Sonik Synth 2...!!

[Squids]

How are the brass sections in SS2?

I'm looking for ballsy, bombastic brass section sounds, and the brass section patch in OmniSynth is just about the worst sound I've ever heard. Weak and uninspiring, ugh.

Gee thanks! Although, I have to sort of agree that the brass is certainly the weakest part of OmniSynth. The pianos, organs, synths, gtr, bass, drums, strings and ethnic instruments are the highlights of that one (or at least in terms of comparisons to other GM sets out there).

The brass in Sonik Synth 2 is very good. We ARE working on a dedicated Brass library for ST2 that is better for that though. Sonik Synth 2 has both the brass of Sonic Synth 1 which was better than OmniSynth but still not a highlight as well as some new brass multi-samples (and of course some good combi patches as well for it- and you can make your own). There are a few brass sounds in it that very well could bring a nice smile to your face. Some particular orchestral horns as well as some pop brass sections with sax (combi layers).

I was playing this one patch the other day, I forget the name of it. Maybe I called it Steely horns or something. Anyway, one of the guys heard it from another room and felt compelled to come into my office to see "What is THAT from???" That's always a good sign. But, that was just one patch.

I'll be honest with you. I wouldn't say brass is the highlight of SS2. However, I think there's better brass on there than we've ever released before... until the next brass ST2 Expansion Tank comes out anyway.

Hey, btw, you know AMG's "Brit Horns" has some pretty darn cool brass sounds. I did the same thing when I heard someone from esoundz playing it in another room. I said "Oh, those are some nice brass loops" and the person who was playing it said "Those weren't loops, I was PLAYING that live." I was totally fooled. Now, granted, I am surrounded by some talented musicians who have their forte (his must be good brass playing from the keys because there is a technique to that). But, I liked what I heard. It's just not a large library, but it seems pretty useful.

Back to Sonik Synth 2... don't buy it for the brass sounds (I know you wouldn't anyway) however you may be pleasantly surprised at either the included brass patches or the patches you can make yourself given all of the variety of material to mix and match.

[Squids]

Now that its finished, how many mb, patches and combis is it finally?

Also I would like to know what is the date limit to be able to purchase with the promo price (I own ST2, SS1 and SStation).

Thanks in advance

Well, normally for most people the date is through the end of this year and then the price will go up for a while and then after a little while there may possibly be no more upgrade/crossgrades at all. This is something offered to people in the beginning (which also helps get things going because the more users there are the more word of mouth and that's how it all balances out later on).

But, being a Sonic Station owner you are lucky because not only is the upgrade discount a permanent option for all Sonic Station owners (since Sonic Station 2 is dropping Reason and ST2 to avoid directly overlapping SS2 and Sonic Refills) but as BOTH a Sonic Station and Sonic Synth 1 owner you get an even better deals. But, for all of that you'd need to contact sales@esoundz.com or even just dan@esoundz.com to work those details out. But I think you will like the way we show consideratin to those that have supported us like that. As a Sonic Station owner you also get a complimentary Sonic Refill and Film Orchestra refill (if you own Reason)... in fact there is a whole thread about it separately in our forum. Check it out.

I am going to answer your other question in a second. I am going to pull some stuff from the manual here... just a sec. I'll be right back!

[Squids]

Here are some Sonik Synth 2 sound specs for you.

There are 350+ combi patches. In different folder categories that are described below (I will post the patches soon, I have the list on another computer at the moment).

There are 2,285 actual multi-samples in Sonik Synth 2 (the actual amount of individual samples is probably over 20,000).

The amount of single "part" presets totals 5,464!!

The whole thing is over 8.5 gigs. (around 8.6 total with the combis).

Here is a short description of each combi folder's patches to get an idea of what you'll find there (for now, but we will have even more added value combis to give Sonik Synth 2 users on www.esoundz.com as well!)

Sonik Synth 2.0 Combi Preset Folders:

SS2 Bass

Both synth and electric/acoustic bass sounds. Some basses are brought out from other category folders of single patches and others are composite bass sounds made up of layered parts.

SS2 Guitar+Plucked

A variety of stacked guitars and complex string instrument layers.

