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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…
The Main Page
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…
Notes View
The Main Page » Notes View
The MAIN NOTES view provides a visual representation of the Patch, along with useful information and performance suggestions. Click on the magnifying glass to access the Patch Zoom, for a more detailed description of the Patch, creative ideas for its…
Voices and Octave
The Main Page » Voices and Octave
Voices The VOICES selector determines the available polyphony (number of simultaneous playable notes) in a single Part. Omnisphere is capable of up to 64 voices per Part. The higher the number of voices a Patch has available, the more CPU power it will use,…
Velocity Curve Zoom
The Main Page » Velocity Curve » Velocity Curve Zoom
Clicking the Zoom icon next to the different Velocity Curve presets opens the VELOCITY CURVE ZOOM. This page provides detailed controls to modify the velocity curve of a Patch. The Velocity curve settings are global to the Part—meaning they will be applied to…
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…
Layers View
The Main Page » Layers View
The LAYERS view provides the names and a visual representation of the Waveforms or Soundsources that make up the Patch, along with Volume faders for each Layer. You can click on the Layer labels (A / B C / D) to turn that Layer ON / OFF. Clicking on the waveform…
Velocity Curve
The Main Page » Velocity Curve
The Velocity Curve allows you to refine and scale the MIDI velocity information coming from your controller as it enters Omnisphere to get the best response for your playing style. Omnisphere has four velocity curve presets available on the Main Page. The first…
Part Level, Mute / Solo
The Main Page » Part Level, Mute / Solo
Part Level This slider determines the overall volume of the selected Part. This slider, and the Mute/Solo switches are the same as the Mute/Solo and Part Level control on the Mixer page. Range -Inf dB ~ +9.54dB Mute and Solo M (Mute) – Silences the…
Soundsource Browser
The Browsers » Full Browser Overview » Soundsource Browser
The Soundsource Browser is accessed from the Layer pages, as well as the Main Page. On the Layer pages, select the SAMPLE tab in the OSCILLATOR section, then click on the image or the folder icon in the display to open the Soundsource Browser. On the Main…
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…
Synth Controls
The Layer Pages » Oscillators » Oscillator Zoom » Harmonia » Synth Controls
. When the OSCILLATOR is set to SYNTH mode, all of the HARMONIA features in SAMPLE mode are available, as well as a second set of options that are unique to SYNTH mode. This special set of controls allows independent waveform control over each HARMONIA voice.…
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…
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…
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…
Gain
The Main Page » Gain
The output level of the part can be controlled in 1db increments. The default is -6db. Range +10db ~ -24db. NOTE: The GAIN Menu is MIDI-Learnable.
Master Filter
The Main Page » Master Filter
Omnisphere’s MASTER FILTER controls the entire Patch, meaning that it affects all Layers. The MASTER FILTER is separate from Omnisphere’s dedicated Filter section on the LAYERS page and is designed as a simple tone control. The extensive Filter section in the…
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…
Getting Started
Getting Started
Welcome to the Omnisphere Reference Guide! Software 2.8.7c Soundsources v2.6.2c Patches v2.8.3c This Reference Guide is your source for comprehensive information about the functions and features of the Omnisphere system and all its components. Selecting…
Bend
The Main Page » Bend
While many synthesizers’ pitch benders allow only the same amount of pitch bend in both directions, Omnisphere has the ability to control the Pitch Bender’s range independently for both up and down movements. This setting is for the…
Oscillators
The Layer Pages » Oscillators
The Oscillator is the heart of Omnisphere’s vast synthesis capabilities. It has a “split-personality” since each of the 4 Layers’ Oscillators can have either high-definition, streaming sample-playback or dynamic, real-time, DSP-generated…
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…
Synth Mode
