Keyboard Mag version of Sonic Synth 2?

[Squids]

There are a ton of samples on the Keyboard Mag page. Wow!!! SS2 is hotness! I like that you are bringing in some familiar sounds used in actual songs back in the days. The Steely Dan harmonica...classic! These riffs and that info page put SS2 over the top for me. I was looking hard at Ultra Focus, but your dedication to SS2 has sold me already.

How many presets are we looking at for SS2?

Pete

Over a thousand but this is a good one to continue to do a lot of presets for. Just even for my own entertainment, I was planning on sitting down with every classic record I have and program a patch to do every synth part I like on the record... as much as possible anyway. So, starting with all of the Genesis, Yes and Pink Floyd records... but even 70's funk dance tunes or Jean Luc Ponty, Return to Forever... it has a lot of the classic flavors of so many synths in there so you can get pretty close. Plus, we'll do a patch sharing with that one. It seems to be the right piece for that. I suspect that if it is as popular as we hope then there will be close to 10,000 patches made over the next year between us, famous programmer/producers who have offered and users who like to program patches.

We'll probably do a contest with the limited free version as well. It will be patch heaven basically. Out of the box though it will have enough to make your head spin at least.

[Reverend Rhythm]

He toys with us!

[nexussynth]

Sonik Synth 2 looks GREAT!!! I love the skin used...can it be available for ST2?

Anyway I can't believe anybody would complain about this 'free' demo!? As someone else said here, "free is free".

Another question: does SS2 have the STRETCH too?

[Squids]

Sonik Synth 2 looks GREAT!!! I love the skin used...can it be available for ST2?

Anyway I can't believe anybody would complain about this 'free' demo!? As someone else said here, "free is free".

Another question: does SS2 have the STRETCH too?

You can browse SampleTank 2's GUI to Sonik Synth 2's sounds but not the other way around. It's not a skin that can be loaded into ST2. Just the sounds are compatible. But, you could run Sonik Synth 2's GUI when you specifically want to use Sonik Synth 2 sounds of course.

It does have and make use of the Stretch engine only that is done on a sound design level in the first place. The sound is either a "stretch oscillator" or not. As a user you can't add stretch to things in Sonik Synth 2 (although, I suppose you could do it within SampleTank 2 loading SS2 sounds if you wanted to). The good thing about this though is that all of the Stretch Oscillators are tested to work so there is no chance within Sonik Synth 2 that someone will hear Stretch not doing a good job. Basically, we make some use of the technology (how could we not!!!).

Did you guys listen to the new demo riffs that were put up on this page? http://www.ikmultimedia.com/Main.html?keyboardss2 I tried to do a bunch but there are so many sounds in this thing that when we get closer I'll do more. A good mix of nostagic and fresh new material. This is definitely a case where the sequel outdoes the original... it's more than just a sequel though. Consider Sonic Synth 1 a prequel really.

[krraqk]

I dont understand why with the actual pc´s power this has taken so long to happening.

But seems that SS2 will finally be a full multilayer capable synth: many full voices layered to create a full combi, complex and rich sound. With part effects and combi effects. GREAT!.

There is a thing that I dont see clear reading the info, SS2 can make veolocity and key splits with the parts in the combi?

It seems that ST2 can read the SS2 library, but will change the ST2 engine to be capable to do the same layering and master effects that SS2 can do? Also I think I see some other new things: new filters (analog modelled)? New effects (classic analog modelled effects)? Will ST2 have it also in the future?

A last question, how many mb is the SS2 library?

Congratulations, seems that you have a great toy in your hands!.

[seamonkey]

Squids, this looks and sounds absolutely fantastic.

I just got back from signing up for the mailing list to be eligible for the full version give-a-way.

For all of us old proggers this is a wet dream come true, you should call it Creamware...oh yeah, that's already been used.

The amount of blood, sweat and tears you put into this project must have been not only time consuming but a total labor of love as well.

Kudos for taking this mammoth project on and giving all us vintage synth lovers our very own museum.

Am I clear in understanding the Keyboard demo will be available the end of May?
Full version release is targeted when?
Price, someone mentioned $399, is that correct?

Thanks again, looking forward to this beauty and much success to you and your company.

[Squids]

"But seems that SS2 will finally be a full multilayer capable synth: many full voices layered to create a full combi, complex and rich sound. With part effects and combi effects. GREAT!."

SQ: It will be great for those kind of combi sounds and other cool things as well.

