Omnisphere Review: Why This Synth Plugin is Worth Every Penny
Spectrasonics Omnisphere: A Powerful and Versatile Synthesizer
If you are looking for a software synthesizer that can do it all, you might want to check out Spectrasonics Omnisphere. This award-winning plugin is one of the most popular and widely used synths in the world, thanks to its amazing sound quality, flexibility, and versatility. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, you can find endless possibilities and inspiration with Omnisphere.
Spectrasonics.Omnisphere.VSTi.AU.RTAS.v1.1.4c.UPDATE.PC.Incl.Key .rar
In this article, we will give you an overview of what Spectrasonics Omnisphere is, how to install it on your PC, how to use it in your music production, and how to get more out of it. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about this synth. Let's get started!
What is Spectrasonics Omnisphere?
Spectrasonics Omnisphere is a software synthesizer that combines many different types of synthesis into one amazing-sounding instrument. It is the flagship product of Spectrasonics, a company that has been creating innovative and high-quality software instruments since 1994.
The flagship synthesizer of Spectrasonics
Omnisphere was first released in 2008, after more than a decade of development. It was designed to be the ultimate synthesizer, with a huge library of sounds, a powerful engine, and a user-friendly interface. Since then, it has been updated several times, adding new features, sounds, and enhancements. The latest version is Omnisphere 2.8, which was released in September 2021.
Omnisphere is used by top artists all over the world, across various genres and styles. Some of the famous users include Hans Zimmer, BT, Skrillex, Deadmau5, John Powell, Junkie XL, Herbie Hancock, and many more. It has also been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, video games, and commercials.
The features and benefits of Omnisphere
Omnisphere has many features and benefits that make it stand out from other synths. Here are some of them:
It has over 14,000 sounds in its core library, covering everything from acoustic instruments to futuristic soundscape.
It has over 65 hardware synth profiles that allow you to use your hardware synth as a controller for Omnisphere.
It has over 2100 presets in 34 expansion packs that cover a wide range of music genres and styles.
It has four layers per patch, each with its own sound source, filter, envelope, LFO, mod matrix, arpeggiator, effects, and more.
It has eight synthesis modes: sample playback, virtual analog, wavetable, granular, FM, ring modulation, additive, and timbre morphing.
It has over 60 filter types, including analog modeled filters, digital filters, vocal filters , and creative filters.
It has over 60 effects units, including distortion, delay, reverb, chorus, flanger, phaser, compressor, EQ, and more.
It has a powerful modulation system, with over 100 modulation sources and targets.
It has a flexible arpeggiator, with over 100 patterns and a step sequencer mode.
It has a stack mode, which allows you to split or layer up to eight patches across the keyboard.
It has a live mode, which allows you to switch between patches quickly and easily.
It has a sound lock feature, which allows you to lock certain aspects of a sound while browsing for other sounds.
It has a sound match feature, which allows you to find similar sounds in the library based on a selected sound.
It has a sound source zoom feature, which allows you to see the waveform of the sound source in detail.
It has a orb feature, which allows you to manipulate the sound in real-time using a circular controller.
It has a granular synthesis feature, which allows you to create complex and evolving sounds from any sample.
It has a wavetable synthesis feature, which allows you to create rich and dynamic sounds from any waveform.
It has a timbre morphing feature, which allows you to blend and morph between two different sound sources.
It has an FM synthesis feature, which allows you to create metallic and bell-like sounds from any sound source.
It has an additive synthesis feature, which allows you to create harmonic and inharmonic sounds from any sound source.
As you can see, Omnisphere is a synth that can do almost anything you can imagine. It is like having a whole studio of synths in one plugin. You can create any kind of sound you want, from realistic to synthetic, from simple to complex, from classic to modern. You can also customize and tweak every aspect of the sound to suit your needs and preferences. Omnisphere is truly a synthesizer for everyone.
How to install Spectrasonics Omnisphere on your PC?
