Getting Started with Omnisphere 2

If this is your first time with Omnisphere 2, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll help you navigate the plug-in, load the sample library, and show you how to work with the settings to create custom sounds. Follow the sections below to get started.

• Getting Started with Omnisphere 2
  • How to link the Omnisphere STEAM folder
  • Setting up external hardware
  • Working with MIDI
• Using Omnisphere 2
  • How to navigate Omnisphere 2
  • How to create, save, and load patches
  • How to create and load projects

Getting started with Omnisphere 2

Omnisphere 2 is a virtual instrument that is used for both studio and live performance applications. After it is registered and installed, you can either launch the desktop app or load it as a virtual instrument track inside your DAW. All of the functions work the same as a plug-in and in standalone mode. Standalone mode is useful if you want to create a custom patch or use it as a synth in live situations. If you need to record, however, load it as a virtual instrument track in your DAW.

How to link the Omnisphere STEAM folder

When opening the application for the first time, you will be prompted to link the STEAM folder, which is where the factory patch (sound) libraries are. If the STEAM folder isn’t linked to Omnisphere, you will be unable to load or play any sounds. Follow these steps to link the STEAM folder.

1. Launch the Omnisphere standalone app, or load it as a virtual instrument.
2. Click OK when you see the window saying “STEAM Folder not found. Would you like to locate it?”
3. Navigate to the directory you installed the library during the installation process.
   • Windows: The default STEAM folder location is C:\ProgramData\Spectrasonics.
   • Mac: The default STEAM folder location is Macintosh HD/Users/Username/Library/Application/Support/Spectrasonics.
4. Select the STEAM folder, then click OK.

Navigate to the location where the STEAM library is when this message appears.

Setting up external hardware

If you’re using an external MIDI controller and audio interface with Omnisphere, now is a great time to set it up. Make sure to select the audio and MIDI devices. First, you’ll need to connect the controller to your computer, then configure it in Omnisphere. Follow these steps to select and change hardware settings.

1. Navigate to the View menu on the top left of the window, then click Settings.
2. Select your audio interface, sample rate, and buffer size. Enable the output channels you are using as well.
3. Click Test to verify it’s passing signal.
   • If you’re using a MIDI controller, enable the MIDI inputs you will be using.

Hardware profiles

You can set up some hardware synths for complete control of the software via a Hardware Profile. Just click the HW dropdown box located at the top of the window and select your synth. For detailed instructions on how to link your hardware synth, visit the setup guides here. 

Working with MIDI

The MIDI features in Omnisphere 2 are straightforward to work within standalone mode. Just turn your MIDI controller on, set it up in Omnisphere, and start playing. There are also a few additional options you can adjust for a much smoother workflow. Follow these steps to set up a MIDI controller.

1. Connect a MIDI controller to your computer via USB or MIDI, then launch Omnisphere 2.
2. Click View on the top left-hand corner of the window, then navigate to Settings.
3. Locate the Active MIDI Inputs section and make sure that your MIDI controller is listed and has a checkmark next to it.
   • You can also customize which MIDI inputs will trigger the samples.

How to set up MIDI Learn functions

If your MIDI device has additional faders, knobs, or buttons, you can assign them to different parameters using MIDI learn. Just right-click the setting you want to adjust, then begin moving the knob, fader, or button to assign it. To save these changes as a preset, navigate to UTILITY, MIDI Learn and Automation, then click Save Preset.

Using Omnisphere 2

Now that you know how to load the preset patch libraries and set up external hardware with Omnisphere 2, we’ll now explain how to navigate the software and create and load custom patches and projects.

How to navigate Omnisphere

The plug-in has three main sections; Browser, Main, and Layers. When you first launch Omnisphere, a sawtooth wave is loaded, which you can tweak or load a factory preset patch. These sections are for things like changing how the patch sounds or layering multiple samples.

Browser

The Browser section is where you will preview and load samples. You can also filter patches or sort them by different categories, complexities, moods, or genres.

Browser window

Main

The Main section of Omnisphere is for making global changes to a patch such as the filter, resonance, or MIDI channel. Changing the MIDI channel for a patch is particularly useful if you want to layer and trigger multiple samples at once.

Main window

Layers

 In the Layers window, you can modify settings like oscillation, pitch controls, and modulation to fine-tune a patch and also select, link, and solo multiple layers. For more details, visit the user manual. 

Browser window

How to create, save, and load patches

It’s easy to create and load patches in Omnisphere 2. Once the STEAM folder is linked, you can load preset patches or create and import your own. Follow these steps to create and load patches.

Creating patches

When you launch Omnisphere, a sawtooth wave is loaded. Adjust the Main, FX, and ARP tabs settings until you find the sound you like.

• For more in-depth information on the synthesis controls, visit the video tutorials here.

Saving patches

1. Click UTILITY, then click Save Patch As…
2. Rename the patch, then click Save.

Loading patches

1. Click the DIRECTORY dropdown box, navigate to User Directories, then click User.
2. Double-click the patch to load it.

Importing custom audio files

For even further customization of patches, import your own .PCM, .AIF, or .WAV files. In the OSCILLATOR section, click Sample, then click the folder icon. Lastly, drag and drop the audio file.

How to create and load projects

Projects allow you to recall a custom collection of patches. They’re handy when you need to recall specific patches on the fly without navigating through the entire Omnisphere library. Follow these steps to create and load a project.

Create a project

1. Click MULTI BROWSER in the top left corner of the screen to enter Full Browser mode.
2. Click the Projects dropdown box, select Create Project, then name the project.
3. Select the sound(s) you want to add to the project while you’re still in the Full Browser window.
4. Click the Projects dropdown box, then click the name of your project located at the bottom of the dropdown box.

Loading a project

1. Click MULTI BROWSER in the top left corner of the screen and enter Full Browser mode.
2. Click the Projects dropdown box, then click Show Projects.
3. Single-click the project you wish to load which appears in the project list on the left.

Related content

Additional resources

Knowledge Base