The Spectralis 2 is the enhanced successor to Radikal Technologies' sophisticated hybrid synthesizer, establishing a new benchmark in electronic music production. Released as an evolution of the original Spectralis, this powerhouse instrument combines advanced DSP technology with true analog circuitry to deliver exceptional sonic capabilities. With expanded memory, an improved sequencing engine, and streamlined sound selection, the Spectralis 2 maintains the revered sound engine of its predecessor while introducing significant workflow and performance enhancements.
Overview
The Spectralis 2 retains the warm, rich sound character that made the original Spectralis renowned, while implementing a redesigned sequencer engine that enables continuous, real-time sequencing without interruption. This major improvement allows musicians to create and modify sequences on the fly during live performances without stopping playback—a feature highly valued in performance contexts.
At its core, the Spectralis 2 features a hybrid synthesis architecture that combines cutting-edge DSP technology with authentic analog circuitry. The oscillator section consists of four digital oscillators with continuously variable waveshapes enhanced by time linearity modulation, FM, PM, oscillator synchronization, and bit reduction capabilities. Each oscillator features independent pitch and volume envelopes for precise sound sculpting.
The analog filtering section showcases two meticulously designed true analog circuits: a self-resonating 4-pole lowpass filter and a versatile 2-pole multimode filter offering lowpass, highpass, bandpass, and notch outputs. These analog filters overcome the limitations of digital modeling approaches, providing organic timbral qualities and responsive sound manipulation.
A distinctive element of the Spectralis 2 is its fixed filterbank, consisting of eight bandpass filters plus additional lowpass and highpass filters. This sophisticated spectrum-slicing tool enables the selective modification of frequency bands, facilitating the creation of everything from realistic instrument emulations to experimental sonic textures. Unlike vintage modular systems, the Spectralis 2 filterbank offers sequencer-controlled level modulation and comprehensive parameter editing, including individual frequency band panning, Q and roll-off slope control, and filter stage spacing.
The sampling section delivers true multisampling capabilities with a 32 stereo voice polyphonic sound engine and powerful subtractive synthesis features. The high-speed USB2 interface allows quick transfer of samples from a computer, with an included conversion utility supporting WAV and SoundFont2 formats. For live performance reliability, the Spectralis 2 includes both onboard flash memory (expandable to 2GB) and an SD card slot for storing samples, songs, and sound presets.
The sequencing system represents a significant advancement, featuring a pattern-based approach with both real-time and step-by-step recording options, as well as grid-based drum programming. The step sequencer provides 32 independent parameter control lines with up to 192 steps each, enabling complex polyrhythmic patterns and tempo-dependent sound manipulations. During live performances, users can mute/unmute tracks, swap motifs on the fly, adjust mixing parameters, and transpose entire patterns by simply pressing keys on a connected keyboard.
The Spectralis 2's quick sound selection feature puts favorite sounds within immediate reach, streamlining workflow during intense creative sessions or live performances. The system is built around high-quality components, including Texas Instruments floating-point DSPs and Burr Brown digital-to-analog converters, ensuring pristine audio quality throughout the signal path.
Technical Specifications
General
- Type: Advanced hybrid synthesizer, groovebox, and sequencer
- Manufacturer: Radikal Technologies
- Memory: Up to 4GB sample memory
- Storage: 1GB onboard flash memory (expandable to 2GB)
- External Storage: SD Card slot
- Connectivity: High-speed USB2 interface
Hybrid Synthesizer Section
- Oscillators: 4 digital oscillators
- Waveform Shaping: Continuously variable waveshapes
- Modulation Types: Time linearity modulation, FM, PM, oscillator synchronization, bit reduction
- Envelopes: Independent pitch and volume envelopes per oscillator
- Envelope Quality: High-resolution envelopes
Analog Filters
- 4-pole lowpass filter (self-resonating)
- 2-pole multimode filter with multiple outputs:
- Lowpass (LP)
- Highpass (HP)
- Bandpass (BP)
- Notch
Fixed Filterbank
- Configuration: 8 bandpass filters, 1 lowpass filter, 1 highpass filter
- Advanced Controls:
- Individual frequency band panning
- Q and roll-off slope control
- Filter stage spacing
- Sequencer-controlled level modulation
- Routing: Can process hybrid synth voices, DSP synth parts, or external signals
Sampling Section
- Voices: 32 stereo voice polyphonic sound engine
- Features: True multisampling with subtractive synthesis capabilities
- Sample Import: WAV and SoundFont2 formats via included conversion utility
- Sample Transfer: High-speed USB2 interface
- Backup: Complete song content (patterns, sounds, samples) can be stored on computer
Sequencing System
- Main Sequencer: Pattern-based with real-time and step-by-step recording
- Drum Programming: Grid-based interface
- Step Sequencer: 32 independent parameter control lines
- Step Range: Up to 192 steps per control line
- Step Features: Step envelopes (vs. fixed values in traditional step sequencers)
- Real-time Controls:
- Mute/unmute tracks
- Exchange motifs on the fly
- Volume, panning, and FX-send adjustments via built-in mixing console
- Pattern transposition via keyboard
- Live Editing: Sequence editing without stopping playback
- Song Mode: Arrangement of patterns into complete songs
Audio Quality
- DSP: Texas Instruments floating-point DSP generation
- Converters: Burr Brown digital-to-analog converters
User Interface
- Design: Distinctive interface optimized for live performance
- Quick Sound Selection: Instant access to favorite sounds
- Keyboard Control: Pattern and sequence transposition via attached keyboard
Tags: hybrid synthesizer