations in a way that’s far superior to what’s possible with a standard X/Y controller. Spectrasonics has also developed the Omni TR controller app for Apple iPad which is the perfect controller for the Orb and is available for free at Apple’s digital App Store. Every single patch in Omnisphere 2 has this capability, and operation of the Orb couldn’t be simpler. The closer to the edges of the circle the cursor is moved, the more dramatic the changes will be – moving the cursor to the center of the Orb or pressing the Clear button returns the sound to its original state. The overall intensity of the sound modification is determined with the Depth slider. A completely new set of manipulations can be chosen at any time by simply clicking the Dice button, which instantly creates a brand new group of modifications and effects. The Orb can also be setup manually and used as a modulation source in Omnisphere 2’s Mod Matrix or automated within your DAW.
Audio Import
New to Omnisphere’s latest edition is the ability to import your own audio for use as Soundsources. This feature allows you to process your own audio the same way you would with any of the included Factory Soundsources. You can manipulate your audio using any of Omnisphere 2’s synthesis capabilities as well as any of the onboard effects modules provided. This means that you can import any audio loop, vocal sample, or even an entire mix to transform the audio into something completely different. See what Spectrasonics founder Eric Persing has to say about some of Omnisphere 2’s latest features in the video below:
FX
Omnisphere 2 comes with a powerful selection of 58 high quality effects that can be used as either sends or inserts. Almost all of the FX parameters loaded in Part Racks can be modulated with any modulation trigger source, meaning that FX can be fully integrated into the synthesis architecture and character of a patch, which makes using them much more integrated and powerful than using standard FX plugins alone. In addition to individual FX Presets you can also load or save Rack Presets, which recall entire FX chains with all of their settings intact.
Arpeggiator
Omnisphere 2 has a built-in Arpeggiator that features multiple modes and trigger options paired with a variable-length 32-step Pattern Programmer. Version two provides enhanced melodic flexibility with the addition of a per-step note transposition feature.
Mixer
The Mixer section offers a comprehensive overview of all Parts contained within a Multi. It provides you with Mute and Solo switches for fine-tuning specific Parts and level sliders for mixing the various Parts together to taste. A Pan control is also included for placing each Part within the stereo field, as well as four Aux Sends which correspond to the FX section.
Stack Mode
Omnisphere 2’s Stack Mode gives you fine control over specific performance and playability parameters. Stack Mode makes it possible to create splits, layers, and crossfades for up to eight Parts simultaneously, all controlled from a single MIDI track or from a single controller. With Notes, each Part region is mapped to a MIDI note range, allowing you to map splits, layers, and crossfades across your keyboard. With Velocity, each Part region responds to a specific velocity range, which causes different Part regions to be triggered by playing harder or softer. With CC, Part regions can be switched and crossfaded using MIDI control change messages.
Live Mode
Live Mode allows you to seamlessly switch and layer patches on the fly. Live Mode was designed for use in a live performance environment, but is also an inspiring way to interact with the sounds of Omnisphere 2 in studio situations. It’s especially useful for recording multi-Part performances using a single MIDI track in your host sequencer. The Live Mode page has eight slots which each correspond to an Omnisphere 2 Part.The Omni TR controller app mentioned above also works with Live Mode and allows you to quickly stack and activate Parts. Patch names are always displayed in large and easy to read type so that they are clearly visible while performing on stage.
Legato Omnisphere 2 0
Browser
Omnisphere 2 ships with a massive library of over 12,000 sounds – its Browser offers a useful way to search, filter, and browse its contents. There are two types of Browsers in Omnisphere 2: the Full Browser and the Mini-Browser. The Full Browser occupies the entire Omnisphere 2 user interface, which allows for more refined searches and displays more results. The Mini-Browser occupies only the left area of the interface which allows the controls to remain accessible throughout and is convenient for editing sounds while browsing.
With Omnisphere 2, Spectrasonics have stayed true to the quality and character of the original Omnisphere while adding a host of brand new features that are sure to please both newcomers and long-time users alike. It’s currently available in AU, VST, RTAS, and AAX formats for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. You can explore more of Omnisphere 2’s features and sounds by Splicing the projects below!
Omnisphere 2 Pc
Legato Omnisphere 2 0
Splice is the cloud platform for music creation, collaboration and sharing.
Legato Omnisphere 2 1
July 7, 2015