Omnisphere 2 - here I come!

[EnochLight]

After my BFF hurricane pointed out that Musician's Friend had Spectrasonic's Omnisphere 2 for just $407 , I ended up picking it up. Just got it today, and to my great pleasure, I discovered that it's the newer USB drive version. For a while I was worried I'd be stuck with old stock from the shelf and a dozen DVD's to switch out - wahoo!!!

It's been ages since I purchased/installed boxed software from an actual brick and mortar store, so this is kinda' nostalgic. Looking forward to getting this bad boy going in Reason tonight.

Anyone else here have Omnisphere 2? If so, care to share your loves/hates?

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[modecca]

Some vsts take a while to figure out how to do basic things and this thing is very user friendly.
I am normally not a preset guy, but the plugin guru makes some exceptional patches for this thing and has tons of videos demonstrating methods to use it.
The sound sources are very inspiring.

So cool to hit random and have different effects attached to the patch that have parameters waiting to be tweaked in the orb section.
I am struggling though, to find out how to record the orb automation.

[EnochLight]

Some vsts take a while to figure out how to do basic things and this thing is very user friendly.
I am normally not a preset guy, but the plugin guru makes some exceptional patches for this thing and has tons of videos demonstrating methods to use it.
The sound sources are very inspiring.

So cool to hit random and have different effects attached to the patch that have parameters waiting to be tweaked in the orb section.
I am struggling though, to find out how to record the orb automation.

How do you find performance in Reason? Related: what's your hardware specs?

[reason2dance]

Welcome to the club, EnochLight!

[EnochLight]

Welcome to the club, EnochLight!

Hah! Thanks, man! I will say this: holy crap there's been a ton of maintenance updates/bug fixes since this thing released 2+ years ago. I'm going over the change log and there seems to be tons of bug fix updates released 2-5 times a year, without any major feature additions. Please tell me this isn't one of those "always in beta" type synths??!!!

Change log:

Omnisphere Software 2.3.2h 3-2-17
Includes the following features and fixes:

• Fixes issue where sustain pedal could trigger Synth sound if KeyTracking was Off
• Fixes issue where sustain pedal up/down events could interfere with LFO triggers and modulation.
• Fixes issue regarding rare possibility of crash in Arpeggiator
• Fixes minor memory leak

Omnisphere Software 2.3.2f 1-19-17
Includes the following features and fixes:

• New button on Soundsource Zoom pane to control whether or not pedal sounds go thru Effects rack
• Knob controls: increase sensitivity of Shift key for finer adjustments
• Increase limit on number of custom controls on GUI for Keyscape patches
• Permit modulating filter Cutoff with monophonic mod envelope via right- click "Modulate with Envelope"
• Fixes issue with Harmonizer Mix where dry signal for synth sounds was always output
• Fixes issue when modulating Arp speed where modulation was not applied to new notes
• Fixes issue where "Install .omnisphere" action did not correctly list items in browser when finished
• Fixes issue of a rare crash related to Sample File Server
• Fixes issue where Speed slider on Filter Envelope Zoom was not responding to modulations while a note is playing
• Fixes issue where adjusting Filter knobs (Cutoff , Res, etc) while the filter envelope was looping caused audio artifacts
• Fixes issue where Analog Chorus effect can produce audio glitches if chorus Warmth is enabled and a Juicy LP filter enabled and square synth wave playing
• Fixes issue where "Lock All" Sound Lock on browser would prevent Soundsources from changing
• Fixes issue where dropping a User Audio WAV file into Layer B would load it into Layer A after import completed

Omnisphere Software 2.3.1 10-06-16
Includes the following features and fixes:

• Mac installer fully functional on MacOS 10.12 Sierra
• Enhanced Windows installer
• Fixes issue with Clock Speed menu where it would not show "Normal" setting after selecting a setting other than "Normal"
• Fixes issue where "Redo" option could be improperly displayed

Omnisphere Software 2.3.0h 9-12-16
Includes the following features and fixes:

• Compatibility with Keyscape
• Redo/Undo functionality
• Collapse/Expand Mini Browser
• Mini Browser Ratings
• Streaming improvements
• Note Stealing improvements
• Progressive Loading improvements
• Add new "Custom Tab Reset" user preference button on System pane
• Aux Rack FX Return is modulatable
• Various fixes and improvements

Omnisphere Software 2.2.0g 3-24-16
Includes the following features and fixes:

