EDIT PAGE - Oscillator

 

 

 

The Oscillator is the heart of Omnisphere’s vast synthesis capabilities.   It has a ‘split-personality’ since each Layer’s Oscillator can have either high-definition, streaming sample-playback or dynamic, real-time, DSP-generated waveforms.  The Oscillator’s extensive synthesis capabilities vary depending if Sample mode or Synth mode is utilized.

 

SAMPLE MODE

Omnisphere’s massive core-library is comprised of over 40GB of high-definition, sample-based sounds, called Soundsources, to use as a source for synthesis.  These Soundsources cover a wide spectrum of sounds, from simple raw waveforms to psychoacoustic samples, to morphing textures, warm voices, choirs, vintage keyboards, analog synths and a best-of selection from our award-winning sample libraries.

 

SYNTH MODE

These are DSP waveforms, generated in real-time by the STEAM engine, that are similar in principle to vintage synthesizer waveshapes.  They have the same rich character of classic synthesizers, but with a much greater level of control and sound shaping abilities.  The Synth Oscillators are not modeled to emulate any particular brand of synthesizer, but instead were extensively tweaked to have a great-sound and versatile character that’s unique to Omnisphere.

 

The combination of both types of sound generation makes Omnisphere a true hybrid instrument, able to transform both the SAMPLE and SYNTH sounds via a wide range of complex synthesis methods.

The STEAM engine goes beyond traditional synthesizers by including a set of dedicated oscillators for Hard-Sync, Frequency Modulation, Ring Modulation and the unique Voice Multiplier. In fact, a single part can have up to 24 oscillators used per voice!

 

SAMPLE/SYNTH MODE SELECTOR

 

Selecting either mode switch will determine whether the Layer will be able to load a Soundsource (SAMPLE) or will utilize a DSP Waveform (SYNTH). 

SAMPLE MODE does not load a Soundsource by default.  First a Soundsource must be selected from the Soundsource Browser.

SYNTH MODE defaults to the “SawSquare Fat” waveform.

 

OSCILLATOR SUB-PAGES

 

Each of the five sub-pages contain a wide set of synthesis functions that can applied to the Oscillator. The default sub-page is MAIN.

 

MAIN	The Oscillator modifiers
FM	Frequency Modulation synthesis
RING	Ring Modulation synthesis
WS	The Wave Shaper
MULT	The Voice Multiplier

 

INDICATOR SWITCHES

 

The Indicator Switches below the sub-pages indicate activity in that area.  They also double as mini-power-switches for those functions, so that quick comparisons can be made.  It’s also useful to see at a glance which features are currently in use. Selecting the Oscillator sub-page buttons will not enable their functions, but selecting the small indicator switches below the sub-pages will. 

 

NOTE: The MAIN sub-page’s indicator is unique because it doesn’t function as a switch and will remain unlit until the default settings are changed.