Scottish software devs Krotos have released a major update to Concept, their simple-yet-powerful software synthesizer. Where the original version of Concept combined traditional oscillators with FM sounds, Concept 2 adds a new granular oscillator, and much more besides.
The new oscillator can be derived from any audio file you care to load into it, slicing the source audio up into wee segments before manipulating them, looping them and then feeding them through the rest of the synth's architecture. Krotos say it opens up “whole new worlds” for sound designers, and is capable of forming the basis of pads, basses, drops, hits, atmospheres and even room tones and ambiences. Over 300 source audio files are provided, or you can drag and drop your own audio straight into Concept 2's UI.
Also new is a 'modulation shape designer'. This lets you draw in your own shapes to use as envelopes or LFOs, using standard geometric tools like break points and curve tools.
Concept 2 now also includes over 700 presets, and ships with over 160 impulse responses for use in its integral convolution processor.
Krotos have always emphasised ease and speed of use in Concept, and v2 apparently takes that to a new level. About Concept 2, Krotos founder and CEO Orfeas Boteas says: “We wanted to give creators access to a rich sound-design palette and let their imagination run wild without having to spend time learning how to use it. With Concept 2, you can get lost in the music, not the manual.”
Concept 2 comes in VST, VST3, AAX and AU flavours, and carries a regular price of $149, but is currently on sale for the introductory price of just $99, until July 18th 2021. Owners of the original can upgrade to v2 for free.
