KVR Audio

Robmobius · Post by **Robmobius** » Mon Aug 18, 2014 9:45 pm

If CPU is a problem then it’s best to avoid Diversion it will test any computer. But it is a great synth, and has a wealth of possibilities.

Helix is its own synth, like Dune 2 it has a certain character. I happen to really like both synths.

Dune is easier to program with it's fantastic layout. Helix GUI is more fiddly but again, you can get a great range of sounds too.

Hmmm....it's a tough choice. I'm tempted to say Dune (or Spire) because they are new and have lots of support going forward.

DHR53 · Post by **DHR53** » Mon Aug 18, 2014 10:17 pm

Well, I didn't mention what type of computer I had in the original post which I probably should have... cpu hit is just a philosophical thing with me i.e. I usually try and look at the sonic impact of the synth compared with the cpu hit and try and balance the value from there. I have a quad core i7 with 16 gigs of ram so I can probably tolerate all of these and even Diva which I've sort of resisted based on that formula. It has been interesting to hear how other people look at this equation...

Lot of people are high on Dune 2, which was my initial impression although the demo ran out before I had much time to test it... I've been crazy busy lately. But it's newer than some of these others so that's probably a factor too. Alchemy I've sort of resisted on the price alone, but I think it is worth it for all of the options built-in to the engine. I'm not crazy about that whole Nexus "sound library" model where you keep paying for the synth over and over but it does attract good sound designers and they get paid for their work.

I've purchased a lot of great stuff lately for ridiculously low prices... I almost feel like I need to buy something at full price.

Robmobius · Post by **Robmobius** » Mon Aug 18, 2014 10:40 pm

Ah, well you can’t really go wrong with Diversion at it sale price.

Just to throw another few option in. Have a look at Electra2 from Tone 2. There’s a hell of a lot of synth in there…

cryophonik · Post by **cryophonik** » Mon Aug 18, 2014 10:45 pm

Of the synths mentioned, I have Spire and Alchemy, but I also have Dune 1 FWIW (Dune 2 and the others in your list don't really appeal to me). Spire can be a huge CPU hog, but it's a wonderful sounding synth with some really cool features and a pretty wide sweet spot. But, Alchemy is one of my favorite soft synths and is just flexible in so many ways, so I'd vote for upgrading to the full version.

core · Post by **core** » Tue Aug 19, 2014 7:11 am

I have Diversion and Spire, and tried the Dune 2 demo. All three are great, though if I'd have to choose just one right now I would probably go for Diversion because it's on sale right now. Spire was on sale before and might be on sale again some time, in which case you could still pick it up, same for Dune 2 as Synapse has a sale on its flagship products at least once a year I think. Tough choice to make though cause these synths are all great, including Helix.

4damind · Post by **4damind** » Tue Aug 19, 2014 8:48 am

Diversion is a good sounding synth with great designed GUI. IMO the basic saw sounds a bit weird in higher octaves there is some aliasing and the overall sound is IMO a bit too bright (also in soft mode).
It kills also actual CPUs like a i7 in Unison mode with longer release times (pads). Diversion is IMO using the most CPU of all synth in this list. This "problematic" sounds can be a bit "faked" with shorter release times and reverb/delay and this will decrease CPU usage a lot. So it depends of the own needs.

Dune2 is the pad machine, no other synth can do such smooth pads, evolving sounds etc. it has a bit it's own "polished" signature sound and is very light on CPU.

Spire, the Virus synth and Sylenth competitor

Clean digital VA sounding synth, great Unison mode. CPU usage is a bit higher but IMO not such a big problem on a actual CPU. Also very good for pads.

If I take all that into account... Spire

Lotuzia · Post by **Lotuzia** » Tue Aug 19, 2014 9:05 am

I'd say Diversion because the synth is nice, the guy is nice ( Dmitry ), it's on sale, and ......... I've made a soundbank that I like a lot for it : Divinity ( and the sounds are optimised for relative low cpu usage )

Some of the 170+ Divinity presets in action ( more audio demos on our site )

Divinity SoulFunk
Divinity Tribal
Divinity Elektro
Divinity Cinemantic

Diversion sounds a bit different than the other synths I have. That's why I enjoy it.

LtZ

Ben H · Post by **Ben H** » Tue Aug 19, 2014 9:20 am

Diversion has just added granular in one of the last couple of updates FFS... at NO extra cost for current owners or new customers either.

So yeah, I'd say your assertation about not being actively developed is WAY off the mark. Your BIAS is just because it doesn't interest you. therefore you don't follow it's development.

Rather than not being actively developed, you should have stated that YOU don't actively follow it's development.

Robmobius · Post by **Robmobius** » Tue Aug 19, 2014 10:32 am

@Lotuzia.

That's a very nice soundbank.

Diversion sounds modern to me, that's why I like it. Like Dune and Helix it has it's own character. Plus, it's a breeze to program.

The Oscillators at higher tones can be cutting, but you can adjust the modes. The filters are great and Diversion has an incredible low end (that many soft synths don't have).

If you are looking for a great analog style vst synth, get Diva. If you are looking for a really good synth that sounds great and has tons of potential get Diversion.

Hell, get both!

BDeep · Post by **BDeep** » Tue Aug 19, 2014 10:54 am

Robmobius wrote:If you are looking for a great analog style vst synth, get Diva. If you are looking for a really good synth that sounds great and has tons of potential get Diversion.

Hell, get both!

You forgot one last iteration.

Get them all!!!

Robmobius · Post by **Robmobius** » Tue Aug 19, 2014 10:59 am

BDeep wrote:
Robmobius wrote:If you are looking for a great analog style vst synth, get Diva. If you are looking for a really good synth that sounds great and has tons of potential get Diversion.

Hell, get both!
You forgot one last iteration.

Get them all!!!

Sorry you're dead right.

Yeah! Collect them all...

MillerSam · Post by **MillerSam** » Tue Aug 19, 2014 1:27 pm

Video Number 2: Pad Sounds

BBFG# · Post by **BBFG#** » Tue Aug 19, 2014 2:09 pm

Okay, that's bordering on SPAM...

arkmabat · Post by **arkmabat** » Tue Aug 19, 2014 2:14 pm

wow and it's like half price right now

BBFG# · Post by **BBFG#** » Tue Aug 19, 2014 2:25 pm

The Diversion sales team?

Helix, Diversion, Dune 2 or Spire... Hmmm