Spectrasonics build up to Sonic Extensions....

[syntonica]

These each come with two new effects that can be used anywhere in Omnisphere, which I suppose it's part of the justification off the price tag. Question is, are they worthy?

A couple of them look like throwaway plugs to bring up the count. There are also a couple of different reverbs. Any of them stand out and shine, compared to what's already there?

[cryophonik]

So, the big question has to be… which extensions are next (and how long will it take for Spectrasonics take to release them)?

[LoveEnigma18]

To confirm on this point: Can Unclean Machine patches be made completely noise-free (no lo-fi at all) if needed? Hope it's just a matter of dialing one or two knobs on the Custom Controls page for all the patches?

Yes. I was using the cinematic lofi piano sound (so-called because of a loud film projector noise underneath it) and I was able to reduce that noise to nothing from a knob on the Custom Controls panel. But even if it wasn't on the front, it wouldn't be hard to get into the fx page and disable it there.

That's awesome and clarifies the most important point wrt decision making.

As to your question about other libraries, there's Thenatan's Lofi Piano, Postcard Piano (which is just one instrument), a lot of the Sample Science stuff but especially Cassette Roads and Nouveau Mellow, Dopesonix has one, and Quiet Music's Love-Fi collection. Rhythmic Robot and Sound Dust both have good lofi instruments for Kontakt. And UJAM's Retro finisher, while not an instrument, could make Steely Dan sound like study beats. It's on sale for one more day at Plugin Boutique.

I'd take Unclean Machine over all of it. Hope that helps.

Thank you for the suggestions. I will give a look, but I will probably go with your last sentence as that's what I am leaning towards as the only Sonic Extension I am interested in. It was indeed helpful.

[LoveEnigma18]

I am wondering if there are any similar plugins or libraries that are similar to Unclean Machine.

I will point you to PlugInGuru's Omnisphere library called "Beautifully Broken". Lots of beautiful sounds, but all a little broken, dirty, unclean. And since many (if not all) use a drive or waveshape or some other modulation to dirty it up, you can make things clean if you'd like. Check out the walkthroughs John has on his YouTube channel.

I can't remember if you own Omnisphere or not.

Thank you for the suggestion. Yes, I do already own Omnisphere 2. That one looks interesting and also on sale for just $30. I will see how it compares to Unclean Machine. If I like it enough and if it adds something new, I will consider getting it as well by end of this year as I assume the sale will come again in the next couple of months. It makes sense to get an Omnisphere 2 library if using it more often, because I have collected a lot of Kontakt libraries (non-Komplete of course) in the past (free or very cheap) and I just don't use them at all.

EDIT: Listened to the demos and watched the video. Beautifully Broken sounds beautiful but seems more suitable for ambient, downtempo, electronica type of stuff apparently, so unfortunately not exactly suitable for me at least now.

[LoveEnigma18]

These each come with two new effects that can be used anywhere in Omnisphere, which I suppose it's part of the justification off the price tag. Question is, are they worthy?

A couple of them look like throwaway plugs to bring up the count. There are also a couple of different reverbs. Any of them stand out and shine, compared to what's already there?

I was wondering the same. I like Unclean Machine for its sounds and effects. I personally feel it's the best value for money Sonic Extension.

[LoveEnigma18]

So, the big question has to be… which extensions are next (and how long will it take for Spectrasonics take to release them)?

Exactly my question too. I wouldn't be surprised if the next set takes one more year. Hope they don't release them frequently, especially for that $149 price!

[Kinh]

Ya don't na-eed no more eff'n presets.

[zimmerabc]

I guess next four extensions before xmas.

[zimmerabc]

With mark knopfler guitar and arpeg-rhythms.

[LoveEnigma18]

Omnisphere 3 is due next year, (1 in 2008, 2 in 2015, 3 in 2022?) so I am guessing the next set will be available when they release Omnisphere 3. But that might mean we need to upgrade Omnisphere from 2 to 3 to use them since they require a specific version of Omnisphere.

[noiseboyuk]

Omnisphere 3 is due next year, (1 in 2008, 2 in 2015, 3 in 2022?) so I am guessing the next set will be available when they release Omnisphere 3. But that might mean we need to upgrade Omnisphere from 2 to 3 to use them since they require a specific version of Omnisphere.

Whoa that's some wild speculation on wild speculation there. First off, I think the notion that they work to any kind of rigid template for releasing stuff is for the birds. Spotting a pattern from two data points is pretty bold, especially when the company in question is notoriously unpredictable. We don't know much about the way their products do get commissioned and released, except that they have frequently alluded to stuff being ready when it's ready, and know that they've publicly said they have products now over 20 years in development that have yet to see the light of day.

Maybe Omni 3 will happen at some point, but personally I'm not convinced it will in any great hurry.

All we know about future expansions is that there will be some. My pure guesswork is we will see them in batches like these 4 got released, to help lure people into buying several at a go. Beyond that - not a clue. I'll probably eat my words, but a stronger guess at this point is to say there will be no other big collections like Keyscape and Trilian, that the Sonic Extensions series will replace them.

[LoveEnigma18]

Omnisphere 3 is due next year, (1 in 2008, 2 in 2015, 3 in 2022?) so I am guessing the next set will be available when they release Omnisphere 3. But that might mean we need to upgrade Omnisphere from 2 to 3 to use them since they require a specific version of Omnisphere.

All we know about future expansions is that there will be some. My pure guesswork is we will see them in batches like these 4 got released, to help lure people into buying several at a go. Beyond that - not a clue. I'll probably eat my words, but a stronger guess at this point is to say there will be no other big collections like Keyscape and Trilian, that the Sonic Extensions series will replace them.

This was already discussed in some form earlier, which is why the new, bold speculation. Yes, releasing a set of 4 is indeed for luring people. With their Sonic Extensions side they have come out of their comfort zone and unpredictability aspects a little bit and it is hinting commercialism, so while I am only guessing right now it could happen.

[LeVzi]

Are OS version updates paid ? With the apparent V3 on its way.

[noiseboyuk]

Are OS version updates paid ? With the apparent V3 on its way.

No, OS version updates aren't paid, and no, there is no apparent V3 on the way. Just saying it frequently doesn't make it any more true. There are threads over a decade old saying the RMX successor is just round the corner because of X and Y. That's why I sigh wearily on these sorts of comments - Spectrasonics just don't work that way.

Curious, isn't it? 4 new products are out, the first in 5 years, and all the discussion revolves around what's next which is - essentially - unknowable.

[Lati]

Wouldn't say that 4 new products are out, but 4 new overpriced soundsets. I hope that v3.0 is not too far away : )