Hey what’s good fam, back with another review for ya!
Today I’m checking out Twin2 from Fabfilter.
No it’s not a brand new synth but it’s new to me so I want to share my opinion on it!
Let’s check it out?
What is Twin2?
It’s a 3 oscillator synth plugins from Fabfilter, creators of many other great plugins like their Pro-Q equalizer, Pro-L limiter, or their Volcano filter plugin.
The concept is straight forward, a synth that sounds good and is easy to navigate or manipulate.
All of Fabfilter’s plugins follow a very similar layout in terms of gui design and modulation options.
This is something I think makes Twin2 a joy to work with
Quick Specs
- content: 1600 presets
- format: AU, VST, VST3, AAX, RTAS
- price: $174
How does it sound?
I had always heard great things about Twin so I finally needed to check it out for myself, and I must say, I am impressed.
First off, it’s not a software trying to recreate a specific analog or va synthesizer, it’s just a great sounding instrument in it’s own right.
If I had to describe it, I would say it was a “full hi-fi” sound. Sure it sounds digital, but not in a boring way, this synth really has some nice character, not the harsher digital sound that can be found in various software synthesizers.
I would say it’s almost like it has a “liquid” quality to it.
The multiple filter types really let you change and alter your sounds and you can go from raw to smooth very quickly.
I liked the hard leads and heavy bass just as much as I loved the smooth ambient pads and fx. I really can’t speak enough on the sound quality, this was the main draw for me, it just really had a nice sound to it that though I can’t quite put my finger on exactly what it is, I can tell you it definitely separates Twin2 from many other synthesizers that begin to sound the same.
Of course someone will say “I can do that sound with such and such” all I’m saying is this, certain sounds and tones when you hear them, instantly spark creativity and well being in your brain 🙂
No seriously, when I first received this synth, I got lost in the default sound for at lest 20 to 45 minutes, it sounded that good.
What’s the bottom line?
I’m very picky when it comes to synth plugins, I still use hardware synthesizers as well and have a “go to” collection of synths that I use on a regular basis.
Twin2 made it into that list instantly, I fell in love with not only the sound, but the interface as well.
I give Twin2 4.5 out of 5 subs, this is really a great synthesizer with an intuitive interface that pretty much pushes you to be creative.
If you’ve been reading this site for any amount of time, you know I’m HUGE on having a good user interface. Fabfilter has to make some of the best user interfaces I’ve used personally.
I love how it works graphically, I love how the panels slide open and closed as needed, the modulation system is super simple to work with but allows you to go as deep as you wish.
I suggest you go try out the demo…while there are many synth plugins available on the market, this is definitely one you need to at least try out for yourself.
Check it out: http://www.fabfilter.com/products/twin.php
leave a comment below, let me know what you think
I have Twin2 lost in the mix of my many other vsti’s on FL Studio & just never really used it to lay tracks..because I dunno if its for my genre (west coast, dirty south)..that being said, what genre do you think its suited for?
Genre doesn’t matter really, it’s a dope synth, it can be used for either of the types of music you just named and plenty more. Really dope synth imo.
This looks a lot like the Thor synth in Reason. Ima have to check this out.
never really got into Thor that much, it was cool but I’m just not a Reason guy, but yeah, this joint is dope
U were right Joe..its got some sick leads and I was kinda suprised by the ammount..there is two banks one titled lead..and the other is leads..why they did it like that I dunno..but nonetheless its loaded…I have da whole pack w/ fabfilter one and da whole effects works..glad I gave it a second look..thanx 4 da reminder..layed a dope track with after givin it a second look! Keep da reviews comin fam
yeah fam that joint nice for real, they got some dope stuff
I find from your review it sounds like something in between FM and virtual Analog… very cool sound. I can see why you like it! Perhaps Absynth is comparable if less va sounding. I like how the Twin2 never sounds too harsh like some va can be yet not too soft even with the quality high. I wouldn’t say it sounds warm though like FM, but it definitely sounds like something one would use a lot between the lead and ambient realms, like maybe to layer on the lead, to punctuate the ambient or perhaps as a rhythm!?
Just wanted to add ‘cool’ as in “cool rhythm” rather than just rhythm alone. 🙂
yeah man, definitely I really like the sound of it man, like you said, it’s right in the middle of a few types of synthesizers, but has a character I really dig.
U talkin bout FM7 or FM8 Sharif? Got da both and they too got some unique sounds that havent been used to death! And a pretty nice control of arps..
FM8. Yes, it’s super versatile. You can even load up all the original DX7 patches. I can’t compare to FM7 since I never tried it, but FM8 sure is useful!
Yeah it’s a cool synth too
LOL
Indeed man, I dig it for sure
Sounds pretty cool. I heard some of the chords that you played and immediately thought of some cool r&b and down south tracks. Might have to peep this one for myself.
yeah man, it’s pretty cool for sure, thanks for checking it out
SJ: This is a nice synth. The price seems fair too. I agree with you from your video,the interface appear user friendly. Thanks for reviewing this one.
Sharif..tell me more about this DX7..is it presets I purchase to load into FM8?
The Yamaha DX7 is what the fm7, fm8 is based off of, one of the most classic FM synthesis devices in the history of synthesizers. You can find presets that were originally made for the hardware synth, and they work in FM8.
Yes you can use the original DX7 Sysex (*.SYX) files in FM8 as patches. If you have them on your computer you can just import them directly into FM8 from the FM8 file browser (I think FM7 also supports this). You can download them from such places as: http://homepages.abdn.ac.uk/mth192/pages/html/dx7.html
Lookout thanx a mili Saint Joe & Sharif…anyone familiar w/ the tone2 line? I have gladiator and firebird and was curious if they have any other vsti’s worth a go…??
I wouldn’t know personally but maybe Saint Joe?
yeah they have a few others, saurus is nice, check out the reviews
https://soundsandgear.com/?s=Tone2&x=0&y=0
Good lookin out SJ
no doubt yo
Joe..nice review…but makes me wonder if I already have arturia analog factory is this honestly still worth gettin?
that’s really up to you, they don’t sound the same but may be similar enough that you don’t need both
Already..I am a vst junky..I’ll probably get it just to have in the arsenal
I feel you fam lol
Aiiyo lookout Saint Joe..just curious have u done a review on Sonicharge Synplant yet or ever? Kinda wanted some professional feedback on it..
Haven’t done a review but I played with the demo a while back, it’s pretty cool
Already..I kinda got it without knowin what its all about & was lookin for some insight on what the whole “planting seeds” is about..so now I must engage on a 2 hour tutorial..no pain no pleasure! Is there a site where I can hear some of ur cuts?
No doubt fam, it’s nice, as for my music I don’t have much up, a few on soundcloud.com/jkswopes
Cheers, Saint Joe, for calling attention to this excellent synth. I think Twin 2 has undeservedly remained in the shadow of other plugins, such as Massive and Sylenth. But it is, as you say, hugely inspiring (esp. the low end). Another awesome FF plug is Timeless 2—can’t be beat for trippy dub delays.
I agree man, I LOVE this synth 🙂
We believe this synth is a powerhouse! It might take a while to fully understand this synth, as many options are hidden away. Once you get to learn this synth, the sky is the limit! We made a 100% Twin 2 track that features 15 instances. Check it out here: https://soundcloud.com/solidtrax/solidtrax-a-feast-of-speed
Yeah its a great synth