D16 has released Lush-2, a major update to the multilayer polyphonic synthesizer for Mac & Windows.
Lush-2 supports up to 8 layers, making it possible to create deep, complex patches. Each layer can be freely assigned to any MIDI channel or keyboard zone, and its audio output can be routed to any of the 11 available stereo busses.
Layers can either be used to create a single massive sound (where all layers respond to a single MIDI channel and a single keyboard zone) or to create several discrete timbres simultaneously (where each layer sounds on a different MIDI channel).
Features:
- Multi-core support for better performance.
- Multilayer architecture with 8 independent Layers (per-layer properties):
- Up to 32 voices of polyphony.
- MIDI channel.
- Keyboard zone.
- Audio output.
- Synthesis:
- Oscillators (Saw, PWM, Noise), with Supersaw and HardSync options.
- Sub Oscillator (5 waveforms).
- Self-oscillating, high-quality, multimode filter.
- Passive high-pass filter.
- Up to 8 voice unison with Tune, Cutoff and Panorama spread.
- 2 LFOs with optional tempo synchronization and re-triggering modes (Trig, Gate, Arpe, None).
- 2 envelopes with re-triggering modes (Trig, Gate, LFO1, LFO2).
- Insert effects (selectable algorithms) – 2 slots per layer:
- Chorus.
- String Ensemble.
- Phaser.
- Flanger.
- Distortion.
- Vowel filter.
- Decimator.
- Tremolo.
- Modulation Matrix (modulation sources):
- Note velocity.
- Pitch bend.
- Modulation wheel.
- Expression pedal.
- Sustain pedal.
- Keyboard’s aftertouch.
- Note pitch.
- Arpeggiator’s output.
- Arpeggiator:
- Step sequencer (Gate and Tie per step).
- 6 Run modes (Up, Down, Up and Down, Down and Up, Random, Manual).
- Chord mode (Gater).
- 3 Hold modes (Normal, Toggle, Trigger).
- Shuffle.
- Tempo multiplier (Full notes, Dotted notes, Triplets).
- Mixer:
- Parametric EQs (1 per channel strip).
- Compressors (1 per channel strip).
- Up to 11 freely-assignable stereo output busses per instance.
- Send FX’s (Reverb, Chorus, Delay with tempo sync).
- Presets:
- Over 1600 factory presets.
- 6 preset categories (whole synth, single layer, Arpeggiator, Reverb, Delay, Chorus).
- Tag-based preset browser.
- Screen fit features
- Several GUI sizes.
- HiDPI / Retina screens scaling support.
- 4 color themes to choose from.
- MIDI-learn functionality.
Pricing and Availability:
Lush-2 is available now with introductory price ??€ (regularly ???€). A demo version is also available.
please put VST in the title for these. saves me from clicking on them.
I like software synths – plugins, apps, etc. – but I still feel a tinge of disappointment when I see a picture of a synth that looks amazing only to find it’s a 3d render or screenshot of a software instrument.
I agree that making it clear whether the synth is an app, a plugin, other software, analog, or (hardware) digital would be helpful.
This looks like a nice software synth though. I wish there were an iPad version as well (because I like iPad synths and because multitouch is great for all of those sliders!)
Gotta admit, this thing sounds amazing.
Such a flexible synth! Have been using LuSH-101 for years now and absolutely love it. The wide palette of sounds, the feel, the design… not just a SH-101 knock-off, but an absolute powerhouse that can emulate classic and modern synths alike. And now, LuSH-2 has supremely enhanced features. This newer version packs even more in alongside much better system performance. Perfect.
The demo sounds good. Layering/polyphony/doubling/etc. seems to be a killer feature of software synths.
Nice to hear from someone who has used its predecessor to see that it is good in practice.