SS2 Keyboard

From piano stacks to a variety of different layered keyboard sounds.

SS2 Leads

A variety of solo instruments, many of which are made up of layered parts

SS2 Misc

Miscellaneous combi patches

SS2 Motion Beds

Layered pads, synths, keys and other tonal sustain sounds over a background of grooves set to a polyphony of one. The concept of motion beds is to have some fun and inspiration from having a groove play underneath a bed of music live simulatanously from your controller.

SS2 Orchestral

A performance mix of strings, brass, winds, choirs and orchestral percussion. Layered ensembles and rich symphonic textures.

SS2 Pads

A mix of various synth pads, motion synths, evolving textures, rich analog flavors and more.

SS2 PolyRhythms

Layered single grooves stretched across the keyboard all set to BPM sync to your host tempo and to each other regardless of their original tempo (the original BPM tempo is listed in the name of the single patches that are the parts of these types of combis).

SS2 Special FX

A general category for all types of special fx layers.

SS2 Synth

A general category of layered synth sounds.

SS2 Vintage

A section for time-traveling fun to the 60's and 70's with layered instruments that offer a nostalgic taste of the musical instrumentation of those eras.

SS2 Vocal

Layered vocal textures of backing oohs and ahhs as well as classical choirs, pads and more.

[Caleb]

If this product isn't fantastic I'll eat the box it came in.



If SS2 has the best brass ever then that's a relief as the brass in SS1 and Omni both sucked!

I find it hard to be subtle about the brass in those products as you know.

Of course so much of the rest of the product was a godsend that the stinky brass patches were forgiven.

I'm hanging out for the Brass expansion so get to work - I expect a progress report on my desk by tomorrow.

Just kidding.

Caleb

[Kim Lajoie]

If this product isn't fantastic I'll eat the box it came in.

Forever,




Kim.

[Vocalpoint Studios]

Squids,

What's the latest on delivery? Will I get to mess with SS2 before or after my Xmas turkey is served?

Best,

Bruce

[Squids]

If this product isn't fantastic I'll eat the box it came in.



If SS2 has the best brass ever then that's a relief as the brass in SS1 and Omni both sucked!

Caleb

I think that both extremes would not be the case. It never really sucked and SS2 is never going to be the best brass ever. But, from less focus on that area to more focus (or at least more of EVERYTHING really) there are improvements. I'll be honest with you. The new brass library is going to be better for brass. I can imagine even BETTER than that too. But, then again, a real group of players is the ultimate (my band has a horn section and it's awesome. I don't even ATTEMPT to play keyboard brass live except to fill in some parts underneath them.)

As to the first comment... I guess we better send you the chocolate box version then.

[Squids]

Squids,

What's the latest on delivery? Will I get to mess with SS2 before or after my Xmas turkey is served?

Best,

Bruce

Ex X Bruce for Xmas dinner (watching X-Men 2: the power of X followed by XXX) ?

We're hoping to be shipping before Xmas. We're waiting on the packaging now. Bad time of year to be manufacturing though. Not the same turnaround times unfortunately. But, anyone who pre-ordered will be the first in the world to get it still. Soon oh soon.

Believe me, if it was possible to get it out the door faster I would do ANYTHING! I can't wait until people get to use this already.

[harmony gardens]

Squids, you got me feeling like I'm in Lambeau, waiting for Bret Farve to step out on the field!!! I can't wait to get it!!!
While we wait, I wonder if I can ask you the favor of using your influence at IK to maybe help us folks with aging eyes, get a skin for ST LE that we can read? The contrast is so close, it's annoying. It really takes away from the expirience for me, to have to lean over and squint, to read the voice names.
Or,,,,,, how about giving us patient pre order people a shot at ST XL engine only for $99, like you did for the percussion group buy? Sure would be nice of you.

[Arglebargle]

How are the brass sections in SS2?

I'm looking for ballsy, bombastic brass section sounds, and the brass section patch in OmniSynth is just about the worst sound I've ever heard. Weak and uninspiring, ugh.

Gee thanks! Although, I have to sort of agree that the brass is certainly the weakest part of OmniSynth.

