AAS Player 2.0 is a major redesign of Applied Acoustics Systems’ free sound player instrument plugin with more controls and more.
The Canadian company Applied Acoustics Systems specializes in physical modeling synthesis. They offer a wide range of quality Synthesizers and virtual instruments. With the free AAS Player, musicians can use these sounds but cannot edit them.
Since the Player uses all the engines, you can play sounds from the entire plugin portfolio. Today, Applied Acoustics Systems released AAS Player 2, the second version of their free player instrument.
AAS Player 2.0
The new AAS Player 2.0 is the successor to the original plugin. It brings together the sound engines of AAS’s instruments—Chromaphone 3, Strum GS-2, Ultra Analog VA-3, String Studio VS-3, Lounge Lizard EP-5, and Multiphonics CV-3 in a player plugin.
Previously, the built-in sounds—as well as those available for additional purchase—could be played but not edited. It simply didn’t offer parameters.
That has now changed in Version 2. Applied Acoustics Systems has completely overhauled the free plugin. That starts with the interface. Moving away from the narrow design to a larger interface with more visual elements.
On the left-hand side, you can now see the loaded sound pack in a large view. At the very top, you can switch between sound presets, check the MIDI signal, adjust its level, and see the levels with a VU meter.
In the middle, there’s now an image of the engine/plugin where the sound originates. This is new, and it’s nice to know which instrument you’re playing.
Sound Editing & Management
The biggest new feature in AAS Player 2 appears in the final third. You now have a small selection of parameters available for editing the actual synthesis engine. They change depending on the sound and the engine.
For example, a sound from a Chromaphone 3 sound pack includes level control over both layers and four macros: modulation, timbre, envelope, and effect.
This is a massive improvement over version 1 and makes it significantly more interesting as a free plugin. It also increases the value of each sound, since you have more variations to play with.
Sound management has also become more convenient. Version 2 introduces an all-new sound browser with search and filters like quality and category. On the left, you also have an overview of all the sound banks you have installed.
AAS Player 2 ships with a new starter set of over 650 sounds, which will grow constantly over the coming months. Alternatively, you can purchase new sound packs compatible with the full synth and the Player plugin.
First Impression
I always recommended the free plugin because you get a lot of great sounds at no cost. My only criticism was that you couldn’t edit the sound. I’m glad AAS has addressed this request and now allows it.
Now it’s an even better entry point into Applied Acoustics Systems’ physical modeling world.
AAS Player 2.0 is available now as a free download. It runs as a VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows.
To celebrate the release of the new version, all sound pack titles and bundles are 50% OFF until October 27, 2026.
More information here: Applied Acoustics Systems
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