***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 is Apple’s proprietary plug-in format for macOS computers.
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 applications. Although it is not cross-platform, many host applications like Logic, GarageBand, Digital Performer, Ableton Live, and others have adopted the Audio Unit plug-in standard.
AUX Send
An alternate variable audio output used to send a signal to a dedicated FX rack for additional FX processing. In Omnisphere, there are four AUX Sends per Part on the Mixer Page. They route audio to corresponding AUX FX racks. For example, AUX 1 routes audio to AUX FX rack 1, etc. AUX Send knobs control the volume sent to the AUX FX racks.
AUX Return
An AUX Return routes audio from an AUX FX Rack directly adding it to Output A, which is controlled by the Master Fader.
Automation
As you manipulate controls on the Omnisphere interface, the host’s automation records these movements and plays them back. These recorded movements can also be edited from inside the host application. You can use a hardware control surface to manipulate many of Omnisphere’s parameters as well.
Bar
A vertical line on a musical staff that indicates the beginning or end of a measure. Synonymous with measure.
Bi-polar Control
Bi-polar Controls have a center detent position where the control is OFF. Moving the control can pan left/right or cut/boost frequencies, such as the Global Tone Controls.
Browser
The dynamic, searchable area of Omnisphere that offers access to the Factory and User Patch, Multi, and Soundsource Libraries.
Buss
A path which routes audio from one or more sources to a particular destination.
Bypass
Disengaging an FX Unit so that it no longer affects the audio. Doing this saves CPU power.
Clone
To duplicate—used in Omnisphere’s MIDI Learn terminology. It duplicates and copies the current set of MIDI Learn parameters from Part 1 to Parts 2–8. This is a great time-saver when setting up an external hardware MIDI controller. You can set up Part 1 with all the MIDI Learn parameters you like, then clone Part 1 to all the other Parts.
Cycle
One Cycle has been completed when something runs from its start point to its end point. This can refer to things like arpeggiator patterns, loops, grooves, or LFO waveforms.
Column
A vertical list of available choices in the Browser. Omnisphere’s Columns can be changed to list a variety of Attributes.
Compressor/Limiter
A device for reducing the effective dynamic range of an input signal by preventing it from rapidly exceeding or falling below a selected amplitude threshold. The first part of a compander, it is used to make loud parts of a signal softer and soft parts louder. Beyond the threshold, the ratio of the signal’s input level to its output level (e.g., 2:1, 4:1) is user-selectable. A compressor is commonly used to keep levels within an acceptable range and can also make a part more present. Because it can slow a signal’s rate of decay below the threshold, compressors are also used to add sustain to instruments such as electric guitar and bass. A limiter acts like a compressor, but operates only at the top end of the dynamic range to prevent spikes and overages. The limiter has a faster attack time (1µs to 1ms) than the compressor alone (1ms to 10ms). A compressor/limiter is traditionally inserted between the outputs of a device and the inputs of the mixer or mastering recorder.
Center Detent
This is the neutral position of a parameter’s knob or slider, especially in reference to bi-polar controls. When in this position, the function is disengaged.
Defaults
These are predetermined settings that Omnisphere recalls when it is first instantiated, cleared, reverted, or when a global mode is changed. Spectrasonics provides factory defaults, but you can replace them with your own settings and save them to your Default Multi.
Directory
The top organizing mechanism in Omnisphere’s Browser. The terms is also used in reference to a top-level folder on the computer’s drive.
Drop-down Menu
One of these menu lists appears when you click on an Omnisphere display window with a downward arrow. Once you click on the appropriate window, a menu appears to “drop down.” Once the menu list appears, you can select an option in the menu with the mouse. Synonymous with pop-up menu.
DSP
Digital Signal Processing in music technology refers to the shaping and manipulation of digital audio via software. Omnisphere’s Synth waveforms are DSP-based.
Engine
The core software code that structures the operation of audio functions in a plug-in. The engine developed by Spectrasonics that runs Omnisphere is called “STEAM” (Spectrasonics-Team).
Expander
A signal processing device which is the inverse of a compressor, providing the gradual attenuation of signals that fall below a user-defined threshold. This process, known as expansion, reduces background noise and at the same time increases the dynamic range of the input signal.
Fader
A controller in the form of a slider that usually affects the loudness/softness of audio levels. Placing a fader at Unity or 0 gain means that the audio channel is outputting the same audio level as is being sent to the channel. Most faders allow you to make the volume louder and softer than the original signal. Also used to refer to any type of slider.
Folders / Sub-Folders
An organizational tool on a computer that allows grouping of files (also known as a Directory). A sub-folder is a folder inside another folder (also known as a sub-directory).
Footer
The section at the bottom of the Omnisphere GUI that will change depending on which page you’re currently viewing.
FX Slot
An area where an FX Unit can be loaded. There are four FX Slots per FX Rack.
