7

22
223
22 ES2
The virtual-analog ES2 synthesizer offers an exciting and
extensive array of features and functions.
This chapter covers all details of the ES2’s powerful tone generation system. A brief
summary is followed by an in-depth description of its parameters. At the chapter’s end
you will find tutorials, where well-known sound designers explain how to program ES2
sounds.
Concept and Function
The ES2 is one of the most versatile virtual-analog synthesizers ever designed. The
features and sonic potential of many well-respected, rare, and vintage analog
synthesizers pale in comparison to the power offered by the ES2.
Don’t be fooled by the compact and easy-to-understand user interface of the ES2. Its
lack of additional menu items, windows, and lengthy parameter lists may give you the
impression that its sonic power might not be that immense. Belying this simple
appearance, the ES2 offers facilities that exceed those found in most of the legends of
analog synthesizer history.
So, for the synthesizer connoisseur, here’s the “brief” list of key features to whet your
appetite:
The ES2 features an advanced modulation matrix (known as the Router) in addition to a
number of “hard-wired” modulation routings. Basically, the concept of combining any
modulation source with any modulation target, is almost as old as the synthesizer itself.
Most important to the concept is a huge set of modulation targets, sources, a sufficient
number of modulation channels and modulation processes which can be inserted into
modulation channels. The ES2—featuring 10 modulation channels—represents the new
standard when it comes to matrix modulation. You can modulate parameters such as
filter resonance or the intensity of cutoff frequency modulation by Oscillator 1.