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Back at Superbooth 2019, U-he announced HIVE 2, a major update for its well-known software Synthesizer plugin. Good news coming today from Berlin. HIVE 2 is available now. It features a new improved interface, a new Scope module, new modulators (function generators…) modulation matrix, 350+ new presets & more.

One of the highlights in v.2 is the new shape sequencer that makes super versatile modulations possible. In total, a clever and great further development of the HIVE Synthesizer. For $20 USD, it’s a no-brainer for all existing customers (purchase before January 20th, 2019).

Overview

Six months after adding wavetable support, we’ve completed the long-awaited overhaul of Hive’s user interface. While the basic layout remains the same, we managed to improve readability and contrast. Workflow has undergone significant improvement, including extended drag & drop support for modulation assignment, with on-target editing. An invaluable tool for sound designers, the new Scope module adds real-time visual feedback for the audio or up to 4 modulation sources, with freeze and zoom functions.

At the heart of the Hive 2.0 upgrade are the new modulators. A novel 8-segment Shape Sequencer adds 4 sources for evolving modulations, per-voice envelopes, rhythms, and gates. The basic shapes and levels, curvature and “ratchet” amounts can be individually edited. Surrounding the Shape Sequencer are two westcoast-style Function Generators which are triggered by the keyboard gate, Shape Sequencer, LFO or any other modulation source. Although they are basically AD-envelopes, the function generators can also be used as extra LFOs or lag generators. The new modulators perfectly complement the Hive’s existing envelopes, LFOs and sequencer – they were designed to match Hive’s core strength: Ease of use and fast workflow.

Updates to the Modulation Matrix include visual feedback on the recently introduced modifiers (e.g. Rectifier and Slew Limiter), chord- and scale-based quantization options and a new Sample & Hold. Building on these concepts, we added a global scale-based quantizer to Hive’s keyboard control which can also be used to modulate oscillator pitch in the musical scale of your choice – a simple way into the world of algorithmic composition, chiptune arpeggios and automated chord progression.

To illustrate the new options, we asked some of our favorite sound designers to create over 350 new presets, which include mesmerizing evolving pads, surprisingly complex rhythms, and even complete one-note demos. Those presets can easily be found by clicking on the special “saved search” in the preset browser.

U-he Hive 2.0 is available in VST/VST3/AU/AAX priced at 149€. The upgrade for HIVE 1.x owners is 20€. If you’ve purchased HIVE 1.x after January 20th, you can get the upgrade for FREE.

More information here: U-he

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