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    [0] => <p>The <a href="https://www.fabfilter.com/products/twin-2-powerful-synthesizer-plug-in" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FabFilter Twin 2</a> subtractive synth may be the most underrated of all the plugins in the FabFilter collection. Admittedly, I’m a big fan of the FabFilter plugs in general and find their sound to be top-notch and their GUIs elegant. If you haven’t tried them, I suggest also looking at the Pro-C, Pro-Q 2, Pro-R, and Saturn (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe1lxu8fHox8i2J71N9lIpKXDfXT3KynE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FabFilter tutorial playlist here</a>).
    [1] => 
<p>Since I’ve been <a href="https://theproaudiofiles.com/music-production/synthesis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">writing a lot about synthesis lately</a> and just released my <a href="https://theproaudiofiles.com/synthesis-101/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Synthesis 101 course</a>, I thought I’d take a deeper look at the FabFilter Twin 2.
    [2] => 
<p>It did not disappoint &#8230;
    [3] => 
<p><img decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-34374 size-full" src="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.09.12-PM-e1501682220836.png" alt="An Overview of the FabFilter Twin 2 Subtractive Synth" width="1070" height="553" srcset="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.09.12-PM-e1501682220836.png 1070w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.09.12-PM-e1501682220836-200x103.png 200w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.09.12-PM-e1501682220836-300x155.png 300w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.09.12-PM-e1501682220836-1024x529.png 1024w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.09.12-PM-e1501682220836-400x207.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1070px) 100vw, 1070px" />
    [4] => 
<h2>Sound Generation</h2>
<p>The sound generation section includes three oscillators with all the basic wave shapes plus white and pink noise generators. You have easy access to tuning and wave shapes by clicking on the waveform icon itself and dragging either vertically or horizontally. Using key modifiers like the command or shift keys will change functionality and everything is described explicitly with well-conceived mouse-over pop-up hint windows (which can be toggled off as well).
    [5] => 
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-34375 size-full" src="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.10.00-PM.png" alt="An Overview of the FabFilter Twin 2 Subtractive Synth" width="276" height="254" srcset="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.10.00-PM.png 276w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.10.00-PM-200x184.png 200w" sizes="(max-width: 276px) 100vw, 276px" />
    [6] => 
<h2>Filter Section</h2>
<p>The Filter Section provides two multi-mode filters (LP, HP, BP) with adjustable slopes (12, 24, 48) and adjustable routing (serial, parallel, per osc). There is a “Filter Characteristic” menu that seems to add various flavors of distortion. You can adjust the cutoffs independently or move them together by dragging the link icon in the interface.
    [7] => 
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-34376 size-full" src="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.11.30-PM.png" alt="An Overview of the FabFilter Twin 2 Subtractive Synth" width="449" height="253" srcset="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.11.30-PM.png 449w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.11.30-PM-200x113.png 200w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.11.30-PM-300x169.png 300w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.11.30-PM-400x225.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 449px) 100vw, 449px" />
    [8] => 
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-34377 size-full" src="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.12.49-PM.png" alt="An Overview of the FabFilter Twin 2 Subtractive Synth" width="287" height="394" srcset="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.12.49-PM.png 287w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.12.49-PM-146x200.png 146w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.12.49-PM-219x300.png 219w" sizes="(max-width: 287px) 100vw, 287px" />
    [9] => 
<h2>Amplitude Envelope</h2>
<p>The Main Amplitude Envelope is displayed and adjustable in the top signal path window, as well as in the Modulation section, which makes sense. As with most synths, one of the <a href="https://theproaudiofiles.com/synthesis-101-envelope-parameters-uses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">envelopes</a> is hardwired to amplitude, but can also be used to modulate other parameters simultaneously. This is not always obvious to the first-time user, but it’s quite clear in the Twin 2.
    [10] => 
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-34378 size-full" src="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.13.47-PM.png" alt="An Overview of the FabFilter Twin 2 Subtractive Synth" width="201" height="489" srcset="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.13.47-PM.png 201w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.13.47-PM-82x200.png 82w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.13.47-PM-123x300.png 123w" sizes="(max-width: 201px) 100vw, 201px" />
    [11] => 
<h2>Delay Effects and Output</h2>
<p>The Delay FX Section is powerful enough to be its own plugin.
    [12] => <div class="ad content-ad"><span>ADVERTISEMENT</span><div id="div-gpt-ad-1516673860578-0" style="width:300px; height:250px;"></div><script>googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1516673860578-0'); });</script></div>
<p>The benefit of having effects in the instrument itself as opposed to external plugins, is that the effects stay with the preset. So you don’t have to duplicate effects chains in other sessions to get the same the sound. The Delay section in the Twin 2 allows for stereo delay, cross feedback, sync or free settings, two delay filters (identical to those in the dedicated Filter Section mentioned above) and variable routing between delays and filters (serial, parallel, per delay). Again there are plenty of click and drag key options that enable fast and intuitive control.
    [13] => 
