Plugin Alliance Introduce Pick Pack, A Rent To Own Plugin Scheme Our friends at Plugin Alliance have announced Pick Pack, a new and interesting take on plug-in rental. The idea is very simple and the value on offer is potentially very generous. For a flat fee of $29 a month you can choose any 10 plug-ins from the Plugin Alliance catalogue. Omnisphere 2.6 includes a stunning new “Hardware Library” with over 1,600 new patches created by Eric Persing and the renowned Spectrasonics Sound Development team. Each hardware profile has a corresponding set of sounds in the Hardware Library which were specially designed using that hardware synth as an Omnisphere controller.
Omnisphere and serum: Two giants of the software synth world.
We’ve all wondered how they compare to each other, and today, after thorough analysis of both, we will come up with a winner.
It is, however, important to note that this article isn’t an attempt to determine which one of these beastly VSTs are ‘the best.’
What is actually the best is far too subjective for any one person to ascertain.
What you are about to read is merely a comparison of 2 industry leading virtual instruments in order to help you understand the differences and similarities between them.
If you’re on the fence about purchasing either one, or if you own both and struggle with which one to use for a particular task, you could benefit from the information in this article.
If you’re not familiar with either of these, we strongly recommend checking them out.
You should also check out splice, where you can try out serum and other plugins for free for 3 days and then pay a monthly fee starting at 4.99$.
We’ll start with the most obvious differences, then we will break things down into various sections:
Obvious Differences
Omnisphere 2 is an 8-part multitimbral VSTi, meaning you can play up to 8 different sounds at once with one instantiation.
Serum can only play one sound at a time, so if you want to play more than that, you’ll have to have to use a different instantiation for each different sound you use from it.
Spectrasonics hasn’t provided a demo of Omnisphere 2 yet, so there is no way to test it out unless you buy it. A demo version of Serum is available with Splice.
To get more acquainted with each synth, please check out the links below:
Oscillators
Omnisphere 2 comes withover 400 new waveforms each of which is a morphing wavetable.
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Ethnic instruments and unusual sound sources like a burning piano are also included and can be used as oscillators.
Additionally, you can add your own sounds and use those as oscillators or mangle them in the granular synthesis section.
However, when compared to other dedicated granular synths like Mangle or PadShop, Omnisphere 2 falls a bit short in terms of editing features.
Serum on the other hand, comes with 144 wavetables and also gives you the ability to draw waveforms or load your own sounds and use them as oscillators.
Aside from being an “advanced wavetable synth”, Serum is also capable of performing additive and VA synthesis with classic waveforms (saw, square etc.) + a sub oscillator + noise oscillator.
Because of the array of waveforms and synthesis techniques that can be applied in both synths, they both could very well be referred to as modern hybrid synthesizers.
Filters
Serum has a variety of filter types. All the filters from Xfer’s LFOTool are included in addition to some new ones like Flangers, Phasers and the dirty sounding French LPF.
There are also Dual Filter types allowing you to morph between filter types.
Omnisphere 2 boasts a more flexible filter engine and 8 new filters giving you the ability to create your own filter sound with stereo control, drive and a host of other parameters to further customize your filters.
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Also, it now includes all of the filters from GForce Software’s virtual synth, “impOSCar”.
Modulators
Personally, my favorite thing about Serum’s modulators is how easy it is to drag and drop a modulation source to a destination.
This makes for a much faster workflow when creating or editing complex a patch.
Then there are the drawable LFOs, Envelopes and Macros which, depending on your preference, are more fun to play with than mousing around with percentages or virtual knobs.
Omnisphere’s Modulation Matrix is unbelievably massive and flexible!
Almost every parameter can be modulated and there are a plethora of modulation sources and targets.
All 4 Effect Racks’ parameters, all the granular parameters, all the FM parameters, numerous parameters in the arpeggiator and envelopes can all be modulated by a multitude of sources.
But with all this modulation power, there is no drag and drop ability.
Effects
Omnisphere 2.6 Rent To Own
In addition to Serum’s classic synth effects and advanced effects such as a multiband compressor, Serum can be used as a dedicated FX processor as well.
Off the top of my head, the only other synths I can think of that have this feature are Native Instruments Absynth 5, FM8 and Reaktor 6.
The results of running an audio source through an effect with synthesizer parameters can be extremely inspiring and a lot of fun!
Omnisphere 2 has a wider variety of effects.
Vintage effects like echoes, choruses and compressors as well as various reverb types are included.
And remember, all of the parameters in each effect can be modulated. This does come at the cost of higher CPU usage, however.
I’d be curious to see what kinds of sounds could be generated if Omnisphere 2 was able to be used as a dedicated FX processor, but that feature isn’t available.
