Search - Omnisphere 2

Arpeggiator

An arpeggiator receives incoming MIDI notes, and outputs a sequenced pattern of notes based on a defined set of rules. Although similar in concept to a step sequencer, an arpeggiator has a number of differences that set it apart. Like a step sequencer, an…

Presets Menu

Arpeggiator » Presets Menu

Selecting the down-arrow on the right side of the ARPEGGIATOR label will reveal the Presets Menu, which has Save / Copy / Paste options and a menu of categorized Preset Patterns. Your custom Arpeggiator Pattern can be saved as User Presets and you can copy and…

MIDI File Browsing

Arpeggiator » Groove Lock » MIDI File Browsing

In addition to drag and drop, you can also click inside the GROOVE LOCK field to open a file dialog, which allows browsing to any .mid file on your computer you wish to import into the ARPEGGIATOR. NOTE: Omnisphere will only recognize the first 128…

Groove Lock

Arpeggiator » Groove Lock

GROOVE LOCK is one of Omnisphere’s most innovative features. In the past, arpeggiators have always had a fixed timing, so they’ve had limited usefulness in genres outside of electronic music. With GROOVE LOCK you can lock the groove of the ARPEGGIATOR to the…

Indicator Dots

Arpeggiator » Groove Lock » Indicator Dots

When a MIDI file has been imported or dragged into the GROOVE LOCK field, a series of small blue dots will appear directly below the steps. These dots serve a dual purpose. They confirm that GROOVE LOCK has received MIDI data and provide a visual reference for the…

Humanity and Life

Arpeggiator » Humanity and Life

Arpeggiators have always been the perfect tool for creating metric, machine-like patterns. HUMANITY is a powerful tool which introduces human-like inconsistencies, bringing new life to your Arpeggiator Patterns. The HUMANITY knob controls the amount of…

Clock Speed

The Main Page » Clock Speed

All of the time-based parameters in Omnisphere (Arpeggiator, Envelopes, LFOs, and FX) can be synchronized to the host’s tempo, no matter the beat subdivisions.. For instance, a rhythmic Patch might have the Arpeggiator clock set to 16th-notes, the LFO set to…

Velocity

Arpeggiator » Velocity

The VELOCITY control determines how much the velocity of incoming notes affects the dynamics of the Arpeggiator Pattern. When the slider is fully to the right (KEY), your keyboard velocity overrides all of the velocity settings in the Arpeggiator’s Steps. As the…

Sync

The Layer Pages » LFOs » Sync

The SYNC switch determines how the LFO rate behaves. When SYNC is enabled, the LFO rate is locked to the host’s tempo and the values assigned to the RATE knob will change. Instead of displaying a value in Hz, the values are displayed in rhythmic values. See the…

Latch

Arpeggiator » Latch

The LATCH button allows you to toggle LATCH ON / OFF for the selected Arpeggiator Pattern. When LATCH is enabled, the Arpeggiator Pattern will continue to play, even if the notes are released. If you are already holding notes when you enable LATCH, the Pattern will…

Pitch Options

System » Pitch Options

Master Tune This is Omnisphere’s selectable Master Tune parameter. Any tuning change you make in Master Tune will affect all other tuning settings in the instrument. Global sets the master frequency for all Patches and/or Multis. Multi allows you to save a…

Importing .tun Files

The Main Page » Importing .tun Files

We’ve made it simple to import your own .tun scale files into Omnisphere. Here’s how: 1. Create a User folder in the Tuning File folder located here: MacOS HD/Users/Username/Library/Application Support/Spectrasonics/STEAM/Omnisphere/Settings…

Sound Lock

The Browsers » Sound Lock

Sound Lock lets you lock specific parameters of a Patch and apply them to other Patches as you browse. You can use the FX section of a Patch, the Arpeggiator pattern of another one and the Modulation Matrix of a third one. This mix-and-match approach makes…

Capture

Arpeggiator » Capture

Located in the lower right corner of the Arpeggiator page, the CAPTURE button allows you to dynamically record and capture the output of the Arpeggiator, creating a MIDI clip. The record length can be set to either 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 bars—the choices appear when…

Start

The Layer Pages » Oscillators » Sample Mode » Start

The START control determines at what point in the sample that it begins when the Oscillator is triggered. This setting will vary depending on the number of samples in the Soundsource. This feature has several applications. First, it can remove sharp attacks or…

Pattern Programming

Arpeggiator » Pattern Programming

Omnisphere’s ARPEGGIATOR can have up to 32 Steps in a Pattern. Each Step can have its own velocity, length, and Step Modifier. To change the velocity of a Step, you can hover and scroll or click and hold the top of the Step to drag it up or down. *When a Step…

FAQ

User Audio » FAQ

Can I import my mp3 files? No. Omnisphere supports only standard stereo or mono PCM, .wav, and aif files. See USER AUDIO – Audio File Properties for more info. Can I rename the files, once they are imported? You can create, rename, move, or delete…

