I tried the demo twice when it was on sale in December. I really wanted to like it enough to buy, but in the end I didn't. Not that it doesn't sound great because it does. I just passed it by for Alchemy.

It really does sound great though. I'm not sure how many presets comes with the full version or if there are any expansion packs out there for it. For those who are more into sound design that would be less of an issue though.

I'll probably check it out again after the 64-bit version comes out (and if it's on sale )

OC

i wish that i could have bought strobe by itself..

There is probably a very good reason why you couldn't.

Actually, there is a 64-bit version. I says it's "beta" but it actually works as it should for me.

edit: I've noticed someone's already mentioned the beta thing. Maybe I'm lucky, I didn't have any CPU hit problems either. Probably I haven't used enough instances at once

I use it more than Diva because it's standalone (U-he really needs to consider making standalone versions).
Synth Squad is very different from Diva so I'm not sure why people compare them. Yes they are both CPU hogs, but Diva emulates analog classics, while SS tries to be original.

Synth Squad cons:
- CPU usage is ridiculous, it doesnt sound that much "better" than say Thor or Dune. At least give users a lofi setting.
- Interface and mod system is not exactly encouraging, especially not in Fusor. I think this is one of the main reasons there's so few advanced third party banks using Fusor and Cypher. They're just not very fun to program.
- Cypher - to me the design is quite confusing and chaotic and the sound is really harsh and unmusical.
- Presets - so few useable presets, but that's never been FXpansion's strength. People want starting points for further tweaking, not a heart attack.

Synth Squad pros:
- Strobe - because it's awesome for phat basses
- Amber - because it has a really unique raw sound
- it's standalone!
- it was on sale

If you want a delicious VA just get Ultra Analog. To my ears it really captures the soul and musicality of classic analog synths.

Well summated fcerfamic.

I think cypher is a great fx unit as well.

During the sale last decmber , there was a thread started by a FXexpansion rep and it stated that "all 64 bit systems " were now availible in the software .


I looked at the support pages and found that Vista 32 was listed as supported . I inquired at that thread and was told that ALL VISTA was flat out not supported , and it never would be . I asked if , since the thread was now at page 9 if he wouldn't change his original post to reflect this new information

He never changed it , so that any one who didn't drill way into the thread wouldn't ever find out about the lack of official vista support . The support web page never changed either .

Not good to me . when combimed with C/R copy protection , I'm going to get on sans any FXexpansion products thank you .......

I'd also personally prefer Diva over SS, actually I'd prefer it over everything tbh. But SS is still a great package. I only really use Strobe and Amber the most out of them. I've used Cypher a couple of times but it was mainly tweaking presets, it's not that easy to figure out by just looking at it. I've not yet really used (or needed) Fusor but I imagine is has some good potential.

FX support seems to be quite good, they have a forum on their website and they look to be fairly active on it. If you are demoing SS make sure you turn up the over sampling, it's a totally different beast when you do.

nope this is one instance in a virgin project. using 2x oversampling for real time playing.

It is an acknowledge bug.. two years acknowledged..the arp cypher bug that is and the amber is by 'design'

rsp

btw not sure of your taste, but another VA that I love is imposcar 2
rsp

For me, synth squad is way easier on cpu than Diva.
I prefer the sound of diva.

.
THAAAANKKK YOU!
I was just about to purchase this next week, but I'm vista 64 for the time being.

So are the 64bit SS going to be paid updates like BFD ? (Unbelievable that any company would charge for 64 bit updates, but this is FXpansion after all - cue usual fanboys to come and whine)

Buy Diva and you will be happy, great synth, great dev.

BIG +1

Just a remark: Cypher seems to be left alone what comes to 3rd party presets, although it's architecture is something I'd like to hear more in full potential. Strobe is pretty straight forward and sounds great, Amber feels a bit one trick pony in my opinion. 70's flavour is good and bad thing, a little bit like disco strings

Are there any tutorials or videos showing Cypher in full action? It'd be interesting to explore this synth more carefully.