• Bypass all effects by pressing the LED below FX button
• Move effects within effects rack by dragging
• Phase invert button on sublayer mixer in Soundsource Zoom
• Latch mode: terminate all notes when host transport is stopped
• Improved Browser performance
• Improved Patch-loading time on Windows
• Fixes crash when bouncing/freezing large amount of compressed audio files
• Changing effect type was not clearing out the effect's mod matrix slots
• Fixes bug where Ultrachorus effect could generate excessively-loud volumes
• Fixes bug where Chorus Echo effect delay time could be wrong after changing host sample rate
• Fixes bug in Toxic Smasher effect where it could produce an unwanted "chirp" sound at end of notes
• Fixes issue with Doubling Power Chords Patch
• Fixes issue with notes terminating if Solo is enabled and sustain pedal is depressed
• After dropping a MIDI groove into Arpeggiator, some groove indicators were not being displayed

Omnisphere Software 2.1.0d 8-4-15
Includes the following features and fixes:

• Improved GUI popup time
• New "Publish Library" feature
• Improvements to sharing features
• On/Off buttons for Osc modules in Layer Pages
• User Audio Import: unique-ify name rather than overwrite existing sound
• Show "N/A" in Harmonia Zoom osc menus when using sampled source
• Clear all Sound Lock checkmarks when Multi or Patch is Initialized
• Sound Match does not switch to All directory in Mini Browser
• Sample Thinning not recalling properly
• Header graphics can get into confused state
• Plugin hangs loading impulse file in a certain way
• Mini Mod Matrix becomes inoperative in certain situations
• Crackling sound in Bass Feeder Patch
• Ultra Chorus rate change causes unwanted delay in Ableton Live
• Waveshaper "AMP" audio path can cause audio glitches (Windows only)
• Improperly highlighted keys in Stack pane

Omnisphere Software 2.0.3d 6-3-15
Includes the following features and fixes:

• Round Robin menu on System pane always did Sequential
• Mod Matrix target menu text can be too wide for text box
• Browser Directory text can extend past box if directory name is long
• Rare deadlock on startup related to lock governing memory usage text update
• Cannot create Smoke Amp FX in a Multi FX rack

Omnisphere Software 2.0.2d 5-15-15
Includes the following features and fixes:

• Adds user preference in Browser Settings to select if Mini-Browser should respond to up/down arrow keys
• Fixes crashes when close plugin in a certain way, related to Trilian Controls
• Ensure that Start slider range behavior is consistent and accurate
• Crash related to Frequency Slider on FM page
• Hosts stop playing audio sporadically when impulse files used in Effects rack

Omnisphere Software 2.0.1c 5-7-15
Includes fixes for the following:

• All knob & slider parameter displays show value 1.000 when Arp Swing is modulated
• Aftertouch has different reset behavior than v1.5
• Crash related to User Preferences when running 2 or more instances
• Problem restoring arpeggiator sequences which have rests and have the length parameter turned down
• Windows non-English-language computers permissions issue
• Tempo in effects that had Sync option was not initialized properly with host tempo value

Omnisphere Software 2.0.0e 4-30-15
• Original Release

[hurricane]

If you have other Spectrasonics Libraries, you can use them all from within Omnisphere:

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And

Don't neglect the soundsource browser because you get to use and see all the interesting raw sound sources, including our very own Malstrom (although he spelled it wrong):

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[Psuper]

Haha the 'antique' way of installing stuff on USB no less!

Let me know how it goes. I hate to admit it, but I almost always judge a book by it's cover when it comes to apps. And in the case of apps - the install process. Don't get me wrong, I can reform my impression, but man that install routine makes a mighty impact on me initially.

Guess it goes without saying, since you like to scroll presets - Talk to you in a month!

[DonnieAlan]

I've been using Omnisphere since 1.0. I have always been very pleased with it. It is worth taking the time to explore every aspect of it, as there is so much you can do with it. It can be a bit of resource hog, especially with more complex multi-patches.

As has been mentioned, the Plugin Guru, John "Skippy" Lehmkuhl, has some fantastic voice libraries for it.
You will also find some very nice ones here and here.

You won't learn this one in one or two sessions. There's a steep learning curve to really get into its guts and figure out how it all works. But its also very intuitive. And there's a ton of decent "how to" vids out there on YouTube to help get you started.

Have fun.