Using Satellite Instruments

Concepts » Satellite Integration » Using Satellite Instruments

Keyscape’s keyboards and Trilian’s basses come equipped with controls that permit you to modify them in many creative ways . For those who want to delve even deeper, users can open any of the sounds from the Keyscape and Trilian libraries inside our flagship…

Navigation Buttons

Concepts » The Header » Navigation Buttons

The Navigation Buttons in the header are used to select and view any of the eight Parts, the Multi Section, or the System Page. Only one button can be selected at a time. Part Select Buttons (1 ~ 8) Buttons 1–8 are Part Select Buttons. Selecting a Part lets…

Amplifiers

The FX Page » Amplifiers

Omnisphere includes nine amplifier models for unique sonic coloration. From clean, bell-like tones and fat, classic tube distortion, to sounds you can only get from the cheesiest transistor radio…

Sonic Extensions FX

The FX Page » Sonic Extensions FX

Each Sonic Extension includes two ultra high-quality custom FX units designed and created by Spectrasonics specifically for that Extension. However, Sonic Extension FX are not limited to the Sonic Extension for which they were built. They can be applied to ANY…

Sonic Extension Effects

Sonic Extensions » Sonic Extension Effects

Each Sonic Extension includes two ultra high-quality custom FX units designed and created by Spectrasonics specifically for that Extension. However, Sonic Extension FX are not limited to the Sonic Extension for which they were built. They can be applied to ANY…

The Main Page

The Main Page can be considered Omnisphere’s “dashboard.” It allows quick changes to the Patch that has been loaded and there are useful performance controls that appear here exclusively. The parameter controls in the MAIN page affect the…

Loading Third-Party Libraries

The Browsers » Loading Third-Party Libraries

The most convenient method for sharing and/or adding third-party sounds is through the use of .omnisphere files (see Sharing), which contain all Patches and Soundsources being shared, as well as additional organization and information by the developer. If your…

Strength and Clear

Arpeggiator » Groove Lock » Strength and Clear

Once you drop a MIDI Groove into the Arpeggiator, you can set the amount of the lock with the GROOVE LOCK’s STRENGTH slider. STRENGTH is a blend control that determines how much the imported MIDI Groove will affect the feel of the arpeggiated Pattern. At the…

Step Modifiers

Arpeggiator » Step Modifiers

Step Modifiers are powerful, flexible tools that add specific behaviors to any Step, allowing you to create complex and creative Patterns. Click on the square pane above each Step to reveal the Step Modifier menu, then make a selection from the 5 fly-out…

Mixer and Jumbo Views

Live Mode » Mixer and Jumbo Views

When Mixer View is selected, this area displays the basic mixer controls for each of the eight Parts. In addition to Level, Mute, and Solo, there is a Folder icon to access the Patch Browser, Latch and Trigger selectors, the Settings Zoom icon, and the Stop All…

Dual Live Mode

Live Mode » Dual Live Mode

Dual Live Mode is designed to be used with two independent MIDI controllers. It divides the eight Parts into two sets of four (Parts 1~4 and Parts 5~8) and each set can receive MIDI messages on its own MIDI channel. Activating Dual Live Mode To activate Dual Live…

Modulation Sections

The Layer Pages » Modulation » Modulation Sections

When a parameter is modulated, the routing is automatically shown in two sections: in the left sidebar of the plug-in (replacing the Mini-Browser) and the Modulation section of the Layer pages. They both have similar controls, with the advantage that the sidebar on…

Publishing a Library

Sharing » Publishing a Library

The Publish Library feature was created for third-party developers of Omnisphere Libraries. It allows developers to easily export or “publish” a library of tagged and categorized Multis, Patches, any associated Soundsources, and custom images in a single…

QuickStart

Getting Started » QuickStart

This QuickStart provides an overview of the essential things you’ill need to know in order to get started using Omnisphere. Omnisphere is a powerful software instrument and can be run as a standalone application or hosted in any software DAW. Omnisphere…

Host Automation

Concepts » MIDI Learn and Automation » Host Automation

All MIDI-Learnable parameters in Omnisphere can also be automated using the Host Automation feature. Each host handles Host Automation differently, so it’s important to understand how your specific software will interact with Omnisphere. Enabling Host Automation…

The FX Page

Effects are an important part of Omnisphere’s sound palette, and are used to enhance the sonic character of Patches and Multis. They can add space, density, movement, alter the timbre, and shape the sound in many interesting ways. The high-quality, built-in FX…

Using Multis

Performing Live with Omnisphere » Using Multis

If your live gig is relatively straightforward and you don’t need to change Patches frequently, loading one Patch at a time remotely is often the simplest way to go. However, if you anticipate needing more sounds or you just want to have options to switch…

Patch Browser Categories

The Browsers » Patch Browser Categories

Omnisphere includes thousands of Factory Patches, so having a basic understanding of how Patches are organized is essential to navigating the Patch Browser efficiently. Here are descriptions of the kinds of sounds in each Factory Patch Category: ARP + BPM ARP +…

Latch and Trigger Modes

The Main Page » Latch and Trigger Modes

Latch and Trigger Modes Latch and Trigger Modes extend the performance capabilities of Omnisphere, especially when used together with LIVE MODE and/or STACK MODE. Used together, they enable a wide range of creative performance, live remixing, and composition…

