Zvork has announced the release of Oberon 2, a new version of the synthesizer Rack Extension for Reason.
Based on an optimized additive engine, Oberon 2 builds on the recent 2.5 version of Propellerhead's Rack Extension SDK to add new powerful sound design features. The synthesizer still features an architecture of two editable filters fed by two additive spectrum sequence oscillators, with bend and morph capabilities, modulated by two LFOs and three multi-point editable envelopes through a six entry modulation matrix.
Sample loading
Now, users can import up to two simultaneous audio samples of any format supported by Reason into one of the two user wave sequences. Audio samples are analyzed into a sequence of evolving partial spectrums which can then be played by the oscillators. Play complete samples, single cycle wave forms or freeze onto a specific time. Either way, this opens up new possibilities combined with Oberon's morph and filtering capabilities.
Wave modifiers
Even without audio samples, Oberon's sound design process has been greatly improved. The introduction of two modifiers on top of the existing user drawable wave form sequences lets you modulate these wave forms in a non destructive way. Each modifier shares the same list of possible operators such as FM, sync, clipping, bit reduction or analog sounding filtering. Since each wave form of the original two step sequence has its unique two modifiers, morphing between a FM wave form and an analog sounding synced wave is now possible.
Enhanced envelopes
Oberon's 16 point curve based envelopes were already powerful but their loop section was constrained to begin at the first point. With version 2, the start of the sustain loop can be anywhere on the envelope curve. Even the release section now has a separate loop option. Combined with an improved user interface for envelope editing, such as quantize on all four sections, giving movement to your sound is easier than ever.
Workflow enhancements
The latest Rack Extension SDK features let us improve the user interface, especially the main editing display. Each curve type features more templates, quicker functions, sorted menus in a more compact form, leaving more space for the curve display. The modulation matrix has migrated to this central display, giving the interface a less cluttered feel. The two LFOs now gained a delay and rise parameter for more subtle modulations. For those of you who wish to integrate Oberon inside Blamsof's Polymodular system, they've added a new audio output mode for more compatibility.
Available for Reason 9.2 and above
This version is available on the Propellerhead Shop only for owners of Reason 9.2 and above at 99$ / 99€ or as a paid upgrade for existing Oberon license owners at 20$ / 20€. Oberon is also available as a bundle with the Noxious additive synthesizer and LeSpace multi-delay at a lower combined price.
More information can be found on the Zvork product page.