Omnisphere 2 Explained®
Chapter 1 : Working with the Library
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3:49 Res Judicata
Welcome to Omnisphere 2.0. In this series we'll take a fresh look at the entire instrument from the ground up, starting with an overview of the basic organization and architecture of the plug-in and how it generates sound.
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4:34 De Novo
Learn about the Header section of Omnisphere, see how to access the three different browsers, and learn how to create new sounds from existing patches by changing the sound sources used in each of the patch's two layers.
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4:22 The Mini Browser
See how this new Omnisphere 2.0 feature is used for either attribute or sound match based browsing.
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7:39 Searching in the Full Browser
Discover how to use and customize the category, attribute and search fields to search for patches and sound sources by key words and metadata. See how Search Lock is useful when searching and loading patches as well as sound sources.
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5:14 Boolean Filtering
Discover how the boolean operators “And”, “Or”, and “Not” are used in conjunction with the search field and attribute columns to generate search results that include or exclude patches with multiple attribute specific tags.
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6:35 Loading Sounds
Learn how to sort patches and sound sources, how to use ratings to sort by favourites, how to use the browser settings to audition samples on loading and how to synchronize attributes when changing parts. Also see how to reduce or thin the number of samples loaded using either scale, velocity, or range criteria; or using pitch thinning based on the notes you need for your current arrangement.
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6:33 Match & Lock Browsing
Explore two of Omnisphere 2.0's new intelligent browsing features. Sound match returns a set of sounds based on similar metadata, and sound lock preserves various aspects of a source sound and applies them to a destination patch.
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3:30 Importing User Audio
Discover how to bring your own audio into the SoundSource browser and process it with some of Omnisphere 2.0's powerful synthesis features.
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4:21 Saving & Managing Sounds
Learn about initializing versus clearing patches multis and layers, how and where to save and delete customized sounds, and how to use the “Save Patch Quick” function to update custom patches.
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5:41 Editing Tags
Learn how to customize the attribute and assignment metadata associated with patches so that they can be searched and sorted more effectively in Omnisphere's patch browser.
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5:26 Working With Projects
Explore the use of Projects as a way or bookmarking, collecting, and organizing sounds into user defined groupings that are meaningful to your own personal workflow. Projects can include multis, patches, and sound sources. It is another tool for organizing Omnisphere's library to suit your needs.
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6:55 The Main Page Pt. 1
See how this page is used as a kind of “dashboard”, to access all the important performance controls necessary to tweak the sound of a patch easily.
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5:06 The Main Page Pt. 2
Hear how the Solo, Glide, and legato modes work, how the alternate sustain pedal modes are used, and how the Main Page filter controls sound.
Chapter 2 : Working with the Synth Engine
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5:50 Working with Layers
Explore the layer pages and see how parameter adjustments can be made either uniquely for each layer or linked together, which parameters remain independent for the two layers, and how the amp, transposition, coarse tuning, fine tuning, and tracking parameters work.
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2:32 Oscillators Overview
Oscillators are the basic DNA of Omnisphere's patches. Learn how to switch between using Soundsources and DSP generated wavetables, and how access the various oscillator functions that are available.
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4:34 Sample Mode Controls
Discover how timbre shifting and timbre crushing are used to vary the harmonic quality of the sound sources by shifting, transposing, filtering, and bit crushing the samples; and how the start slider and reverse button influence playback of the mapped samples.
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4:54 The Soundsource Zoom
See how to work with Trilian based sound sources within Omnisphere 2.0, including using sublayers, special articulations, and sample thinning.
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5:24 Basic Synthesis Controls Pt. 1
Discover who the shape, symmetry, and hard sync sliders are used to create timbral changes to DSP generated wavetables.
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3:58 Basic Synthesis Controls Pt. 2
Hear how the analog and phase controls are used to detune and change the phase relationship between the two oscillators in Layer A and Layer B.
