Can My Laptop Run Omnisphere 2
Fade in garageband ipad. I recently bought a digital piano. It was mainly to learn piano, but also as a controller to use with Omnisphere. I really did think it would be as simple as installing the discs, connecting the keyboard by USB to my PC and then synthesizing away.I thought I didn't need anything else and that I could get to grips with DAWs at a later date, but clearly I was wrong! So my question is: what is the simplest — ie. most idiot-proof — way of getting sound from Omnisphere on my PC that won't require too much technical ability and know-how?
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This is Spectrasonic's Omnisphere running as a stand-alone soft synth inside Herman Seib's excellent Savihost utility. Savihost is one of the simplest VST hosts, as well as being a valuable test tool.
Via SOS web site
SOS contributor Martin Walker replies: To use a plug-in like Omnisphere without a DAW, you require a host application capable of loading VST instruments. Examples of suitable 'full-featured' hosts include Ableton Live, Cubase, GarageBand, Logic and Reaper. Developers do get occasional complaints from users if they don't provide a standalone version of their software instruments as well as the plug-in version, but there's really no need for them to take the time, trouble and expense of creating their own stand-alone application when so many simple host utilities are also already available to let you run any VST instrument in stand-alone mode.
Mac users can download VST Lord (http://arne.knup.de/?page_id=32) for OS X use, while PC users have several choices, including the free Cantabile Lite (www.cantabilesoftware.com), Tobybear's donationware Minihost (www.tobybear.de/p_minihost.html), and Herman Seib's Savihost (www.hermannseib.com/english/Savihost.htm).
Savihost is probably the simplest to use of all of those listed above. It was created for the sole purpose of automatically loading only one VSTi, is extremely quick to load, is light on system resources, is available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions to suit whichever format of soft synth you're using, and also supports ASIO drivers for low latency during performance. You just unzip the Savihost file into the same folder as the DLL file for your VST instrument (in this case Omnisphere.dll), then rename the file Savihost.exe to the name of your instrument (so, in this case, Omnisphere.exe).
Finally, double-click on this renamed file and your instrument will appear in all its glory. Just use Savihost's Devices menu to choose your MIDI input device and audio output device and you can start playing it. Even if you don't have a keyboard controller on hand, you can download a different version of Savihost including its own software version that you can play with your mouse.
I've used Savihost myself on quite a few occasions over the years, and not only for playing soft synths as stand-alone applications. It's also a very useful tool if you have any problems running a particular soft synth in a DAW, since you can use it to check that the synth is installed and running correctly without all the extra paraphernalia associated with sequencers, editors and so on. As before, just drop the Savihost file into the same folder as the problem synth DLL, rename it and then double-click on it. If the synth works properly in Savihost, any problem is most likely to be with your DAW. The other advantage of the renaming process is that you can have several instances of Savihost in one 'vstplugins' folder, each launching a different stand-alone synth.
Where can I purchase Keyscape?
Keyscape will be available for purchase on September 12th, with Download sales available in our Webstore and Physical sales (boxed with USB drives) handled exclusively through our Authorized Resellers.
Is there a DEMO version of Keyscape I can try?
Because of the size of our instruments, we don't offer Demo versions. However, you can contact one of our local dealers in your area to arrange a live demo of Keyscape. To find a local dealer in your area, please contact your local Authorized Resellers.
If I buy the Boxed version of Keyscape, will I also be able to get a download in the future? If I buy the Download Edition, will I also be able to get the drives?
Yes to both! There are alternative forms of installation available to registered users - no matter which edition you originally purchased.
Spectrasonics is keenly aware that there are numerous scenarios when the convenience of downloading or the speed of USB drives would be a preferred form of installation for different types of users. To address all the various user needs and scenarios, Spectrasonics has a Support Services area that offers Alternative Installation USB Drives and Additional Download Installations. These services are available for purchase in our Webstore for registered users.
Is the “Lite” install sold separately?
No. There is a single version of Keyscape that offers two installation options: “Full” (77GB) which installs the complete collection of instruments, or “Lite” (30GB), which installs a smaller selection of essential instruments for live performance.
Is there a student discount price for Keyscape?
Spectrasonics doesn't offer student discounts, however qualifying schools and institutions can participate in our EDU program.
Does Spectrasonics allow for used sales/license transfers of Keyscape?
Please see the License Transfer FAQs area of the Knowledgebase for more info on our License Transfer Policy.
How many sounds does Keyscape come with?
Keyscape comes with over 500 sounds!
Will it work with my controller keyboard?
Yes! The highly dynamic and expressive instruments in Keyscape have been recorded with incredible depth, so it is important to set Keyscape to respond properly to your keyboard controller. We included a variety of velocity curves optimized specifically for the most popular keyboard and controllers.
I notice the controls in the interface change when I change Patches. Why is that?
Different sounds benefit from different controls (Pickup selection for Clavinets®, Character controls for pianos, Tremolo for electric pianos, etc.) so they are specially crafted for each Patch. The Custom Controls give you the ability to extensively tailor these sounds to your music.
Can I alter the sound beyond what the controls for each patch can do?
Yes. If you want to modify a sound beyond what the Custom Controls allow, you can do it by loading it within Omnisphere 2.
I really like the Duo Patches where you’ve combined two instruments. Is there a way I can I create my own Duos?
