Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $119
Standard/Professional
$79
$200+
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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Propellerhead Parsec Spectral Synthesizer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step into the realm of limitless sound design with the Propellerhead Parsec Spectral Synthesizer. This innovative music software is not just another synth; it's a powerhouse of possibilities, designed to unleash your creativity and expand your sonic palette. Built as a rack extension for Reason, Parsec leverages an advanced additive synthesis engine, allowing you to craft everything from crystalline digital leads to lush pads and intricate textures.
At the core of Parsec lies its dual sound generators, each capable of producing up to 512 oscillators or partials per voice, creating a rich tapestry of harmonics and overtones. With 12 unique algorithms ranging from simple sawtooth waves to complex spectral models, you have the freedom to sculpt sound to your heart's content. Each sound engine is equipped with two modifiers, offering 22 different algorithms that include standard filters and exotic modulations like pulse width modulation and brick-wall band-pass filters.
Parsec's flexibility shines with its comprehensive modulation bus and three envelopes, including a looping option, giving you detailed control over your soundscapes. The rear panel's CV and Gate I/O allows seamless integration with other devices in the Reason rack, enhancing your creative workflow. Plus, an audio input transforms Parsec into a dynamic additive vocoder, further broadening your musical horizons.
Key Features:
- Advanced additive synthesis engine with up to 512 oscillators per voice
- Dual sound generators with 12 algorithms for diverse sound creation
- Two modifiers per sound engine, each with 22 algorithms
- Comprehensive modulation bus with three envelopes
- CV and Gate I/O for enhanced connectivity
- Audio input for use as an additive vocoder
Product specs
| Software Type | Synth |
| Platform | Mac, PC |
| Upgrade/Full | Expansion |
| Download/Boxed | Download |
| Format | Works within Reason |
| Hardware Requirements - Mac | Intel Core 2 Duo or higher, 4GB RAM minimum |
| Hardware Requirements - PC | Multi-core processor, 4GB RAM minimum |
| OS Requirements - Mac | OS X 10.7 or later |
| OS Requirements - PC | Windows 7 SP1 or later |
FAQs
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Is the Propellerhead Parsec Spectral Synthesizer compatible with all DAWs?
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The Propellerhead Parsec Spectral Synthesizer is a Rack Extension specifically designed for use within Reason. It is not a standalone plugin and requires Reason software to function.
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What are the standout features of the Parsec Spectral Synthesizer's sound engine?
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The Parsec Spectral Synthesizer features advanced additive synthesis capabilities, allowing users to create complex and evolving sounds. It offers spectral filtering and modulation options that enable rich sound design possibilities.
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What are the system requirements for running the Parsec Spectral Synthesizer on a Mac?
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To run the Parsec Spectral Synthesizer on a Mac, you need at least an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of RAM, and OS X 10.7 or later.
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Can the Parsec Spectral Synthesizer be used for live performances?
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Yes, the Parsec Spectral Synthesizer can be used in live performances when integrated within Reason, offering real-time control over its spectral synthesis features for dynamic sound manipulation.
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Is the Parsec Spectral Synthesizer suitable for beginners in sound design?
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While the Parsec Spectral Synthesizer offers advanced features, its intuitive interface within Reason makes it accessible for beginners interested in exploring additive synthesis and sound design.
Videos
Reason Studios
Additive sound design with Parsec - Reason Tips
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Propellerhead Parsec Spectral Synthesizer.
Features and functionality
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Users note the lack of individual tempo sync for LFOs, although LFO2 includes a global sync button, which is unusual for synths in this category.
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User experience
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Many users find Parsec highly engaging, spending hours crafting patches and exploring deep oscillator/filter combinations, which suggests a steep learning curve and in-depth functionality.
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Value and pricing
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There is frequent mention of the high price point, with some users comparing it unfavorably to sales prices of other synths like Reaktor.
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Use cases and applications
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The synthesizer's interface is praised for its aesthetics, potentially enhancing the creative process despite the learning curve.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.