?

KVR Rank: 44 26 43 [30-Day: 53; 7-Day: 90; Yesterday: 54]

82 members are watching Omnisphere for news

Product	Omnisphere
Developer	Spectrasonics
Primary Type	Synth (Hybrid)
Price (MSRP)	$499 / €379

Plug-in Formats

Instrument(s)

Operating System Availability

Operating System	Latest Version	Download	Is it Available?
	1.2.0n	-
	1.2.0n	-

Miscellaneous Information

Copy Protection	Unknown
Banks & Patches	Download Banks
Average User Rating

User Installable

Omnisphere combines a wide variety of hybrid realtime synthesis techniques, an epic library of 'Psychoacoustic' sounds, and many innovative features that have never been seen before in any hardware or software synthesizer.

Omnisphere is designed with a unique user interface containing progressive layers of 'zooming' to accommodate the complete range of users - from musicians who just want to be inspired by the sounds and customize them in an easy way, to expert synthesists and the most advanced sound designers. Users can go deeper and deeper into the software and progress in their synthesis knowledge by simply exploring additional levels of sound manipulation options. To make sure that all users get the most out of the new capabilities, Omnisphere includes an extensive set of video tutorials and synthesis lessons taught by the Spectrasonics sound design team.

Omnisphere offers a host of hybrid synthesis and new control capabilities including Variable Waveshaping DSP synthesis, Granular synthesis, Timbre Shifting, FM, polyphonic Ring Modulation, high-resolution streaming Sample Playback, Harmonia, Dual Multimode Filter structure, Chaos Envelopes, an advanced Unison mode, and the innovative Flex-Mod modulation routing system - to name a few.

The huge core library of Omnisphere is filled with years of creative sampling experiments and thousands of inspiring patches. Spectrasonics has pioneered several brand-new types of sampling for the core library of this instrument, including unique "Psychoacoustic" sounds and soundsources created with a new Composite Morphing Technique (CMT) - which morphs the harmonic characteristics of one instrument to another. As a bonus, a section of the core library is also devoted to representing the best of Spectrasonics sample libraries. When all of these organic core library soundsources are combined with the synthesis power of the STEAM engine, the sounds become "alive" in a truly dynamic and expressive way.

Among the many unique features this new multi-timbral synth offers are its flexible arpeggiators with the world's first Groove Lock integration with Stylus RMX - allowing the arpeggiator's pattern to instantly groove with the feel of the RMX drum loop; Live Mode for transitionless patch switching and layering, Stack Mode for powerful performance mapping; and integrated modulatable FX Racks.

Omnisphere is also the successor to Spectrasonics' popular Atmosphere instrument, and contains enhanced versions of all the classic Atmosphere sounds. However, the brand new core library in Omnisphere is 10-times the size of Atmosphere and features thousands of completely new and different sounds.

System Features:

Powerfully simple interface design makes key features accessible to every user.
Advanced users can "zoom" into deeper and deeper synthesis capabilities.
Sophisticated Browser with searching, sound attributes, descriptions and images.
8 independent Arpeggiators.
World's first Arpeggiator with Groove Lock - which allows the Arpeggiators to match the feel of Stylus RMX and MIDI Files.
Special performance-oriented Live Mode interface allows for seamless, interactive creative patch switching and layering on the fly.
Stack Mode interface allows for complex patch layering, splits, and crossfades (velocity/positional/controller).
8-part multi-timbral with built-in Mixer, Aux FX and Mastering FX racks.
Advanced MIDI Learn and Automation parameter handling.
Comprehensive integrated Reference Guide.
Hours of free Tutorial Videos available online to registered users.

