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Description

Dive into the world of digital sound creation with the Apple Logic ES2 Software Synthesizer. This powerful three-oscillator subtractive synthesizer is a staple for any musician looking to expand their sonic palette with precision and versatility. Designed as part of Apple's renowned Logic Pro suite, the ES2 offers a seamless integration with your digital audio workspace, ensuring an intuitive user experience.

The ES2 Synthesizer is equipped with a comprehensive modulation matrix, allowing for complex routing and modulation capabilities. Its distinctive vector envelope gives you the ability to create evolving textures and dynamic soundscapes effortlessly. Whether you're crafting deep bass lines, shimmering leads, or atmospheric pads, the ES2 provides a rich set of tools to bring your musical ideas to life.

With a wide range of waveforms, filters, and effects, this software synthesizer caters to both beginners and seasoned producers who crave depth and flexibility in their sound design. The user-friendly interface allows for quick adjustments, while the advanced features provide room to experiment and innovate.

Key Features:

  • Three-oscillator subtractive synthesis
  • Comprehensive modulation matrix for complex sound design
  • Distinctive vector envelope for dynamic sound sculpting
  • Seamless integration with Logic Pro
  • Wide range of waveforms and filters
  • User-friendly interface with advanced features for in-depth exploration
  • Perfect for crafting bass lines, leads, and pads
MusicTechHelpGuy

MusicTechHelpGuy

Logic Pro X - Video Tutorial 48 - ES2 Synthesizer (PART 1)

Video thumbnail for Logic Pro X - Video Tutorial 48 - ES2 Synthesizer (PART 1) by MusicTechHelpGuy

Logic Pro X - Video Tutorial 48 - ES2 Synthesizer (PART 1)

MusicTechHelpGuy

MusicTechHelpGuy

Video thumbnail for Logic Pro 9 - ES2 Synthesizer Tutorial Part 1 - Oscillators, Global Settings by MusicTechHelpGuy

Logic Pro 9 - ES2 Synthesizer Tutorial Part 1 - Oscillators, Global Settings

MusicTechHelpGuy

MusicTechHelpGuy

Video thumbnail for Adding the ES2 in Apple Logic 7 by MusicProGuides

Adding the ES2 in Apple Logic 7

MusicProGuides

MusicProGuides

Video thumbnail for How to Make Your Own 808 in One Minute in Logic's ES2 Synth - Logic Pro X Tutorial by Tuts And Beats

How to Make Your Own 808 in One Minute in Logic's ES2 Synth - Logic Pro X Tutorial

Tuts And Beats

Tuts And Beats

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Apple Logic ES2 Software Synthesizer.

Features and functionality

  • Retro Synth's "analog" tab is noted for limited waveform options and a clicking issue with its LFO, impacting modulation capabilities.

    Source
  • Users can record the actual audio output of the ES2 by routing the synth channel to an audio track, ensuring all improvisations are captured.

    Source
  • The ES2 is recognized for its dry presets, which can sound bland alone but improve significantly with an added effects chain.

    Source
  • ES2 lacks built-in effects like reverb and phaser, but excels in basic sounds with dynamic modulation using square and triangle waves.

    Source
  • ES2 is praised for its unique "rubbery" sound, which stands out in bass and pad patches, though lead sounds may not be as appealing.

    Source
  • Retro Synth allows the import of plain audio files as wavetables, a feature that some standalone wavetable synths lack.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Dynamic rhythmic oscillations with warm bass tones and varying pitch can be achieved with ES2, but capturing the exact sound requires meticulous setup.

    Source
  • Retro Synth excels at creating vintage bass sounds and analog radio-like effects, appealing to those seeking a retro aesthetic.

    Source
  • Retro Synth has been effectively used to recreate original synth sounds for musical productions like "Mamma Mia", offering quality beyond sample reliance.

    Source
  • ES2 is often used for bass sounds, while Retro Synth is preferred for quick bread-and-butter sounds like pads, plucks, and leads.

    Source
  • ES2 is favored for its ability to recreate classic sounds from the mid-2000s, appealing to those aiming for a nostalgic aesthetic.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Some users suspect potential issues with Logic version 10.7.8, hinting at possible software-specific problems affecting sound capture.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's advised to ensure the automation is set to latch before starting to capture crucial sound changes accurately during recording sessions.

    Source

User experience

  • ES2 is recognized for its straightforward subtractive synthesis, providing a quick and reliable option for users not focused on complex sound design.

    Source
  • Users note that the ES2's diagonal labels and outdated UI design make it challenging to use compared to modern synths.

    Source

Comparisons

  • ES2 is favored for its CPU efficiency compared to Alchemy, making it a practical choice for users with limited processing power.