FX Unit
An FX Unit is an internal Omnisphere software signal-processing plug-in which gets loaded into an FX Slot. Each FX Unit is a real-time sound processor. Omnisphere has a huge collection of 93 FX Units (which can be expanded up to 103 via Sonic Extensions).
FX Rack
The area designated to load FX Units. An FX Rack consists of four FX Slots.
FX Parameter
Any knob, slider, drop-down menu, or button that a user can select and adjust. The result is a change in the sound passing through the FX Unit (unless it is bypassed).
FX Preset
Saving all the current parameter settings of a single FX Unit creates an FX Preset. Users can save custom FX Presets and they become available in any session.
FX Rack Preset
Saving all the current parameter settings of an entire FX Rack creates an FX Rack Preset. An FX Rack Preset can be any combination of up to four FX Units with any settings. Users can save custom FX Rack Presets with custom names and they become available in any session.
Global
Anything that affects the status of the entire plug-in.
Groove Lock
Omnisphere’s ARPEGGIATOR can import Stylus RMX’s grooves as MIDI data to synchronize them with the Arpeggiator.
GUI
Graphic User Interface—the plug-in window and all the pages that you see and manipulate.
Host/Host Application
A computer application or hardware device capable of loading virtual instrument software plug-ins. Also known as a sequencer or DAW (digital audio workstation). Logic, Digital Performer, Pro Tools, Cubase, Nuendo, Sonar, GarageBand, Live, and FL Studio are all examples of software hosts that work with Omnisphere.
Instance
When you open (instantiate) an Omnisphere plug-in your host, that is one instance of it in your session. Most computers are powerful enough to run several instances of Omnisphere at once.
Instantiation/De-Instantiation
The process of opening/closing plug-ins from your host. Synonymous with Loading/Unloading, Opening/Closing, Loading/Deleting, etc.
Inverted
Reversed or negative polarity modulation.
Keyboard
1) An external MIDI controller capable of triggering notes via piano-style keys.
2) Also a text-entry ASCII computer keyboard. There are several key commands and keyboard/mouse combinations that provide access to Omnisphere’s features.
Knob
A round control that can be turned clockwise and counterclockwise. A knob can be used to control a wide variety of parameters.
Learn
MIDI Learn is capable of linking an external physical controller with parameters inside Omnisphere for remote performance control and automation applications.
LFO
Low Frequency Oscillator—a continuous, cyclical modulator that can be used to affect a sound in many ways. For example, you can use it to “auto-pan” audio, produce tremolo, or filter sweeps.
Limiter
See Compressor/Limiter.
List
A display menu of available options—usually presented vertically.
Menu
Two different meanings:
1. Refers to a collection of sounds or grooves that are mapped on a single keyboard layout for easy access.
2. Refers to a user interface software pop-up/drop down list of options.
Menu Item
Refers to the selections in the list of a pop-up/drop-down menu in the software interface.
MIDI CC
MIDI Continuous Controller. MIDI has 128 possible controllers. Omnisphere can respond to any of them using MIDI Learn.
MIDI DIN/MIDI Cable
A round, 5-pin connector which has been used to connect synthesizers since the early 1980s.
MIDI can also be transmitted over USB.
MPE
MIDI Polyphonic Expression (or Multidimensional Polyphonic Expression) is a software framework for greater control of electronic instruments.
Multi
Omnisphere is eight-part multi-timbral and settings for all the Patches combined can be saved as a “Multi “
Multi-timbral
The ability to operate on more than one MIDI channel at a time, simultaneously playing more than one sound.
NRPN
Non-Registered Parameter Number. NRPNs are a type of Continuous Controller MIDI messages that are not standardized by the MMA (MIDI Manufacturers Association). Because NRPN messages can span across two controller numbers, giving a wider range of potential values, instrument manufacturers can create and document up to 16,383 unique, instrument-specific parameters (Standard MIDI CCs are limited to 128). NRPNs are used extensively in Spectrasonics Hardware Integration.
Omni
Refers to the ability to respond to any incoming MIDI messages on any channel.
Parameter
An Omnisphere control that can be manipulated to affect the audio.
Part
Each Omnisphere Part can load its own Patch and operate independently of all the other Parts. There are 8 Parts in Omnisphere. Each one has its own numbered button in the Header. Parts 1–8 are set by default to respond to MIDI Channels 1–8, but they are user-definable.
Patch
A pre-saved set of parameters. Also known as a Preset. A Factory Patch is a patch created by Spectrasonics. A User Patch is a patch that you can save and name yourself. The name comes from older synthesizers when many physical patch cords were used to create sounds by connecting the modules of the synthesizer with patch cords.
Peak
Peak value is an audio waveform’s maximum instantaneous movement above zero as measured by a peak meter (PM). The peak value of a sound is also the maximum instantaneous pressure of the sound.
