The JPS Harmonic Synthesizer 2 promises new sounds, display features
Recreation of Oxygéne synth gets updated.
Jiggery-Pokery Sound (JPS) has unveiled version 2.0 of its Harmonic Synthesizer for Reason. This soft synth is inspired by the RMI Harmonic Synthesizer, which is recognised for two things: being the world’s first digital synthesizer as well as supplying bass parts on Jean-Michel Jarre’s Oxygéne.
The updated JPS Harmonic Synthesizer adds to its predecessor’s polyphony and note-off triggering with these new features: two additional LFOs, a revamped display setup and new Acidman FX Array reverb parameters.
Here are the details:
Two LFOs
The JPS Harmonic Synthesizer 2 comes with two new LFOs, for a total of three.
LFO 2 uses the Tremulant Shape of the synth’s second oscillator and comes with its own rate control. It can be sent to CV outputs or a maximum of three pre-defined internal targets.
LFO 3 features a rate control, mono/poly voice mode and Tremulant shape. When it’s engaged, this LFO can override two entities: the standard LFO 1 rate and the Filter Tremulant’s fixed sine waveform.
Three new display modes
Version 2 of the synth has three new displays to choose from: Circle, Square and Triangle.
Selecting the Circle option brings you into the Standard Harmonic Synthesizer view mode. This display encourages easier comparison and editing by placing two Digital Harmonic Generators (DHG) side by side, while the main Harmonic Synth controls sit below the two DHGs.
Choosing the Square option, on the other hand, pulls up an extended control panel. As its name suggests, this display provides you with controls previously found on the synth’s back panel. You can now adjust pitch bend ranges and access additional LFOs from the main control display.
Lastly, the Triangle option brings up the Acidman FX control panel. This mode allows you to edit one DHG at a time, and lets you view the Acidman’s effects lined up in a stompbox-like fashion.
Acidman FX additions
The Acidman FX’s reverb library has been bolstered with two parameters: Pre-Delay and Plate Size. In addition to these, the reverb mod control has also been modified so that you now get a wider range of adjustment.
Performance enhancements
In view of its extended capabilities, version two comes with an enhanced DSP engine that’s touted to improve performance by 25 per cent. This engine is complemented by a ‘super-sized’ 16x oversampling option, which caters for “high-quality, aliasing-free track bounces and song renders even at 44.1kHz system rates”, according to JPS.
Compatible with Propellerhead’s Reason 10 and above. Retails at $99. Existing owners are granted a free upgrade. More info at jiggery-pokery.com.
