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IK Multimedia Syntronik 2 Review 2025

The extremely adaptable synthesizer plug-in of every synth enthusiast’s desires is the Syntronik 2 from IK. The Syntronik 2 is your all-access pass to synth heaven, with an iconic collection of 33 potent synthesizers, 71 effects, and countless samples. If you’ve ever played, heard, or idolised a Moog, ARP, Roland, or Oberheim, there’s a good chance the Syntronik 2 has it. With four vintage analogue circuit-modeled filters for vivid sound shaping and an additional four arpeggiators for releasing an infinite stream of dreamy, fluttering sequences, this four-part synth software is equipped to produce any multis and splits you can imagine.

With over 4,000 presets that span a variety of sounds from the most recognisable to extremely uncommon antique synthesizers, Syntronik 2 delivers 22 illustrious synths. All of the legacy settings from Syntronik and Syntronik Deluxe are present in Syntronik 2 and sound identical for fans of the original versions. The new benchmark for contemporary virtual synthesizers is set by Syntronik 2. With astounding sound fidelity and the most in-depth manipulation, IK’s cutting-edge sampling techniques and a hybrid sample and modelling synthesis engine power an extensive range of unique and sought-after synths.

The quantity of content that you get varies between the four editions of the Syntronik 2: CS, SE, Regular, and Max. You can choose which content to download using the Product Manager after authorising and downloading the main application. You have the choice of downloading and installing each instrument separately or downloading and installing everything at once.

Syntronik’s sound engine is sample-based, the first sounds you hear are extremely authentic because they were taken directly from the original machines. It may be argued that this eliminates the subtlety of analogue detuning, but IK has found a sneaky way to include it back into the sound. To replicate the originals, its DRIFT technology encourages some detuning, but it actually goes much farther by altering phase and colour in addition to the pitch element. It’s a strong combination that works well for both authentic sounds and analogue behaviour.

The advanced layering mechanism in Syntronik 2 allows you to play up to four instruments simultaneously in any configuration of layers or keyboard splits that you like. The control filtering option, which is new to v2, allows you to display only important settings for rapid access, such as sustain, pitch-bend, and aftertouch modulation routing. A thorough Edit panel is also new, and it offers a variety of new settings, such as enhanced LFO and envelope controls, oscillator drift, and a programmable modulation matrix.

Along with an intuitive step sequencer, Syntronik 2 also has a potent chord and note arpeggiator with assignable note ranges and preset-style pattern storage. Speaking of presets, Syntronik 2 has nearly 5500 of them, including every single one that came with the first version. According to IK, navigating them is made simple by a sophisticated browser that allows you to search by instrument, keyword, category, and other criteria.

Additionally, the editing tools and clever features of the Syntronik 2 streamline your synthesizer sessions. IK Multimedia has developed a new sophisticated edit panel with per-oscillator DRIFT controls, extended envelopes, LFOs, and much more after listening to its devoted users. The Wave Set Browser is now also useful for choosing the precise sound of each oscillator and sub-oscillator within a preset, completely changing synth sound production. Speaking of browsers, exploring the vast sound libraries of IK has never been simpler. You can refine your search with keywords and sortable categories, and you can filter the results by instrument or individual sound. You may even rank your favourite sounds to create search preferences for future projects that require quick access.

A cheap approach to give your setup the sound of several vintage synths is with Syntronik 2. A large number of very useful presets are available, and there is also the option to modify patches and create entirely new sounds by layering, switching out waveforms and filters, and adding intricate modulation assignments. There is much to enjoy in this, regardless of whether you want to simply plug it in and start using it or go deeper and create bespoke patches.

You need Syntronik 2!