Synthesis Features:

Oscillators can be sample-based or synth-based.
Up to 10 oscillators per patch with new Harmonia feature.
Flex-Mod modulation system allows powerful modular-style routing.
Dual Layer architecture.
High-definition streaming engine.
Variable DSP Oscillator Waveshapes.
Sophisticated Unison Detuning.
Variable Analog Feel.
Modulatable Hard Sync.
Granular Synthesis.
Innovative Chaos Envelopes.
Polyphonic Timbre Shifting.
Polyphonic Timbre Crushing.
Polyphonic Waveshaper.
Polyphonic Ring Modulation.
Polyphonic Glide.
FM Oscillators.
Dual Filter architecture per Layer.
Create filter combinations in series or parallel.
Arrange and blend more than 17 Filter algorithms.
Fully modulatable FX racks.
Alternate tuning scales supported.
6 full-featured LFOs per patch.
8 Advanced Multi-breakpoint looping Envelopes per patch.
Unique Dual Envelope interface - Simple ADSR-style or Advanced Graphic-style.
Sampled soundsources can be processed with synthesis features.

Sound Library:

Vast Core Library - over 40GB with thousands of sounds.
Cutting-edge sounds from the renowned Spectrasonics sound design team.
Innovative "Psychoacoustic" soundsources for organic synthesis.
Unique multisampled "Composite Morphing soundsources.
Integrates the award-winning, original Atmosphere core library.
Integrates best of Spectrasonics highly-acclaimed sample libraries.
Massive variety of inspiring sounds for all types of music production.
Searchable by sound attributes (Timbre, Genre, Mood, Tonality, Source, etc).
Expandable sound architecture.

Effects Features:

Integrated, full-featured FX Racks.
Up to 12 simultaneous FX per patch.
Layer FX modulatable from any mod source.
Hundreds of FX presets included.
Over 32 original FX Processors covering the full spectrum of signal processing.

All KVR Audio news items relating to Omnisphere.

Spectrasonics updates Trilian and Omnisphere to v1.2.0n (incl. Mac 64-bit)	24th February 2010
Spectrasonics announces Trilian and Omnisphere v1.2 and new iPhone "Omni Live" App	14th January 2010
Spectrasonics updates Trilian Software (1.1.4c), Trilian Patch Library (1.0.3a) and Omnisphere Software (1.1.4c)	17th November 2009
Spectrasonics updates Omnisphere to v1.1 (incl. x64 and Trilian Library Integration)	10th November 2009
Spectrasonics releases Trilian - Total Bass Module	30th October 2009
Spectrasonics updates Omnisphere Patch Library to v1.0.4	13th October 2009
Muse Research & Development Expands Virtual Instrument Support with RECEPTOR OS 1.8	9th October 2009
Spectrasonics updates Omnisphere to v1.0.4i	3rd September 2009
Spectrasonics updates Omnisphere to v1.0.4f	20th April 2009
Spectrasonics releases Stylus RMX v1.7 with 'Time Designer'	3rd March 2009
SoundsDivine.com releases Patch Banks for Minimonsta, Vanguard, Omnisphere and PSP84	4th February 2009
Spectrasonics updates Omnisphere to v1.0.3f (incl. Sound Library Update)	27th January 2009
Spectrasonics announces Massive Sound Update for Omnisphere Power Synth (2000 New Patches from Renown International Sound Designers)	15th January 2009
Spectrasonics updates Omnisphere Software 1.0.2d	23rd October 2008
Spectrasonics updates Omnisphere to v1.0.1e	1st October 2008
Spectrasonics updates Omnisphere to v1.0.1d (and the Omnisphere Patch Library to v1.0.2)	29th September 2008
Spectrasonics releases updates for Omnisphere's Patch Library and Soundsource Library	16th September 2008
Spectrasonics releases Omnisphere Power Synth	15th September 2008
Spectrasonics announces Omnisphere Preview Remix Contest (incl. Free Omnisphere soundset in RMX, WAV and REX2 formats)	23rd April 2008
Spectrasonics unveils 'STEAM Engine' Technology	17th January 2008
Spectrasonics announces Omnisphere	17th January 2008

User Reviews by KVR Members for Omnisphere.

CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR REVIEW

By muLperi
On 17th December 2008
Version: newest

Read all reviews by
muLperi

6 of 6 people found
this review helpful.

Was this review
helpful to you?
Yes | No

GUI

Sound

Features

Docs

Presets

Support

VFM

Stability

PROS
+ Lots of new and unique sounds
Well yes it does have 50 gigabytes of samples.
From that alone you should find many usable sounds.
Include very capable manipulation tools and you will definately have unique sounds.