If you are interested in trying out Omnisphere for yourself, you will need to install it on your PC first. Here are the steps to do that:
The system requirements and compatibility of Omnisphere
Before you install Omnisphere, you need to make sure that your PC meets the minimum system requirements for running the plugin. Here are the system requirements for Omnisphere 2.8:
Windows 10 or higher (64-bit only)
Intel Core 2 Duo or higher processor
8 GB RAM or more
64 GB free hard drive space or more
A compatible host application that supports VST 2.4 or higher, AAX capable of hosting 64-bit plugins, or RTAS
A MIDI keyboard or controller (optional)
Omnisphere is compatible with most popular DAWs and host applications on Windows, such as Ableton Live, FL Studio, Cubase, Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Reaper, Studio One, and more. You can check the full list of compatible hosts on the Spectrasonics website.
The steps to download and install Omnisphere
To download and install Omnisphere on your PC, you will need to follow these steps:
Purchase Omnisphere from the Spectrasonics website or an authorized dealer. You will receive an email with your order confirmation and download instructions.
Download the Omnisphere installer from the link provided in the email. The installer is about 60 GB in size, so it may take some time depending on your internet speed. You can also use a download manager to speed up the process.
Extract the installer files using a program like WinRAR or 7-Zip. You will get several folders named "Omnisphere 2 Data", "Omnisphere 2 Installer", "Omnisphere 2 Soundsources", "Omnisphere 2 STEAM", and "Omnisphere 2 Update".
Create a folder named "STEAM" on your hard drive where you want to install Omnisphere. This folder will contain all the data files for Omnisphere. You can choose any location for this folder, but make sure it has enough space for the data files (about 64 GB).
Copy the contents of the "Omnisphere 2 Data" folder into the "STE AM" folder that you created in the previous step.
Copy the contents of the "Omnisphere 2 Soundsources" folder into the "STEAM" folder as well.
Run the "Omnisphere 2 Installer.exe" file from the "Omnisphere 2 Installer" folder. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Omnisphere on your PC. You will need to select the location of the "STEAM" folder when prompted.
Run the "Omnisphere 2 Update.exe" file from the "Omnisphere 2 Update" folder. Follow the on-screen instructions to update Omnisphere to the latest version.
Launch your host application and scan for new plugins. You should see Omnisphere in your plugin list.
Congratulations, you have successfully installed Omnisphere on your PC. You are now ready to explore its amazing sounds and features.
The steps to activate Omnisphere using the keygen
To activate Omnisphere on your PC, you will need to use the keygen that is included in the "Omnisphere 2 Installer" folder. The keygen is a program that generates a serial number and a response code for Omnisphere, which you will need to enter in the plugin. Here are the steps to use the keygen:
Run the "KeyGen.exe" file from the "Omnisphere 2 Installer" folder. You will see a window with a button that says "Generate".
Click on the "Generate" button. You will see a serial number and a response code appear in the window. Copy these codes to a text file or a clipboard.
Launch your host application and load Omnisphere as a plugin. You will see a window that asks you to enter your serial number and response code.
Paste the serial number and response code that you copied from the keygen into the corresponding fields in the window. Click on the "Continue" button.
You will see a message that says "Thank you for registering Omnisphere". Click on the "OK" button.
You have successfully activated Omnisphere on your PC. You can now use it without any limitations or restrictions.
How to use Spectrasonics Omnisphere in your music production?
Now that you have installed and activated Omnisphere on your PC, you might be wondering how to use it in your music production. Omnisphere is a very powerful and versatile synth, but it is also very easy and fun to use. Here are some tips and guidelines on how to use Omnisphere in your music production:
The interface and workflow of Omnisphere
Omnisphere has a very intuitive and user-friendly interface, which is divided into several sections: header, browser, edit, orb, mixer, and FX. Each section has its own functions and controls, which we will explain briefly:
The header section contains information about the current patch, such as name, category, author, rating, etc. It also has buttons for saving, loading, locking, matching, zooming, stacking, and arpeggiating patches.
