Steinberg Retrologue v2.2

Retrologue 2 – Virtual Virtuosity

The flexible, intuitive Retrologue 2 emulates the warmth and fatness of classic analog synthesizers. Three virtual analog oscillators and a first-class set of filters produce a wealth of rich, inspring sounds; its adaptable arpeggiator, powerful modulation system and FX rack help make Retrologue 2 the first choice for producers everywhere.

• Classic virtual analog synthesizer optimized for low CPU load.
• Over 700 outstanding presets covering classic analog synth sounds and beyond
• Intuitive interface for fast, creative sound design
• 3 oscillators with up to 8 de-tunable voices alongside sub and noise oscillators
• Arpeggiator with up to 32 steps and “Export to host” feature
• 24 first-class filter types
• 4 LFOs plus filter, amp and custom envelopes
• 16-stage drag and drop modulation matrix with Note Expression support
• 5 distortion modes including tube, clip, bit reduction and rate reduction
• FX section with delay, chorus, flanger, phaser, vintage ensemble, reverb and 4-band EQ
• 3-band Resonator with 14 different filter configurations and integrated LFO

Concept

Retrologue 2 is more than a tribute to the classic analog heavyweights of the past. Packed into a straightforward interface, Retrologue brings back the sound of analog circuitry and vintage warmth, but with a modern twist. From raw analog lead and bass sounds to ephemeral, delicate pads and structures, dark drones and ultra-aggressive comps, Retrologue 2 is a stunningly powerful yet versatile subtractive synthesizer with loads of sonic personality and that is potentially highly addictive.

Oscillators, filters and amplifier

At the heart of Retrologue 2 are three rich-sounding VCOs with up to eight de-tunable voices alongside an additional sub oscillator and a noise generator. The polyphonic oscillators allow anything from basic synthesis waveforms over sync and cross modulation to complex XOR circuitries, pulse width and configurable ring modulations. With various retrigger modes, the phase of each oscillator can be manipulated to create an authentic analog feeling for cutting leads as well as punchy analog drum sounds.

The VCF section sports 24 filter shapes and five distortion modes. With hard-wired key follow and ADSR envelope modulation, the filter cutoff can instantly be controlled without any further setup. The VCA also comprises a hard-wired envelope shaper to adjust attack, decay, release times and sustain level.

Effects

Equipped with a full set of first-class effects, Retrologue 2 offers extensive possibilities to enhance your sounds. The included effects boast several modulation effects like phaser, flanger and chorus, a stereo delay, a warm algorithmic reverb and a razor-sharp four-band equalizer. Up to six effects can be implemented simultaneously and the freely configurable effect chain makes it easy to find the right combinations of processors for your sound.

Of particular note is the innovative three-band Resonator that allows formant-filtering for various tonal modifications for beautiful vocal, string and brass sounds. Equipped with 14 different filter configurations, the Resonator consists of three filters for low, mid and high bands that are arranged in parallel and can each be modulated by a dedicated LFO.

Modulation

Retrologue 2 comprises a wide range of tools for modulating most of the parameters that can be found on the synth page. With two monophonic LFOs, two polyphonic LFOs and an additional bipolar envelope, Retrologue is well equipped for complex modulation setups.

The powerful modulation matrix lets you connect sources and destinations in seconds and makes it possible to keep an overview of even complex configurations at any time. On the synth page, modulations can also be set by dragging mod sources intuitively to the desired destinations.

Arpeggiator

The 32-step arpeggiator advances the concept of classic arps with extensive programming and modulation features. The arpeggiator offers all parameters for triggering, programming phrases and altering tempo, groove and swing in only a few clicks. Three additional controller lanes are available for quick and easy step modulation for oscillator and filter parameters. Of course the phrases of the arpeggiator can be recorded internally and exported to the DAW via drag and drop to make them accessible as editable MIDI events.

Additionally, the entire arpeggiator settings can be locked to keep phrases even when browsing presets.

Library

Whether you are working on future trance, dark dubstep, classic house or up-to-the-minute pop productions, the Retrologue 2 library gives you some serious sounds to explore and tweak. 700 presets including soaring leads, deep sub-basses, chilled vocal pads and dark soundscapes showcase the versatility of this unique, characterful instrument.

The powerful trio of oscillators produces enough energy for stadium-sized anthems and growling bass lines; the arpeggiator will put your production in motion with classic step patterns, beautiful arp melodies and rhythmic modulations.

Thanks to the three-band resonator, Retrologue 2 also offers a range of vocal-like pads, tape strings and chorused brass sounds.