Spectrasonics Launches Omnisphere 3
Spectrasonics Launches Omnisphere 3: After a decade in development, the ultimate virtual instrument returns with thousands of new sounds, powerful effects, MPE support, and unprecedented creative tools.
After ten long years, Spectrasonics has finally unveiled the OmniSphere 3, calling it “the ultimate virtual appliance.” And it appears they are not exaggerating. The latest version of their iconic software synth is packed with “thousands and thousands” of fresh sounds, a completely revamped effects engine, new global controls, full MPE support, and a ton of creative tools designed to push sound design to the next level.
Omnisphere has long been a staple in studios around the world, but version 3 takes everything we loved about its predecessor and expands it dramatically. The already huge Factory library has grown to over 26,000 patches, organized into 18 beautifully curated collections. Whether you’re interested in analog and digital synthesis, cinematic textures, or rich acoustic instruments, the Omnisphere 3 has something to spark your creativity.
Worried about storage? Don’t worry, thanks to Spectrasonics’ clever new lossless optimization, all this sound design power still takes up the same 64GB of space as Omnisphere 2.
Even better, all the classic patches have been completely remastered to take advantage of the new sound engine and effects. And with a refreshed organizational system, finding the right sound is faster and more intuitive than ever.
Under the hood, Omnisphere 3 combines multiple synthesis engines—sample playback, wavetable, FM, and granular synthesis—to create virtually any sound imaginable. It now includes over 600 morphing wavetables, including a brand new EDM collection. A new Oscillator Drift feature adds analog warmth and unpredictability, while a dual frequency shifter gives you precise modulation control, allowing each note to be moved independently for added depth and texture.
One of the most exciting new tools is QuadZone, which lets you creatively manipulate the four sound layers that make up an Omnisphere patch. On the quadzone grid, you can split or crossfade sounds on the keyboard, assign them to different velocity ranges, or even use the MIDI fader to mix between zones on the fly. It’s a living artist’s dream, opening up endless layers and expressive possibilities.
Spectrasonics has also introduced a new system of global macro control. These make it easy to shape the most important properties of a patch without having to dive through endless menus. For example, the Ambience Macro can control all reverbs, delays, and mic settings in one patch at once—perfect for quick changes during a session or performance.
If you like joyful accidents, the new mutation feature will be your favorite tool. With a single click, you can instantly create smart variations of any patch by swapping wavetables or sound sources under the hood. Choose between subtle or extreme levels of mutation depending on how far you want to take the change.
The Effects section also got a giant boost. Omnisphere 3 now includes 93 different processors, adding 35 brand-new effects. The list includes everything from lush new reverbs and delays to a 1176-style limiter, a tube saturation model, and a multiband compressor. There are also plenty of experimental and creative effects for those who like to get weird with sound design.
Even better, Spectrasonics is making the powerful FX Rack available as a standalone plugin. This means you can now use Omnisphere’s entire effects suite on any sound source or instrument in your DAW—no need to open the full synth.
MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) support is another big contribution. With MPE-compatible controllers, musicians can now achieve far more expressive performances with per-note pitch bends, polyphonic aftertouch, and other advanced gestures that bring patches to life in entirely new ways.
Hardware integration has also been supercharged. Omnisphere 3 now includes over 300 pre-mapped profiles for synths and controllers from 36 top brands like Roland, Yamaha, Moog, Arturia, and Native Instruments. This means deep, practical control with your favorite gear right out of the box.It all adds up to a truly monumental update. Omnisphere 3 doesn’t just improve on what came before – it completely redefines what a virtual appliance can do. With its staggering sonic range, next-level interface and limitless creative potential, it’s easy to see why Spectrasonics calls this their most ambitious release to date.
Omnisphere 3 will be available on October 21 for macOS and Windows in AU, AAX, VST, and VST3 formats. Pricing is set at $499 / €399, while existing Omnisphere users can upgrade for $199.
Spectrasonics have really delivered something special here – an update that feels more like a revolution than an upgrade. Whether you’re a film composer, sound designer, or music producer, the Omnisphere 3 can become the new centerpiece of your creative universe.