A robust and versatile audio synth

Omnisphere 2 is a powerful audio editing software that enables you to mix and create music from scratch. Developed by Spectrasonics, this program is its flagship synthesizer and features a wide range of versatile tools. It is a major version update of Omnisphere 1 and the two aren’t separate versions. This software can either be bought as a digital copy, a boxed set, or an upgrade if you already own Omnisphere 1 or Atmosphere.

Is Omnisphere worth the money?

Atmosphere – Dream Synth Module was Spectrasonics’ first flagship synthesizer and was also the world’s first virtual instrument dedicated to unique sound design. It was often used as the go-to sound source for film and TV composers, songwriters, and music producers. However, it has been discontinued and so its successor is Omnisphere. Retaining some of the more powerful and beloved featured, Omnisphere 2 is now a popular software synthesizer that continues to develop and improve.

This multi-timbral power synthesizer’s most unique feature is that it’s the only software synth to offer a Hardware Synth Integration feature. This function lets the software transform over 65 well-known hardware synthesizers into extensive hands-on controllers—unlocking newly-expanded synthesis capabilities for the program. You’ll feel like you’re actually handling a physical hardware synth. Not only that but it has a greatly-enhanced arpeggiator, a vastly-improved synthesis engine, and a newly-redesigned high-resolution interface that’s easy to use.

However, this software has heavy requirements for your PC specifications. It needs at least 8GB of RAM and 64GB of free hard drive space. This is because its library is packed with over 14,000 sounds, over 500 DSP Waveforms for the Synth Oscillator, and 58 FX Units, among other things. It’s a full-on audio editor suite for professionals so casual users may find this program a bit too overwhelming.

Prepare enough space

Overall, Omnisphere 2 is a highly flexible and versatile piece of technology that features robust utilities. From its Hardware Synth Integration to its expansive hardware sound library, you can find everything you need here—it even includes a standalone application and VST/AU/AAX plug-in platforms that work in all the major digital audio workstations. However, you need more than ample space on your hard drive to handle this program.