General
When it comes to synthesizers, there's a whole world of possibilities out there to discover, full of sounds that are conventional and unconventional. That's why there will always be a market for innovative hardware and software synthesizers. Future Audio Workshop Circle 2 is a virtual synthesizer that sound-designers just starting out will surely appreciate. While many synthesizers are designed to be very complex, the Circle 2 is surprisingly user-friendly and visually intuitive. At any rate, the possibilities for both seasoned sound-designers as well as new kids on the block are numerous!
Future Audio Workshop Circle 2: waveforms
Vector Phase Shaping, aka VPS, is basically the pixie dust on the Circle 2. It's the answer to the static sawtooth, block waves and triangles everyone is familiar with. With just two rotary knobs, you can create a wide variety of formant-style sounds and operate parameters with envelopes and the like as well. There's also waveform synthesis; choose two waveforms from the massive collection available and find a balance between them to create the sound you want. There are classic oscillator waveforms available as well as unconventional, raw, and even extreme waveforms. The third oscillator form consists of traditional waves (saw, block, etc.). Naturally, you can filter all these different oscillators and apply the effects you want.
Modularity
The Circle 2 also has various assignable envelopes and LFOs. An envelope can influence the pitch, filter depth, loudness or balance of the waveform. The same goes for the LFO sections, which are all very basic and easier for beginners to get the hang of. The sky really is the limit thanks to all the modulation possibilities the Circle 2 has to offer. Anyone interested in making EDM or dubstep music, or experimenting with brutal, raw sounds, is sure to appreciate the Circle 2 virtual synth!
