SynthMaster 2 for iPad: multi-engine Synthesizer plugin now FREE for a limited time

KV331 Audio’s flagship Synthesizer plugin, SynthMaster 2, has arrived on the iPad in a touch-optimized version with the same dual-layer engine.

Ahead of the release of SynthMaster 3 for iPad (date not yet confirmed), KV331 Audio is giving away SynthMaster 2 for iPad to kick off their Holiday Sale. This no-brainer iPad Synthesizer deal is valid until November 16, 2025.

Plus, KV331 Audio launched a SynthMaster expansion bank sale. Until December 1, 2025, each of the 59 available preset expansion banks is $5 each (66% OFF). Furthermore, by using the coupon code 4FOR15 at checkout, you can save more and get four expansions for $15!

Article from June 23, 2021

I’m always excited to see how the iOS music-making platform develops. In recent years, there has been an apparent increase in high-quality apps. With the introduction of the AUv3 plugin standard, many developers have ported their macOS / Windows plugins to iOS. See Eventide, FabFilter, and others.

Today, I’m pleased to announce that the full version of the popular SynthMaster 2 plugin from KV331 Audio is now available for iOS. Please do not confuse it with SynthMaster One, which is a pure wavetable Synthesizer. SM2 2 is a proper synthesis workstation.

SynthMaster 2 For iPad

The SynthMaster 2 version for the iPad is not a simple port. The developers have designed a new GUI that is tailored to the advantages of the iPad. Many developers fail here because they use the same mouse-based GUI as on PCs and Macs without optimizing it for touch. I had the chance to check out the app in beta, and the GUI works super smoothly.

SynthMaster supports native resolutions of various iPad devices and ships with four different skins (blue, white, dark, and proto). Separate interfaces are available for the AUv3 version.

Sound Engine

The sound engine is identical to the SynthMaster 2.9 macOS/Windows plugin version and also uses two layers. Each layer features two powerful oscillator blocks, offering four distinct synthesis modes: virtual analog (also known as basic), additive, wavetable, and vector.

The basic mode, for example, plays single-cycle waveforms or samples, and with the oscillator unison, you can get up to 8 voices per oscillator. SynthMaster 2 also gives you the option to import your own waveforms, wavetables, or multi-samples. On top, you get 4 versatile modulators perfect for modulating other oscillators’ or modulators’ phases to achieve advanced FM timbres.

From there, it goes into the dual filter section that features six different filter flavors: digital, VAnalog, ladder, diode ladder, state variable, and bite. You can also apply a custom distortion before, inside, or after the filter. Both the oscillator and filter section offers a lot of sound design options, probably one of the most extensive available on iOS so far.

Big Modulations, Effects…

The modulation section is pervasive and offers the user a lot to discover. Per layer, you have four ADSR envelopes, four multi-segmented envelopes, 4 LFOs, 4 sequences, 4 keyscalers, macros, and MIDI controls. That should be enough to build very complex, evolving sounds.

This section also benefits from the touch display. New modulations can be created easily by dragging and dropping a modulation source onto a knob or slider. Thanks to visual feedback and some neat interface addons, you can easily keep track of the active modulators.

Further, you can refine your sounds with five insert effects on each layer. There are 13 different types of effects, including a vocoder, delay, chorus, distortion, lo-fi, reverb, and more. Two additional global effects that send buses give you even more effect routing flexibility. Lastly, it features a comprehensive arpeggiator/sequencer section with up to 32 steps.

The developers have done a great job. The sound is as great as on a PC / Mac, but programming sounds is much more fun with touch. And do not forget. Now you can craft presets on the iPad and then transfer them to the SM2 Mac / Win version. Big like for this functionality. Anyone who loves synthesizers on the iPad cannot avoid SM2.

KV331 Audio SynthMaster 2 is available now for an introductory price of $14.99 USD. It runs as a standalone app on iPads with iOS 11+ and as an AUv3 plugin.

Also on sale are two IAPs. The desktop presets upgrade at the intro price of $4.99 USD gives you all factory presets (2000 in total) from the SynthMaster 2.9 plugin.

The “All Expansion Bundle” now costs $39.99 USD and includes all current 32 SynthMaster presets expansion banks.

More information here: KV331 Audio (AppStore)

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