Summary

Hive 2 is a streamlined, CPU-efficient software synthesizer developed by u-he, designed for creating diverse synthetic sounds with an intuitive interface, flexible modulation options, and comprehensive features like wavetable support and multiple effects.

Features

• Three synthesizer engines with two oscillators offering standard waveforms and 2D wavetables.
• Up to 16x unison, plus tunable sub-oscillators for richer sounds.
• 12 x 2 modulation matrix slots with advanced modifiers like curvature, rectification, quantization, and slew rate.
• Four user-definable XY control pads for performance expression.
• Unique 8-step shape sequencer with four independent outputs to create complex modulations.
• Arpeggiator and step sequencer with real-time recording and multiple direction and order options.
• Scale quantizer with a predefined list of scales enhancing melodic control.
• Two function generators serving as envelopes, gates, LFOs, or slew limiters.
• Seven rearrangeable effects including distortion, chorus, delay, phaser, EQ, reverb, and compressor with full modulation capability.
• Resizable user interface and alternative skin options.
• Native Instruments NKS compatibility for integration with Komplete Kontrol and Maschine hardware.
• MPE support and Oddsound MTS-ESP integration in recent versions.
• Wavetable editor supporting multi-table and scripting (.uhm files) for advanced sound design.

Additional Information

The synthesizer is praised for its balance between low CPU usage and high audio quality, making it suitable for fast patch creation and expressive sound design. It includes over 2400 factory presets and supports microtuning. The Linux version is in beta, with community support provided through forums. The modulation matrix and effects section encourage creative experimentation with sound shaping.

For Whom

Hive 2 is suitable for music producers, sound designers, and synthesizer enthusiasts looking for a versatile, easy-to-use yet deeply capable virtual synthesizer with wavetable capabilities and extensive modulation and effects options.