Spark 2 from Arturia is a drum production solution with a sound library, multiple synthesis engines and advanced sequencing functionalities. Also included are real time performance tools and effects for use in the studio or on stage. The software functions standalone, or as an AAX Native, Audio Units and VST plug-in, for both Mac and Windows computers.
Features
- Beat creation software combining elements from analog drum machines, sample based beat boxes and physical modeling
- Audio engine contains multiple synthesis modes - sample engine, multiple physical models, and a modular, virtual analog drum synthesizer
- TAE (True Analog Emulation) synthesis for creating the sounds of classic analog synthesizers
- The modular synthesizer can be used to create a vast array of sounds including, kick drums, snares, hats, cymbals, as well as more traditional synthesizer sounds using:
- Up to nine variable shape VA oscillators
- Up to four 8-mode filters
- Up to six envelopes
- Up to two LFOs
- Up to four mixers
- Up to two ring modulators
- Up to two CV modulators
- Up to two Karplus Strong based filters
- Stereo filter
- Spring Mass physical modeling engine
- The modular synthesizer contains six assignable macros knobs which allow for controlling multiple aspects of the sound in real time - for each macro four parameters can be assigned from any of the modules within a patch, as well as determining the minimum and maximum values the parameter can take
- Song mode allows for organizing patterns into up to sixteen color-coded mini songs, each up to eight patterns long Allows for simple visualizing of the various sections of a song (intro chorus, verse, breakdown) Dedicated buttons can trigger mini songs in any order for creating on-the-fly remixes
- Interface has been organized to make it as user friendly as possible by placing all the major features at the user's fingertips
- Tabbed layout drastically reduces scrolling and provides the user with faster access to all features
- Supports REX files - import a REX file and split the slices across the sixteen pads, or use single pad playback for live looping possibilities
- Samples and REX files can be used as sources for the modular synthesizer
- Built-in step sequencer
- Mixer provides a familiar interface for controlling the level, pan, insert effects and sends of instruments with each of these parameters automatable in the pattern page
- Each drum instrument can be processed through fourteen digital effects:
- Compressor
- Reverb
- Bit crusher
- Multiband EQ
- Chorus
- Delay
- Distortion
- Phaser
- Plate reverb
- Destroyer
- Flanger
- Space pan
- Limiter
- Sub generator
- Automation input is available using the XY pad or the Pencil and Line tools in the pattern/automation page
- All instrument and effect parameters from the inserts can be automated
- Each track of the step sequencer allows for fifteen different parameters to be automated per instrument plus full automation of all the insert effects parameters for that given instrument
- Functions standalone or as a plug-in within a host sequencer
- Plug-in use supports sixteen audio outputs that can be routed and assigned within the host
- Import AIFF, WAV, MIDI and REX2 files
- Simple drag and drop export of patterns in WAV format, as well as MIDI sequence formats into a DAW
- All of the parameters available on the main panel are MIDI assignable and can be controlled via any external MIDI device
- Full integration with SparkLE controller
Vintage Drum Machine Emulations
- Roland TR-808
- Roland TR-909
- Roland TR-707
- Roland TR-606
- EMU Drumulator
- LinnDrum
- Oberheim DMX
- Korg KPR 77
- Sequential Circuits Drumtraks
- Simmons SDS-V
- Roland CR78 / Ace Tone Rhythm Ace
- Korg DDM-110
- Korg DDM-220
- Yamaha RX5
- Casio RZ1
- Lynn9000
Music Styles Covered by Electronic Drum Kits
- EDM
- Hip Hop
- Dubstep
- Electro House
- Deep House
- Minimal Techno
- R'n'B
- Trance
- Techno
- Abstract Hip Hop
- Dancehall
- Industrial
- Tech House
- Trap
- Drum and Bass
Acoustic Drum Kit Playing Styles
- Modern Rock
- Funk
- R'n'B
- Pop
- Vintage Rock
- Latin Percussion