Following hot on the heals of our recent Cubase Pro 8 Comparison Review, we’ve just received news from Steinberg about a new collection of VST instruments, called Absolute 2. Coincidentally, I suggested in my review that if you were going to further expand Cubase Pro 8 with plugin instruments, then “stay with Steinberg”, and there’s never been a better time to do so than now!
So what is Absolute 2? Consisting of the top range of Steinberg’s acclaimed VST instruments, Absolute 2 offers over 5,500 presets and nearly 60 GB of first-class sounds, VST technology and advanced sound design. Absolute 2 is the perfect tool for music production, composing and live performance of all styles, combining exceptional quality and premium value at a fantastic price.
Well, here’s a rundown of what you get:
- HALion 5 is a powerfully inspirational virtual sampling and sound design instrument that forms the heart of modern sound creation and production environments.
- HALion Sonic 2 features the latest sampling and synthesis technologies, a world- class library and an intelligent user interface that excels in the studio as well as on stage.
- Groove Agent 4 combines three specialist instruments for creating dynamic drums, dancefloor-filling beats and sizzling percussive grooves in almost any genre.
- The Grand 3 features five premium piano models with an overwhelming sound quality, different microphone positions and usability due to the range of included tools.
- HALion Symphonic Orchestra puts the awesome emotive power and sheer sonic majesty of a full symphonic orchestra under your total control.
- Padshop Pro introduces a new way of granular sound design. Get yourself ready for out-of-this-world atmospheres and far-out effects.
- Retrologue offers old-school analog synth sounds and biting sonic blocks, ideal for creating fat and funky lead and bass sounds.
- Hypnotic Dance is a treasure trove for electronic music producers with solid bass lines, cutting leads and beautifully textured pads.
- Triebwerk is the go-to choice for club-worthy dance sounds with soaring synths, four-to-the-floor drum kits and queasy vocals.
- Dark Planet is best-suited for cinematic scores and musical excursions, comprising creepy sounds, shattering loops and eerie instruments.
- Zero Gravity is the exceptional expansion pack for Padshop Pro and comes with 250 new presets and a fully loaded new SoftGrain Wave ROM.
System requirements are OS X versions 10.9/10.10 with a VST 3 or AU host, 4 GB RAM, 70 GB of free HD space and a USB-eLicenser (not included) or a Windows 7/Windows 8.x/Windows 10 PC with a VST 2.4 or VST 3 host, 4 GB RAM, 70 GB of free HD space and again, a USB-eLicenser (not included).
Available today as a download from Steinberg’s online store for £367.00 (that’s €499.00) or as an upgrade for £146.00 (€199.00) if you already own Absolute 1. Absolute 2 will also be available as a boxed version shortly, supplied on a convenient USB 3 flash drive.
Watch out for a Gearjunkies review, coming soon!