"There is a thing that I dont see clear reading the info, SS2 can make veolocity and key splits with the parts in the combi?"

SQ: It will do this in a future update.

"It seems that ST2 can read the SS2 library, but will change the ST2 engine to be capable to do the same layering and master effects that SS2 can do?"

SQ: That's the main reason it won't be there in version 2.0 of SS2. In order for it to load into SampleTank 2 the features of the engine have to be syncronized and of course more users will be happy for this. Therefore, when we add splits and velocity crossfading between the layers it will be something done to both ST2 and SS2. Hey, one good thing about this is that features desired for other modules like Sonik Synth 2 and Studiophonik will also benefit SampleTank 2 users if they are added. It's a trade off but as a SYSTEM of modules it is worth it. Of course you know I am with you on this! We also don't want to delay it's release just for these two features either so since it does so much already, we'll just keep making it better too.


"Also I think I see some other new things: new filters (analog modelled)? New effects (classic analog modelled effects)? Will ST2 have it also in the future?"

SQ: It already has them in the engine. There is more under the hood with the filter in terms of tonal shaping and it is already analog modeled. The effects are ST2 effects but there are analog modeled modular filters in there as well as stomp box effects turned into high end tweakable modules. For instance, the phaser is modeled after MXR phasers and you can actually tweak it to sound just like a Phase 45, Phase 90, Phase 100 or a bit like a cross between that and a Moog multi-stage phaser. The key here is that while SampleTank 2 doesn't have a lot of synth sounds to full advantage of a vintage keyboard result of all of this, Sonik Synth 2 DOES!

However, in principle, you're right. When effects or arppegiators or whatevr is added over time most likely this will also be added to the flagship of the SampleTank engine, SampleTank 2 L and XL.

"A last question, how many mb is the SS2 library?"

SQ: It's around 5 gigabytes. I can give an exact number at the end of next month.

"Congratulations, seems that you have a great toy in your hands!"

SQ: Thanks.

[Squids]

Squids, this looks and sounds absolutely fantastic.

I just got back from signing up for the mailing list to be eligible for the full version give-a-way.

For all of us old proggers this is a wet dream come true, you should call it Creamware...oh yeah, that's already been used.

The amount of blood, sweat and tears you put into this project must have been not only time consuming but a total labor of love as well.

Kudos for taking this mammoth project on and giving all us vintage synth lovers our very own museum.

Am I clear in understanding the Keyboard demo will be available the end of May?
Full version release is targeted when?
Price, someone mentioned $399, is that correct?

Thanks again, looking forward to this beauty and much success to you and your company.

Thanks. I think that there is part of it that is fulfilling a role that we set out to do with the first version which is to provide a synth workstation in software that is similar to what you can do with the so many popular harware workstations (many of which we've worked on in some way). For just THIS it is a lot of work because you still have to have samples of nearly every type of instrument because that is what elements are in those hardware workstation sound modules and keyboards.

But, the part that is a labor of love is sampling the vintage keyboards and synths to this degree. The reason you don't see BOTH done in other instruments is because it makes no sense on just a time and financial level to decide to set out to do this.. It only makes sense AFTER THE FACT! I've already sampled all of these instruments for myself because I wanted to keep some of their flavor if I wasn't going to have it anymore.

It just so happens that I also like prog rock so I think I've captured almost every sound used on those records more or less. Then the other side is the appreciation of synths there is in electronic and dance music. Well, it gets no FATTER than samples of huge modular synths and the variety of tones from vintage gear.

"Am I clear in understanding the Keyboard demo will be available the end of May?
Full version release is targeted when?
Price, someone mentioned $399, is that correct?"

Yes, the special version will have a small sound set and be downloadable but it'll be fun for playing the riffs in the article as well as getting a feel for the plug-in. It will be available at the very end of May. Full version available in June and MSRP is $399. which is the same price as some other popuar soundware plug-ins. It's a bit bigger than most at this price at 5 gigs. 7-10 discs.

[krraqk]

Thanks, as always, for your detailed and informative answer. And super fast!

[seamonkey]

I don't feel $399 for what one is getting is an unfair amount at all.
Several years ago this would be the equivilent of 2 sampler cd roms which didn't have half of what's going on here and that's without filters,programming ability, or combi's.

I think what people have to remember is this does not have to sound like an old Dinasour although it has that ability,

I paid $399 for my Atmosphere and I LOVE IT, can't wait to get the SS2 lite version.
I got my Keyboard mag yesterday and my eyes popped out when I saw it.

Thanks for the "little lamb" demo.

