Hi, I have 550 soundbanks for Omnisphere, but the only way to select them is by scrolling down (slowly) through a huge vertical list, which takes literally over a minute to get through to the end of.
To make matters worse, due to a bug in the program, when you start to scroll the list upwards, the soundbank titles are overwritten by the bottom soundbank title, so you can't even read them!
I have a 4K monitor.
I presume Spectrasonics never bothered to add more than however many soundbanks can be displayed on one 4K screen at a time. Typical of lazy programmers. A much better way would be a simple window that has a scrollbar, which you can immediately pull to the position you want to view.

I started to put '1' in front of the folders that I liked the most, so that they are at the top of the list, but it is such a pain to scroll through to find the next folder and test it out.
Is there another way to view these soundbanks?


Sorry for these very tall images, but it's the only way to show the problem:

 

I don't appreciate you portraying the Omnisphere programmers as lazy. If you've already purchased it, complain directly to Spectrasonics; they'll listen to you.

What I do is this: when I find a bank and a sound I like, I save the preset in my DAW using "Export VST3 Presets" to a separate Omnisphere folder I've created. That way, I don't have to search through everything again.

I've entered your question into the AI; perhaps there's some helpful information there. Otherwise, 500 soundbanks are way too many. The new Omnisphere 3 has 41,405 sounds and is primarily designed for tag searching.

Spoiler: Source: Grok KI

I understand your frustration—managing 550 custom soundbanks (which I assume are user-created or third-party .omnisphere libraries loaded as Patch Directories) sounds like a nightmare when the browser's vertical list feels endless and buggy. Omnisphere's interface isn't optimized for extreme library sizes like yours, and the scrolling glitch you describe (titles overwriting with the bottom entry when scrolling up) does pop up in user reports on forums like AudioSEX and KVR Audio, often tied to large lists or performance hiccups on high-res displays. It's not a universal bug, but it seems more common with heavy custom setups. I'll outline practical ways to work around this below, focusing on built-in features, file management, and quick fixes. These should let you browse and select banks much faster without endless scrolling.

1. Leverage Omnisphere's Built-in Search and Sort Tools (Fastest In-App Fix)
Omnisphere's Full Browser (the main patch selection window) has powerful filtering that can narrow your 550 banks down to a handful instantly, bypassing the need to scroll the full list. This works even for custom directories.

• Open the Full Browser: Click the "Full" button at the bottom-left of the patch browser (it expands to use the whole UI). This gives you more columns: Directories (your soundbanks), Categories, Type, Subtype, and more.
• Use the Search Field: At the top of the browser, type keywords like "pad," "bass," or even partial names (e.g., "1" for your prefixed favorites). It filters results in real-time across all loaded banks. No scrolling required—results populate the list immediately.
  • Pro tip: For your prefixed banks, search "1" to pull only those to the top. As you test more, add prefixes like "2" or tags (see below) to group them.
• Sort Options: Click the "Sort" dropdown (next to Search) and choose:
  • Alphabetical: Your "1"-prefixed banks will always stay at the top.
  • Ratings: Star-rate your favorites (1–5 stars via the star icons next to entries) and sort by this—rated ones bubble to the top.
  • Recently Used: Frequently loaded banks move up automatically.
• Filter by Attributes: Use the "Type" or "Subtype" columns to narrow (e.g., select "Synth" only). If you've added Tags (custom labels like "Favorite" or "Ambient") to patches inside banks, filter by those too.
• Sound Match Feature: Load any patch, then click "Sound Match" in the browser—it scans and suggests similar ones from all banks instantly.

This should cut your workflow to seconds per selection. If the overwrite bug persists here, try scrolling with the arrow keys or page up/down instead of the mouse wheel/drag—some users report it helps.

2. Organize Banks via File Management (External Scrollbar Solution)
Since Omnisphere reads soundbanks from folders in your file system, you can treat this like any file explorer. This gives you the horizontal/scrollable view you want and lets you rename/reorder without opening the plugin.

• Locate Your Banks: Custom soundbanks are stored in /Users/[YourUsername]/Library/Application Support/Spectrasonics/STEAM/Omnisphere/Settings Library/Patches/ (on Mac) or C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Spectrasonics\STEAM\Omnisphere\Settings Library\Patches\ (on Windows). Each top-level folder here is a "Directory" (soundbank) in Omnisphere.
  • Inside: Subfolders are Categories; .omnisphere files are individual patches.
• Use Your OS File Manager:
  • Open Finder (Mac) or File Explorer (Windows) and navigate there.
  • Sort by name (click the Name column)—your "1"-prefixed folders jump to the top.
  • Use the horizontal scrollbar at the bottom to zip through the list visually. On a 4K monitor, you can view 20–30 folder names at once (thumbnails optional via View > Large Icons).
  • To test: Double-click a .omnisphere file—it should launch Omnisphere and load the patch directly (if the plugin is registered).
• Batch Renaming for Better Organization:
  • Select multiple folders (Cmd/Ctrl + click), right-click > Rename Items (Mac) or use a tool like Bulk Rename Utility (free on Windows).
  • Prefix more favorites (e.g., "A-Fav-Bass" for quick alpha-sorting). Or create subfolders like "Favorites" and move top picks there—Omnisphere will show it as a new Directory.
  • Refresh in Omnisphere: After changes, hit the Refresh button (circular arrow) in the browser's Directory dropdown.
• Limit Loaded Banks: If 550 is overwhelming, create a "QuickAccess" folder with 50–100 favorites. Load only that Directory in Omnisphere (via the dropdown) for daily use, and swap others in as needed. This shrinks the list dramatically.