    Source
  • Retro Synth is appreciated for its smooth, clean sound with less graininess compared to the ES2, despite its more limited architecture.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 33 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
caedonhawk

Analog/Digital

Yet again, Logic blesses me with incredible stock synths... this digital toy is an excellent synth that feels like a mesh of analog and digital. It doesn't have as big a place in my works as Alchemy, however it is a definite second.

odysseyeurobeat

Exploring stellar built-in synths for early synth-brass sounds

Logic has some stellar built-in synths, and ES2 is no exception! This gave me my earliest synth-brass sounds.

sakurauchi

Trance Up !!

ES2 is BULID-IN LPX Synth !! i use for my uplifting bass.

sashsid

ES2 by Default

all 90 % of sound made by es2 - cleary, fatness, clickable attack, warm analog output, amazing filters with huge resonance

(C) Benno de ...

T

Its in Logic :D

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Armin Van Buuren uses Apple Logic ES2 Software Synthesizer

Armin Van Buuren

Music Producer

Major League

...
Verified via Soundonsound

He says "it's all about ES1, ES2 and EXS24, and that's it! It's so amazing what you can do with stuff like that."

See how Alesso uses Apple Logic ES2 Software Synthesizer

Alesso

Music Producer

...
Verified via reddit

During an ask me anything questionnaire on reddit Alesso said he uses logic pros Es2 synthesiser.

See how Paul van Dyk uses Apple Logic ES2 Software Synthesizer

Paul van Dyk

Music Producer, DJ

BT & Paul van Dyk

...
Verified via Archive

“In Logic I use the ES1, ES2, EVP88 and the like.”

See how MAKJ uses Apple Logic ES2 Software Synthesizer

MAKJ

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Twitter

"Thank you ES2 for being the best synth ever. 99% of my leads on my tracks come from that."

See how Underworld uses Apple Logic ES2 Software Synthesizer

Underworld

Music Producer

Freur

...
Verified via MusicRadar

This article on the recording of the "Barking" album describes the band's then-current studio setup. It states, "Underworld relied on both software and hardware synthesizers. Soft-horses included Logic ES2; GForce ImpOSCar, ImpOSCar2, String Machine, and Oddity; Sonic Charge’s Synplant; Synthogy Ivory (piano); Rob Papen BLUE; and Native Instruments’ Battery 3, FM8, Reaktor 5, and Massive."

See how Albin Myers uses Apple Logic ES2 Software Synthesizer

Albin Myers

Music Producer

Myback

...
Verified via YouTube

Albin Myers use this Synthesizer at 1:40 in his studio.

See how Fehrplay uses Apple Logic ES2 Software Synthesizer

Fehrplay

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via MusicRadar

I use a lot of the Logic synths like ES2, ES M and ES P quite a lot, and they don’t use a lot of CPU.

See how Steve Porcaro uses Apple Logic ES2 Software Synthesizer

Steve Porcaro

Keyboardist

Toto

...
Verified via Keyboardmag

He says that he uses Logic ES2 as his main sound source

See how David Paich uses Apple Logic ES2 Software Synthesizer

David Paich

Singer, Keyboardist

Toto

...
Verified via Keyboardmag

David Paich mentioned using the Apple Logic ES2 Software Synthesizer to layer with the CS80 sound, as featured in KeyboardMag’s article "TOTO: The Synth Statesmen of Progressive Pop Return."

See how Charlie Clouser uses Apple Logic ES2 Software Synthesizer

Charlie Clouser

Keyboardist, Composer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via VI-CONTROL

In the VI-CONTROL discussion titled "Secrets of the Score - Charlie Clouser and Jigsaw," Charlie Clouser explains his use of the Apple Logic ES2 Software Synthesizer as the main component in a layered sound, contrasting it with the more textured background provided by ZebraHZ.

See how Benno de Goeij uses Apple Logic ES2 Software Synthesizer

Benno de Goeij

Music Producer

Control Freaks

...
Verified via Askaudiomag

"As for synths, Sylenth 1, ES2 and NI Massive are used in almost every track."

See how OVERWERK uses Apple Logic ES2 Software Synthesizer

OVERWERK

Music Producer

...
Verified via MusicRadar

The software tools within Logic X that I most often use include: NI Komplete (the whole suite and samplers), NI Massive, VPS Metrum (To make kicks), Logic’s ES2, EXS24, Xfer plugins (like LFO Tool), Sylenth1, FabFilter Pro Suite, EW/QL Symphonic Samples, Voxengo SPAN, iZotope Ozone (Just for analysis, not for actual processing).

Album Usage

The Apple Logic ES2 Software Synthesizer has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Apple Logic ES2 Software Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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