NI could learn from Spectrasonics

[spectrum]

The key is that they didn't just sample the usual synths and "found" sounds. The soundsources are heavily processed in many creative ways using a large array of gear, both software and hardware.

and there are hundreds of simple building block waves too....

[cryophonik]

prob cos a 40+GB sample library means its a ROMpler...nothing to be ashamed of, i see no reason to hide it.

Correct. And its very well-equipped synthesis capabilities and DSP-based synth waveforms mean that it's also a synthesizer, as much a synthesizer as Massive is for that matter.

[spectrum]

prob cos a 40+GB sample library means its a ROMpler...nothing to be ashamed of, i see no reason to hide it.

Nope. Not in my understanding of how that term is generally applied.

"Rompler" has lots of negative connotations and is often a euphemism for:

• Inflexible
• Preset Playback instrument
• Not for Sound Designers
• Boring
• Not a real synthesizer
• Not powerful
• If you get it you will sound like everyone else

Wouldn't you agree?

Examples of famous Romplers: Korg M-1, Sound Canvas, etc

"Rompler" is a dirty word around here at Spectrasonics, because Omnisphere doesn't fit that description at all. It is very much the opposite of all the above.

[klagga2]

Omnisphere is just another fancy Rompler....

I'm afraid you're grossly misinformed.

That seems to be a common issue with Omnisphere, Eric. I don't think the general public can comprehend that a synthesizer can come with a 40+GB sample library and still be a synthesizer. I've even argued with people who own Omnisphere and didn't realize that it wasn't just a fancy playback module until I pointed out many of its same capabilities in your post above and shown them a direct comparison to the many synths that they own and use. In hindsight, I think Spectrasonics would perhaps have been better served to minimize these mis-perceptions by downplaying its massive (no pun intended) library relative to its actual synthesis capabilities.

One nice thing would be to in the directory have "Just omnisphere synthesis" as one of the options (like "All", "A taste of Omnisphere", etc). I think that would be good for a number of reasons, among them getting more of a feel for the synthesis capabilities.

[spectrum]

Yeah, maybe we'll do something like that. It's amazing how many people have the wrong idea about what Omnisphere is...

[EvilDragon]

"Rompler" has lots of negative connotations and is often a euphemism for:

• Inflexible
• Preset Playback instrument
• Not for Sound Designers
• Boring
• Not a real synthesizer
• Not powerful
• If you get it you will sound like everyone else

Have you ever played with a Kurzweil PC3? It's a rompler, too, and definitely scratches all of your points.

[cryophonik]

Yeah, maybe we'll do something like that. It's amazing how many people have the wrong idea about what Omnisphere is...

It is amazing. The real question is, how do you change that perception? I do my part to try, but I'm a nobody and that's exactly who listens to me...nobody.

[spectrum]

Have you ever played with a Kurzweil PC3? It's a rompler, too, and definitely scratches all of your points.

Sure. Technically, so is a Roland JD-800....but I've never once heard anyone call it a "Rompler". People think of the JD-800 as a classic and very powerful synthesizer, when it doesn't have any "real oscillators" at all

- yet Omnisphere is called "Rompler", when it has a boatload of "real oscillators" and WAY more synthesis power than the JD-800.

Go figure!

[el-bo (formerly ebow)]

Omnisphere is just another fancy Rompler, boring and one can't load one's own samples which is making everybody using the same sounds again. Not the way to go imo.

you must have omnisphere lite

my version allows me to load any combination of soundsources and patches.....the full version also has a full blown synth engine...there really are tons of possibilities....

you should look into upgrading, possibly

[klagga2]

I understand the desire for user import of samples, but the reputation of the core library is pretty stellar and it's won tons of awards, etc.

I still keep thinking how great it would be if Omni could import samples/wave-forms.

I'm sure third party sample producers would be interested in releasing libraries for Omni, like there are third party libraries for RMX.

Maybe there could be some kind of required cooperation between Spectrasonics and the interested third party, to ensure quality control etc.

It could expand the Omni in a way that Spectrasonics naturally never would get around to doing.

[spectrum]

I understand the desire for user import of samples, but the reputation of the core library is pretty stellar and it's won tons of awards, etc.

I still keep thinking how great it would be if Omni could import samples/wave-forms.

I'm sure third party sample producers would be interested in releasing libraries for Omni, like there are third party libraries for RMX.

Maybe there could be some kind of required cooperation between Spectrasonics and the interested third party, to ensure quality control etc.

It could expand the Omni in a way that Spectrasonics naturally never would get around to doing.

Of course it's the #1 request and something we'd like to do in the future. It's important to us though, that Omnisphere establishes it's reputation as a very powerful synth first and foremost.

[bobbybland]

There was mention of exactly that (importing samples) at some point in Omni's future.

[cryophonik]

It's important to us though, that Omnisphere establishes it's reputation as a very powerful synth first and foremost.

I know how much you guys like videos, so how about starting with a series of videos demonstrating exactly that. Looking at your video webpage:

http://www.spectrasonics.net/omnisphere ... plore.html

There's nothing there that screams "Omnisphere is a synthesizer!!!" to me.

Just a thought.

[el-bo (formerly ebow)]

Omnisphere is just another fancy Rompler....

I'm afraid you're grossly misinformed.

That seems to be a common issue with Omnisphere, Eric. I don't think the general public can comprehend that a synthesizer can come with a 40+GB sample library and still be a synthesizer.

prob cos a 40+GB sample library means its a ROMpler...nothing to be ashamed of, i see no reason to hide it.

except that ROMpler gets it's name from the word ROM (read -only -memory) and implies that it's the equivalent of an old cartridge console system where the system is essentially 'closed'....

just how many synths CAN import samples...it is a more common thing to NOT have this feature....

in that sense , excluding alchemy and a few others, omnisphere is as flexible (and moreso) than most hard/soft synths available today....it would be exactly the same if it shipped with a 500meg library...

the library is a huge bonus....but the synth is great....it's a shame that the tutorial vids are only available to registered users because things might become clearer

you must be a different 'kriminal' to the one i thought...you can't be the guy who's sounds i have throughout my camel audio libraries......

[Shabdahbriah]

It could expand the Omni in a way that Spectrasonics naturally never would get around to doing.

Are you suggesting , that "Spectrasonics" hasn't recorded crickets yodeling "Ode to joy", while roller-blading through a four-foot long 3-inch diameter PVC mailing-tube, whilst the recordist is mounted on a unicycle precariously perched atop an inverted 30-gallon tupperware garbage-can hot-glued to the roof of an abandoned '59 VW-bus, during an unanticipated tsunami alert?!!!

Hmmm... m a y b e.