[soroc sosta]

Great Buy! Congrats

Very easy synth to program and make great sounds! 10000+ presets!
Vocals are amazing!
Remember, before you get carried away with the Omni "Refills", that you can u can upload your own samples and manipulate them as if they are presets.
If you're like me you have more samples than you can ever get around to listening to
I had to come to my senses before I spent more money and hard drive space on

[reason2dance]

[...]Please tell me this isn't one of those "always in beta" type synths??!!!

Don't worry! I've never had a crash or quirky issues since the initial release of the predecessor Atmosphere. All the Spectrasonic instruments have a great quality and the long fix list is just a sign for a decent quality assurance ...

[EnochLight]

So, first impressions by installation alone was not the best. I don't know if this thing is a USB 2.0 drive or 3.0, but I plugged it into my USB 3.0 port that I've never had a problem with in the past, and it took the better part of 7 hours to install. That said, it was relatively painless after that - albeit probably more convoluted than it needs to be. Running the second "Step 2 - Data Updater" took all of 5 seconds. I'm familiar with the "challenge/response" computer authorization that it uses, as it's similar to Rob Papen's and others, so the authorization process went by easily. The sad part is, I don't think any of this has stopped people from cracking/pirating it, as there seems to be plenty of nefarious options out there for those who are so inclined.

Anyway, it loaded right up and I've been messing with patches all morning. I do see why people - who aren't familiar with Reason or building Combinators - go ape shit over this synth, though. Practically every patch is a well designed and complex Combinator, with a GUI/UX that's far more powerful than a stock Combi. From my perspective, it's more like "eh, that's pretty damn cool". The original sample/sound source content and complex patches is where this thing shines, though - most certainly. Anyone who says "I could just build a Combi" is absolutely right, but you'll be lacking its unique sample/sound source content (among some other features) and will never sound the same.

I'm happy with my purchase so far, but it will indeed take weeks to really dig into this thing.

On my quad-core i7 3770K that's overclocked to 4.5 Ghz, it actually registers a single DSP bar in Reason just by instantiating it. Really hoping Props make good on their word and improve Reason's VST performance to be more on par with other DAW out there, as I plan to use it in Reason 100% of the time.

[reason2dance]

So, first impressions by installation alone was not the best. I don't know if this thing is a USB 2.0 drive or 3.0, but I plugged it into my USB 3.0 port that I've never had a problem with in the past, and it took the better part of 7 hours to install.

I always would prefer the available download installation. It's as fast as your internet connection can be. To my mind the USB stick is more like a backup in the form of hardware ...

[EnochLight]

So, first impressions by installation alone was not the best. I don't know if this thing is a USB 2.0 drive or 3.0, but I plugged it into my USB 3.0 port that I've never had a problem with in the past, and it took the better part of 7 hours to install.

I always would prefer the available download installation. It's as fast as your internet connection can be. To my mind the USB stick is more like a backup in the form of hardware ...

I hear ya. Yeah, I didn't have the download option at the sale price, so I suppose it is what it is. I'll also say: HOLY CRAP THESE PATCHES ARE LOUD !!! I had to bring the levels down -8 to -9 db just to get many to stop clipping in Reason.

[reason2dance]

I'll also say: HOLY CRAP THESE PATCHES ARE LOUD !!! I had to bring the levels down -8 to -9 db just to get many to stop clipping in Reason.

Yeah, some of them have got a serious punch!

[EnochLight]

As has been mentioned, the Plugin Guru, John "Skippy" Lehmkuhl, has some fantastic voice libraries for it.
You will also find some very nice ones here and here.

Vocals are amazing!

Strangely enough, I'm not seeing any vocal/vox genre or categories in the included stock library. Are you guys saying that there's amazing 3rd party libraries for vocals?

[KIKBAK1]

After my BFF hurricane pointed out that Musician's Friend had Spectrasonic's Omnisphere 2 for just $407 , I ended up picking it up.

How is it? I can get it 15% off at guitar center down the street. How is the sound quality? How does it compare to the SoundsOnline stuff? I hope 100x better. Wasn't really impressed with the soundsonline stuff
Really

[reason2dance]

How is the sound quality? How does it compare to the SoundsOnline stuff? I hope 100x better.

The sound quality is top notch! The best of the best work with this stuff ...

https://www.spectrasonics.net/company/artists.php

https://www.spectrasonics.net/company/users.php

https://www.spectrasonics.net/company/filmtv.php

[EnochLight]

How is it? I can get it 15% off at guitar center down the street. How is the sound quality? How does it compare to the SoundsOnline stuff? I hope 100x better. Wasn't really impressed with the soundsonline stuff
Really

Sounds incredible to me. I'm overwhelmed with the amount of presets that it comes with, though. I've not heard of "SoundsOnline". Is that a 3rd party soundbank site?