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8:34 FM Synthesis
Explore how the timbral characteristics of the layer's oscillator (carrier) is changed by modulating the frequency of another waveform (Modulator) and how the FM synthesis controls are used to alter the result of this frequency modulation.
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4:07 Ring Modulation Synthesis
Similar to FM synthesis, but the overall amplitude is modulated by multiplying the frequencies of the layer's main oscillator with the modulator oscillator. Hear how it is used to create a nasty synth bass sound by adding some aggressive bite to one of Omnisphere's wavetables.
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4:08 Waveshaper Synthesis
Hear how this section is used to degrade the layer's oscillator by reducing the bit depth, adding wave shaping, and reducing the sample rate.
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4:15 Unison Mode
Hear how this function is used to thicken up a sound by triggering additional oscillators that are slightly detuned.
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5:00 Harmonia Mode
Explore the amp and synth parameters available in this mode. They are used to control up to four automatically generated oscillators per layer which are used to create harmonies with the layer's main oscillator.
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7:48 Granular Synthesis
Discover how this engine is used to break apart audio into fragments called grains, and how it is used to create long evolving sonic textures.
Chapter 3 : Animating the Sound
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6:37 Working With Modulation
Modulation adds motion to a sound by having g a modulation source affect the value of a target parameter in some way. See who modulation routings are set up and managed in Omnisphere 2.0.
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5:31 Using the Filter Section
Explore Omnisphere's powerful filter controls, including cutoff, resonance, filter tracking, and the variant slider which moves the cutoff frequency in opposite directions on the left and right channels of a stereo sound.
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5:02 The Filter Envelope
Hear how the filter envelope is used as a modulation source that modulates the characteristics of the filter's cutoff frequency over time, and how the filter envelope depth knob is used to se the amount the filter envelope influences the filter section.
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6:11 Working in Dual Filter Mode
Explore Omnisphere's Filter Zoom section, and see how to setup, route, and offset two separate filter algorithms together on a single layer in a patch.
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7:56 Working With LFOs
Explore how these waveform shapes are used as sources for cyclical modulation effects. Learn how to sync them to tempo, use the various trigger modes, change shapes, start them at different points in their cycle, delay their onset, and more.
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5:41 ADSR Envelopes
Envelopes are the contours that shape the sound coming from the oscillators and the filters. Learn how to navigate the Envelope section of the Omnisphere interface and how to adjust the four different stages that occur over the duration of a note.
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6:43 Multi Stage Envelopes Pt. 1
Explore the Envelope zoom and see how to work with and create multiple stage modulation envelopes.
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5:17 Multi Stage Envelopes Pt. 2
Discover how the chaos controls are used to randomize envelope curves and levels, and how the speed, depth, looping, sync, and trigger controls are used to control the playback of the envelopes.
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3:34 Morphing Modulation
See how two sources are used to modulate a single target, and how a third component is used to interactively crossfade between the outputs of the two modulation sources.
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8:59 The Arpeggiator
Learn how the arpeggiator is used to take an incoming chord and output a sequenced pattern of notes based on a defined set of rules and parameters.
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7:29 The Orb
Explore this sound manipulation tool and see how its intuitive performance interface is used to introduce and record variations to a patches sound.
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4:27 Working With FX
Learn how to work with Omnisphere's part based and multi based FX units and FX racks.
Chapter 4 : Multis & More
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5:52 Working in Multi Timbral Mode
Explore two different ways of working in multi mode; one where all the processing is done within the plug-in itself, and the other where the individual parts are sent to discreet aux tracks in the host DAW.
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7:02 Host Automation & MIDI Learn
Learn how to use and manage host automation and MIDI Learn to animate parameters either on a per part basis or when working in multi mode.
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5:16 Stack Mode Pt. 1
See how this mode is used to create splits, layers, and crossfades between the various parts set up in the multi.
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3:21 Stack Mode Pt. 2
See how velocity and MIDI continuous controller messages are used as the basis for triggering the patches loaded into the various parts of a multi.