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-34379 size-full" src="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.14.20-PM.png" alt="An Overview of the FabFilter Twin 2 Subtractive Synth" width="456" height="261" srcset="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.14.20-PM.png 456w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.14.20-PM-200x114.png 200w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.14.20-PM-300x172.png 300w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.14.20-PM-400x229.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 456px) 100vw, 456px" />
    [14] => 
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-34380 size-full" src="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.14.56-PM.png" alt="An Overview of the FabFilter Twin 2 Subtractive Synth" width="531" height="258" srcset="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.14.56-PM.png 531w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.14.56-PM-200x97.png 200w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.14.56-PM-300x146.png 300w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.14.56-PM-400x194.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 531px) 100vw, 531px" />
    [15] => 
<p>The Output sections give controls for Dry and Wet level and panning.
    [16] => 
<h2>Modulation</h2>
<p>The Modulation Section is extensive and the user can add modulators as needed including:
    [17] => 
<p>4 &#8211; XY Pads<br />
6 &#8211; XLFOs<br />
6 &#8211; Envelope Generators<br />
4 &#8211; Envelope Followers<br />
10 &#8211; MIDI Sources
    [18] => 
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-34381 size-full" src="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.16.11-PM.png" alt="An Overview of the FabFilter Twin 2 Subtractive Synth" width="1064" height="238" srcset="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.16.11-PM.png 1064w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.16.11-PM-200x45.png 200w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.16.11-PM-300x67.png 300w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.16.11-PM-1024x229.png 1024w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.16.11-PM-400x89.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1064px) 100vw, 1064px" />
    [19] => 
<p>The XLFOs are particularly attractive. They offer some unique possibilities in terms of <a href="https://theproaudiofiles.com/essential-lfo-parameters/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LFO</a> shapes, including up to 16 step sequence points, predefined rhythmic beats, and a heartbeat among others. Each point in the LFO is movable and you can add new points after a shape is created making this an extremely versatile modulator.
    [20] => 
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-34382 size-full" src="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.16.57-PM.png" alt="An Overview of the FabFilter Twin 2 Subtractive Synth" width="496" height="110" srcset="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.16.57-PM.png 496w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.16.57-PM-200x44.png 200w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.16.57-PM-300x67.png 300w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.16.57-PM-400x89.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 496px) 100vw, 496px" />
    [21] => 
<p>Connecting a source modulator to a target control is a simple matter of clicking and dragging from the icon in the upper left of the modulator to the parameter you want to modulate. This creates an instant routing connection and an appropriately labeled intensity control, directly above the modulator.
    [22] => 
<p>The Modulation Display section can be replaced with a Keyboard Display with Bend and Mod Wheels for experimentation and auditioning purposes, if you don’t have a controller accessible.
    [23] => 
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<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-34383 size-full" src="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.17.35-PM.png" alt="An Overview of the FabFilter Twin 2 Subtractive Synth" width="1065" height="133" srcset="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.17.35-PM.png 1065w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.17.35-PM-200x25.png 200w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.17.35-PM-300x37.png 300w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.17.35-PM-1024x128.png 1024w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.17.35-PM-400x50.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1065px) 100vw, 1065px" />
    [24] => 
<h2>Presets and Global Controls</h2>
<p>There is a nice catalog of Preset sounds intelligently organized, as well as a menu for Delay presets.
    [25] => 
<p>In most cases, clicking and dragging on a waveform or envelope will directly affect it, and double-clicking on it will expose additional controls for tweaking.
    [26] => 
<p>Global controls include polyphony and voice settings (1 &#8211; 32 voices). You can also choose the number of Unison Voices independently, and using the Unison Spread Parameter, they can be detuned relative to each other. Last are stereo spread control, master output and panning controls.
    [27] => 
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-34384 size-full" src="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.18.22-PM.png" alt="An Overview of the FabFilter Twin 2 Subtractive Synth" width="1034" height="27" srcset="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.18.22-PM.png 1034w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.18.22-PM-200x5.png 200w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.18.22-PM-300x8.png 300w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.18.22-PM-1024x27.png 1024w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.18.22-PM-400x10.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1034px) 100vw, 1034px" />
    [28] => 
<p>Lastly and most importantly, this thing sounds great!
    [29] => 
<p>I encourage you to c<a href="https://www.fabfilter.com/products/twin-2-powerful-synthesizer-plug-in" target="_blank" rel="noopener">heck out the 30-day trial</a> and give it a spin. I’m throughly impressed with this deceivingly simple subtractive synth. Currently priced at around $150, I think it’s a must-have for any synth arsenal.
    [30] => 
<h2>Learn How to Get Great Sounding Synths</h2>
<p>If you’re new to synthesis or just want to deepen your knowledge and fill in some gaps, check out my new course called <strong><a href="https://theproaudiofiles.com/synthesis-101" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Synthesis 101</a></strong>, available exclusively on The Pro Audio Files.
    [31] => 
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Chosen Position: 16

