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Arturia introduces Spark 2play button

Arturia introduces Spark 2

Arturia

collapse expand iconDescription

Spark is an innovative drum production solution. Its cutting edge sound library, multiple synthesis engines and advanced sequencing functionalities will get you creative on your beatmaking tasks. Real-time performance tools and effects are here to explore new sonic territories, in the studio or on stage.

Ultimate Drum Machine
Spark 2 is arguably one of the most powerful and creative digital drum solutions available today. It takes the best elements from analog drum machines, sample based beat boxes and cutting edge physical modeling; all of this is rolled into one easy-to-use, elegant package.

Exceptional Workflow
When designing Spark 2 a simple, intuitive workflow was one of the highest priorities. The brand new user interface builds on the best parts of the previous GUI and improves the overall experience by providing a simplified, more elegant solution. The new interface is laid out and organised to make it as user friendly as possible by placing all the major features at your fingertips.

The new tabbed layout drastically reduces scrolling and provides you with faster access to all the features contained in Spark 2.

Multiple Synthesis
Spark 2 includes an extremely powerful audio engine which contains multiple synthesis modes. The included sample engine provides advanced sample playback capabilities in an easy to use package. Spark 2 also includes multiple physical models, which were developed with great care, to deliver the best in acoustic drum sounds. At the heart of Spark 2 is a truly modular virtual analog drum synth, based on the one developed for Arturia's flagship synthesizer, Origin.

Modular Engine
The modular synth found in Spark 2 is based on technology that Arturia has developed over the years, starting in 2003 when they created the Moog Modular V. This technology is called TAE and the Spark engine contains VA modules based on some of the synths in our V collection, and allows you to mix and match between; the possibilities are endless!

Module List
The modular synth in Spark 2 can be used to create a vast array of sounds including, kick drums, snares, hats, cymbals, as well as more traditional synth sounds, all of this is enabled by:

- up to 9 variable shape VA Oscillators
- up to 4 8 mode filters
- up to 6 envelopes
- up to 2 LFOs
- up to 4 mixers
- up to 2 ring modulators
- up to 2 CV modulators
- up to 2 Karplus Strong based filters
- a stereo filter
- a Spring Mass physical modelling engine

Macros
Spark 2's modular synth contains 6 assignable macros knobs which allow you to get really creative by controlling multiple aspects of your sound in real time. For each macro you can assign four parameters from any of the modules within a patch, as well as determine the minimum and maximum values the parameter can take.

Integrated with SparkLE
Spark 2 is as much at home in the studio as it is is on stage or in a club, used in tandem with our SparkLE controller it becomes a powerful live tool that can slot into any performing musician or DJ's setup. As Spark 2 was specifically designed to work with SparkLE there is no down time needed for configuring, you simply plug and play.

New Song Mode
The brand new song mode makes Spark 2 an ideal live rhythm solution. Once you have created your patterns and are happy with them, you can arrange them as you please in the song panel.

The new song mode allows you to organise your patterns into up to 16 colour coded mini songs, each up to 8 patterns long. If that isn't long enough you can chain mini songs to create longer sequences. This approach makes it exteremely simple to create and visualize the various sections of your song (intro chorus , verse, breakdown, etc). Thanks to the dedicated trigger buttons, you can play your mini songs in any order you wish, creating on the fly remixes.

REX
For Spark 2 Arturia consulted some big names from within the music industry and top Djs and asked them what they wanted/needed in a new version. They all said that improved rex capabilities was it.

Spark 2 supports Rex files, allowing the user to use them in two different ways. As before, you can import a rex and split the slices across the sixteen pads, but now single pad playback is also supported, opening up vast live looping possibilities.

TAE Analog Synthesis
Spark 2's Sound Engine embeds our TAE technology, standing for True Analog Emulation. In non-technical language, this is an unprecedented way of creating the very unique sound from classic analogue synthesizers such as the Moog Modular or the Yamaha CS-80.

Transposing this awarded technology into Spark 2 allowed us to recreate all the punch, warmth and thickness of the sounds from the most sought after analogue drum machines.

Physical Modeling
Physical Modelling is a technique of synthesizing the properties of natural objects when they are struck or plucked. Used in the most tame ways, it allows you to create very dynamic and accurate acoustic sounds. However physical modeling can be pushed to create wild new sounds never heard before. This gives Spark 2 a whole new way of sound creation that no others offer.

Step Sequencer
Spark 2 contains a dedicated built-in step sequencer which allows you to quickly get creative writing in your own patterns.

In Spark 2, Arturia took the already powerful sequencer from the original software and drastically simplified its operation, all the while maintaining every feature. The dedicated sequencer page now displays 32 steps at all times, making it much easier to visualize your patterns, and all of the 16 instruments in your project are simultaneously displayed on screen.

Mixer and FXs
Spark 2's mixer gives you a familiar interface for controlling the level, pan, insert effects and sends of your instruments. Each of these parameters can be automated in the PATTERN page.

Each drum instrument can be processed through 14 unique and professional grade digital effects : Compressor, Reverb, Bit crusher, Multiband EQ, Chorus, Delay, Distortion, Phaser, Plate reverb, Destroyer, Flanger, Space pan, Limiter, and Sub generator.

Automation
Automation is what takes a simple pattern or sound and transform it into music. Spark 2 contains multiple ways to create and edit automation. You can use 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 within Spark 2. Each track of the step sequencer allows for 15 different parameters to be automated per instrument plus full automation of all the insert effects parameters for that given instrument.


Compatibility Notice: OS X 10.11 El Capitan (release date 9/30/15)
As with all major operating system updates, it is vital to check the compatibility of your hardware and software before upgrading your system. For new computer owners, it' highly advised to check with manufacturers on when they expect their products to be fully compatible with the latest operating system.
Arturia Spark 2 Software Download

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • 16 tracks drum machine
  • TAE virtual analog, sampling and physical modeling sound engines
  • Powerful pattern-based sequencing : Real-time sequencer and classic TR-style step sequencer
  • Full-featured mixer with studio effects
  • Modular synth engine for in-depth sound editing
  • Real-time performance loopers and effects

collapse expand iconSpecs

Vintage Drum Machines:
  • 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 / Acetone Rythm Ace*
  • Korg DDM-110
  • Korg DDM-220
  • Yamaha RX5
  • Casio RZ1
  • Lynn9000*
Electronic Drum Kits
  • EDM
  • Hip Hop
  • Dubstep
  • Electro House
  • Deep House
  • Minimal Techno
  • R'n'B
  • Trance
  • Techno
  • Abstract Hip Hop
  • Dancehall
  • Industrial
  • Tech hous
  • Trap
  • Drum and Bass
Acoustic Drum Kits:
  • Modern Rock
  • Funk
  • R'n'B
  • Pop
  • Vintage Rock
  • Latin Percussion

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