Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2 Overview

Warning: once you’ve experienced Omnisphere, you may never touch your old software synthesizer again. This essential synthesizer software program comes from legendary virtual instrument software company Spectrasonics, and it does not disappoint. In fact, we can’t imagine any synth sounds you won’t be able to reproduce, thanks to the extraordinary versatility afforded by Omnisphere’s abundant features. 

Whether you own Omnisphere or not, you’ve likely heard of it, as it’s one of the most famous and widely-used software synthesizers ever created. You may also be wondering if the product lives up to the hype — and the price tag. In this overview, we’re going to answer the most frequently asked questions about this software synthesizer and let you know how to get one of your own.

What Is Omnisphere?

Omnisphere is a software synthesizer, loadable as a plug-in or stand-alone, that, among other things, is the first virtual instrument of its kind to offer Hardware Synth Integration (read more below). Here are some of its other notable features:

• More than 14,000 sounds
• Four-layer multitimbral synth engine
• Up to 20 oscillators per patch (DSP or sample-based)
• More than 500 Wavetables
• Granular synthesis engine
• Waveshaping and bit crushing
• Powerful Arpeggiator
• New State Variable Filters
• Tons of matrix-style modulation options
• Advanced Patch and Soundsource browser
• 8 LFOs per patch
• 58 built-in effects, with modulation

Plus, there are so many other features that make Omnisphere stand apart from other software synthesizers. As if all of this isn’t impressive enough, you can also use your own audio files as a sound source, so you have unlimited sonic options with Omnisphere.

Is Spectrasonics Omnisphere Still Good?

Known for being the secret sauce behind many hits, Spectrasonics continually updates Omnisphere with new features and patches that keep it at the forefront of music production. Spectrasonics’ team has shown that it is dedicated to making Omnisphere a timeless synthesizer by keeping up with current trends and technology and continually providing free sound and feature updates to licensed users. Not only is Omnisphere still good, it’s always getting better!

What Is Omnisphere Used For?

One of the primary reasons for Omnisphere’s popularity is its enormous flexibility and chameleon-like ability to be used in any genre of music, and in a multitude of studio and live situations. It can be used as the main instrument with a soloist’s MIDI keyboard, in a DJ rig, on a bedroom producer’s computer, in a high-end recording studio, on stage with a band, and the list goes on. If you can think of it, Omnisphere can probably do it. It’s even been used by Foley artists and sound editors for cinematic sound design!

Of course anything you do in Omnisphere can be saved and recalled, and patches can even be organized by project with Omnisphere’s advanced browser. Though it’s enormously powerful, one thing you’ll appreciate about Omnisphere is its ease of use. You can simply type in the kind of sound you want, and it’ll pull up multiple options you can experiment with. Even a few minor tweaks can completely transform any sound in Omnisphere.

What Is Hardware Synth Integration?

Omnisphere’s Hardware Synth Integration is an exclusive new feature in Omnisphere 2.6 that allows you to use your favorite hardware synthesizer as a fantastic controller for Omnisphere. There are over 65 models of well-known synthesizers supported and the list is growing. Once you select your synth from a drop-down menu in Omnisphere, every physical control on the synthesizer is automatically mapped to the appropriate parameter in Omnisphere, which transforms the experience of using Omnisphere from pushing and clicking a mouse to turning real knobs and sliders on your favorite synth. Mmmm, knobby...

Is Omnisphere Worth the Money?

At $499, some people find Omnisphere to be a bit on the pricey side, but you’d be hard-pressed to find this many options or this much power in any other synthesizer software, or any hardware synthesizer costing thousands of dollars. If you’re serious about your music, you won’t find another synthesizer software package that offers more bang (or Moog) for your buck. In addition, many dealers offer discounts and financing with easy monthly payments to make getting your hands on Omnisphere a lot easier.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Omnisphere 2?

So many pros. So few cons. But let’s be real. Omnisphere is massive in scope, with so many built-in sounds that no other synthesizers can keep up. There are so many synth engines and techniques used in Omnisphere, everything from sample-based sounds to granular mode, wavetable, and everything in between, plus amazing effects.