I'm considering selling VPS Avenger, and possibly Serum as well. Just a lot of overlap between the three.

[soroc sosta]

Sorry... the catagory is called 'Human Voices' ... uses vocals fro the Sample CD "Vocal Planet"
Prepare to be blown away

Vocals are amazing!

Strangely enough, I'm not seeing any vocal/vox genre or categories in the included stock library. Are you guys saying that there's amazing 3rd party libraries for vocals?
[/quote]

[dpcoffin]

Here's where to look for all the voices: in the Sound Sources browser—click on a layer (A or B), select Sample, then click on the sample window.



Here's another amazing, unique collection of samples:



DEFINITELY watch a few patch-making tutorials on PluginGuru's YT page. And join in on his mostly every-Saturday livestreams, where you can ask questions in the chat; great stuff!

[dpcoffin]

I can understand the impulse to buy new patches for Omnisphere the minute you get it…and Plugingurus's are wonderful to start with. The factory collection IS surely daunting and can feel kind of randomly vast at first, but it's packed with wonders. IMO the best thing to do first is to find just a few factory patches you like and dive right into swapping in different synth and samples. I've just spent the better part of a week exploring nothing but the very first factory patch in the list when you set the Category and Directory to ALL (Flying Wings of Love) , loading in new sounds, synths, and fiddling with endless modulations—don't miss Random, which is triggered by every note on; the option paths are truly fractal…and often stunning.

Or start auditioning sounds sources and adding ratings for easy use later. You'll very likely start seeing that at least a few sample libraries you might have previously lusted after are redundant now:)

AND be sure to add some of your own as User samples. You can do batch imports just by dragging folder contents into the STEAM folder, under Soundsources/User. Of course you can't create multi-samples (only the factory sources offer that, and some are quite detailed), though PGuru has excellent demos about layering multis to get similar results. But if anything can make magic from a single sample, it's Omnisphere…

Under FX, don't miss Innerspace under Creative, and Thriftshop Speaker under Amplifier—even deeper rabbit holes:)

Hey, look:)

Welcome to the Omniverse:)

[QVprod]

Anyway, it loaded right up and I've been messing with patches all morning. I do see why people - who aren't familiar with Reason or building Combinators - go ape shit over this synth, though. Practically every patch is a well designed and complex Combinator, with a GUI/UX that's far more powerful than a stock Combi. From my perspective, it's more like "eh, that's pretty damn cool". The original sample/sound source content and complex patches is where this thing shines, though - most certainly. Anyone who says "I could just build a Combi" is absolutely right, but you'll be lacking its unique sample/sound source content (among some other features) and will never sound the same.

I'm definitely in the build a combi camp. Haven't found justification to drop that amount of money on it because of that. Given the legend that Eric Persing is, I understand why people are so crazy about it though. I'm sure the included content is amazing.

[EnochLight]

Thanks guys - a lot of good suggestions and information in these posts.

Assorted musings:

• The sample and sound source content is truly vast - this is really what one is paying for
• I still feel the GUI/UX is sorely dated (hello, early-2000's OSX brushed steel - Lol)!
• Is there no time-stretching on the fly with the human vocal samples? I find that most of phrases are missing legato and don't stay in time with the sequencer... I realize this isn't Kontakt, but I'm a little shocked to discover this.
• It's truly going to take me weeks - perhaps months - to really wrap my head around this!

Cheers

[reason2dance]

I still feel the GUI/UX is sorely dated (hello, early-2000's OSX brushed steel - Lol)!

It's based on the work of this guy:

http://www.iloyd.com/whoisiloyd.htm

Not bad actually.

There's also a lot of brushed metal in Reason! (ReGroove Mixer etc.).

I think brushed metal will never go out of fashion ...

[EnochLight]

I still feel the GUI/UX is sorely dated (hello, early-2000's OSX brushed steel - Lol)!

It's based on the work of this guy:

http://www.iloyd.com/whoisiloyd.htm

Not bad actually.

There's also a lot of brushed metal in Reason! (ReGroove Mixer etc.).

I remember iloyd - he did some old 3D renders of Reason devices like - 10 or 15 years ago. I still have those somewhere.

I think brushed metal will never go out of fashion ...

A matter of opinion, indeed.