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.
Step 2: Double-click the file 'Omnisphere 2 Downloadable Installer.exe.” Step 3: Click 'Next' to begin the Omnisphere 2 installation process. Step 4: Follow the steps as you're guided through the installation process. Step 5: Make sure to review the Installation Info and Licensing FAQs and accept the license agreement. Jan 22, 2015 After many years of development, we are thrilled to announce that Omnisphere 2 was released on April 30, 2015. This is the first v2.0 of any Spectrasonics instrument and it's truly a gigantic one.
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
Omnisphere 2.6 Manual
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.
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!
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July 7, 2015
Since the announcement of Omnisphere 2 at this years’ NAMM 2015, we have had a lot of enquiries into what users are to expect with Omnisphere 2. This article includes a list of answers to these questions which keep popping up.
What is new in Omnisphere 2?
There are many new and exciting features to Omnisphere 2. Our quick top 10 (in no particular order) most interesting features would be:
1. Audio Import – Use your own audio files as a soundsource in Omnisphere 2
2. Over 400 New DSP Waveforms for the Synth Oscillator – an increase of 100X
3. Over 4,000 new Patches, Soundsources and Multis
4. 25 new Effects Racks
5. Sound Match – Instantly locate any related sound in the library
6. Sound Lock – Lock parameters to keep these settings while you browse
7. New Interface – Redesigned wider interface with mini-browser available at all times
8. 10 morphing Wavetable Oscillators per Patch
9. Powerful new Granular Synthesis – Manipulate from subtle tweaks to beyond recognition
10. Enhanced Modulation Control – with new sources and many more targets
…and much more!
Are Omnisphere 1 and Omnisphere 2 different instruments/products?
No. Omnisphere 2 is simply the next major version of Omnisphere. Everything from version 1 is included in Omnisphere 2 of course!
If I already own Omnisphere, is there an Upgrade to Omnisphere 2?
Yes. If you already are an Omnisphere customer, you are eligible for the Omnisphere 2 Upgrade!
How is the Upgrade delivered?
The Omnisphere 2 Upgrade package will be shipped on 30th April 2015. The upgrade package includes an upgrade code. The Omnisphere 2 upgrade will be a 17 GB download which will be made available through your Spectrasonics user account, once you have registered your upgrade code.
Will the Omnisphere 2 Upgrade be available as a physical product?
Not at this time. The Spectrasonics download service is highly reliable though… even with slower connections.
Will Omnisphere 2 replace my Omnisphere plug-in?
Yes. Omnisphere 2 is the next version of Omnisphere. The Omnisphere 2 Upgrade contents (17GB) will merge with the existing Omnisphere 1 library and become one product, replacing Omnisphere 1 as a plug-in.
When opening older projects which uses a patch from Omni 1, will they load the same?
Absolutely – it is still Omnisphere! Version 2 is fully backwards compatible with version 1 projects.
Omnisphere 2.5 Mediafire
Will custom saved patches/multis be effected when upgrading to Omnisphere 2?
They will open and operate the same as always.
Will the audio import in Omnisphere 2 be for single samples or multi-samples?
It is one sample of any length per soundsource. You can layer up to two soundsources in a patch and 8 patches in a multi.
Keep in mind that Omnisphere’s focus is as a synthesizer and will never be a sampler with multiple velocities, key-mapping, round-robin, etc. – there are other instruments out there that do that very well.
The idea here is to easily turn your audio files and even your audio tracks/mixes into synthesis source for Omnisphere 2s powerful oscillators. You’d be amazed at how much you can creatively mangle one sound and make something amazing!
What if I recently purchased Omnisphere? Do I have to pay the full upgrade price?
No. The good news is that there’s a grace period free upgrade available from the Spectrasonics site if you have purchased Omnisphere between October 2014 thru to May 2015. This also means that if you do not currently own Omnisphere, you can buy Omnisphere 1 now and you can upgrade to Omnisphere 2 for free after April 30.
Will the full Omnisphere 2 be available as a download or on a USB drive for installation?
Yes, there will be alternative forms of installation available optionally to registered users in addition to the included set of 8 DVD-ROMs that comes in the box.
However, it’s important to note that all Spectrasonics instruments are sold exclusively as physical boxed product through authorized resellers like Time & Space. Currently, Spectrasonics is shipping its instruments including multiple DVD-ROMs.
However, Spectrasonics is keenly aware that many users no longer have computers with optical drives and there are numerous scenarios when the convenience of downloading or the speed of a USB drive would be a preferred form of installation for different users.
To address all the various user needs and scenarios, Spectrasonics is starting a new Support Services area of their tech shop that will offer Alternative Installation USB Drives and Additional Download Installations for optional purchase. These services are available directly from Spectrasonics for registered users. The price of the Alternative USB Drive service will be $40 and the Additional Download Installation service price is $10.
The great news for new users is that the Omnisphere 2 box includes a 25% Off discount coupon towards these support services.
What are the minimum system requirement for Omnisphere 2?
Same system requirement to current Omnisphere:
- 2.4 GHz or higher processor
- 4GB RAM minimum, 8GB or more recommended
- Dual Layer compatible DVD-ROM drive
- (Optional USB Drive/Download installations available)
- 64GB of free hard drive space
Mac Users:
Omnisphere 2.5 Update Download
- OSX 10.8 Mountain Lion or higher
- Intel dual core processor or higher
- AU, VST 2.4 or higher, RTAS or AAX capable host software
- Audio Unit plugin requires host with support for “Cocoa” based plugins
- Native 64-bit and 32-bit on OSX
- 6GB of RAM or more if using the Sample File Server
Windows Users:
Omnisphere 2. 5 Manual Pdf Free
- VST 2.4 or higher, RTAS or AAX capable host software
- Microsoft Windows 8/7/Vista
- Native 64-bit and 32-bit on Windows
Omnisphere 2 5 Manual Pdf Download
For more details on Omnisphere 2, check out the below Omnisphere 2.0 video filmed at the 2015 NAMM Show by our good friends over at Sonic State.