Pitch Shift
The process of changing the frequency of a sound to be higher or lower.
Plug-in
A software application that runs within a host application to provide additional functionality such as FX or instruments.
Pole
The rolloff slope of Filters is measured in decibels (db). For every 6db of rolloff, the filter has an additional Pole. A two-pole filter has a rolloff slope of 12db and a four-pole filter has a rolloff slope of 24db. Omnisphere has filters with 6db, 12db, 18db and 24db rolloff slopes.
Pop-up Menu
A menu that appears when you click on a parameter label next to a down arrow, letting you select an option. Synonymous with drop-down menu.
Preset
A set of parameters previously saved and available for later recall. Sysnonymous with Patch.
Re-trigger
Omnisphere can reset things like the Arpeggiator pattern, legato, or an LFO waveform back to its beginning phase position each time you play a note.
Reverse
Plays a sample backwards.
Round Robin
Term referring to a sampling technique that allows a repeated note to trigger a different take each time it’s played, giving a natural-sounding result and eliminating the “machine gun” effect.
RTAS
Real Time Audio Suite—Digidesign’s original proprietary, cross-platform plug-in format for legacy Pro Tools. It is no longer supported or being developed.
S.A.G.E.
Spectrasonics Advanced Groove Engine. Spectrasonics’ proprietary technology that is the basis for Stylus RMX.
Sample Start
Parameter that controls, from a timing standpoint, how far from the beginning a sample will be triggered. When Reverse is engaged, this controls the end point.
Sample Thinning
Sample Thinning refers to a collection of settings that allows a user to filter the number and types of samples that are loaded with a Soundsource, in order to conserve system resources.
Sequence
A computer file saved by a sequencer/DAW that contains tracks of MIDI notes and audio files.
Sequencer
A computer application that allows recording, entry, and editing of MIDI notes and audio files. Also known as a “host.”
Sidechain
A compression/mixing technique where the level of one audio signal is used to control the dynamics of another—often to add a rhythmic effect to sustained sounds or to enhance overall mix clarity.
Slider
A control that you move back and forth or up and down depending on its orientation. Moving a slider can control a wide variety of parameters. Synonymous with Fader.
Sonic Extension
Sonic Extensions™ is a brand of innovative products created by Spectrasonics.
Sound Match
A powerful browsing feature that lets you explore the library by finding similar sounds with one click.
Standalone
A software program that is capable of running on its own, outside of a host application. Spectrasonics instruments come with both plug-in and standalone versions.
STEAM
STEAM stands for Spectrasonics-TEAM and is the engine for Omnisphere, as well as Keyscape and Trilian.
Sub-Page
These are pages within a main editing page. For example, on the FX Page, there are 6 FX sub-pages.
Sync
Abbreviation for Synchronization. When this feature is ON, Omnisphere locks corresponding parameters to the host’s tempo and then adjustments can be made using rhythmic values like 1/4 notes, 1/8 notes and 1/16 notes. Otherwise the parameter is controlled by cycles per second.
System Exclusive
Also referred to as SysEx, System Exclusive refers to unique, manufacturer-defined MIDI messages which transmit information about specific functions inside their MIDI hardware. Sysex messages are used in Spectrasonics Hardware Integration.
Tube
An electronic device which consists of various types of electrodes (anode, cathode, etc.) and a heating element—all contained in a vacuum. Its simplest form, the diode, is used as a rectifier, which converts an alternating current into a direct one. The triode is functionally similar to a transistor. Tubes are called valves in the UK.
Undo
A standard software feature available in Spectrasonics instrumenets that allows you to change your mind or correct a mistake by rolling back changes made to a parameter.
Uni-polar Control
This type of control has a linear range, providing a minimum-to-maximum value range. Examples of linear, unipolar controls are Level Faders or a Filter Cutoff knob.
Unity
The state when a parameter is set so that it does not make any changes to the incoming signal.
Unity Gain
The attribute of a device which neither attenuates nor amplifies a signal. Most signal processing devices have Unity Gain, which means that they neither amplify sound nor cause insertion loss, and therefore can be added into an audio system at various places without changing the overall output gain of the system.
Unlearn
Parameters that have been linked with a physical controller via MIDI Learn can be un-attached.
Value Definitions
• 8x—This value stretches the cycle of a parameter such as an LFO across 8 bars.
• 1/8—This value cycles a parameter such as an LFO every 1/8 note.
• 1/8D—This value cycles a parameter such as an LFO every dotted 1/8 note.
• 1/8T—This value cycles a parameter such as an LFO every triplet 1/8 note.
Valve
See Tube.
VST
Virtual Studio Technology—a cross-platform plug-in platform created by the audio technology company, Steinberg.
VST3
Virtual Studio Technology (VST), created by the audio technology company, Steinberg, is an integrating, cross-platform plug-in interface available in two versions: VST2 and VST3.
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