TheWaveWarden has released Odin 2, a cross-platform hybrid virtual synthesizer in VST3 and AU plugin formats for compatible DAW software on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Odin 2 is a 12-voice polyphonic hybrid synthesizer with a flexible synthesis engine and “endless modulation capabilities.” Even more importantly, Odin 2 is entirely free to use and available on all OS platforms. The software is currently in beta, and the developer is inviting users to test Odin 2 and report any bugs. Also, sound designers are invited to send their best patches made with Odin 2, so that they can be included in a future release.
See also: Best FREE Synthesizer VST PluginsEven though Odin 2 is still in beta, the instrument’s current feature set is nothing short of impressive. I won’t bog you down with all the details, but here are some of the most essential items from the feature list. Odin 2 offers three oscillator slots, each capable of hosting one of the eleven (!) available oscillator types. In addition to the reasonably standard analog and noise OSC modules, we also have the wavetable oscillator, an FM oscillator, a fun little chiptune oscillator, a vector oscillator, and even n oscillator that lets you draw custom waveforms. Moving on to the filters, there are three slots and thirteen filter types to choose from. Some of these are modeled after classic analog filter modules (Oberheim 12, Diode Ladder, etc.).
The plugin also features a range of modulation sources and a handy nine-slot modulation matrix to connect everything together. Each modulation source can be connected to up to two targets and scaled using the modulation wheel. There are plenty of modulation sources to choose from, including multiple loopable ADSR envelopes, multiple multi-mode LFOs, various MIDI sources, and even the filter output.
The one glaringly obvious problem with the current version of Odin 2 is the GUI size. It is too small for comfortable use even on a regular HD screen (by that, I mean the 1920×1080 screen resolution, which is still a standard nowadays). Some of the control labels are almost impossible to read without touching the monitor with your nose. Hopefully, the developer is aware of this, and a higher-resolution version of the interface will be included in a future update.
Other than the problematic GUI size, Odin 2 is one of the most promising new synthesizers we’ve seen in a while. The sheer number of available oscillator types, filter modules, and modulation features, makes it a sound designer’s dream. On the other hand, the interface is flexible enough to allow the user to reduce the clutter by removing any unnecessary features out of the way.
Odin 2 is shaping up to become one of the best free VST plugins released in 2020. Check out the current beta and let us know what you think in the comments section below.
More info: Odin 2 (17.4 MB download size, ZIP archive, 64-bit VST3/AU plugin format for Windows, macOS, Linux)
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