3. Address the Scrolling Bug and Performance

• Quick Fixes:
  • Update Omnisphere: Ensure you're on the latest version (2.8 as of 2025). Download from your Spectrasonics account—updates often fix UI glitches. Run the STEAM installer again to refresh data.
  • Graphics Settings: In Omnisphere > Edit > Preferences > Graphics, set to "High Performance" (not "High Quality"). On 4K, disable "Retina/HiDPI" if available—this has resolved display overwrites for some.
  • Close Other Plugins: The bug worsens with high CPU/GPU load. Test standalone (launch Omnisphere directly).
  • Reinstall Browser Cache: Delete /STEAM/Omnisphere/Core Library/Browser Cache/ (back it up first), then refresh the browser. This rebuilds the list without corruption.
• If It Persists: Report it to Spectrasonics support (support.spectrasonics.net) with your setup details (OS, version, monitor res). Include screenshots—they're responsive to verified bugs. In the meantime, avoid fast mouse-wheel scrolling; use the slider drag slowly or keyboard nav.

Bonus: Long-Term Workflow Tips

• Use the Mini-Browser: For quick swaps while editing, toggle to "Mini" mode (left panel only)—it's snappier for filtered searches.
• External Tools: If you want a full searchable database outside Omnisphere, export patch lists to a spreadsheet (manually note names/types) or use free preset managers like "Patch Manager" apps (search for Omnisphere-compatible ones on KVR Audio). But stick to in-app for accuracy.
• Reduce Bank Count: Consider merging similar banks into fewer mega-folders (e.g., combine all "Pads" into one Directory with sub-Categories). Tools like Omnisphere's "Save As" can help consolidate.

This setup should make browsing feel like a normal file explorer with search smarts. If you share more details (e.g., your OS, Omnisphere version, or if these are all third-party banks), I can refine this further. Hang in there—once organized, that massive library becomes a superpower!

 

Long ago I tested some different ways, and settled on moving all soundbanks into vendor folders.
And then I actually put ALL of those 3rd Party vendor folders into a folder i call "3rd Party".
So, in my "Patches" folder I have 4 subfolders:
3rd Party
Factory
Sharing
User

Of course this means that, after installing "*.omni" banks I have to move the folder from "Shared" into the "3rd Party\[vendor]" folder, but it keeps things organized.
I can see what is installed by simply looking in the vendor folders.

By putting them into "vendor" folders makes the "Directory" display a nice list of Vendor folders, which fits better, if you are looking at that list.

I only use the "Directory" as a way of filtering out all but my own, factory, & 3rd party stuff, and this way at least lets me select the vendor, even if I can't filter it by the "bank'

I WISH that in the Omnisphere's interface there were column choices for "Vendor" & "Bank", or SOME way to show the banks, but no matter where I put the vendor folders, the banks don't show.
But I'd rather have this than a huge long list of "Bank" names with no indication of vendor except the "Author" tags. Maybe that is just me though
Tags are great but sometimes it's nice to look at it "Vendor-Bank" way, too.

 

Last edited: Oct 31, 2025 at 3:21 PM

I was wrong there -
You CAN see the Banks, by just putting all the vendor folders into the "Patches" folder.
I had it that way long ago, but forgot.
I may just keep it like this again....for now

 

Last edited: Oct 31, 2025 at 4:18 PM

I always play the same 5 sound banks; I have so many presets and plugins I could live several lives off them.
In short, I don't have the time or the patience to listen to lots of presets. Less is often more.

 

I also have just a few favorites and began to organize them using the categories, and to make my own categories top the list, I numbered them, which works well.
(I used to save them only in my own "- Taken" 3rd Party folder, symlinked into the library, but the way USER folders are treated with different plugins often makes it better to use the standard USER folder.

Only my categories that have presets show in the Category list, (see 2nd pic for my actual categories), but they do show at the top even when ALL is selected, and that's probably one of the reasons I dumped all 3rd party folders into one folder.
Another benefit is that I don't have to mouse all the way over to my USER folder (as you can see in the first screenshot above)
And in that screenshot you can also see that, when Vendor folders reside directly in the "Patches" folder, and "ALL" is selected, the Category list is a mix of Vendors, Banks and actual Categories.
So, in the end I have returned to "Patches\Vendor\Bank" way (My Categories in pink circle):

 

Hi @DoubleTake, thanks for sharing this information. You're a great example of how to organize things effectively and efficiently.

The more data there is—which is why computers were invented; it simply became impossible to manage the sheer volume of information and data efficiently. Therefore, it becomes increasingly necessary to organize things like a library or a supermarket.

