How many people here actually like or use Xpand!2?

[mesaone]

Originally Posted by kw88keys

I routinely use it but REALLY wish it had a keyboard on screen for auditioning sounds. My set up does not allow a midi keyboard close to the computer. The sounds are extensive and very usable.

Open the MIDI editor and click the keys with your mouse.

[chrisdee]

There are some good sounds in Xpand2! but my goto VI's are Nexus2 and Sylenth1. EDM drums are really lacking in Xpand2.

I'm also currently checking out the beta for U-He Hive. Sounds pretty good.
It's not low on CPU as they say it is but it's still in beta so I guess that has to be taken into account.

I do think Xpand2 is ready for a update/makeover. It's beginning to get a bit old and the content outdated.

[rennyz27]

I don't use Xpand 2 as much as I should. It has some really great sounds and a very simple GUI that feels really comfortable.

[confusedhelp]

Originally Posted by rennyz27

I don't use Xpand 2 as much as I should. It has some really great sounds and a very simple GUI that feels really comfortable.

What's your go-to rompler or VI over Xpand2?

[confusedhelp]

Originally Posted by Kinh

Thats the secret to getting the most out of any synth. You bring life into them after. Mastering software does wonders.

Only when I want depth or grit in the bass do I look in the Aeon, Massive, Razor direction.

Take a listen to this track I did. The main mid freq tracks where mostly Xpand and Nexus. Sounded completely different before I mastered.
https://soundcloud.com/matthewcrowe/illusion

Nice track! Were those sounds of Xpand2 manipulated with tons of FX's on them or straight alone within the synth itself?

[confusedhelp]

Originally Posted by chrisdee

There are some good sounds in Xpand2! but my goto VI's are Nexus2 and Sylenth1. EDM drums are really lacking in Xpand2.

I'm also currently checking out the beta for U-He Hive. Sounds pretty good.
It's not low on CPU as they say it is but it's still in beta so I guess that has to be taken into account.

I do think Xpand2 is ready for a update/makeover. It's beginning to get a bit old and the content outdated.

Are Nexus2 and Sylenth1 considered romplers? I was always given the impression that a rompler is like a sampler, but just not able to sample or import samples into it.

[rennyz27]

Originally Posted by confusedhelp

What's your go-to rompler or VI over Xpand2?

u-He's Zebra, Kontakt 5 and Sampletank 3.

[rennyz27]

Originally Posted by Wall2Wall

Wish I could use it in Logic.

You can! I use it in Logic 10.1! There is an Audio Unit version of it out now.

[rennyz27]

Originally Posted by kw88keys

I routinely use it but REALLY wish it had a keyboard on screen for auditioning sounds. My set up does not allow a midi keyboard close to the computer. The sounds are extensive and very usable.

Draw in some notes in the Piano Roll, cycle those bars and press play. Done.

[kw88keys]

Originally Posted by mesaone

Open the MIDI editor and click the keys with your mouse.

Duh...of course! thanks much!