TONE2 has upgraded their virtual analog emulator, Saurus to version 2.0. TONE2 hasn’t bothered to ramp up their English press releases, which means we get to be a little cheeky when describing this new incarnation. “Saurus2 is very easy to use and comes with a comfortable interface” – that’s great because I just hate being uncomfortable with my interface. Maybe intuitive is what they were after, but frankly everyone needs just a little more comfort in their software synths these days. Don’t you think?
TONE2 claims it “offers a larger sonic range, a more precise analog emulation and a more flexibe synthesis engine than competing products.” Well if that just doesn’t seal the deal for you, then read no further. “Saurus2 offers high-end sound quality, but without placing heavy demands on your CPU or budget. Finally, true analog sound does not longer require compromises!” We hate to break it to TONE2, because they’re such nice lads, but Saurus is not “true analog” – it’s a soft synth.
Features:
» Emulation of analog synths: True Analog Modeling Technology
» Synthesis engine has been completely reworked
» Replaces a large number of expensive analog synthesizers
» Low CPU and high reliability
» Free support and updates
» Easy-to-use interface
» Larger sonic range than competing products
» Flexibility, expandability
» Ships with 830 presets from 22 top sound designers
» Creates unique sounds
» Analog-styled filter with self-oscillation, FM and feedback
» Fast LFOs and punchy envelopes
» Arpeggiator
» Many different play modes: Mono, legato, glide, poly, stack, autochord
» 4x stereo unison
» Effects section
» Analog modeled distortion and tube amp
Since years it has been the aim of developers to bring the best “virtual analog” synths. However these products are at best mere approximations of what happens in the real world. We set out to create not just another substractive synthesizer, but one that truly represents the sound of analog hardware. Our experts with 25 years of experience carefully modeled the circuits of many expensive performance synthesizers. We even included measurements of single capacitors and resistors to provide an extremely accurate analog model. At the heart of Saurus are its high-end quality oscillators employing our True Analog Modeling Technology, which produces a warm characteristic sound reminiscent of the hardware units from the past.
With pulse width modulation, oscillator sync, AM & FM noise modulation and oscillator drift an extremely broad range of sounds can be dialed-in. Taking things even further, Saurus offers a selection of both standard as well as a large number of oscillator types from exotic and hard-to-get synths to choose from, no more being limited to just three basic waveforms.
Filters
No analog sound would be complete without an excellent filter capable of sounding both lush when needed or screaming when over driven. Analog-esque filters are far from perfect, suffering from distortion, noise, phase shift and self-oscillation, but it is exactly these imperfections that gives them more character than their sterile sounding digital counterparts. Which is why Saurus comes with a filter section modeled after a variety of the most famous analog filters, with precisely modeled non-linearity and self-oscillation to make them sound every bit as full of character as its core sound. To top it all off the filter section also includes FM, feedback and an analog modeled distortion for that little extra grit.
Modulation & Effects
The modulation system is based around punchy envelopes, LFOs that can run at audio-rate and a flexible modulation matrix. It features several exclusive new ways to take the sound sculpting even further. Our unique modulation value modifiers for example can be used to filter or shape envelope and LFO waveforms. While the Voiceout source allows you to use the audio output of a voice to modulate any matrix destination like cutoff or unison spread to create chaos. To compliment its sound, Saurus also features various essential effects such as chorus, delay, reverb, tube amp and psychoacoustic processing, again of extremely high quality.
Arpeggiator & Gate
Saurus’ arpeggiator is one of a kind when it comes to features. A lot of thought went into creating an arpeggiator that doesn’t just offer the basic note step functionality but takes the concept even further by adding features like custom patterns, chords, double, triple note, swing and per step velocity.
TONE2’s Saurus 2 costs $119 / €99 and is available now.
TONE2