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3:56 Latch & Trigger Modes
See how latch mode is used to have notes function as toggles to stop and start patterns, and how trigger mode is used to quantize incoming MIDI notes in real time.
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6:35 Live Mode
Discover how this mode is used to switch between or layer patches in real time using either the mouse, on screen controls, MIDI notes, CC messages, or program change messages.
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6:01 System Performance
See how the System page is used to optimize streaming and other interface and performance options.
Chapter 5 : 2.1 Update
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5:22 Sharing & Adding Sounds
See how the improved sharing features make it simple to share patches, multis, soundsources, and user audio from either the Mini Browser or full Browser.
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2:02 Sharing Projects
Learn how patches, soundsources, and multis organized into Omnisphere Projects are shared.
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5:04 Publishing Libraries Pt. 1
Discover how and where to create your own Library and Category folders in the Finder, and how to add custom patches or multis to them from within Omnisphere.
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6:19 Publishing Libraries Pt. 2
Learn how to add either default, category specific, or unique images to soundsources, patches, and multis; and finally, how to publish the library.
Chapter 6 : 2.5 Update
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3:36 Graphic Enhancements
The new high resolution interface can be rescaled to hide the browser, there are now four layers per part, a new Granular Synthesis layout with waveform display, Live Mode mixer view, new FX Unit preset steppers, and new layer level meters.
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5:39 Synthesis Enhancements
Hear the new state variable filters in action along with the new unison spread modulation target, constant bipolar modulation source, new LFOs, shared signal path routing, and more.
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4:55 Hardware Synth Integration & More
Explore the new per layer solo and cross linking functions, patch rating entry via the computer keyboard, and the biggest new feature of this update: hardware synth integration.
Product Overview
Eli Krantzberg returns with a new series on Spectrasonic's flagship virtual instrument, Omnisphere 2. In this comprehensive series, Eli covers every aspect of this powerful and versatile instrument, as well as teaching you how to use it creatively!
Beginning with working with the library, Eli explores the Browser, How To Search, Filter Your Search, Load Sounds, Import Audio, and Work With Projects. From there, Eli dives into working with the Synth Engine, going deep into Layers, Oscillators, Sample Mode, Synthesis Controls, and the various Modes.
Next, Eli details the Filter and Modulation options, including all your options for Animating Your Sounds and Working With Effects. Finally, Eli covers Multi-Timbral Mode, Stack Mode, Latch & Trigger Modes, Live Modes, and Optimizing System Performance.
Eli shows you all about the improved sharing features that let you share Patches, Multis, Sound Sources, and Audio from the Mini or Full Browser. Then Eli takes you through the Publishing Libraries, and you'll explore how and where to Create Your Own Library and Category Folders, as well as how to Add Images and Publish Your Library.
Also, Eli has created both 2.1 and 2.5 version update tutorials covering all the latest features and functions, so you can be sure this series is up to date.
Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2 is one of the deepest virtual instruments available today, and if you're just getting started or a power user looking for expert tips, this is what the doctor ordered... Watch
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Reviews
Submitted 5 days ago
Excellent overview of Omnisphere 2
It's around 8 years ago since I watched Eli's Omnisphere Explained. This one is up there with its detailed overview. Really enlightening stuff. While I haven't finished the full videos (currently at chapter 3) I've learned a lot. Some of it is refreshing what I learned years ago, while also learning the new interface as well. I have to say groove3 is the site I check before committing to any vsti purchase to make sure I have that knowledge waiting to be shared before I buy. Thanks again Eli...legend!
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 4 months ago
Fantastic
I am very excited to share that the videos have been of great service to me in regards to learning more about Omnisphere. The video narrator is very clear and concise in explaining all the basic aspects that one might miss when attempting to learn more Omnisphere.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 4 months ago
Good overview.
Very helpful, although while it covers everything, it doesn't always go deep into everything. More of an extensive overview.
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 5 months ago
Well Done!
As usual, an excellent presentation by EK. I should, however, point out at about 1:48 into the “Live Mode” segment, when Eli scrolls through patches, there is no sound. As they say, the silence is deafening.
