ESC
Electra2

Electra2

ManufacturerTone2
FunctionSynthesizer
Form FactorSoftware
LinksTone2 Website
NotesMultilayer = power4 Playing with Electra2 is big fun, since the multilayer architecture allows you to create impressive tracks just by pressing a single key. “Multilayer architecture” means that you have access to four synthesizers at the same time and all within one comfortable interface. Each of the four layers works as an independent, full-featured multitimbral synthesizer consisting of up to 54 oscillators, dual multi-mode filters, a flexible modulation system, an effects section and its own arpeggiator. With this and the 14 different types of synthesis available, it's guaranteed your sound design possibilities are virtually endless. You can edit your sounds layer by layer, or edit multiple layers simultaneously. Separate synthesizer layers can be saved and loaded, which allows you to simply grab a layer you like from a patch and load it back into another patch. Combine different layers, mix different types of synthesis, use keyboard splits and use different play modes like Poly, Mono, Legato or Glide per synth layer. Most of the patches that come with Electra2 already use multiple layers so mixing and merging your favorite patches into a new multilayer sound is extremely simple. Samples have never been so easy to use Electra2's sample capabilities go far beyond normal playback. Load and manipulate your samples in ways that are impossible with other synths or samplers. If you want, samples can be automatically tuned when you load them. Electra2 makes sure that your samples are always played back in the highest quality possible. Play back samples in single, loop mode or use the loop markers to set your own loop points. A comfortable autoloop function allows click-free loops with no hassle. The sample engine offers an edit menu with a wide selection of sample edit options, as well as no less than 12 effects to further process your samples. Special Quick-import-sample- and Quick-Vocoder menu options are provided to guide you through setting up a sample or vocoder patch, just follow the on-screen directions and Electra2 will do all the work for you. Your custom sample content is stored automatically with your songs or as a compact and compatible fxp file. That’s why you won’t have to deal with broken songs, missing files or managing huge archives as in conventional samplers. With a higher sound quality than competing products, using samples together with synthesis has never been this easy: import your own samples, edit & process them where needed, and play. Oscillators and Synthesis With an incredible selection of 14 different types of synthesis, Electra2 truly is the “Swiss army knife of synthesis methods” (Beat Magazine). Its versatile synthesis engine can easily replace a studio filled with hardware. The synthesis types range from traditional ones like the classic Virtual Analog, Wavetable, Subtractive, Phase Distortion and FM synthesis, up to Physical Modeling, Ultra-saw, Vocoder, Sync, Ringmod, PWM, Noise, Wave-shaping and Tone2's exclusive Fractal synthesis. Each synthesis type was designed with careful attention to sound quality, musical potential and low CPU usage. They offer enormous scope for sound creation, being limited only by your imagination. So let your creativity run wild! Mix different types of synthesis within one or multiple layers, import samples, resynthesize a waveform or use a vocoder on one of the layers. You can literally build any sound imaginable and open up whole new worlds of sonic capabilities in innovative and inspiring ways. Filters No synthesizer workstation would be complete without an excellent filter section, which is why each layer within Electra2 contains two multi-mode filters with 37 unique filter types, and 3 tone controls, as well as multi-mode distortions. These filter types range from traditional analog filters like Moog Low Pass, High Pass and Bandpass, up to digital ones like Vocal, Phaser, Aliaser and Fractal filters. A large number of these filter types are exclusive to Tone2 and not available in any other product. The filters are able to self-oscillate and to produce a wide range of timbres, allowing you to further sculpt your sound to perfection. Most of the filter types use a special Analog control, which allows you to vary the amount of analog behavior applied by the filter. The filters use a real-time display to make it easy to see and understand how the filter is modifying your audio signal. A dual distortion unit completes this section with six different modes, which range from classic tube pre-amp distortions, to fuzz-box type distortion, and all the way to wave shaping. Effects As important as anything else within a synthesizer workstation are the effects. A great deal of time was spent to ensure that Electra2 featured a suite of high-end quality FX that perfectly sync to BPM. No less then 32 different effect processors are available from the effects section, ranging from reverb, delay, multi-tap delay, smart unison, trancegate, chorus, flanger and phaser, up to vocoder, tremolo, vibrato, surround encode, rotary, EQ, distortion, amp simulation and compressor. A very unique 'Reverb Infinity' effect is also included, which allows you to have an endless reverb signal that continues on forever. Both a master effect and 4 insert effects are provided to offer a wide variety of effect possibilities. Electra2 also offers smart micro tuning, which makes chords sound fatter and more transparent at the same time. Optional punch and psychoacoustic features are also included to add a little kick to your sound. Summary of Key Features Four synthesizers in one interface High-end sound quality Huge sonic range High flexibility 14 different, combinable synthesis methods Free support and updates Psychoacoustic processing Low CPU load, multicore processor support Easy to use 4x multitimbral, 4x stereo unison Over 3000 sounds in 1230 presets by professional sound designers 38 exclusive filter types 46 oscillator types 32 effect types; Master effect section with Equalizer More than 1000 waveforms 64x4 voices Midi learn Customizable user interface with 4 skins Expandability Standalone version for PC Flexible preset management Context sensitive help Summary of Features per Synthesizer Layer (x4) Several playmodes: Monophonic, legato, polyphonic, glide 3 multi-synthesis oscillators Dual multimode filters Dual multimode distortion/waveshaper 3 LFOs (global or per voice) and a Step LFO, BPM syncable Four Envelope generators Arpeggiator Insert effect, BPM syncable Flexible modulation Key splitting 32 studio quality effects: Reverbs: Hall, Cathedral, Room, Infinity, Reverb Big, Glass, Band, Real, Hall old, Cathedral old Delays: Delay, Delay band, Ping Pong, Multitap Smart Unison, Phaser FB, Phaser Stereo, Vibrato, Vibrato Stereo, Tremelo, Tremelo Stereo, Chorus, Ensemble, Phaser, Flanger, Rotary, Trancegate, Compressor, Ampsim, Equalizer, Surround Encode Vocoder Summary of Synthesis methods & OSC features Virtual analog FM Sample playback and import of own samples with loop support Wavetables Resynthesis function and the ability to load own waveforms Ultrasaw (up to 18 detuned oscillators per voice) Fractal (a completely new synthesis method) Physical modeling Phase distortion Waveshaping Exclusive oscillator types PWM Sync Noise Ringmod Vocoder Analog oscillator drift modeling Fat tuning 38 exclusive filter types 11 analog modeled filters with self oscillation: Lowpass/Highpass/Bandpass 12dB/18dB/24dB, Moog, Filter-FM High precision digital filters: Lowpass, Highpass, Bandpass, Notch Equalizers: LowShelf, HighShelf, Peak, Wide Special types: Phaser, Comb+, Comb-, Vocals, Vocals2, Vocal AM, LP Shaped, LP AM, BP Boobs, M-Shape, Aliaser, Ringmod Exclusive fractal filters Physcial modeling String, Physical modeling Flute