The browser section allows you to browse through the library of sounds and presets for Omnisphere. You can search by name, category, type, mood, genre, author, etc. You can also create your own folders and tags for organizing your sounds.
The edit section allows you to edit and customize every aspect of the sound. You can select one of the four layers per patch, and adjust its sound source, filter, envelope, LFO, mod matrix, arpeggiator, effects, and more. You can also switch between different synthesis modes for each layer.
The orb section allows you to manipulate the sound in real-time using a circular controller. You can drag your mouse or finger over the orb to change various parameters of the sound. You can also record your movements and play them back as automation.
The mixer section allows you to mix and balance the levels of each layer in a patch. You can also mute, solo, pan, route, and send each layer to different outputs or effects buses.
The FX section allows you to add and edit effects for each layer or for the whole patch. You can choose from over 60 effects units, such as distortion, delay, reverb , chorus, flanger, phaser, compressor, EQ, and more. You can also adjust the order, settings, and routing of the effects.
The workflow of Omnisphere is very simple and straightforward. You can start by browsing through the library of sounds and presets, and find one that suits your needs. You can then edit and customize the sound to your liking, using the edit, orb, mixer, and FX sections. You can also create your own sounds from scratch, using the various synthesis modes and sound sources. You can then save your sounds as patches, and use them in your music production.
The sound sources and synthesis modes of Omnisphere
Omnisphere has a huge library of sound sources, which are the raw materials for creating sounds. These sound sources include samples of acoustic instruments, electric instruments, vocals, noises, atmospheres, and more. They also include waveforms of analog and digital synths, which can be used for wavetable synthesis. You can access the sound sources by clicking on the magnifying glass icon in the edit section.
Omnisphere also has eight synthesis modes, which are the methods for creating sounds. These synthesis modes are: sample playback, virtual analog, wavetable, granular, FM, ring modulation, additive, and timbre morphing. You can access the synthesis modes by clicking on the synthesis icon in the edit section.
Each synthesis mode has its own advantages and disadvantages, and can produce different types of sounds. Here is a brief overview of each synthesis mode:
Sample playback: This mode allows you to play back any sound source as a sample. You can adjust the pitch, volume, pan, start point, loop point, reverse, and crossfade of the sample. You can also apply filters, envelopes, LFOs, modulations, effects, and more to the sample. This mode is good for creating realistic and organic sounds.
Virtual analog: This mode allows you to emulate the sound of classic analog synths. You can choose from various oscillator shapes, such as sawtooth, square, pulse, triangle, sine, noise, etc. You can also adjust the pitch, volume , detune, phase, sync, FM, PWM, and unison of the oscillator. You can also apply filters, envelopes, LFOs, modulations, effects, and more to the oscillator. This mode is good for creating warm and fat sounds.
Wavetable: This mode allows you to use any waveform as a sound source, and scan through it to create dynamic and evolving sounds. You can choose from hundreds of waveforms, or import your own waveforms. You can also adjust the position, shape, symmetry, warp, and unison of the waveform. You can also apply filters, envelopes, LFOs, modulations, effects, and more to the waveform. This mode is good for creating complex and modern sounds.
Granular: This mode allows you to chop any sound source into small pieces called grains, and rearrange them to create new sounds. You can adjust the size, position, speed, direction, shape, pitch, pan, and density of the grains. You can also apply filters, envelopes, LFOs, modulations, effects, and more to the grains. This mode is good for creating glitchy and atmospheric sounds.
FM: This mode allows you to use one sound source to modulate the frequency of another sound source, creating harmonic and inharmonic sounds. You can choose from various modulation types, such as linear FM, cross FM, ring modulation, amplitude modulation, etc. You can also adjust the ratio, index, feedback , and shape of the modulation. You can also apply filters, envelopes, LFOs, modulations, effects, and more to the modulation. This mode is good for creating metallic and bell-like sounds.