Even if you have another software synth that has a special sound you love, Omnisphere is bound to deliver something new and unique to take over where your other synths have left off. If there’s a con, it may be the sleepless nights you’ll have playing through 14,000 amazing sounds and choosing your favorites.

Is Omnisphere Good for EDM?

When it comes to electronic dance music, synthesizers are everything. So is finding a unique sound that avoids the cliches everyone is getting tired of, and Omnisphere has been holding it down for years in this category. Omnisphere comes with an EDM patch library, and since EDM is always evolving, it’s easy to tweak patches to your taste; and there are many third-party patch libraries, including those from ILIO, that specialise in bringing the newest sounds to Omnisphere. If you’re making EDM or any electronic tracks, you will find Omnisphere is definitely up to the task.

Should I Buy Omnisphere or Keyscape?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Both Omnisphere and Keyscape are developed by Spectrasonics, a company that has mastered the arts of synthesis and sampling, so from the standpoint of quality you can’t go wrong with either option.

If you’re looking for a powerful synthesizer, Omnisphere is hands-down the better choice than Keyscape due to the fact that it offers a programmable synthesis engine and a very wide range of sounds, whereas Keyscape is focused on delivering primo acoustic piano, electric piano and other electro-mechanical keyboard sounds. If you’re only looking for a range of keyboard sounds, Keyscape is the way to go. Learn more about Keyscape here.

Is Omnisphere Better Than Nexus?

We believe Omnisphere is the better choice than Nexus. Why? Nexus simply does not offer the wide variety of sounds when compared to the Omnisphere software synth. Nexus is most often used for EDM, which limits its application and capabilities by offering a narrower range of fewer sounds. If you want to have a truly vast array of options at your fingertips, you’ll be very happy choosing Omnisphere over Nexus.

How Many GB Is Omnisphere 2?

Omnisphere 2.6 needs 64 GB of hard disk space. To use it, you’ll need to have Microsoft Windows 7 or Mac OS 10.13 High Sierra or higher. You will also need 8GB of RAM, but 16 GB or more is recommended. In addition to this, Omnisphere requires a 2.4 GHz or higher processor. You will install Omnisphere using the USB installation drive that comes in your Omnisphere package.

How Expensive Is Omnisphere?

We aren’t going to deny that Omnisphere is one of the pricier options for synth software. However, given the sheer volume of sounds and vast flexibility of Omnisphere’s synth engine, $499 is well-worth the splurge. In fact to get the same number of sounds and features in Omnisphere, you’d have to buy several other soft synths at a much higher cost. But that’s really beside the point.

Omnisphere is unmatched in sound and scope. It is the result of decades of experience in developing synthesizers. It unlocks the best music and sound from its creative users, propelling them to new heights of professionalism, and from that point of view, it’s a complete bargain.

Does Omnisphere Have a Free Trial?

Spectrasonics does not offer free demo versions of Omnisphere due to the sheer size of the product. If you want a live demo before you buy, you may want to consider reaching out to local dealers in your area. You can also find many demos on YouTube.

What Is the Latest Version of Omnisphere?

As of this writing, Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2.8 is the most recent version available. Once you purchase, install and launch Omnisphere, the program will prompt you to download the latest version update if a new one is available.

How Many Licenses for Omnisphere 2?

You can install Omnisphere synthesizer software on every computer you own that is for your personal use. This is because Omnisphere and all other Spectrasonics instruments come with a Single User/Multiple Computer license. You’ll appreciate this convenience if you regularly use more than one computer.

How Do I Get the Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2 Software Synthesizer?

Thanks to Omnisphere 2’s expanded libraries, features, and FX, you may soon find yourself spending countless hours exploring the possibilities. Once you try the Omnisphere software synth, you’ll see why so many top recording artists, producers and composers rely on it.

You may also purchase Omnisphere from an Authorized Dealer.