When selecting synths today, artists can choose from a myriad of excellent instruments. There’s just so much to choose from. But ask almost any New Age music artist; what is the most important synth in your studio? I bet the answer will be; Omnisphere. Here we’ll take a look at version 2 of this synth, which was released by Spectrasonics in May last year.
Chances are that you have heard Omnisphere 2 on a few release already. It can be used in any part of the production, either as a lead instrument, pad, bass, rhythm – or as vocal backing. It is that versatile (like any high-end software synth).
Unique features
We have been trying out many great synths here at the New Age Music Guide. Not that long ago we tested the excellent Dune 2, which offers a clear and modern sound. New Age music artist also should check out the sample packs by Art-Vera.com, which have a perfect atmosphere for our genre. If you are new to New Age music production, be sure to check out our article on this topic as well.
But there’s no doubt in my mind that Omnisphere 2 is the premiere software synth for New Age music artist, both for professionals and hobbyists. If you want to know why, simply check out this video of the standard pad sound banks:
Pad Paradise
The pads in Omnisphere 2 are perfect out-of-the-box (at least to my ears). They are especially great if synth is not your main instrument, and you need a quick and easy backing to piano, guitar, harp or almost any other instrument. And if the standard sound is not to your liking, try mixing it and you’ll soon find the right atmosphere. (If synth is your main instrument, you’ll likely use a high number of synths. Even a beast like Omnisphere cannot give you the complete fix.)
The main new feature in Omnisphere 2 is the Audio Import. You can now use your own audio file as a soundsource, mixing it using the new Granular Synthesis, Harmonia, Innerspace and many other tools. It is easy to create something new and totally different. Other notable features are:
• More than 4,500 new patches and soundsources.
• New category of Phrase-based Soundsources for granular synthesis
• Hundreds of new Circuit Bent Soundsources
• Many Innovative new Psychoacoustic Soundsources
• New Melodic Cave Stalactites Soundsources
Owners of the original Omnisphere can upgrade for 299$, while the full version is priced at 499$ (both download and boxed version available).
Omnisphere 2 is in many ways a perfect software synth. Yet at this stage it is impossible to say that a given synth is a must-have. There’s just so many tools available, both free and paid. You don’t have to pay a single cent to get great, professional tools – and $499 is a lot of money. But if you are in the market for a new synth, Omnisphere 2 is likely the best you’ll ever find. It’s like it is custom-built for New Age music.
To learn more about Omnisphere 2, go to Spectrasonics.net.
(For sake of good order; This is not an ad. I did not get paid for writing this. Omnisphere 2 is the real deal. Ask anyone).