The Layer Pages » Oscillators » Synth Mode
When the OSCILLATOR is in Synth Mode, Omnisphere uses DSP wavetables generated in real-time by the STEAM engine. A wavetable is a collection of single-cycle waveforms that can be swept through smoothly (using the SHAPE slider), creating dynamic timbral changes.…
Analog
The Layer Pages » Oscillators » Synth Mode » Analog
The ANALOG control allows inconsistency to be introduced into the pitch and phase of the oscillator, which makes Omnisphere sound and behave more like a vintage analog instrument. When ANALOG is set to 50% and lower, it destabilizes the phase of the…
Sustain and Expression
The Main Page » Sustain and Expression
SUSTAIN MODES There are two Sustain Modes available in the Footer—Standard Sustain (Mode 1) and Alternate Sustain (Mode 2). The Sustain Mode selection switches (numbered 1 and 2) allow you to switch between modes, and are MIDI-Learnable switches. Standard…
Sample Mode
The Layer Pages » Oscillators » Sample Mode
When in SAMPLE mode, the OSCILLATOR plays back Soundsources from Omnisphere’s massive Core Library. Soundsources range from complex, multi-sampled sounds to a single sample mapped across a keyboard. SAMPLE MAIN Soundsource Display The Soundsource Display…
Results and Info
The Browsers » Mini-Browser Overview » Results and Info
After filtering using Attributes Mode or using Sound Match to find similar sounds, the list of results is displayed in the lower area of the Mini-Browser. Information about the loaded Patch is displayed in the middle area of the Main Page. When this area is…
Indicator Switches
Concepts » Interface Conventions » Indicator Switches
The Indicator Switch LEDs found below the Page buttons can be both status indicators and toggles. The blue LEDs below ORB, A, B, C, D, and ARP indicate whether the feature is enabled or not, and double as a toggle to enable/disable them. The LED below MAIN…
Unison
The Layer Pages » Oscillators » Oscillator Zoom » Unison
In vintage analog polyphonic synthesizers, Unison was used to trigger all of the voices cards of the synthesizer at the same time for a rich, detuned, monophonic sound. Omnisphere takes Unison to the next level by offering polyphonic Unison, with numerous…
Loading Satellite Sounds
The Browsers » Loading Satellite Sounds
One of the powerful features of Omnisphere is Library Integration. If you also have Keyscape and/or Trilian installed, the libraries for those satellite instruments will appear in the Browser DIRECTORY menu along with your other Omnisphere libraries. The…
Phase
The Layer Pages » Oscillators » Synth Mode » Phase
The PHASE control will have an audible effect ONLY when it is combined with another Layer, as phase changes can only be perceived as a reaction between two audio signals. The best way to understand the PHASE control is to set up a SYNTH sound on Layer A (with the…
Envelope Zoom
The Layer Pages » Envelopes » Envelope Zoom
The ENVELOPE ZOOM page provides precise editing of the 12 available envelopes in a Part (4 AMP envelopes per Layer, 4 Filter envelopes per Layer, and 4 Global Mod Envelopes). Complex envelopes can be created with hundreds of stages. Each envelope segment can have…
Wavetables
The Layer Pages » Oscillators » Synth Mode » Wavetables
Click the down-arrow to the left of the Waveform display to reveal a drop-down menu listing Omnisphere’s DSP wavetables. There are over 500 wavetables in Omnisphere and they are listed in the directories below. Use the SHAPE slider to get an idea of the sonic…
Oscillator Zoom
The Layer Pages » Oscillators » Oscillator Zoom
The OSCILLATOR ZOOM provides access to many of Omnisphere’s controls in one convenient place. To access the OSCILLATOR ZOOM, click on the magnifying glass next to the word OSCILLATOR. From here, you can adjust and control TRANSPOSE, COARSE and FINE…
Folder Icon Buttons
Concepts » Interface Conventions » Folder Icon Buttons
Besides the Mini-Browser, there are three Full Browsers built into Omnisphere, one each for Multis, Patches, and Soundsources. All three Full Browsers have identical functions, but access different parts of the Core Library. Anywhere that you see a Folder icon,…
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…
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…
Miscellaneous
System » Miscellaneous
This area provides global options for the instrument’s Startup Page, Round Robin settings, and preferences for how the Layers behave in the interface. Startup Page Preference Omnisphere’s default startup page is the Main Page. This menu allows you to select…