Overall Winner
I think Omnisphere 2 has a better sound library and is well-rounded as far as sound selection thanks to some of the best sound designers of our time, Eric Persing and Diego Stocco. Therefore, it takes the prize.
Serum may have a more flexible wavetable engine and deeper sound design capabilities with the wavetable editor, formulas and additive engine.
Where can I purchase Omnisphere 2?
Download sales and Upgrades are now available for purchase in our Webstore/Techshop. Physical sales (boxed with USB drive) are handled exclusively through our Authorized Resellers.
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If I already own Omnisphere, is there an Upgrade to Omnisphere 2?
Yes! If you already are an Omnisphere customer, you are eligible for the Omnisphere 2 Upgrade - available now in the Webstore/Techshop.
If I already own Atmosphere, is there an Upgrade to Omnisphere 2?
Yes! If you already are an Atmosphere customer, you are eligible for the Omnisphere 2 Legacy Upgrade - available now in the Webstore/Techshop.
Is there a DEMO version of Omnisphere 2 I can try?
Because of the size of our instruments, we don't offer Demo versions. However, you can contact one of our local dealers in your area in order to arrange a live demo of Omnisphere 2. To find a local dealer in your area, please contact your local Authorized Reseller.
How are Spectrasonics Instruments delivered to new users?
All Spectrasonics instruments are available in two different editions: Boxed and Download. The physical boxed editions now contain high quality USB drives and are sold exclusively to new customers through our Authorized Resellers. The download editions are now available and sold exclusively through our Webstore/Techshop.
Aren’t Spectrasonics Instruments delivered on DVD-ROMS?
They used to be, but this is no longer the case. All our physical boxed versions have now been revised with high-quality USB drives. For convenience, we now also offer download sales of new Spectrasonics Instruments direct to customers from our Webstore/Techshop. Both of these new delivery platforms offer much faster and more reliable installations than DVD discs.
If I buy the Boxed version, will I also be able to get a download in the future? If I buy the Download Edition, will I also be able to get a drive? If I have the DVD-ROM edition, will I be able to get the drive or future downloads if I need them?
Yes to all of the above! We are happy to announce that there are now alternative forms of installation available optionally to registered users - no matter which edition you have originally purchased.
Spectrasonics is keenly aware that many users no longer have computers with optical drives and there are numerous scenarios when the convenience of downloading or the speed of a USB drive would be a preferred form of installation for different types of users. To address all the various user needs and scenarios, Spectrasonics has a new Support Services area that offers Alternative Installation USB Drives and Additional Download Installations for optional purchase. These services are available for purchase in our Webstore/Techshop for registered users.
How is the Upgrade delivered? Is it downloadable? How big?
The Omnisphere 2 Upgrade package is a 60GB download which you can order through Webstore/Techshop.
Is the Omnisphere 2 Upgrade available as a physical product?
Not at this time. Our download service is highly reliable though... even with slower connections.
Can I download the upgrade?
Yes. The upgrade is now exclusively available as a download in our Webstore/Techshop.
Does an Omnisphere 1 license need to be registered and authorized in my Spectrasonics User Account in order to qualify for the Omnisphere 2 Upgrade?
Yes.
Does Omnisphere 1 need to be installed on my computer before purchasing and installing the upgrade to Omnisphere 2?
No. Upgrading to Omnisphere 2 will supply the complete 60GB Omnisphere 2 sound library, which includes the sounds from Omnisphere 1. If Omnisphere 1 is already installed, you will not lose any custom user-created sounds or third-party libraries.
Do I need to have Atmosphere installed before purchasing the upgrade to Omnisphere 2?
No, but if you are an Atmosphere user you will need to have it authorized and registered to qualify for the Legacy upgrade.
Is there a student discount price for Omnisphere 2?
Spectrasonics doesn't offer student discounts, however qualifying schools and institutions can participate in our EDU program.
Does Spectrasonics allow for used sales/license transfers of Omnisphere 2?
Please see the License Transfer FAQs area of the Knowledgebase for more info on our License Transfer Policy.
Can I upgrade if I bought a used copy of Omnisphere v1?
Yes, but only if that copy of Omnisphere has been properly license transferred through Spectrasonics.
Can I upgrade if I bought a used copy of Atmosphere?
Yes, but only if that copy of Atmosphere has been properly license transferred through Spectrasonics.
If I upgrade my Atmosphere to Omnisphere 2 can I later resell and transfer the license of either instrument used to someone else?
No. Customers who participate in a special upgrade program for any Spectrasonics virtual instruments are not eligible for license transfers either for the original instrument or its subsequent upgrade. For example, if an original owner of Atmosphere takes advantage of our special “legacy” upgrade program to Omnisphere 2, the owner is not permitted to resell either instrument and no license transfer will be granted.