+ Rich in features
Multi has 1-8 Parts
Multi has it's own "global" effects.
You can play Multi in several different ways.
Stack mode (split and layer parts), Live mode or just normal Multi
where every Part is assigned to it's own MIDI channel and you play one part at a time.

Part has 1-2 Layers
Every Part has it's own arpeggiator, effects, portamento control etc.

Layer has a Soundsource
Every Layer has 6 LFOs, envelopes, filters and stuff like that.
Soundsource can either be a sample file or virtual analog waveform.
So it has analog modelling synth also.

You can save your own Multis and Patches and share them easily.

+ Simple
Very simple to use and makes you want to craft your own sounds and really
get into the synthesis world also.

CONS
- Sample library almost too big
Installation took literally hours, about 6 of them. So be prepared. Hope I don't need to do that often.
Some ppl using laptops have to use external drives.
But nowadays I don't think it's such a big deal. Better lots than few.
Dunno if it could have been possible to fit them all in a smaller package.

- CPU intensive, long loading times
I have a Acer TravelMate 5720G laptop running Windows XP. Core2Duo at 2GHz and 2GB RAM.
I have been using Omni about month now, I think it has never crashed.
Many people have complained about it being unstable but not to me.
Only sometimes there has been strange peaks in sound.
Takes about 8 seconds to load the plugin. A bit slow startup and
loading big Multis can take up to about 10 seconds or so.
But I think this is acceptable considering the size of the samples and the whole plugin.

- It may be hard to find something really specific sound
I would love to have some kind of favourite-feature for sounds.
I think the browser is a bit over hyped, I almost never use those descriptive search parameters.
If I want to find kick drum, I will search "kick" and for some reason I don't find any.
Because ppl who made the search tags, were thinking differently.
Luckily you can also add your own tags and edit existing.

- No sample import
You cannot import your own samples at the time.
But Spectrasonics has said that they will not "rule that feature out" in the future updates.
And with all this content, it's not the first thing you'll probably miss.

- Bread and butter sounds
Doesn't have that many "normal" sounds like basic dry piano sound.
Some good guitars but then again, it's for new and unique sounds...

CONCLUSION
It's my "go-to-synth" at the time.
Omnisphere is definately not all-around, and not here to replace every other synths.
It's to get new and inspirational sounds, good making atmospheres
and ambient sounds. It does have good guitar samples and classic synth sounds also
and good analog modelling synth inside.
It's very simple and easy to use and good for live performances.
It has great amount of potential and with those tools and features,
I think factory Multis doesn't even show all what it can do.
I recommend if you have money to spend, if not, check also Camelaudio Alchemy.

Last edited by muLperi on 17th December 2008

By erstwhile
On 28th October 2008
Version: 1.0.2

Read all reviews by
erstwhile

6 of 15 people found
this review helpful.

Was this review
helpful to you?
Yes | No

GUI

Sound

Features

Docs

Presets

Support

VFM

Stability

HISTORY: Omnisphere is developed by Spectrasonics, which is owned by Eric Persing, who produced Trilogy, Atmosphere, and Stylus RMX. The software is by the same guy that did the Crystal free synth. Omnisphere replaces Atmosphere, and is supported on Mac and Windows (VST, AU, RTAS, etc).

SOUND: The sound quality is outstanding. The company is owned by sound designers, not software geeks. They tried to cover virtually every kind of sound, so it includes pads, dance, noises, textures, cinematic, classic synth sounds, voices, etc. You cannot put your own sampled sounds into the instrument, but patches can be freely shared and added.

GUI: The Omnisphere GUI supports novice, intermediate, and advanced users. Users that are not too familiar with the instrument use the Main window. The Edit window reveals lots of detail for tweaking LFOs, Filters, and Envelopes. Finally, there are Zoom windows which go into super-detail about each audio component (Envelopes, Filters, Modulation Matrix).