Response from Customer Service:
As mentioned in our emailed conversation, Eli is not hitting keys at that moment when he is scrolling through patches. A little later he does hit the keys and sound can be hear auditioning layered patches.
I'm also glad we helped you resolve your full screen issue as that should raise the quality and access ratings higher!
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 5 months ago
Great!
Always informative and clearly explained!
I am a: Professional, Musician, Ableton Live, Digital Performer, Logic Pro, Pro Tools
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Thorough!
This is a very good explanation of the software. Well organized and presented. Eli's depth of knowledge regarding DAWs and software amazes me.
I am a: Producer
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Subscription Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Well done...
I am an experienced synth programmer and found this helpful on a number of points. Very well dont and goes into features less obvious. Despite Omnisphere being easy to use, this course explained the finer points well. I'd recommend it,
I am a: Musician
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Very Well Done !!
Fine Quality Video Productions Knowledgable Teachers make this a great place to learn ! and easily apply to my Music.
I am a: Semi-Pro, Producer, Beat Maker, Sound for Film/TV, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Reason
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Omnisphere 2
Being a teacher as well as a Grammy winner, I know that the depth of a subject plays a big part on how the learning curve works. Omnisphere is a beast to absorb. I have only had the Groove3 trainer for a few days. So far it seems well organized. I look forward to its guidance
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Sound for Film/TV, Cubase, Reason
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
very helpful
it gets deep into modulation, was looking for a tutorial like this one
I am a: Semi-Pro, Professional, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Sound for Film/TV, Ableton Live, Logic Pro
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Reviews
Submitted 5 days ago
Excellent overview of Omnisphere 2
It's around 8 years ago since I watched Eli's Omnisphere Explained. This one is up there with its detailed overview. Really enlightening stuff. While I haven't finished the full videos (currently at chapter 3) I've learned a lot. Some of it is refreshing what I learned years ago, while also learning the new interface as well. I have to say groove3 is the site I check before committing to any vsti purchase to make sure I have that knowledge waiting to be shared before I buy. Thanks again Eli...legend!
Submitted 4 months ago
Fantastic
I am very excited to share that the videos have been of great service to me in regards to learning more about Omnisphere. The video narrator is very clear and concise in explaining all the basic aspects that one might miss when attempting to learn more Omnisphere.
Submitted 4 months ago
Good overview.
Very helpful, although while it covers everything, it doesn't always go deep into everything. More of an extensive overview.
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer
Submitted 5 months ago
Well Done!
As usual, an excellent presentation by EK. I should, however, point out at about 1:48 into the “Live Mode” segment, when Eli scrolls through patches, there is no sound. As they say, the silence is deafening.
Response from Customer Service:
As mentioned in our emailed conversation, Eli is not hitting keys at that moment when he is scrolling through patches. A little later he does hit the keys and sound can be hear auditioning layered patches.
I'm also glad we helped you resolve your full screen issue as that should raise the quality and access ratings higher!
Submitted 5 months ago
Great!
Always informative and clearly explained!
I am a: Professional, Musician, Ableton Live, Digital Performer, Logic Pro, Pro Tools
Submitted 1 year ago
Thorough!
This is a very good explanation of the software. Well organized and presented. Eli's depth of knowledge regarding DAWs and software amazes me.
I am a: Producer
Submitted 1 year ago
Well done...
I am an experienced synth programmer and found this helpful on a number of points. Very well dont and goes into features less obvious. Despite Omnisphere being easy to use, this course explained the finer points well. I'd recommend it,
I am a: Musician
Submitted 1 year ago
Very Well Done !!
Fine Quality Video Productions Knowledgable Teachers make this a great place to learn ! and easily apply to my Music.