 

Hi DoubleTake, this is how I currently have my soundbanks, what should I do to make them appear like your screenshot in your second post?

 

Exactly what I was about to write him.
For a start, who needs so many soundbanks?

 

Thats diabolical. Omnisphere's stock sounds are quite extensive and Its hard to believe that you did the due diligence to explore them before piling on 3rd party (mostly lesser quality) sound packs. I can say that PluginGuru has some great additions that aren't typically found in presets, but man you are going to drown your productivity in pickiness. Take it from a veteran with many years doing this - LESS IS MORE.

Interestingly enough, I upgraded to Omnisphere 3 and the morphing features just decreased my chances of getting 3rd party libraries since any preset can be randomly iterated on. At that to fx freezing and sound match - hardly a reason to look elsewhere.

Greed will waste your time and creativity - its proven over generations.

 

I found over the years, any synth that had too many presets I simply just wasn't using. The exception being u-He Zebra. That one does have way too many presets too, yet I love the way I can always find what I'm looking for relatively easily (or get into the right ballpark and merely edit it)

 

I've fixed the problem - I put all the soundbanks into Patches\Sharing, and they now appear in the normal Omnisphere browser, under 'Sharing'. I have no idea what it means, but at least I can now use a standard scrollbar to go up and down my list of FIVE HUNDRED AND FIFTY soundbanks. How awful.
Soundescape Nordlys and Soundescape Synthetica have some of the best pads I've ever heard, and almost all are tiny patches.
Thank you DoubleTake!

 

Last edited: Oct 31, 2025 at 6:25 PM

Sharing Sounds
When you want to share only one type of sound at a time, (Multis, Patches, or User Soundsources), this is the quickest and simplest method.

NOTE: You can share User Soundsources by themselves, without Patches or Multis, but if a Patch or Multi you are sharing employs User Soundsources, those will automatically be included as part of the .omnisphere package. If they contain Sonic Extension Soundsources, wavetables, or effects, the recipient must own the corresponding Sonic Extension.

https://support.spectrasonics.net/manual/Omnisphere2/25/en/topic/sharing-page03

 

I see you dropped them all into "Sharing", which is where they usually get placed when installed by a ".omnishphere" installer.
To view them as I have mine, you'd need to create vendor folders (Plugin Guru, Soundscape, 808 Mafia,etc) for all the banks.

The reason I changed from leaving them in the "Sharing" folder:
After installing a bunch, I'd found that a lot of 3rd party banks were not named as their actual name, and some had other issues, too.
For example, to refresh my memory I just today installed a bank from Flame Audio called "The Culture".
Well, the .omnisphere file for that banks is named "The Culture Install File.omnisphere"
And so the bank folder that is created is named ""The Culture Install File".
And that is what the bank name gets listed as in Omnisphere.

I realized long ago that, while soundbank creators are often amazing at creating sounds, they are often in a hurry, or sloppy, or pressured, or lazy, or it just doesn't fit their personality or their objectives to be conscientious about some things.
But it bothers me, and as an OCD hobbyist I sometimes invest the time to fix things. (depends on how much I tend to use the instrument, among other things).

That is when I decided I would create my own "3rd Party" folder to hold all my previously installed banks, and so I could inspect the newly installed ones in the "Sharing" folder.
At the same time I decided to use vendor folders to keep track of what I was installing as well.

I realized (at some point) that each vendor's folder was being treated (and listed) as a "Category".
I thought that was due to having an extra layer in the directory structure (due to putting them into a vendor folder)
But .... when I first install a bank, and have not put it into a vendor folder (like when it is still in the "Sharing" folder) the BANK NAME is still listed as a "Category".
So I figure either way , when you have "ALL" selected it's going to mix Omnisphere categories with bank names (or vendor names if you have them like I do).
If filtered by Directory, no Omnisphere categories are listed.
It seems that no one but Omnisphere is using the "Category" method anyway. Well, I do for my own saved patches.
(I just began rechecking that by moving a bunch of bank folders from their vendor folders and refreshing, and so far I see nothing but bank names showing up in "Category" column. Maybe some do, but I have not found them yet?)
Well, when I am looking for interesting sounds, I'd rather see the vendor name in the "Category" column rather than a list of hundreds of bank names, so using vendor folders works better for me. My 162 vendors is enough scrolling :D

The first part & most time consuming was creating vendor folders.
(I did not realize that i could create a bunch of folders from a list, or I would have done that. :P )
Then you can drop all the banks from each vendor into their respective folders.

 

Ok, about the bug you mentioned, with the overwriting... do you happen to have „Stardocks Windowblinds“ installed? It's a program to give windows a different theme.
I had it installed, and got the same bug like you, only in Serum, when I had to scroll down a longer list.
After uninstalling, all was normal again.

 

Yes, Chaindog, I do indeed have Stardocks Windowblinds installed, I've had a few problems with some other programs because of it. But I just can't use that type of list anyway, because it's ridiculous to have to wait over a minute while it scrolls down to folders later in the list - but thank you for explaining it.

 

Last edited: Nov 1, 2025 at 1:05 PM

no problem.
I just wanted to point that out just in case you might run into that same problem in another application or plugin.