Synapse Audio DUNE v2

DUNE 2 is finally available!

DUNE 2 is structurally different from DUNE 1 in many areas, and thus not compatible with it.
Both run just fine in parallel, however.
There is no need to uninstall DUNE 1 prior to installing DUNE 2.

Listen to the Audio Demos here:

Code:

http://www.synapse-audio.com/dune2.html

Grab the free demo version here:

Code:

http://www.synapse-audio.com/download.html

Overview

The design goal of DUNE 2 was to increase both the sound quality and the versatility of the synthesizer as much as possible, compared to its predecessor. We're very happy with the result and hope you will be, too!

Oscillator concept

Dune 2 comes with two stereo oscillator stacks, each stack can emit up to 32 oscillators with adjustable Detune, Pan Spread and a variety of tuning modes. Each stack can be toggled between virtual-analog (VA), Wavetable (WT) and FM Synthesis.
A third oscillator can be used as a sub-oscillator.

Overall up to 65 oscillators are available per voice. Since Dune 2 also features 8x unison, up to 520 oscillators can be synthesized per note. Since Dune 2 is furthermore a polyphonic synthesizer with 16 voices, the overall maximum is 8320 oscillators playing simultaneously.

A stereo noise generator complements the oscillator section.

Filter

Dune 2 introduces zero-delay feedback filters, which more closely mimic the behavior of analog hardware. A drive parameter allows to adjust the saturation characteristic (important when using strong resonance). Most filters can reach self-oscillation and have proper resonant tuning.

A separate filter effect section offers special effects like Bitcrush, Ratecrush, Distortion, etc and can be used pre- or post-filter.

Graphical Envelopes

Dune 2 introduces four multiple segment envelope generators (MSEG). MSEGs can be used to draw precise custom envelopes, or they can be used in loop mode tempo sync'ed to the host, which allows to create rhythmic effects such as the well-known "trance gate" effect.

Unison

One of the most important changes in Dune 2 is the ability to edit all 8 unison voices directly, essentially turning Dune 2 into a multi-part synthesizer. This allows to stack completely different sounds, using different synthesis models (VA, FM, Wavetable), a different filter, etc.

Arpeggiator

The arpeggiator now offers the classic up/down/random etc modes in addition to its sequencer. The sequencer adds a slide feature and allows to import MIDI files. Polyphonic MIDI sequences can be played back as well.

Master Effects

Dune 2 features two master effect chains, each containing 9 effects. The new effects offer higher quality and more parameters than previously. Effect parameters can be modulated via the modulation matrix.

Patch Management

The patch management in Dune 2 is now based on files and folders, to simplify patch management. When launching Dune 2, all available banks will be scanned automatically. This greatly simplifies using third party content, as it is no longer necessary to explicitly load banks. Sound design becomes easier, as the file-based system allows to duplicate, remove, and rename patches, and to sort them in arbitrary categories. Additional standard functions like Initialize and Revert Patch speed up the workflow.

Audio-Rate Modulation

The new engine can be set to audio-rate modulation mode, allowing all synthesizer parameters (except the master effects) to be modulated at audio-rate. Audio-rate modulation is very CPU-intensive, but allows to develop new sounds with rapid modulations previously not possible. Furthermore it is useful for percussive sounds such as kick drums.

Multi-threaded processing

In order to achieve a higher sound quality, most DSP algorithms employed in Dune 2 are much more complex than in Dune 1. This also means a higher CPU load, at least in theory. In practice the optimized SSE vector code, as well as the multi-threaded engine lower the processor load substantially. A modern PC or Mac with an i5 quad core or better is required, however.

 

Thanks for the info Cook, I wasn't aware a v2 was planned
Seems really good, specially the new step envelopes. The preset managing seems improved a lot too.

Doh! I think I'm out, i5 dual @2.5 here
V1 was already pretty cpu hungry, I'll try the demo and see if my machine can tame the beast.
EDIT: btw on product homepage is stated:

No mention to quad core. Where did you get those specs? Maybe KVR?
I can't access it, dunno why. Not that I miss it, but for changelogs it's good.

 

They made the gui ugly and simple

 

Hmz update from the first one costs $ 79,-
And with other great synths on the market right now (like Spire) I think I'll wait a while.
The first one is still good enough.

 

this Dune2 is gonna kick some serious asses. Demo it and listen to what it can do!

 

Hmm, on second thought, that article must be seriously outdated, Dune 2 was released many many years ago:



http://www.game-debate.com/games/index.php?g_id=2509&game=Dune%202

 

Here's a demo track I made with Dune 2 demo in case anyone wants to hear, there are few more on my soundcloud page

http://soundcloud.com/immortal-telemere/dune-demo-2a

Slowed Down Version and More Pads

http://soundcloud.com/immortal-telemere/dune-demo-slowed-down-and-more

 

The GUI looks good only in the 3d perspective.

 

Bought it today.

 

sounds good at 96khz, less "wet" sounding than v1...gui is not pretty but functional..no idea why the step back in graphics maybe the v.1's success scared them a bit and the management wanted an NI look...this will be warezed!

edit: this synth sounds really good...def a 4.5 on musicradar/resident adv.

 

8320 oskillators playing simultaneously ?

 

Yea, if you crank up the unison voices. Just kiddin'

 

It looks like Synapse Audio collaborated with Presonus in a bid for world's ugliest GUI. Well I guess we're not using it for how it looks but...

Thanks for the info Kook.

Andrew

Dune is awesome.

 

Guys i'm working on a 5 years dual-core amd @2.00 ghz. Just tweak the patch with low quality settings, when it's sounds good back to top quality and transform to audio track ;).

What about demo limitations?

 

Innovative Arpeggiator with MIDI file import ???
I can't find a way to edit midi file ...
Demo limited ? Missing feature ?

 

Spire still needs a good preset management, before being seriously usable in pro environment.

 

First at all Spire needs a good cpu management. That guy eats my cpu like a hungry lion. Sorry but for me and my music it's important to run multiple multiple multiple instances of a synth. It's the same bullshit you have with Spire, Diva, Diversion, Lush 101 etc. They might sound like god itself but they are pretty senseless for me. I never use them. And no, no, no. All these guys are far and away from sounding so unique for me to voluntarily freeze tracks or bounce them, just to have that sound. With that said it's just ridiculous to see Spire as a serious competitor to sylenth1, massive, dune or now, dune 2.

 

yeah, just my opinion. And my final opinion: It's not the outstanding sound, that sucks cpu power. It's just lazy programming. Basta !

 

I highly doubt that since it's a Russian programmer behind Reveal Sound. They're very quick on the draw.
Also do you have any facts to back up your conjecture?

They said that they will focus on CPU improvements now that they have added features so coming soon.