KVR Audio

THE INTRANCER · Post by **THE INTRANCER** » Wed Dec 21, 2022 5:59 pm

Comparing Dune 3.5 with Hive 2 is interesting in that they complement each other well with them having strengths that each doesn't have.

Hive 2 can use different skins of different complexity in terms of visible functions and to be able to switch between them in a live way. Dune 3 doesn't have this depth of flexibility due to the depth of the scripting available to change the GUI.

Hive 2 feels more immediate when it comes to the modulation aspect of controls because you get an unrestricted and wider overview of what is being controlled in addition to a visual indicator on a per knob / slider / value control basis. You see what is being modulated in real time whereas with Dune 3.5 you don't and are restricted to viewing 7 modulation slots of a single screen that you can't view in any other way than what is being shown. This compromises other functionality that could be more readily accessible such as the arpeggiator.

Navigation-wise, Hive 2 is much better, it's simpler in actual operation even though it looks complex on the surface with many controls. With Dune 3.5, you don't get a complete overview of everything when it comes to the functions being used to the same extent.

.......

What other aspects do find when comparing these two synths ?

Tj Shredder · Post by **Tj Shredder** » Wed Dec 21, 2022 6:05 pm

You listed UI/UX differences. How do they differ in sound, can you get the same character out of both? Is there something the one can do that the other can‘t?
I only know that Dune support the full MPE spec, and Hive does just voice per channel…

MattLeschuck · Post by **MattLeschuck** » Wed Dec 21, 2022 7:09 pm

Sounds like you just like Hive 2 better.

The FX in Dune sound much better IM0 and the 8 layer system let’s you get a lot deeper in textural layers.

GUI wise I find Dune much easier on the eyes but would like Synapse to add some sort of indicator for modulation routing (similar to Rapid).

Sound wise I like both but always reach for Dune for big sounds. I like the very clean, digital nature of Hive. The interpolation is one of its best points. The unison in Dune I much prefer.

Overall I do think they compliment each other. Both are great synths.

fisherKing · Post by **fisherKing** » Wed Dec 21, 2022 7:22 pm

i've had both, i removed hive2; just never got into the sound of it. i love dune3, use it a lot. and (for me, anyway) the SOUND is always the most important thing...

zerocrossing · Post by **zerocrossing** » Wed Dec 21, 2022 7:35 pm

News alert: simpler synth is simpler to operate. Film at 11.

VELLTONE MUSIC · Post by **VELLTONE MUSIC** » Wed Dec 21, 2022 7:40 pm

If somebody combine Filters of Icarus and Dune3 with modulations of Synthmaster and Zebra will be one hack of a synth

Tobi MM · Post by **Tobi MM** » Wed Dec 21, 2022 7:56 pm

I use both as my main synths, they rather complement than rival each other - hive more for "into" the mix, Dune for full-front blast attacks. Massive X as the third one to round off the trio.

pdxindy · Post by **pdxindy** » Wed Dec 21, 2022 8:03 pm

THE INTRANCER wrote: Wed Dec 21, 2022 5:59 pm
What other aspects do find when comparing these two synths ?

I don't like the GUI of Dune. The mod matrix is poorly implemented. I have it, like the sound, and never use it.

Hive has good wavetables with the Uhm scripts. The comb filters are excellent. The matrix modifiers give some extra capabilities that are useful. The wavetable interpolation is the best of any wavetable synth I've tried. It's fast and efficient to use.

Tobi MM · Post by **Tobi MM** » Wed Dec 21, 2022 8:15 pm

pdxindy wrote: Wed Dec 21, 2022 8:03 pm
THE INTRANCER wrote: Wed Dec 21, 2022 5:59 pm
What other aspects do find when comparing these two synths ?
I don't like the GUI of Dune. The mod matrix is poorly implemented. I have it, like the sound, and never use it.

original GUI is awful, true... but this...

Bildschirmfoto 2022-12-21 um 21.14.37.png

https://killihu.vstskins.com/duneton/

pdxindy · Post by **pdxindy** » Wed Dec 21, 2022 8:17 pm

Tobi MM wrote: Wed Dec 21, 2022 8:15 pm
original GUI is awful, true... but this...

I don't care about the colors and such... it is the functionality that is clumsy and different skinds doesn't change that.

chagzuki · Post by **chagzuki** » Wed Dec 21, 2022 8:28 pm

I was just giving the Hive demo a spin (I was never quite drawn to it enough previously) partly because I like the idea of prioritising tools that I'm confident will have long-term support. First reaction is where are the filter types, as in types of regular lp filter? Looking at the manual I see the filters change depending on the synth engine selection, and this determines unison style also. Seems like quite a novel approach. Does this make sense, or would it make more sense to be able to select filter and unison modes independently of each other?

Teksonik · Post by **Teksonik** » Wed Dec 21, 2022 8:32 pm

I use both DUNE 3 and Hive 2 in every project and usually in multiple instances.

I find them both super easy to use and patch but then I've put in the time and I realize that nothing is perfect.

I wouldn't pass on a great sounding synth just because I might have to use the scroll wheel a couple of times.

They both have demos so don't let anyone else's opinions of them sway you one way or the other.

But I imagine this thread is more about promoting someone's skins and not about the synths themselves.

wagtunes · Post by **wagtunes** » Wed Dec 21, 2022 8:37 pm

IMO it's apples and oranges. I see myself using them for different things, Dune 3 which I've had for a while and Hive 2 which I just bought.

Sound wise, I don't think they sound anything alike. I'm not saying one is better than the other. I just think that they're not interchangeable as say Arturia's DX 7 and Dexed are. Even FM 8 could be thrown in there. To me, they're all basically the same. Dune 3 and Hive 2 are worlds apart both in architecture and sound.

fisherKing · Post by **fisherKing** » Wed Dec 21, 2022 8:55 pm

as always, it all comes down to one's needs, purpose... and music. i like massive X, but struggle with the GUI; still, i use it for it' sound. hive was easy to use, but didn't 'move' me. dune3 sounds great, and is easy to work with.

i know for a lot of people, the process is important. for me, it's first & foremost the music. so am glad we have choices, can use as many plugins as we want, and we can do whatever the hell we want. and everyone wins

THE INTRANCER · Post by **THE INTRANCER** » Wed Dec 21, 2022 9:34 pm

I've owned both for many years with Hive, in particular, being the longest from back in 2015 so I can be objective about their strengths and weaknesses. Dune 3.5 does have a unique feature that does help shorten the process of patch creation (which feels slower than the front end and editor screens it has, although that's another aspect), which provides greater sound creation possibilities. The Genetics feature of merging different patches vie the new browser included in the last update. The editors of Dune 3.5 do provide greater sound sculpting features using the line and drawing tools more akin to that of a sound artist who would prefer that over Hive 2.

Hive 2 feels more mechanical in nature than the organic system Dune 3.5 has. Dune 3.5 also opens the door to using wave files in the 3rd oscillator which further expands the sonic potential. Dune 3.5 provides a 32-step arpeggiator but with not just one but two to select from which gives a touch more in creative options. Hive 2 whilst restricted to 16 steps provides a complete overview that is programmable from your midi keyboard or that of the one provided on the GUI itself. Dune 3 does have a trick up its sleeve in that you can load midi files into the arpeggiator which Hive 2 doesn't allow.

Comparing Dune 3.5 With Hive 2