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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…
Groove Lock Envelopes
The Layer Pages » Envelopes » Groove Lock Envelopes
Groove Lock is one of Omnisphere’s most innovate features. With Groove Lock you can lock the groove of the Envelopes to the feel of any Stylus RMX or Standard MIDI file. This dramatically expands the rhythmic potential of the Omnisphere Envelopes. You can…
Arpeggiator
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Swing
Arpeggiator » Swing
At the SWING control’s minimum setting, all events are aligned to the Tempo Grid. As the setting is increased, the events will have a greater Swing Groove. At high settings the Swing will be exaggerated. NOTE: When you adjust / enable the SWING control to…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
MIDI Learn
Concepts » The Header » MIDI Learn
The Utility Menu provides the MIDI Learn and Automation options that apply to the entire plug-in. These include MIDI Learn Templates, Unlearn All, and access to a ‘Current Assignments’ Report. See the MIDI Learn & Automation section for…
Creative
The FX Page » Creative
These two powerful and unique processors provide a ton of new possibilities for sound design—and they’re super fun to use! Quad Resonator Innerspace
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…
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…
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…
Mute and Solo
The Mixer » Mute and Solo
Mute Selecting the M Button mutes the audio output for that Part. However, the Part is still playing in the background when muted, and will continue to use CPU resources. Solo Selecting the S Button will Solo a Part. When the Solo button is selected, only that…
MIDI CC Menu
Stack Mode » MIDI CC Menu
Use the MIDI CC Menu to select STACK MODE’s MIDI Control Change number when using CC Mode. When using CC, all Parts added to the Stack Mode Grid will be triggered simultaneously when notes are played, even if their Regions are outside the CC value range,…
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…
Architecture and Hierarchy
Concepts » Architecture and Hierarchy
Omnisphere is a uniquely powerful synthesizer that takes well-known elements of synthesis a step further to provide inspiration for any level of musician, producer, composer, or sound designer. Omnisphere can quickly provide production-ready sounds with its factory…
Directory Menu
The Browsers » Operation » Directory Menu
The Directory Menu lets you filter by libraries. Select the Directory Menu down arrow or name display to open the menu. After selecting a Library, only the sounds in that Library will be displayed in the Full or Mini-Browsers. You can further refine the search by…
Multis
Concepts » Architecture and Hierarchy » Multis
A Multi is comprised of all eight Parts, four Aux FX Racks, a Master FX Rack and a Master Mixer. It also includes any Live Mode and Stack Mode settings, and all MIDI Learn assignments. Therefore, saving a Multi is saving the entire state of the instrument for…
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…
Glossary
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…
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
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…
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…
Selecting Parts
Live Mode » Selecting Parts
To get the most out of LIVE MODE, it can often be more convenient to switch Parts by other means than the mouse — via Windows Multitouch, by MIDI-Learning the Part switches, or by using Omni TR our remote control app for the iPad . To MIDI-Learn a Part,…
Mixer Controls
Live Mode » Mixer Controls
Displays the basic Mixer Controls for each of the eight Parts, and includes a Mute button, Solo button, a Level slider, and a Folder icon to access the Patch Browser. Any changes made using the Mixer Controls on the LIVE MODE page will be reflected on the MIXER…
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…
Browsing Sounds
Sonic Extensions » Browsing Sounds
Browsing and selecting Sonic Extensions sounds works in the same way it does in Omnisphere. Select a Sonic Extension from the Sonic Extensions Directory. Patches are available for browsing on the left in the Mini-Browser, where you can select them with your…
Search Field
The Browsers » Operation » Search Field
Click anywhere in the Search Field to enter search text. Press the Enter/Return key to view the filtered results. The Search function will check Names, Tags, Keywords, and even Notes to determine the search results. Selecting Attributes in the Browser Filters…
MIDI Learn and Automation
Concepts » MIDI Learn and Automation