If I upgrade my Omnisphere v1 to Omnisphere 2 can I later resell and transfer the license of either instrument used to someone else?
Since it is the same original license, Omnisphere 2 would still be eligible for a future license transfer. However, Omnisphere 1 cannot be transferred as a separate product.
Are Omnisphere 1 and Omnisphere 2 different instruments/products?
No. Omnisphere 2 is simply the next major version of Omnisphere.
Is Omnisphere 2 a Stand-alone app or a Plugin?
Omnisphere 2 includes a standalone application and VST/AU/AAX plug-in platforms that work in all the major DAWs and hosts.
What is the STEAM engine?
STEAM™ is our in-house core technology that is the foundation of Omnisphere, Trilian and a new generation of Spectrasonics instruments.
So does Omnisphere replace Atmosphere?
Yes, Omnisphere is Atmosphere's successor.
What are the minimum system requirements for Omnisphere 2?
You can view them HERE.
Is it compatible with xxx?
Check our Compatibility FAQs in the Knowledgebase which we keep up to date with the latest info.
Will Omnisphere 2 replace my Omnisphere plug-in?
Yes. Omnisphere 2 is the next version of Omnisphere. When installed, the Omnisphere 2 Upgrade contents (20GB) merge with the existing Omnisphere 1 library and become one product, replacing Omnisphere 1 as a plug-in.
When opening older projects which use sounds from Omnisphere 1, will they load the same?
Absolutely - it is still Omnisphere! Version 2 is fully backwards compatible with version 1 projects.
Will custom saved patches/multis be negatively affected when upgrading to Omnisphere 2?
No. They will open and operate the same as always.
Will third party patches be negatively affected when upgrading to Omnisphere 2?
No. All third-party Omnisphere v1 libraries are fully compatible with Omnisphere 2.
Does Omnisphere 2 use Copy Protection?
Yes, please see the Copy Protection FAQs area of the Knowledgebase for more information on our system.
Does Omnisphere 2 include a manual?
All our instruments include a comprehensive online Reference Guide, which is accessible directly through the plug-in. The integrated Reference Guide is searchable and we can keep it up to date with the software releases. You can check out the Reference Guide HERE.
How fast of a computer will I need to run Omnisphere 2?
As with all virtual instruments - the faster the better. Omnisphere 2 is designed to run optimally on modern computers. See the System Requirements for more information.
Does Omnisphere 2 need more CPU power than Omnisphere v1?
Not significantly more. Some newer patches require more resources than older ones. However, many new patches do not require more resources.
Does Omnisphere 2.5 need more CPU power than Omnisphere 2.4?
Not significantly more. Some newer patches require more resources than older ones. However, many new patches do not require more resources.
Is Omnisphere 2 compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit systems?
Omnisphere 2.4 and earlier are compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. Omnisphere 2.5 and higher are compatible exclusively with 64-bit systems.
Can I easily switch back and forth between Omnisphere 2.5 and Omnisphere 2.4?
Yes! We have a rollback installer that’s easy to use for this purpose if you are unsure if you are ready for 2.5 or not.
Does Omnisphere 2 use streaming?
Yes! Omnisphere 2 streams from the drive for quick loading of the sounds. Drive streaming is configurable as well.
Can I selectively install parts of the Omnisphere 2 library since it is so large?
Because of patch compatibility, Omnisphere 2 must always be installed with the complete library. However, you can install the 60 Gigabyte library to a secondary or external drive if you wish.
Will Omnisphere 2's streaming benefit from a faster hard drive?
Fast drives are a smart way to go of course. There's a chapter in the Reference Guide devoted to optimizing Performance with Omnisphere 2.
Can I install Omnisphere 2 on a different drive?
Yes, you can definitely install the library to a secondary or external drive.
Can I Use My Own Audio in Omnisphere 2?
Yes! You can now use any WAV or AIFF audio files in Omnisphere as soundsources for creating your own amazing sounds! Omnisphere 2 supports bit depths up to 24-bit files and sample rates up to 192kHz.
Will the audio import in Omnisphere 2 be for single audio files or multi-samples?
Omnisphere 2 supports one audio file of any length per soundsource. You can layer up to four soundsources in a patch and 8 patches in a multi. Keep in mind that Omnisphere's focus is as a synthesizer and will never be a sampler with multiple velocities, key-mapping, round-robin, etc. - there are other instruments out there that do that very well.
Omnisphere 2 allows you to easily turn your audio files and even your audio tracks/mixes into synthesis source for Omnisphere 2's powerful oscillators. It's remarkable how much you can creatively mangle one sound and transform it into something awesome!