You can create your own layered “Duos” when you load Keyscape sounds inside Omnisphere 2. While you’re there you can further modify the sounds using the full power of the STEAM engine and even combine Keyscape and Omnisphere sounds.
I want to assign my Mod Wheel to control a parameter in the interface. How can I do that?
You can right-click on the control and MIDI Learn it to your Mod Wheel.
I’d like to use a foot controller to control the Wah in the Patches that have it. Is that possible?
Yes! All Patches that use Wah/Envelope Filters are programmed to be controlled from the Mod Wheel and Foot Controller.
Which sounds are included in the “Lite” Installation?
The 'Lite' installation includes a small collection of models that uses only 30 GB of drive space – perfect for live rigs. You will find sounds created using the following:
Hohner Clavinet C
JD-800 Crystal Rhodes
LA Custom C7
MK-80 Digital Rhodes
MKS-20 Digital Piano
Rhodes - Classic Mark I
Rhodes - LA Custom “E”
Wurlitzer 140B
Numark Mixtrack Pro II The Numark Mixtrack Pro II is the successor of Numark Mixtrack Pro and features the same hardware with some minor design changes. The audio interface is recognized in Ubuntu 14.04 out of the box. As of Mixxx 1.10 the Numark Mixtrack Pro is community-supported. The most recent mapping can be found in this forum thread. In Mixxx 1.11.0+ the Numark Mixtrack Pro is supported by default. The most recent mapping can be found in this forum thread. Numark Mixtrack Pro II Mappings. More updates to MixTrack Pro II by Christie Grinham. Keylock Button: Slip Mode. FX-1 Knob: Deck filter. FX-2 Knob: Deck 1 - Effect Rack 1 Super / Deck 2. The autolooping functions, altough implemented are quite flawed. The “loop one bar”, which is present since the 1.0b version, is making a loop between two bars, which are rarely fitted on real “measures”. As of mixxx 1.9, there is no possibility to adjust the bars to make them fit perfectly to the tempo. Numark mixtrack pro mixxx.
Is Keyscape a stand-alone app or a plugin?
It's a plugin that works in all the major DAWs and plugin hosts that support VST/AU/AAX platforms.
Does Keyscape use lossless audio compression technology?
Yes. The size the full Keyscape library uses in your drive (77 GB) is actually compressed using lossless audio compression. Uncompressed, the library is over 200 GB! So when we say the library is “huge,” we really mean it!
Do I need to have Omnisphere to use it?
No, Keyscape is its own instrument, and a very powerful one! Having said that, loading Keyscape sounds in Omnisphere will allow you to further modify them using Omnisphere’s synthesis features, as well as creating layers and splits, combining them with Omnisphere sounds. The possibilities are truly endless!
What is the STEAM engine?
STEAM™ is our in-house core technology that is the foundation of Omnisphere, Trilian and a new generation of Spectrasonics instruments.
What are the minimum system requirements for Keyscape?
You can view them HERE.
Is it compatible with xxx?
Check our Compatibility FAQs in the Knowledgebase which we keep up to date with the latest info.
Does Keyscape use Copy Protection?
Yes, please see the Copy Protection FAQs area of the Knowledgebase for more information on our system.
Does Keyscape include a manual?
All our instruments include a comprehensive online Reference Guide, which is accessible directly through the plugin. The integrated Reference Guide is searchable and we can keep it up to date with the software releases.
How fast does my computer have to be to run Keyscape?
As with all virtual instruments - the faster the better. Keyscape is designed to run optimally on modern computers. See the System Requirements for more information.
Is Keyscape 64 bit?
Yes! All our instruments are 64-bit native on both Mac and Windows.
Can I use Keyscape 32 bit?
No, but if you have Omnisphere 2 you can load the Keyscape sounds into Omnisphere 2 running in a 32 bit host.
Does Keyscape use streaming?
Yes! Keyscape streams from the drive for quick loading of the sounds. Drive streaming is configurable as well.
I want to use Keyscape on my live rig, which doesn’t have a lot of drive space. What do you recommend?
You can do a “Lite” installation of Keyscape, which includes a smaller selection of instruments that are essential for live performance.
Spectronics
Can I just install the instruments I need, since the Keyscape library is so large?
Because of Patch compatibility, Keyscape must always be installed with the “Full” (77 GB) or “Lite” (30 GB) version of the library. Each Patch is quite complex and references multiple parts of the library. Keyscape is not simply a sample library where the focus is to showcase one instrument at a time. Duo Patches, which combine two instruments, are a big part of making Keyscape unique!
My system meets the minimum requirements. Will Keyscape run well in my computer?
Yes, although as is the case with all virtual instruments, how well it runs depends on a lot of factors that go beyond the system you have (host, which other plugins are running, etc.). For cases where performance is an issue, Keyscape Patches have a “Thinning” button that loads a version of the sound that uses less resources.
Will Keyscape streaming benefit from a faster hard drive?
Fast drives are a smart way to go of course. There's a chapter in the Reference Guide devoted to optimizing Performance with Keyscape.
Can My Laptop Run Omnisphere 2 1
Can I install Keyscape on a different drive?
Yes, you can install the library to a secondary or external drive. For best results, we recommend installing Keyscape on a Solid State Drive.
Omnisphere Mac
What version of Omnisphere do I need to be able to load Keyscape sounds?
In order to load Keyscape sounds into Omnisphere, you’ll need Omnisphere version 2.3 or higher.