Spectrasonics Ominisphere 3.0 Is Out

Spectrasonics have a small range of products, but they are somewhat evergreen and Omnisphere in particular continues to hold top spot for a number of people as it has such a massive synth engine and preset library.  Just announced is  Omnisphere 3, a significant update which introduces a broad range of enhancements across sound design, synthesis, effects processing and hardware controller support. It also has native Apple Silicon support, as do all their instruments. Its been a while since we've had a big upgrade  - 2.5 was released in 2018.

Note: Nick will be talking to Eric Persing in an upcoming interview - stay tuned!

The factory sound library now features 18 curated libraries, including newly sampled sources such as Blown Ostrich Egg, Tonal Sand, Celestaphone, and Piano Harmonics. Despite the large expansion, file size remains unchanged due to a new lossless optimisation method. The browser and patch management system has also been overhauled for more efficient navigation.

The new Adaptive Global Controls interface, allows real-time patch modification with parameters like Tone, Ambience and Filter adjusting automatically to fit the selected sound. This is supported by the new Patch Mutation feature, which generates alternative versions of any patch and stores them for recall.

Omnisphere 3 has updated synthesis tools, including:

• Quadzone modulation

• 36 new filter types with modelled saturation

• Dual Frequency Shifter

• 600+ morphing wavetables

• Enhanced oscillator drift and glide curves

• Simultaneous blending of Granular, Unison and Harmonia modes

MIDI integration has also been extended. Hardware profiles have grown from 65 to over 300, now accommodating a wide variety of MIDI controllers and specific synths such as the Moog One, ASM Hydrasynth, Roland Jupiter X, and Oberheim OB-X8. Support now spans manufacturers including Roland, Korg, Yamaha, Arturia, Behringer, and Nord, among others.

MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) is now fully supported, with intelligent modulation routing, adaptive scaling for live performance, and improved smoothing for expressive control.

In terms of effects, 35 new FX units have been introduced across reverb, delay, distortion, EQ, dynamics and modulation categories. Highlights include:

• Super Verb and Velvet Verb

• Magnetic Echo and Swiss Army Delay

• Optical Leveling Amp

• Vintage British EQs and console emulations

• Multiband Distortion and Tube Overdrive

• Chameleon Chorus and Barberpole Phaser

All effects are now accessible via the included Omnisphere FX plugin, allowing use within your DAW independently of the synth.

Other improvements include:

• Fully redesigned browser and tagging system

• Patch hiding and keyword search options

• New UI elements such as library images and subcategory filters

• Full backward compatibility with all earlier Omnisphere versions

This is the first paid upgrade Spectrasonics have introduced in a while - details below:

Pricing and availability:

• Omnisphere 3 will be available October 21, 2025

• New purchase: $499 / €399

• Upgrade for existing users: $199

More info: https://www.spectrasonics.net/products/omnisphere/

Spectrasonics Social

• A Look At Omnisphere 3 With Eric Persing 17-Oct-25
• Omnisphere Synth Giveaway 29-Apr-24
• Keyscape Gets Double Felt Grand As Free Update 29-Mar-23
• Spectrasonics Twisted Trees Library from Maestro Diego Stocco 08-Mar-23
• Spectrasonics Launch Sonic Extensions 20-Oct-21