Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $119

Standard/Professional

$79

$200+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Propellerhead Parsec Spectral Synthesizer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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

Is the Propellerhead Parsec Spectral Synthesizer compatible with all DAWs?

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.

What are the standout features of the Parsec Spectral Synthesizer's sound engine?

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.

What are the system requirements for running the Parsec Spectral Synthesizer on a Mac?

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.

Can the Parsec Spectral Synthesizer be used for live performances?

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.

Is the Parsec Spectral Synthesizer suitable for beginners in sound design?

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.

Reason Studios

Reason Studios

Additive sound design with Parsec - Reason Tips

Video thumbnail for Additive sound design with Parsec - Reason Tips by Reason Studios

Additive sound design with Parsec - Reason Tips

Reason Studios

Reason Studios

Video thumbnail for Creating a rich pad sound with Parsec - Reason Tips by Reason Studios

Creating a rich pad sound with Parsec - Reason Tips

Reason Studios

Reason Studios

Video thumbnail for Mini Review of Propellerhead Parsec Synth for Reason - Excerpt from Ep 1 of In The Loop by Producertech

Mini Review of Propellerhead Parsec Synth for Reason - Excerpt from Ep 1 of In The Loop

Producertech

Producertech

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

  • 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.

    Source

User experience

  • 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.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • There is frequent mention of the high price point, with some users comparing it unfavorably to sales prices of other synths like Reaktor.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The synthesizer's interface is praised for its aesthetics, potentially enhancing the creative process despite the learning curve.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users appreciate the 30-day free trial for all rack extensions, allowing thorough evaluation before purchase.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Genre Usage

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

More Synth Plugins

u-he Repro

$49.00 - $149.00

# 4

Rank

Madeon Disclosure The Midnight
11 artists using
u-he Zebra2

$49.00 - $199.00

# 10

Rank

Oneohtrix Point Never Hans Zimmer Armin Van Buuren
43 artists using
u-he Bazille

$108.50 - $129.00

# 14

Rank

Christopher Franke TehCarterPSpartan NxxxxxS
6 artists using
u-he Hive 2

$125.00 - $149.00

# 22

Rank

TehCarterPSpartan
1 artist using
FabFilter Twin 2

$139.00 - $154.00

# 24

Rank

FINNEAS Deadmau5 Patrick Stump
19 artists using
Roland Zenology

$229.00 - $247.00

# 35

Rank

Nick Mira emma essex Slushii
5 artists using
Arturia ARP2600 V

$119.00 - $149.00

# 38

Rank

Christopher Franke Hard Rock Sofa MOLECULE
6 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    J
    jaro

    Gear IQ 43