Custom Controls
Sonic Extensions » Custom Controls
Two of the main advantages of Sonic Extensions Patches are Custom Controls and Scenes. Custom Controls Exclusive to Sonic Extensions, Custom Controls allow for quick sound customization from a single page. Each Sonic Extensions Patch has a unique layout that…
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…
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…
Sonic Extensions
Sonic Extensions
Sonic Extensions is a completely new experience for Omnisphere — an innovative brand of products built by Spectrasonics. Available as an optional purchase, each Sonic Extension focuses on a specific aesthetic with a unique interface, a vast array of stunning,…
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…
Undercurrent
Sonic Extensions » Extensions » Undercurrent
With its vast world of evocative moods and brooding textures, Undercurrent is the quintessential tool for dark electronic music production. Highly playable and customizable, you’ll find truly endless creative possibilities. These remarkable sounds and highly…
Seismic Shock
Sonic Extensions » Extensions » Seismic Shock
Sonic power reigns supreme in Seismic Shock. By forging epic sounds with the next-level Seismic FX, a vast amount of new terrain is covered — from throbbing rhythms to highly playable sounds. Designed for producers in search of maximum impact, you’ll unearth…
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…
Credits
Credits
Produced by Eric Persing SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT Principal software development: Glenn Olander, Neal Olander, Matt Stabile Additional coding: Thomas Serafini, Bernie Torelli, Artemiy Pavlov, Bram de Jong, Jon Hodgson, Magnus Jonsson, David Strozyk, Jay Olson, Shirley…
Latch Mode
Stack Mode » Latch and Trigger Modes » Latch Mode
When Latch Mode is enabled for a Part, repeatedly playing a note will toggle the note ON / OFF. When it is toggled ON, the note will continue to sustain, even if the note is released. Playing the same note again will toggle it OFF. When the STACK MODE page is…
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…
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. …
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…
Legal
Legal
The following answers to common questions about our Licensing and Copy Protection policies apply to licensed Spectrasonics users: What are the basic principles of the standard license agreement? Single-user music production/performance: Allowed Multiple users: Not…
Saving and Managing Sounds
The Browsers » Saving and Managing Sounds
Omnisphere offers a flexible way to manage custom Patches and Multis. You can create custom collections of sounds organized by project or style and they can be searched, selected, filtered, or shared using the Full Browsers. The process of saving and managing…
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 +…
Architecture and Signal Flow
The FX Page » Architecture and Signal Flow
In Omnisphere there are two main types of FX racks: those that work within a single Part and are saved with a Patch (Part FX Racks), and those that are shared by multiple Parts and saved with a Multi (Multi FX Racks). PART FX RACKS Using effects units, ranging from…
Controls
The Layer Pages » Envelopes » Controls
The ADSR Envelope slider interface operates the same way for all the different envelope types in Omnisphere. The screenshot above is from the Envelopes Zoom page, but illustrates what a standard ADSR Envelope looks like. The first to second point (or Stage)…
Performance Optimization
Concepts » Performance Optimization
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.…
Optimizing Performance
Performing Live with Omnisphere » Optimizing Performance
The vast majority of Omnisphere Patches will play comfortably in your host, without over-stressing the computer’s CPU or memory. However, certain Patches employ more sophisticated effects or large numbers of streamed samples, and those may require special…
Glossary
Glossary
AAX Avid Audio Extension. AAX is Avid’s proprietary, cross-platform plug-in format for Pro Tools. Apple Silicon Apple’s in-house CPU chips used in M-series processors. All current Spectrasonics instruments support Apple Silicon. AU Abbreviation for Audio Unit. AU…
