Cinematique Instruments Marble 2

Cinematique Instruments’ inspirational virtual instrument receives a major reworking.

I always look forward to exploring a new Cinematique Instruments release because, more often than not, I know I’m going to get something that is just a little bit different from the mainstream virtual instrument crowd. In that respect, Marble 2 — yes, a follow‑up to the original Marble instrument reviewed in the April 2016 issue of SOS — doesn’t disappoint. It’s a very attractive combination of familiar concepts, a somewhat quirky UI, and some unusual instrument choices and combinations.

What’s New?

The underlying idea remains the same as the original. You get a carefully curated suite of 63 all‑new core sound sources (each with round‑robin and dynamic layers as required) that can be blended via the engine’s two independent sound slots. Both of these slots offer a fully featured step sequencer with options to sequence 11 different parameters, including a range of sound‑shaping/effects parameters. Compared to the original, the UI has had some restyling but there are also new features, the highlights of which are improved hands‑on mod wheel sound design (via the Shape page) and a more efficient browser based upon 23 description filters and that improves the preset selection process.

The core sounds fall into four...