Roli: Equator 2 is here !

[LoveEnigma18]

How’s the CPU?

Not too CPU heavy as per my initial impression, should be able to run a few instances without a problem on a decent computer. For some complex presets and when all oscillator sources are utilized, it increases quite a bit though, which is obvious. Pigments 2 has only 2 sources and is apparently more CPU intensive than Equator2.

This is based on quick playing and observations, not proper testing. Hope it helps a bit.

EDIT: Overall, it is in the league of Massive X and Pigments 2 as far as CPU usage is concerned, only a bit less with some not-so-complex presets.

[simmo75]

Hmmm,
Seems nobody here is interested in the granular synthesis options.

If anyone that has it would like to share opinions and info, it would be appreciated?

I can’t find info on the maximum number of grains or adding grains for a start, from what I’m seeing it doesn’t seem to have many options.

[dunohearno]

Hmmm,
Seems nobody here is interested in the granular synthesis options.

If anyone that has it would like to share opinions and info, it would be appreciated?

I can’t find info on the maximum number of grains or adding grains for a start, from what I’m seeing it doesn’t seem to have many options.

The granular engine is really good. No phasing, really smooth. Doesn’t seem to have a number of grains control, but the rate and length are pretty wide so makes up for it.

Only downsides I’ve found so far is that you can’t loop samples. Seems like a bit of an oversight. Sure you could probably embed the loop into the sample before importing, but kind of a workflow killer. It really needs the ability to select loop points within the oscillator. Also, no animations on the envelopes, or granular / sample waveforms etc, so little tricky to see what’s moving and how, and sometimes when you select a source for modulation, you forget to un-click it and it adds it to where you don’t want it. Gets a little annoying, but imagine it’s just something to get used to. And as mentioned before, moving the library but think they’re already on that.

If those things were sorted, this would go right to the top of my list. Workflow is really well thought out, and yeah, the sound, especially the granular engine is very very good. Just need to be able to select loop points in the sample engine...

[simmo75]

Hmmm,
Seems nobody here is interested in the granular synthesis options.

If anyone that has it would like to share opinions and info, it would be appreciated?

I can’t find info on the maximum number of grains or adding grains for a start, from what I’m seeing it doesn’t seem to have many options.

The granular engine is really good. No phasing, really smooth. Doesn’t seem to have a number of grains control, but the rate and length are pretty wide so makes up for it.

Only downside I’ve found so far is that you can’t loop samples. Seems like a bit of an oversight. Sure you could probably embed the loop into the sample before importing, but kind of a workflow killer. It really needs the ability to select loop points within the oscillator. Also, no animations on the envelopes etc, so little tricky to see what’s moving and how. And as mentioned before, moving the library but think they’re already on that.

If those things were sorted, this would go right to the top of my list. Workflow is really well thought out, and yeah, the sound, especially the granular engine is very very good. Just need to be able to select loop points in the sample engine...

Thanks for taking the time

[nyx]

Very worried about the four week phone home copy protection ...expecially if the company isnt around anymore

[dunohearno]

Very worried about the four week phone home copy protection ...expecially if the company isnt around anymore

I cant really see that being a problem. I think the troubles they’ve gone through might be coming to an end, especially with Ableton finally adopting mpe. Imagine a lot more people are going to get on board now, and when midi 2 comes around Roli will be in a position to clean up. Even if they did go under, imagine someone would buy this from them.

It’s got a few problems to be ironed out, but it’s a good one.

[aMUSEd]

It says it 'inherits' the modulation system from Cypher and Strobe 2 - does that include inheriting the transmod bug?

[Echoes in the Attic]

Very worried about the four week phone home copy protection ...expecially if the company isnt around anymore

Oh great. Is that why I have to enter my info and reauthorize every time I open strobe? (I never use it, just test it every so often even though I own it). Equator has never made me reauthorize. So they are changing their protection for Equator 2?

I hate this phoning home crap.

[zvenx]

Interesting.
I have never had to do that with strobe or cypher..
rsp

[Echoes in the Attic]

It says it 'inherits' the modulation system from Cypher and Strobe 2 - does that include inheriting the transmod bug?

I asked the same thing.

[simmo75]

I’ve never had that authorization issue, just once for me on mac.

[jancivil]

"Once authorisation has completed, Equator2 can run without requiring ROLI Connect to be running for up to 4 weeks before needing to "phone home" again. Should this occur, you'll be prompted to launch ROLI Connect again."
I read this to mean as long as you launch it within the 4 weeks it doesn't 'phone home'.

I've been on a list to hear about ROLI having the smaller Seaboard for sale since June, nada/zip/bupkiss. I basically imagined ROLI going under soon. suppose not

[plexuss]

I just decided to buy the update. I figured I have this amazing instrument the Seaboard 49 and I should be at least running the comanion synth with it, up to date. As I am going through the buy-flow, I see system requirements macOS >= 10.14. Im running 10.13. What a joke! I can't update to 10.13 unless I spend $250 on a video card that supports Metal. I have no compelling reason to. A $100 updated Equator isn't worh it to me. But, this begins the evolving critical obsolescence of my platform. It was bound to happen. I usually hold out until I can upgrade to the next best used system and save a ton of money. However, the next gen are the garbage cans. Not for me. So that leave the ridiculously priced current models. Or maybe first gen M1. *IF* I decide to stick with apple. I also have a plan to migrate to Windoze if the apple platform becomes to far gone outside of what I am willing to put up with. It's getting close.

Easy decision. Good. $100 to go some thing more cool.

[simmo75]

I just decided to buy the update. I figured I have this amazing instrument the Seaboard 49 and I should be at least running the comanion synth with it, up to date. As I am going through the buy-flow, I see system requirements macOS >= 10.14. Im running 10.13. What a joke! I can't update to 10.13 unless I spend $250 on a video card that supports Metal. I have no compelling reason to. A $100 updated Equator isn't worh it to me. But, this begins the evolving critical obsolescence of my platform. It was bound to happen. I usually hold out until I can upgrade to the next best used system and save a ton of money. However, the next gen are the garbage cans. Not for me. So that leave the ridiculously priced current models. Or maybe first gen M1. *IF* I decide to stick with apple. I also have a plan to migrate to Windoze if the apple platform becomes to far gone outside of what I am willing to put up with. It's getting close.

Easy decision. Good. $100 to go some thing more cool.

Apparently they do offer refunds if you were to try it and it doesn’t work. It might be worth it, I’ve had plugins in the past that shouldn’t have worked but did.

[plexuss]

Apparently they do offer refunds if you were to try it and it doesn’t work. It might be worth it, I’ve had plugins in the past that shouldn’t have worked but did.

Interesting idea. Instead I sent them a support request ticket to confirm. I will let you know what they say. Their other products have differening specific macOS min specs so they seem to be very specific for each product leading me to think it indeed is 10.14 min.