LIVE PERFORMANCE: Before performing, you can load up to 8 patches, then while you are performing live you can instantly switch between the 8 parts with key switching. The Stack window is also unique: you can load 8 patches and gradually fade from one to another or to many at once.

SYNTHESIZER FEATURES: Ominsphere has all the standard features of a quality soft synth: LFOs, envelopes, modulation-routing, filters, arpeggiator. Tremendous care went into the GUI layout for these features. The modulation could be a very confusing feature, but in Omnisphere it is presented in a user-friendly way, with dynamic indication of the values. The envelope GUI lets the user choose between the traditional ADSR or a modern curve-segment based approach.0 And there is a Chaos feature, obviously inspired by RMX, to randomly modify the envelope in real time.

SEARCHING: Omnisphere solves the problem of: "How do I find one sound from thousands of sounds"? by using multiple-keyword searches, which are a quick way to find sounds with queries like "classic retro analog synth" or "human voice female gospel".

PHOTOGRAPHS: The photographs that illustrate each of the soundsources are very cool, and it fun to see what pictures will pop up for when you select sounds like "Pensive" or "Static Rainbow".

DOCS: The DVDs come with only a small pamphlet that focuses on the installation process. After you buy Omnisphere you can download an HTML manual. Most useful is the dozen video tutorials which are great (a picture is worth 1,000 words).

PATCHES and PRESETS: There are patches and multis. The multis are simply 8 patches or parts, just like in RMX. Each patch contains two layers. In each layer you can put a synth waveform (sine, saw, etc) or a sampled soundsource. Each layer has its own individual filters, oscilators, envelopes, effects. The number of patches are around 2,000 now, and Spectrasonics is building more continually. You must download from their website to get all the newest ones. if you take the combination of 2,000 patches times 2,000 soundsources, that is a total of 4,000,000 sounds you can quickly generate without touching a knob. Plus, every individual audio component (Osc, Filters, Arpegiators, Envelopes) has their own individual presets.

DEMOS: Spectrasonics does not have any demos for download, so you have to hunt around for user demos.

VALUE-FOR-MONEY: Omnisphere retails for $499, although if you already own Trilogy, Atmosphere, and RMX, then they discount the price to $149.

INSTALLATION: It comes on 6 DVDs, and installation took me about 2 hours total. It was a simple installation. It takes about 48 GB of disk space.

STABILITY: The software is very, very robust. I have not seen a single crash, and even finding small aesthetic glitches is very hard to do (I cannot think of one I have yet seen). It has clearly been through a lot of beta testing before sale.

STARTUP TIME: The initial version of Omnisphere (on the DVD) had some issues with startup times (ranging from 10 to 15 seconds) seconds, but that has been fixed in the latest software update (downloadable from the Spectrasonics website) reduced my load time to 4 seconds.

CPU REQUIREMENT: Some features in Omnisphere are CPU hogs: harmonics, unison, heavy effects (by the way, Omnisphere has the full complement of Effects that RMX had, plus a couple of new ones). This CPU usage issue is no different than other soft synths. If your CPU is substandard, you may have to avoid certain advanced features. The bottom line is that Omnisphere is state-of-the-art, and it demands a state-of-the-art computer.

CONCLUSION: A very powerful, high-quality instrument that combines the best of additive synths with sampled sounds. Easy to use for novices. The variety of sounds is nearly infinite. A good value.

Last edited by erstwhile on 28th October 2008

By Novata
On 17th October 2008
Version: 1.0.1e

Read all reviews by
Novata

9 of 10 people found
this review helpful.

Was this review
helpful to you?
Yes | No

GUI

Sound

Features

Docs

Presets

Support

VFM

Stability

Ok, so I get the privelage to review this synth first.

I will break this down into it's various components and then give my opinion on the whole synth.

1. Installation - When you get to install this beast, you will probably need to set aside a good four hours, depending on your DAW. It has a near 50GB library. It is easy to install, though I would recommend using internal storage preferably on a SATA drive. Once installed I recommend getting the update from Spectrasonics. There is an update button on the GUI. There are also the Atmosphere patches to install too.