Ring modulation: This mode allows you to multiply two sound sources together, creating complex and dissonant sounds. You can choose from various ring modulation types, such as ring mod, amplitude mod, phase mod, etc. You can also adjust the mix, balance, phase, and shape of the ring modulation. You can also apply filters, envelopes, LFOs, modulations, effects, and more to the ring modulation. This mode is good for creating harsh and noisy sounds.
Additive: This mode allows you to create sounds by adding together multiple sine waves of different frequencies and amplitudes. You can choose from various additive types, such as additive, harmonic, inharmonic, etc. You can also adjust the number, frequency, amplitude, phase, and shape of the sine waves. You can also apply filters, envelopes, LFOs, modulations, effects, and more to the sine waves. This mode is good for creating pure and ethereal sounds.
Timbre morphing: This mode allows you to blend and morph between two different sound sources, creating smooth and organic transitions. You can choose from various timbre morphing types, such as crossfade, spectral blend, spectral morph, etc. You can also adjust the position , speed, shape, and sync of the timbre morphing. You can also apply filters, envelopes, LFOs, modulations, effects, and more to the timbre morphing. This mode is good for creating evolving and expressive sounds.
As you can see, Omnisphere offers a wide range of sound sources and synthesis modes, which you can combine and layer to create unique and original sounds. You can also import your own audio files and use them as sound sources for any synthesis mode. Omnisphere gives you the freedom and creativity to design your own sounds from scratch.
The modulation and effects options of Omnisphere
Omnisphere has a powerful modulation system, which allows you to control and change various parameters of the sound using different sources and targets. You can access the modulation system by clicking on the mod icon in the edit section.
Omnisphere has over 100 modulation sources, such as envelopes, LFOs, MIDI controllers, velocity, aftertouch, key tracking, mod wheel, pitch bend, etc. You can assign any modulation source to any modulation target, such as pitch, volume, filter cutoff, resonance, wavetable position, granular position, FM index, ring mod mix, additive level, timbre morph position, etc. You can also adjust the amount and direction of the modulation for each assignment.
Omnisphere also has over 60 effects units, which allow you to add and edit effects for each layer or for the whole patch. You can access the effects units by clicking on the FX icon in the edit section.
Omnisphere has various types of effects units, such as distortion, delay, reverb , chorus, flanger, phaser, compressor, EQ, and more. You can choose from various presets or create your own settings for each effect unit. You can also adjust the order, settings, and routing of the effects units.
Omnisphere allows you to modulate and apply effects to any parameter of the sound, creating dynamic and expressive sounds. You can also use the orb feature to control the modulation and effects in real-time, adding movement and variation to the sound.
The hardware synth integration feature of Omnisphere
Omnisphere has a unique feature that allows you to use your hardware synth as a controller for Omnisphere. This feature is called hardware synth integration, and it is available for over 65 hardware synths from various brands and models.
Hardware synth integration allows you to access Omnisphere's sounds and features using the knobs, sliders, buttons, and keys of your hardware synth. You can also use the hardware synth's own sounds as sound sources for Omnisphere's synthesis modes. This way, you can combine the best of both worlds: the analog warmth and character of your hardware synth, and the digital power and versatility of Omnisphere.
To use hardware synth integration, you need to connect your hardware synth to your PC via MIDI or USB. You also need to select the hardware synth profile that matches your hardware synth model in Omnisphere's browser section. You can then browse through the library of sounds and presets that are specially designed for your hardware synth. You can also create your own sounds and presets using Omnisphere's edit section.
Hardware synth integration is a great way to expand and enhance your hardware synth's capabilities, and to integrate it with your software setup. You can also use it as a learning tool, as you can see how Omnisphere's parameters are mapped to your hardware synth's controls.
How to get more out of Spectrasonics Omnisphere?
Omnisphere is a synth that has endless possibilities and potential. However, you might want to get more out of it, such as more sounds, more presets, more tips, more tricks, more resources, and more support. Here are some ways to get more out of Omnisphere:
The expansion packs and presets for Omnisphere
Omnisphere has a huge library of sounds and presets, but you might want to add more to it. Fortunately, there are