[Squids]

It's more like having 8 sample libraries in one and we've had many that were $199-299. per disc. The value of the sound library in Sonik Synth 2 comes out to less than $50 per disc so from that standpoint it really is a bargain. But, that is just that aspect of it. For ST2 owners it is even less per disc because of the upgrade discount and for non-ST2 owners there is the full plug-in capability AND a discounted upgrade to ST2 as well.

I think it is also a good compliment to Atmosphere as well as potentially a good option between Sonik Synth 2 and Atmosphere if one doesn't have either yet and only has so much to spend.

Thanks for the kind words.

Glad you liked the article. I sure wish I could see it! (Haven't received my copy yet ).

[dgkenney]

In order for it to load into SampleTank 2 the features of the engine have to be syncronized and of course more users will be happy for this. Therefore, when we add splits and velocity crossfading between the layers it will be something done to both ST2 and SS2. Hey, one good thing about this is that features desired for other modules like Sonik Synth 2 and Studiophonik will also benefit SampleTank 2 users if they are added. It's a trade off but as a SYSTEM of modules it is worth it.

Squids,

I can't tell you how much I applaude this decision. I know it is tempting to max out a particular modual based upon its own technology and sounds. But the decision to maintain as much compatability as possible among ST2 SS2 and SP is a real commitment to the end users (me ) I understand technology changes over time and we all want the newest and best, but the intent of compatability signals a real understanding of the investment that each of us makes in our software. Although I have only been a SR customer for a short time your customer service and customer based decisions on everything from upgrade policies, sharing information and design considerations, go a long way to assure that I want to remain "part of the family."

Dan

[Squids]

Thanks Dan. We're glad you see it that way. These are of course shared policies with SR and IK. I like when one thing leads to the next in a way that is inviting. Sonik Synth 2 and Studiophonik are first and foremost about the sounds. Their particular themes will bring cool features added down the line but rather than leave ST2 users without those features, if one gets it then they all get it. This way an ST2 user doesn't feel he has to get Sonik Synth JUST because of a new arpeggiator or something else was added. He can have that too in his ST2! But, if he wants the massive onslaught of sound material (patches, combis and tons of samples that are totally different from ST2XL) THEN he can get Sonik Synth 2 (even at a discount for being an ST2 owner).

I suppose if we made a module that just wasn't possible to be compatible with others it would be a different story but since these are based upon the ST2 engine why not have these work together as a system and let them all be opened under on master plug-in, SampleTank 2?

Anyway, it's to all IK and SR user's benefit to keep SampleTank 2 going strong because it is the flagship from which these new modules are able to be created. I hate to say it but if we had to start from scratch then Sonik Synth 2 and Studiophonik would probably cost a lot more (and there would be no upgrade deals). So, to me, the best thing is to make SampleTank 2 owners continually happy about their purchase. Ways to do this are serious attention to any bug fixes (which has been done to a major degree and it's become much more solid since it's launch...), free sounds in the user area, discounted upgrades/crossgrades to and from the full ST2 XL and more free tutorials on how to get the most out of it.

The happiest ST2 user is one who eventually has all of the capsules, Sonik Synth 2 and Studiophonik (budget permitting of course). At the very least we'll all be happy to have this ourselves. What a system! Whew! It'll all be worth it (Squids says as he is finishing up the Acoustic Guitar Capsule instead of relaxing for the weekend!).

Cheers! (now I do have to go to the grocery store... I'm already late! KVR gets me into so much trouble at home. You have no idea.)

[Reverend Rhythm]

I got my Keyboard Mag in today.

I sitting on "Ready."

It's going to be a long month.

Maybe I should look into getting a life?

Naaaaaaaaaaah, I'll just wait.

[Tachikoma]

10 000s sound phew but I hope somebody takes a direction towards ethnic sounds which are very under represented in general.

In fact, i've never heard any decent ethnic sounds in any library, there are 100s of instruments and drums and such from Asia, Africa and Micronasia, and don't forget the eastern states surrounding russia too.

Most of the time I have come across a bad sample mapped across the whole range, or just badly mapped because the developer had no idea how the instrument should sound when played. Added to the fact that most people myself included would not know about such exotic instruments and need an explanation. But alas, most sample CDs seem content in throwing me a bunch of ethnic loops and song phrases.

The only worthy contender and its a start has been yellow tools culture,but its quite dedicated towards percussion only.

So I hope to see one day more ethnic sounds in IK/SR products.

Tachikoma.