2. Start up - This is quite a CPU intensive plugin, so it takes longer than your average synth to launch. Depending on your CPU, this could take up to 20 seconds, not good IMO. Hopefully this will be fixed. First launch requires the challenge/response licensing method.

3. Patches - There are 1000+ patches for instant use. These do not include the whole 50GB library either. So there are still a whole load of sounds that aren't used but are there for your own use. The patches are hugely diverse and range from a single layer synth to a dual layer sample based sound source. The categories are set into a perculiar hierarchy and not all patches are avaliable through this method. Not the most friendly function for patch searching even though you can do a manual search by typing in what you want. Though, this doesn't always get you the sounds you may be after. This could be better.

4. Sound quality - Overall, this is where Omnisphere wins. The sound that this synth can generate is very good indeed. Just load up the 'Tear your head off' patch (the first one) and play, then as you hold down the key, turn the Mod-wheel. Even without loading a sample into a layer, you can use the onboard oscillators to generate some fantastic analogue sounding patches.

5. Edit page - Beyond the simple view page and the visualiser there is the main edit page. This is the nuts and bolts of your patch creation. It has two layers, A and B. You can load a sample from the sound source library or you can use the synth mode whereby your sound is generated with the onboard oscillators. You can manipulate both in the same way and there are many ways to manipulate the sound. The modulation capabilities are extensive and can be assigned in many ways, up to 48 assignable mod settings per patch. For example, you can assign up to six LFO's to modulate the amp, filter, samplestart etc.. you can assign an LFO to another LFO if you want to vary it's speed or depth. You can change the velocity curve, the filter type and curve. Two filters per patch, HPF/LPF/BPF at different resolutions.
You then have the envelope section for which you can zoom into. This goes into the ADSR, Filter and four modulation envelopes for which you can draw your own curves or use the onboard selections. This is very easy to edit and very useful to change the whole shape of your sound. These are also assignable from the Modulation window.
There is graintable synthesis for sample sounds only, plus FM synthesis ring modulator wave shaping and multi. The multi has a unison mode or a fantastic harmonia mode whereby you can have an extra four oscillators per layer. Overall, the edit page is huge, deep and very user friendly. Amazing. 10/10.

6. Arpeggiator - This is very easy to use and has up to 32 steps for which the length, velocity, on/off on each can be set. The arpeggiator affects the entire patch, not just a layer. The speed can be set to only whole depths, for instance, 1/8 or 1/16th, you cannot set the speed to 1/8t or 1/16 .dot . The really amazing thing about the arp on this synth is the groove lock mode. Basically, if you have a midi file that runs over a bar or two, the arp will trigger on each note within that midi file, therefore it will change the style and feel of the arp to suit the rhythm of your song. This has been designed to work well with Stylus RMX. 9/10.

7. Multi mode - So, all the above can be applied to one patch for which you can have up to 8 in one Omnisphere instrument. This is where you realise the incredible power this synth has. You can have a basic stack mode whereby you play a note and 1 to 8 patches play at the same time. You can assign each patch to a different midi channel which is not stack mode.
In stack mode you can split the patches over the keyboard, or use a velocity crossfade or the modwheel crossfade. So, you can change the sound completely through the turn of your modwheel. Then you have live mode for which you can assign program changes to midi and then flick between patches on the fly or select multiple patches. 10/10

8. Effects - Each layer 1-4 fx, so each patch can have 1 to 12 fx. Plus multi has 4 aux*4fx and master out x 4fx. The effects are brilliant, ranging from chorus, delay, reverb, compressors distortion etc. Options are limitless. 10

Overall, this synth is incredible and takes a lifetime to explore. You won't be disappointed.

Last edited by Novata on 17th October 2008

Latest 3 reviews from a total of 3

Reviews, articles, interviews, etc. for Omnisphere.

None listed yet.

