KV331 Audio Synthmaster 2 — Free Download

Core Architecture and Synthesis

SynthMaster 2 is a two-layer semi-modular software synthesizer designed to cover a wide sonic range. Each layer contains two oscillators, four modulators, two filters, four ADSR envelopes, two multistage envelopes, two 2D envelopes, two LFOs, four keyscalers, and its own arpeggiator, giving deep per-layer control.

Oscillators include basic types with 17 algorithms for spectral, bend, sync, pulse, and quantize shaping, as well as stereo oscillators with unison and voice stacking for supersaw textures. Wavetable oscillators allow scanning through up to 256 waveforms, with support for importing wavetables from audio files. Additive oscillators run eight basic oscillators in parallel, and vector oscillators mix four basic oscillators using two-dimensional X and Y indices.

Modulation and Filter Design

The modulation system in SynthMaster 2 is extensive, with hundreds of targets and 48 sources, including envelopes, LFOs, keyscalers, vocoder bands, and performance controls like velocity and aftertouch. The 64-slot modulation matrix includes visual filtering, making it easier to assign complex routings. Oscillators and modulators can modulate frequency, phase, amplitude, or pulse width at audio rate, enabling advanced FM and AM patches.

Filters use zero delay feedback technology and come in four categories: VAnalog, multimode, dual, and comb. VAnalog filters emulate a famous ladder filter with self-oscillation and continuously variable slope, offering three CPU settings. Multimode filters allow continuous switching between lowpass, bandpass, and highpass, plus slope adjustment from 0 to 24 dB per octave. Dual filters run two multimode filters in parallel or series with adjustable mix. Comb filters support physical modeling synthesis.

Effects, Arpeggiator, and Integration

SynthMaster 2 includes 11 effect types: distortion, LoFi, ensemble, phaser, six-band EQ, compressor, vocoder, delay, chorus, tremolo, and reverb. Each effect can be inserted on any layer insert or on one of the two global effect buses, offering flexible routing. The arpeggiator supports classic modes like up, down, and up-down, plus sequence, chord, and arpeggiate, and each of its 32 steps has its own velocity, note number, note length, slide, and hold settings.

Samples in WAV or AIFF format can be imported as SFZ definitions by dragging them onto the oscillator waveform view. Scala tuning is supported, allowing preset-level or global microtonal tunings. The preset browser allows searching by instrument type, attributes, style, or author, and registered users can upload and download presets from an online library.

Practical Workflows and Applications

SynthMaster 2 fits many production workflows. Its dual-layer design is ideal for layered sounds, such as combining a wavetable pad with a physical modeling bass, or blending additive textures with FM leads. The massive modulation matrix enables complex evolving patches, suitable for cinematic sound design or experimental electronic music.

The arpeggiator is a powerful tool for generating rhythmic sequences, with per-step control that enables detailed patterns, including polyphonic chords via MIDI file imports. The Easy Parameters make presets performance-friendly, great for live tweaking. Microtuning support opens possibilities for non-Western scales or custom tunings. With 2000 factory presets, SynthMaster 2 provides a broad starting point for producers in genres like trance, house, ambient, and soundtrack work, while also offering depth for sound designers.

Key features

• Two-layer semi-modular architecture with independent arpeggiator, filters, envelopes, and modulators
• Multiple synthesis methods including wavetable, additive, vector, and SFZ sample playback
• Flexible effects routing with 11 effect types and distortion placement options
• Extensive modulation matrix with 64 slots and 48 sources
• Arpeggiator with per-step parameters and MIDI file import
• Scala microtuning support and preset browser with search criteria

Best for

Best for sound designers and electronic music producers who need a versatile synth for creating complex evolving soundscapes, layered leads, and rhythmic sequences in genres like trance, ambient, and cinematic scoring.