Understanding Parameter Control There are three ways to control parameters in Omnisphere: Modulation, MIDI Learn, and Automation. Deciding which type of Parameter Control to use depends on a number of factors including which host you use, which parameters you…
STEAM Engine
Concepts » STEAM Engine
The STEAM Engine® is the core technology created by the Spectrasonics in-house development team, and is used as the basis of all Spectrasonics performance instruments, including Omnisphere, Keyscape, and Trilian. Like our core S.A.G.E. technology, used for…
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…
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…
The FX Page
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…
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…
Browser Header
The Browsers » Full Browser Overview » Browser Header
The Full Patch Browser Header contains the Browser Title, the Part selector drop-down menu, a Memory Meter, controls that let you apply filtering options using the Directory Menu, buttons that allow selection of the three browsing modes (Attributes, File…
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…
Sampling/Trademark FAQs
Legal » Sampling/Trademark FAQs
The purpose of this document is to clear up any confusion regarding the sampling of Spectrasonics Virtual Instruments. We get a lot of questions about this topic from other sound designers, so we’d like to make sure our policies are clear and upfront. The…
Browser Header
The Browsers » Mini-Browser Overview » Browser Header
The Mini-Browser Header contains the Browser Title, access to the Full Browser via the magnifying glass, Sound Lock, Directory Menu, Search Field, and tabs for selecting Attributes-based browsing or Sound Match. You can select which mini-browser you are viewing…
Displaying and Navigating Results
The Browsers » Operation » Displaying and Navigating Results
There are numerous options available for navigating through the sounds and changing how they are organized and displayed. These tools let you sort sounds in various ways, and because there are many thousands of sounds to explore, these controls help you delve deeper…
Selecting and Linking Layers
Concepts » Omni TR » Controls » Selecting and Linking Layers
The Layer Selection Buttons toggle between the controls for each Layer in a Patch. The Layer selection controls will be highlighted to indicate the selected Layer. The LINK Button in the center allows you to lock the controls of both Layers together. When enabled,…
Modifier Keys
Concepts » Interface Conventions » Modifier Keys
There are a number of Omnisphere functions that are modified by combining a mouse-click (or click and drag) with one of three Key Modifiers: the Command/Control key, Shift key, or the Option/Alt key. In the manual these are referred to as: Control-Click (Mac…
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…
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…
Editing Controls
The Layer Pages » Envelopes » Envelope Zoom » Editing Controls
These mode switches offer several methods for precise editing of the Envelopes. SNAP When SNAP is selected, any horizontal repositioning of a point is limited to 16th notes. The Envelope Display has vertical reference lines, which are helpful when using SNAP…
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 and is displayed in the middle area of the Main Page. When this area…
Browser Footer
The Browsers » Mini-Browser Overview » Browser Footer
The Mini-Browser footer provides additional sorting options, a Shuffle button, Up/Down stepper arrows, and an Audition button. Mini-Browser Up/Down Arrow Keys When enabled you can use the arrow keys in your ASCII keyboard to step through Patches or Multis in…
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…
Mod Matrix Zoom
The Layer Pages » Modulation » Mod Matrix Zoom
Selecting the Zoom icon on the Modulation header will open the MOD MATRIX ZOOM view. This view offers precise control over all of the modulation routings in the Patch. The advantage of this zoom view is that the many routings can be displayed for editing…
Bypassing an FX Unit
The FX Page » FX Basics » Bypassing an FX Unit
It can be useful to audition sounds and Patches by bypassing one or more of the FX units. When an FX unit is bypassed it is removed from the audio chain, allowing you to hear how any particular effect (or group of effects) is changing the sound. Bypassing an FX Unit…
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…
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…
Selecting, Linking, and Soloing Layers
The Layer Pages » Layer Page Basics » Selecting, Linking, and Soloing Layers
Selecting Layers To select a Layer and bring its controls into focus, (even if more than one Layer is ON—indicated by LEDs under the Layer tabs or highlighted Layer Selection buttons in the Footer—click on the desired Layer tab or Layer Selection button. …