Quick Jump:

Products by Spectrasonics

Atmosphere


Product:	Atmosphere
Developer:	Spectrasonics
Type:	Dream Synth Module
Price:	$399
OS:
Formats:

Massive 3.6 GB core library of over 1,000 sounds by Eric Persing.Dynamic Dual layering for over 1,000,000 mix combinations.Pads, Ambiences, Leads, Basses, Synths, Strings, Glass and FX.Easy to use built-in patch management system.Solo legato triggering with Glide.Fully programmable.Adjustable sample start for percussive sounds, leads and basses.Multimode resonant Filters for each layer, plus Master Filters.Three envelopes per layer for Pitch, Filter and Amplitude.Matrix-style modulation routing, four LFOs per layer.Powered by custom 32 bit UVI engine.Also available in AU, MAS & RTAS formats.... [more]

Omnisphere


Product:	Omnisphere
Developer:	Spectrasonics
Type:	Synth (Hybrid)
Price:	$499 / €379
OS:
Formats:

Omnisphere combines a wide variety of hybrid realtime synthesis techniques, an epic library of 'Psychoacoustic' sounds, and many innovative features that have never been seen before in any hardware or software synthesizer. Omnisphere is designed with a unique user interface containing progressive layers of 'zooming' to accommodate the complete range of users - from musicians who just want to be inspired by the sounds and customize them in an easy way, to expert synthesists and the most advanced sound designers. Users can go deeper and deeper into the software and progress in their synthesis kn... [more]

Stylus Classic


Product:	Stylus Classic
Developer:	Spectrasonics
Type:	Vinyl Groove Module
Price:	£159
OS:
Formats:

3 GB core libraryInsane new remix grooves and samples by Eric PersingOver a thousand turntable tricks, skips, stops, beat-juggling and scratch FXKiller live percussion loops can be added to any grooveElastic Tempo, Pitch, Pattern and Feel with Groove ControlReal-time groove jamming at any tempo with Groove MenusBuilt-in Groove auditioning system... Lightning-fast load timesThousands of drum samples, dripping with attitudeEasy to use... Built-in patch management systemSample-accurate timingFully programmableTotal recall with your sequenceMultimode resonant Filters for each sample, plus Master F... [more]

Stylus RMX


Product:	Stylus RMX
Developer:	Spectrasonics
Type:	Realtime Groove Module
Price:	$299 / €249
OS:
Formats:

Overview and features: First product using new S.A.G.E. technology (Spectrasonics Advanced Groove Engine). Realtime auto-sync to the beat so grooves are always in time, even when performed live! Groove Control is always active for optimum sound quality at virtually any tempo. Massive cutting-edge 7.4GB Core Library, with nearly triple the sounds of the original Stylus (the original Stylus core library also included). Expandable: add more grooves with new series of "S.A.G.E. Xpanders" from Spectrasonics, also expandable with Groove Control activated sample libraries and with Propelle... [more]

Trilian


Product:	Trilian
Developer:	Spectrasonics
Type:	Total Bass Module
Price:	$299 / €229
OS:
Formats:

Trilian is the successor to the Trilogy bass module. The new instrument has a much larger core library and features highly-detailed new acoustic, electric and synth basses - as well as enhanced versions of the classic Trilogy sounds. Sporting a brand new user interface with numerous software innovations, Trilian is the first 64-bit native software based on Spectrasonics STEAM Engine and is the first virtual instrument to feature full library integration with the company's flagship Omnisphere synthesizer. Trilian Features (preliminary info): Trilian is the long-awaited successor to the award-... [more]

Trilogy


Product:	Trilogy
Developer:	Spectrasonics
Type:	Total Bass Module
Price:	$349
OS:
Formats:

Electric, Acoustic and Synth Bass Instrument3GB Sound library1,000 brand new Electric, Acoustic and Synth Basses, each with dual layersMulti-dynamic (up to 8 way) velocity switching multisample articulationsInnovative 'True Staccato' sample-mapping, for realistic repeated notesMinimoog style Legato triggeringBuilt-in auditioning system rapid load timesEasy to use built-in patch management systemFully programmableMultimode resonant filters for each layer, plus master filtersThree envelopes per layer for Pitch, Filter and AmplitudeMatrix-style modulation routing, four LFOsPowered by custom 32 bi... [more]

None found

Coming Soon...

User:	Pass: