End of development: There will be no new Tone2 products

[Tone2 Synthesizers]

He's back. Kind of.

viewtopic.php?t=603101

It's not a new product. It is an upgrade. So, it's really "kind of".

To prevent confusion:

- In early September, when Markus announced that he will leave the industry, RayBlaster3 was already feature-complete and in beta. Because of deep changes in the GUI code this version needed to be tested excessively. Our philosophy is to release only updates that are really stable and have been properly tested.

- In September Icarus3 was already in alpha stage. The work on this one will most likely (slowly!) still be finished. Icarus3.0 will be the final major update that will be released by us.

- After Icarus3 only free minor updates and soundsets will be released. Gladiator4.x, Electra3.x, Saurus4.x, Nemesis 3.x, RayBlaster 3.x and Icarus 3.x will be the final versions.

- There are no plans to develop new Tone2 products. There is a detailed statement available in the first post of this thread.

To prevent further speculation:

The health situation of Markus is serious and still not good. He was in hospital this year for 4 times. He is currently at home again, but he will not longer be able to work on synthesizer development as a full-time job.

[DaniZzz79]

thanks for the update!
I'm really sorry to hear this. I just bought Icarus 2 and I really love it!
a big hug.

[El°HYM]

for Markus.

[Vortifex]

Damn, sorry to hear that. All the best to Markus and I hope his health situation improves.

[Korg Supporter]

Icarus 2 will be 50% off on Thomann Black Friday

[esterman]

Hi Markus,

friend from G-Sonique brought this post to my attention recently. Just to let you know that I am a huge fan from Brazil, since 1999, and for me your synths are some of the biggest masterpieces made in the software synth business. I have Gladiator III original, and I simply love it.

I also work on the software business, and I go through a lot being a fighter for this business in my country.

If you haven't seen it, this is your brand's "home" at Sweetspot, the store I work at, in Brazil:

https://www.sweetspot.com.br/marcas/tone-2/

I can understand and relate to many things said here, and I'm awfully sorry for what you have been through. Eventhough you have had that experience, I can say you really made a difference in Music worldwide and you have certainly left your mark in the world. Not only that, your sound is THE BEST.

We are very proud to represent Tone2 here, and the sales are hard in our conuntry due to the same and other additional reasons, but we will always continue to push and make Tone2 available for the customers here in Brazil.

Good luck man, the music software business is indeed a hard one. I can imagine myself and many friends doing other things and living an easier life.

We are all crazy, especially if we're not in the biggest economies like the USA and some others... How far does a passion need to go while being unworthy? It's hard to tell and whatever decision is made, is the right one for each person.

All the best!

From a fan,

Eduardo - Brazil

[egbert101]

I was very ill for awhile but made a full recovery. Wishing you all the best Markus.

[havran]

Wishing you the best, Markus!

[esterman]

Looking at our school's reception, I remembered we have this there on display for years:



It's all Best Service's fault!

Proud to have your products around here, thanks again for all the contribution you've given to the music scene.

[stuman]

Markus, I wish the best for you and your kids. Hoping for a full recovery

[guyguy2004]

I'm really sorry about your struggles! It seems like it's the 'season' of struggle, lots of testing.. I am fighting benzo withrawal.. and im originally from Israel and can't describe to you how much suffering people in that region are going through. Marcus, you have created what I consider the best sounding synths ever. I am proud to have bought the full product stack fair and square. If you ever add another 'fix' to the synths just add the ability to control 'auto chords''s chord type by adding a key etc rather than rely on a fixed scale. I hope your mojo will get back once you are healed <3 in the meantime feel proud of yourself. you honestly made the most amazing, most radical and best sounding vsts I have had the pleasure to use.

[Gavincoolguy]

Can anyone speak the state of Tone2 products? I was interested in picking up some for Black Friday and then I recalled seeing this post. Are all Tone2 products EOL. Not to be callous and I hope the dev is well but business is still being done. A lot of what seemed to make the products so great was the constant interaction with users and frequent patching. Now what?

[zvenx]

They aren't EOL.
Just no new instruments and no new major upgrades (past Icarus 3).. but they will be maintained.
rsp

[Gavincoolguy]

Ok then that was my concern. Thank you

They aren't EOL.
Just no new instruments and no new major upgrades (past Icarus 3).. but they will be maintained.
rsp

[Frantz]

I posted a support question in the Tone2 forums yesterday and got a response from Markus in a few hours. So I would say the current products are fully supported.