Recording

The Orb » Recording

The Orb’s movements, whether manual or INERTIA-based, can be captured with the Orb’s built-in recorder. These movements can be saved as part of the Patch. This simple feature adds a dynamic quality to a sound that is unique and quite difficult to…

Tempo and Metronome

Getting Started » Omnisphere Standalone » Tempo and Metronome

You can easily set the Tempo of the Standalone’s internal clock to control time-based functions such as the Arpeggiator, LFOs, and Mod Envelopes. You can hide/show the Tempo controls by clicking the arrow in the center of the Footer. Setting the…

The Orb

The innovative Orb feature is both a remarkable sound manipulation tool and an intuitive performance interface—it can be thought of as a “circular controller.” With a single click of the mouse, it is possible to instantly manipulate a sound in a…

Nylon Sky

Sonic Extensions » Extensions » Nylon Sky

This inspiring Sonic Extension is based on the most expressive nylon guitar ever done for Omnisphere — but that’s just the beginning! Nylon Sky combines this extremely deeply-sampled instrument with Omnisphere’s synthesis power and the gorgeous new Sky FX…

Unclean Machine

Sonic Extensions » Extensions » Unclean Machine

Get ready for the ultimate LO-FI experience! After the wild success of the “Retroland” category in Omnisphere with producers, we decided it was time to develop an entire Sonic Extension dedicated to these iconic sounds. With the ultra-vibey new Unclean FX and a…

Scenes

Sonic Extensions » Scenes

Scenes are a unique feature found only in Sonic Extensions — they are part of every Custom Control layout. A Scene is a snapshot of the Custom Controls and therefore a unique sound in itself. Every Sonic Extensions Patch has five factory Scenes. Depending on the…

Trigger Mode

Stack Mode » Latch and Trigger Modes » Trigger Mode

Trigger Modes control the playback timing of incoming MIDI notes, providing real-time quantization as those notes are played. When the STACK MODE page is open, you can access the Trigger Mode settings for a Part by Right/Control-clicking on the Part Region. …

Bias

The Layer Pages » Modulation » Bias

Bias is a useful Modulation Source which can be applied to any of Omnisphere’s modulatable targets. Bias has a user-defined “Bias Point” (any key on the keyboard), which can be thought of as a fulcrum from which a linear boost or decrease can be applied above…

Trigger Mode

Live Mode » Latch and Trigger Modes » Trigger Mode

Trigger Mode enables real-time quantization of incoming MIDI notes, so that multiple Parts will always play in sync. Trigger Mode is accessed from the LIVE MODE page using the LATCH View button. NOTE: Trigger Modes can also be viewed and accessed from the…

Note Patterns

Arpeggiator » Note Patterns

Note Patterns determine how the notes are ordered in the Arpeggiator pattern. Clicking on this field reveals the nineteen different Patterns/modes. Chord – all the notes held in a chord will be triggered at the same time, based on the velocity value of…

Scale

The Main Page » Scale

One of Omnisphere’s versatile features is its ability to utilize different tunings including historical temperaments, microtonal and kalimba scales, as well as user-created temperaments. Omnisphere can import any .TUN scale file. Each Part can have a single…

Clear, Save, Copy, and Paste

Concepts » The Header » Utility Menu » Clear, Save, Copy, and Paste

The Utility Menu provides options to Initialize or Clear Multis, Patches and Layers, and to Save Multis and Patches. There are also functions that allow Part and Layer settings to be copied and pasted. Initialize vs. Clear (Multi, Patch, and Layer) When you…

FX Descriptions

The FX Page » FX Descriptions

There are 58 different professional-quality internal FX Units to choose from in Omnisphere (which can be expanded up to 66 via Sonic Extensions). For more detailed descriptions of the controls and operation, please click on the FX Unit names. DYNAMICS Tube…

Main

The Layer Pages » Oscillators » Oscillator Zoom » Main

The Main OSCILLATOR ZOOM Sub-Page contains many of the controls already present in the Layer Page, with some additions and a different layout. Some of the controls will change depending on the selected Oscillator mode. TRANSPOSE TRANSPOSE works like MIDI…

Glossary

Audio Unit Apple introduced the Audio Unit (AU) plug-in specification in MacOS. Since this plug-in standard is native to MacOS—and not to any specific host or platform (like TDM or VST)—Apple has encouraged companies to adopt it as a standard for all Mac audio…

Modulation Targets

The Layer Pages » Modulation » Modulation Targets

A Modulation Target is a parameter that can be controlled by a source. Target is another word for Destination. Omnisphere has an extensive set of nearly 100 different Modulation Targets. They are grouped in six categories: Oscillator Pitch Coarse – The…

Performance Optimzation

Concepts » Performance Optimzation

The vast majority of Omnisphere Patches will play comfortably within your host, without over-stressing the computer’s CPU or memory. However some Patches employ sophisticated effects or large numbers of streamed samples, and those may require special attention.…