IK Multimedia has released Syntronik 2, a major update to their virtual synth collection, for macOS & Windows.
The update adds 11 virtual synths, new features and a huge number of new presets. This brings the total number of synths in Synthronik to 33 and the number of presets to over 5,500.
Syntronik 2 features an easy-to-use layering interface, so you can play up to 4 different synthesizer parts at once or create advanced splits. And a new modulation system opens up deep editing options not available on the original hardware synths.
Here’s what’s new in Syntronik 2:
- 11 new synths based on rare and sought-after models.
- 3,300 new presets for all 33 synths including the 22 original synths from Syntronik and Syntronik Deluxe.
- New presets use the updated SampleTank 4 engine.
- All legacy presets and samples included sound identical to Syntronik 1 with our dual-engine architecture.
- Wave Set Browser lets you choose the sound in each of up to 4 oscillators and 2 suboscillators per preset.
- New EDIT panel with modulation matrix offers deep editing beyond the capabilities of the original hardware synths.
- New Step Sequencer in the PLAYER panel for flexible and expressive rhythmic textures.
- Controller Filters in the MULTI panel let you filter out sustain pedal, pitch bend, mod wheel and aftertouch for each of the 4 Parts.
- 33 new effects (71 total effects including the stellar Vintage Plate reverb).
- Disk streaming lets you load presets faster and can be adjusted to match your drive type.
- All synths work as libraries inside SampleTank 4 alongside SampleTron 2, Miroslav Philharmonik 2, Cinekinetik, Electromagnetik, etc.
Check out the intro video, embedded above, for an overview and demo from synthesist & synth designer Erik Norlander.
Pricing and Availability:
Syntronik 2 is available now for Windows and Mac (VST/VST3, AU and AAX plugin formats) with three options, priced starting at $99 USD. Upgrade pricing is available to owners of qualifying IK products, and a free version is also available.
This is such a joke / scam. These aren’t synth emulations at all. Every synth has the exact same parameters, just arranged different graphically — and they don’t contain many of the original parameters of the real synths. Why would anybody buy this? It’s just samples with very basic filter, envelope, lfo etc on top. Get the Arturia V Collection, or the Korg Collection, or some of the recreations from indie devs like Togu Audio Line and Full Bucket.
i agree, and honestly, they sound terrible. very thin, not good sounding synths at all. Arturia all the way.
I can agree with some of your comments. The first Syntronik was limited but it did have the potential for sound design with each synth but the individual waveforms we’re stuck within the list of presets. Syntronik 2 has a new editing page where you can select the individual waveforms and sound design much more like it was a virtual synth. There’s also a large modulation matrix which was absent in the original release. They definitely are not strict emulations but they have a lot of the character and the samples are of the actual oscillators. The filter models also cover a lot of the filters that were actually used. If they were to add a more obscure instrument like the Wasp they probably wouldn’t suffice but I think they do a fine job with the included synths. As far as sounding thin, I have noticed that the presets have A LOT of processing from the mix box effects. They are very hyped and “mix ready” sounding. When you remove them you get a lot more natural sound. At worst, I’d say try the free version and see if the updates can make this a useable tool for yourself. I know it’s quelled my lust for a poly synth that would’ve cost a lot more.
To say that this is a joke and that they sound terrible is just down right… let me stop there cause I don’t want to offend anybody.
“(..) just samples with very basic filter, envelope, lfo etc on top”. First off, if it’s samples it’s pretty much impossible to believe they sound bad or average, let alone terrible. Second, they sound pretty fucking all the way awesome!! And I’m even basing this claim on Syntronik 1, I barely touched V2. I’ll admit my hands-on experience with analog hardware synths is little to none, but if this doesn’t sound like the real thing, I honestly don’t know what to tell you, guys. The formant filters are crazy-good and the effects at least to my ears are nothing short of excellent. Also, I remember couple of years ago Tomislav Zlatic from Bedroom Producer Blog saying these samples “sound exceptionally good”.
Also, it is extremely unfair to call this a scam when IK Multimedia is soooo generous with Syntronik: I have gotten 5 Syntronik instruments for free from them already (only 2 came from a magazine, Beat, the others were free-free). Hardly the thing to do when you’re a scammer trying to hide from potential customers what the product is and isn’t until the customer throws the cash. They are constantly giving us freebies for Amplitube, T-RackS and SampleTank. And talk about great freebies!
The Mixbox is good…… done here.
I have Mixbus for iPad which is great but that’s about it. Got their iLouds which already got issues (not even a year old). They made some poor design choices. Also their forum moderators can’t handle criticism very well.
‘The update adds 11 virtual synths’ is a bit misleading as they are not included in Syntronik 2. You have to buy them separately in the ‘built in shop’ (or pay an extra 100E + TAX for ‘MAX’ version)
‘IK Multimedia Updates Syntronik 2 With 11 New Synths that you have to buy separately’ may be a more accurate headline…
11 new “synths”
IK has a wealth of knowledge I just wish they’d put it to something actually good. The first “Uno” synth was really pretty good despite the build quality.
IK actually makes loads of good stuff both hard and soft and if you like their first UNO synth you should love their newer synths.
I knew this was coming when they announced the group buy a month or two back. Sample tank is too unstable to use for professional work, and their sample libraries are known to make otherwise stable systems require a Windows registry flush and uninstall – hours and hours of headaches for many.
They probably figure they got a hook in the group buy folks that might now feel pressured to pay an upgrade fee to make their systems work properly.
Of the synths and plugs I own, IK is at the bottom of the barrel support-wise, and the instruments (especially sampletank and Syntronik sound like buggy bad mid 00s ROMPLERs.
Avoid at all costs.