Synplant 2

What Synplant 2 is

Synplant 2 is a synthesizer for sound design, centered on exploring organic textures and changing timbres. Its Genopatch feature uses an audio recording to find synth settings for a patch, and the process runs locally without an internet connection. The DNA Editor shows settings such as envelopes, oscillator types, and filters graphically. For performance, it supports variations by MIDI note and velocity, layer mode, polyphonic and monophonic play, portamento, and tempo sync. Hundreds of patches are included, with more available to download after purchase. Synplant 2 runs on macOS and Windows as VST 2.4, VST3, and Audio Unit 2 plug-ins. The Mac version also includes a standalone app; on Windows, a host supporting VST 2.4 or VST3 is required. The one-time purchase is $149, paid once, and a 21-day trial begins the first time it is opened in a host sequencer. Purchasing includes free support and service updates.

Who it suits

Synplant 2 suits sound designers who want to explore evolving timbres and create patches from audio recordings. It also fits musicians who need a synthesizer with MIDI performance options and can use the required plug-in or standalone setup on their platform.

Limits

The trial lasts 21 days from the first time Synplant 2 opens in a host sequencer. Windows has no standalone application and requires a host supporting VST 2.4 or VST3.

Getting started

1. Open the Sonic Charge Synplant website
2. Choose the Synplant 2 purchase or start the 21-day trial
3. Install the macOS or Windows version
4. On Mac, open the standalone app or load a listed plug-in format
5. On Windows, load the plug-in in a host supporting VST 2.4 or VST3
6. Open Synplant 2 in a host sequencer to start the trial

Verdict

Synplant 2 pairs audio-driven patch creation with a graphical editor and performance controls. Its Windows host requirement and one-time purchase price are important considerations before choosing it.