I am a: Semi-Pro, Producer, Beat Maker, Sound for Film/TV, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Reason
Submitted 2 years ago
Omnisphere 2
Being a teacher as well as a Grammy winner, I know that the depth of a subject plays a big part on how the learning curve works. Omnisphere is a beast to absorb. I have only had the Groove3 trainer for a few days. So far it seems well organized. I look forward to its guidance
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Sound for Film/TV, Cubase, Reason
Submitted 2 years ago
very helpful
it gets deep into modulation, was looking for a tutorial like this one
I am a: Semi-Pro, Professional, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Sound for Film/TV, Ableton Live, Logic Pro
1. When did you start dabbling in music?
I started playing drums in high school at age fourteen. Like most kids my age around then, I was into progressive rock. Genesis, Emerson Lake and Palmer, and Yes. They rocked my world. A few short years later though, my musical life changed. While studying music in college I discovered Charlie Parker, Milt Jackson, Sonny Stitt, and John Coltrane. Milt Jackson spoke to me in such a profound way that it left me no choice but to take up vibraphone.
These great players, along with drummers like Philly Joe Jones, Max Roach, Art Blakey, and Elvin Jones changed not only the way I thought about drumming, but also music - and by extension, life - as a whole. I realized life was meant to be a creative endeavor. The idea of improvising based on a loose set of guidelines and rules permeated into my psyche even when I wasn't holding a pair of drumsticks or mallets. But if I am going to be perfectly truthful, I have to hold Henry Miller and Woody Allen equally responsible for shaping the way I view and experience the world around me.
2. What training have you had?
I am currently an Apple certified Logic Pro. Young and cocky, and armed with only a partial University degree, I dropped out of school and began playing steady commercial hotel engagements and jazz gigs when I could. This went on for many years until I decided it was time to complete my degree - which I ultimately did with a major in Political Science and a minor in music.
It was at this point that I formed my current band Nightshift. We are going in to our twenty third year now - playing commercial one nighters like weddings, corporate events, etc. Don't turn your nose up at it though - it has allowed me a wonderful quality of life. It gave me the freedom to go back to school and complete a post graduate degree in Communications Studies - all the while supporting myself by playing weddings.
3. When did you get into recording?
It was in this graduate program - in the early nineties - that I found myself drawn to the fledgling emerging universe of hard disc recording and midi sequencing. Based on nothing more than the recommendation of one of my band mates who had an old Atari, I jumped in head first and bought a Mac LC ll, along with a version 1.1 of what was then Notator Logic. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. But, in hindsight, it was a decision of epic importance in my life - shaping my future as much as the music of Milt Jackson and Charlie Parker did fifteen years prior.
I opened up my own commercial home studio in 1998 and began doing a variety of projects, working on radio jingles, artist CD projects, and whatever came my way. A couple of years later a colleague called me up - desperate. He was working at a post production house and one of the editors had just quit. They were doing audio post for a weekly TV series and needed a Pro Tools editor - and fast! And so, once again, I jumped in head first into what would ultimately open up my world even more - the world of Pro Tools.
4. People you have worked with/for?
Focusing on Logic, I built up a small but loyal client base and my phone kept ringing for Logic tech support and instruction. Film composers and studio owners all over the city were calling me. Even the music stores were giving out my phone number at this point! This kind of stuff becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. The more of it you do, the more calls you get to keep doing it. At least that's the way it should be!
As my Logic chops kept growing, I was hired by an old buddy of mine, Len Sasso, who was then an associate editor at Electronic Musician magazine, and began writing some columns for them. I had a blast doing them - and really learned to focus and express my thoughts in a concise and clear manner. This lead to a collaboration with LA based composer Terry Michael Huud on the 2006 film called Civic Duty - which was certainly one of the highlights of my professional life as a composer.
5. Why are you so good at training people?
I wake up every day excited to boot up, and create. Whether it's instructional videos, creating music, working with a studio client, performing with my band, or teaching at the schools - my days are filled with what I love doing. Enriched by the stimulation and creative freedom this modern music making software brings to my life. I bring that excitement and passion to each and every training product I create. My years of experience both using and teaching these programs has taught me the best way to make the user comfortable with these complex programs.
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