In each case, they present at least the most important parameters you'd expect, although the amount of control available doesn't really compare with a more free-form synth. These Elements can either be one of four varieties of synth (a sample-playback synth, an analogue-style synth, an FM synth or a wavetable reader), or an FX unit. As before, each patch is presented as a series of vertical blocks containing Elements, and clicking on a block brings up that Element for editing. The six Hyperknobs are still pre-assigned to the most important parameters or groups of parameters in a patch, but detailed editing is done by clicking the Edit button at the right. Steinberg say that you can now edit every parameter in a Hypersonic patch, and it's certainly much more malleable than version 1 was. Elsewhere, there are lots of new string ensemble patches, but as with all such things, I personally can't see the point - I'd trade the lot for a single decent solo violin. There are plenty of decent new synth sounds, more excellent Hammond patches, a very fat and funky Clavinet, very passable pianos, and the pitched percussion instruments such as vibes and glockenspiels are worthy of mention. These were impressive in version 1, but new patches like Electroquirker and Fat Snap Kit really leap out of the speakers at you. Out of more than 1800 factory patches, everyone will have their own highlights, but mine are the Contemporary drum kits. Others are wholly new, and in both cases the improved quality is readily apparent. Quite a number of them are actually 'extra large' versions of Hypersonic 1 patches - the same instruments sampled with more velocity layers and less obvious looping. This must be partly down to the decision to abandon lossless compression, but also reflects the fact that the new sounds prioritise quality over quantity. Despite the sixfold increase in the size of its library, there are only about 50 percent more sounds in Hypersonic 2 than there were in version 1.

Hypersonic 2 ushfree