I didn't mean to insult you or anything.

Seriously though, the OmniSynth brass section is absolutely unusable for the kind of brass I want. I need something PUNCHY, and the OS brass is way too legato, not to mention extremely thin. In higher registers it sounds more like some kind of weird string section than actual brass, in fact.


Y'know, I've considered Brit Horns, but I've read some pretty mediocre reviews about it.


I miss the brass section from my Yamaha PSR-550. Seriously. It may be an entry-level 'board, but I really like the one brass sound.



Better stop before I lose ALL credibility.

[Squids]

Squids, you got me feeling like I'm in Lambeau, waiting for Bret Farve to step out on the field!!! I can't wait to get it!!!
While we wait, I wonder if I can ask you the favor of using your influence at IK to maybe help us folks with aging eyes, get a skin for ST LE that we can read? The contrast is so close, it's annoying. It really takes away from the expirience for me, to have to lean over and squint, to read the voice names.
Or,,,,,, how about giving us patient pre order people a shot at ST XL engine only for $99, like you did for the percussion group buy? Sure would be nice of you.

Actually, the promotion for getting the engine of ST2 full as an add-on to your order is for any of the Expansion Tank 3-packs or for Sonik Synth 2 as well. We had to buy a lot of these to be able to do this bundle deal (and they can't be sold separately on their own... however we CAN go back and adjust any Sonik Synth 2 pre-orders to add the ST2 full engine for $99. Just know that it doesn't have the XL sounds with it though).

We're adjusting the page now for Sonik Synth 2 to give that extra option. But, the Expansion Tank 3-Pack deals already have that option there.

[Caleb]

Well I placed my upgrade from SS1 order through with the $99 ST2 engine today and I was declined.

I had only just shunted quite a bit of money into my credit card - maybe I didn't put enough in or my credit card hadn't registered the transfer yet.

Maybe I'll try again tonight.



What would you do without SR Christmas binges. At some stage I'll have to get around to telling all my family members that they won't be getting any Christmas presents from me this year.

Caleb

[Squids]

It sounds like a lot of arglebargle to me but if you are looking for that great particular brass sound you may find some of that on Brit Horns. At least I heard something really impressive from it the other day. I will spend some more time with it myself to investigate further.

There may be some good news on the brass front for a lot of reasons but I don't want to spoil good news too much before it is the proper time! (yeah right )

Anyway, AB, I wasn't offended especially if I agree that they're not the best. The one main brass ensemble sound in the original OmniSynth is something I listen to now and wonder how it squeaked by. But, I think the OmniSoundz one is better. That should be in the NEW OmniSynth 2.0 though that is the Expansion Tank version. $15. for that upgrade if you wanted it.

[harmony gardens]

Actually, the promotion for getting the engine of ST2 full as an add-on to your order is for any of the Expansion Tank 3-packs or for Sonik Synth 2 as well. We had to buy a lot of these to be able to do this bundle deal (and they can't be sold separately on their own... however we CAN go back and adjust any Sonik Synth 2 pre-orders to add the ST2 full engine for $99. Just know that it doesn't have the XL sounds with it though).

Cool,,, I want to do that then. I missed that somehow,,, Thanks!!! I can still buy the sounds later, right?? I just can't swing more than this at Christmas.

[Arglebargle]

It sounds like a lot of arglebargle to me but if you are looking for that great particular brass sound you may find some of that on Brit Horns. At least I heard something really impressive from it the other day. I will spend some more time with it myself to investigate further.

There may be some good news on the brass front for a lot of reasons but I don't want to spoil good news too much before it is the proper time! (yeah right )

Anyway, AB, I wasn't offended especially if I agree that they're not the best. The one main brass ensemble sound in the original OmniSynth is something I listen to now and wonder how it squeaked by. But, I think the OmniSoundz one is better. That should be in the NEW OmniSynth 2.0 though that is the Expansion Tank version. $15. for that upgrade if you wanted it.

I have the Expansion Tank version, actually.

I suppose I could consider Brit Horns.

This SR brass library you speak of intrigues me. You must tell us more.