Roli has premiered Cypher2, a new 5D soft synthesizer from Angus Hewlett and the development team at FXpansion, which ROLI acquired in 2016. Roli claims FXpansion’s engineers have built on the best features of the previously released Strobe2, while also creating a massive library of MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) compatible sounds – the heart of Roli’s compelling Seaboard keyboard.
Cypher2 is an analog-modelled synthesizer built for advanced sound design projects and expressive performances. Cypher2 allows creators to manipulate sound in almost infinite directions with 1,300 included presets, a TransMod modulation system, dynamic oscillators and filters, a step sequencer and 30 effect modules. Cypher2 is fully compatible with both standard MIDI controllers and MPE-enabled devices, which include ROLI’s award-winning Seaboard and Blocks instruments.
Cypher2 is a much-needed addition to Roli’s software offerings, joining desktop sound engines Strobe2 and Equator, the first software synth built for MPE. While the MPE is a very dynamic, fun and expressive technology, user adoption has been stymied by two issues. First, Equator has such a distinctive and brittle digital sound signature it was easily dismissed by many potential users. Second, other MPE soft synths have been very slow to market despite Roli doing whatever they can to support other industry efforts, including hosting MPE forums at trade shows. While Cypher2 is a step forward, it probably isn’t enough of a departure from Strobe and Equator – based solely on the early online demos – to reach the new audiences that Roli needs to spark sales of the innovative Seaboard.
When Roli announced the acquisition of FXpansion, makers of BFD – a massive drum library – many thought the next logical step would be for the UK concern to debut a Seaboard-based hand drum controller using their 5D technology. Instead, Strobe was repurposed for MPE to help expand the Seaboard’s palette. While it isn’t a bad strategy to scoop up some smaller sound engineers – Lennar Digital seems to be a good target – Roli needs to figure out how they can marry their Seaboard to the hundreds of synthesizer offerings currently available, and already available in their user’s studios.
The good news for owners of the Seaboard is that for 200 beans, you can now add Cypher2, which has a somewhat softer and more delicate sound than Equator.
Roli’s Cypher2 is available now for $199 / £159 / €179 via fxpansion.com. Existing owners of DCAM Synth Squad, Strobe2, a Roli Seaboard or Block can purchase Cypher2 at a discounted price of $79 until 7th September 2018, or for $99 thereafter.
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