Krotos Concept 2 is a versatile software synthesizer designed for music producers, sound designers, and composers seeking to create unique and complex sounds quickly and intuitively. Building upon its predecessor, Concept 2 introduces a new granular synthesis engine, expanded modulation capabilities, and an enhanced user interface. The synth features two oscillators that can be used in virtual analog or granular modes, offering a wide range of sound generation possibilities. The central modulation section is visually striking, with colorful, animated waveforms that provide immediate feedback on parameter changes. Concept 2 includes over 700 presets created by renowned artists, ensuring a diverse palette of sounds right out of the box. The plugin’s interface is clean and well-organized, with a night mode option for improved visibility in low-light environments. Concept 2 strikes a balance between powerful sound design capabilities and user-friendly operation, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced synthesists.
Pros:
• Intuitive and visually appealing interface with real-time parameter visualization
• Powerful and flexible modulation system with advanced shape editor
• Easy-to-use granular synthesis engine
• Extensive preset library with contributions from top artists
• Clear and resizable interface with night mode option
Cons:
• Lack of a dedicated filter envelope
• Unable to save granular oscillator settings separately
• Limited to 16 voices maximum
Concept 2’s dual oscillator system forms the foundation of its sound generation capabilities. Each oscillator can operate in virtual analog mode, offering classic waveforms like sine, saw, square, and triangle, or switch to granular mode for more complex and evolving textures. The virtual analog oscillators allow for waveform blending and include an FM circuit that provides a wide range of tonal possibilities, from subtle harmonic enrichment to metallic chaos.
The granular engine is a standout feature of Concept 2, allowing users to import their own audio samples or use the included library. Granular parameters such as grain size, rate, width, and position can be easily adjusted and modulated, opening up a world of sound design possibilities. The granular oscillator’s interface is designed for intuitive use, making it accessible even to those new to granular synthesis.
At the heart of Concept 2 is its powerful modulation system. The central section of the interface displays up to five modulation sources simultaneously, each with its own color-coded animated waveform. This visual feedback makes it easy to understand and fine-tune complex modulation setups. The modulation sources include LFOs, envelopes, and a new advanced shape editor that allows for the creation of custom modulation curves with multiple breakpoints. The advanced shape editor is particularly noteworthy, enabling users to design complex, evolving modulation shapes that go beyond traditional LFOs and envelopes. This feature opens up new possibilities for creating dynamic and expressive sounds that evolve over time.
Concept 2 also introduces an audio input modulation source, allowing external audio signals to modulate synth parameters based on amplitude or pitch. This feature enables creative sound design techniques and can be used to create synth sounds that respond dynamically to other elements in a mix. The filter section offers a variety of filter types, including low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch filters. While there isn’t a dedicated filter envelope, the flexible modulation system allows for complex filter modulation setups. The effects section includes a convolution reverb with over 160 impulse responses, adding depth and space to the synth’s output. Users can also import their own impulse responses for custom reverb effects. Additional effects such as delay and distortion further expand the sound shaping possibilities.
Concept 2’s preset management system is robust, with over 700 factory presets covering a wide range of musical styles and sound design applications. The preset browser is well-organized, making it easy to find and categorize sounds. A randomization feature called “Tweak It” allows users to generate variations of existing presets, encouraging experimentation and discovery of new sounds.
Concept 2 occupies a unique space in the software synthesizer market. Its combination of virtual analog and granular synthesis, coupled with its intuitive modulation system, sets it apart from many traditional subtractive synths. Compared to other granular synthesizers like Output Portal or Audiomodern Opacity, Concept 2 offers a more straightforward approach to granular synthesis, making it more accessible to users who might be intimidated by more complex granular tools.
In terms of modulation capabilities, Concept 2 can be compared to synths like Xfer Serum or Native Instruments Massive X. However, Concept 2’s visual approach to modulation, with its color-coded animated waveforms, provides a more immediate and intuitive understanding of complex modulation setups. The synth’s focus on quick sound design and its extensive preset library make it comparable to instruments like Arturia Pigments or u-he Hive. However, Concept 2’s unique blend of features and its visually oriented interface give it a distinct character in this crowded market.
This plugin is best for:
• Music producers looking for a versatile and intuitive synthesizer for quick sound design
• Sound designers seeking a powerful tool for creating complex, evolving textures
• Composers working in film, TV, or game audio who need a wide range of atmospheric and cinematic sounds
• Electronic musicians exploring granular synthesis and advanced modulation techniques
• Beginners in synthesis who want an accessible yet powerful instrument to learn and grow with
Krotos Concept 2 is a remarkable synthesizer that successfully balances power and accessibility. Its intuitive interface, with its visually striking modulation display, invites exploration and experimentation. The addition of granular synthesis expands the sonic palette significantly, allowing for the creation of complex, evolving textures alongside more traditional synth sounds. The advanced shape editor for modulation is a standout feature, enabling the design of unique, expressive modulation shapes that go beyond typical LFO and envelope offerings. While the synth does have some limitations, such as the lack of a dedicated filter envelope and the inability to save granular oscillator settings separately, these are minor drawbacks in an otherwise comprehensive package. The extensive preset library, contributed to by renowned artists, provides an excellent starting point for sound design and inspiration. Concept 2’s ability to create both subtle and dramatic sounds makes it suitable for a wide range of musical applications, from electronic dance music to film scoring. Its user-friendly approach to complex synthesis techniques makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced sound designers. Overall, Krotos Concept 2 is a versatile and powerful synthesizer that offers a fresh approach to sound design, making it a valuable addition to any producer’s toolkit.