<h2>Modulation</h2>
<p>The Modulation Section is extensive and the user can add modulators as needed including:</p>

Chosen Position: 24

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<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-34383 size-full" src="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.17.35-PM.png" alt="An Overview of the FabFilter Twin 2 Subtractive Synth" width="1065" height="133" srcset="https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.17.35-PM.png 1065w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.17.35-PM-200x25.png 200w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.17.35-PM-300x37.png 300w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.17.35-PM-1024x128.png 1024w, https://theproaudiofiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Screen-Shot-2017-07-20-at-9.17.35-PM-400x50.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1065px) 100vw, 1065px" /></p>

The FabFilter Twin 2 subtractive synth may be the most underrated of all the plugins in the FabFilter collection. Admittedly, I’m a big fan of the FabFilter plugs in general and find their sound to be top-notch and their GUIs elegant. If you haven’t tried them, I suggest also looking at the Pro-C, Pro-Q 2, Pro-R, and Saturn (FabFilter tutorial playlist here).

Since I’ve been writing a lot about synthesis lately and just released my Synthesis 101 course, I thought I’d take a deeper look at the FabFilter Twin 2.

It did not disappoint …

Sound Generation

The sound generation section includes three oscillators with all the basic wave shapes plus white and pink noise generators. You have easy access to tuning and wave shapes by clicking on the waveform icon itself and dragging either vertically or horizontally. Using key modifiers like the command or shift keys will change functionality and everything is described explicitly with well-conceived mouse-over pop-up hint windows (which can be toggled off as well).

Filter Section

The Filter Section provides two multi-mode filters (LP, HP, BP) with adjustable slopes (12, 24, 48) and adjustable routing (serial, parallel, per osc). There is a “Filter Characteristic” menu that seems to add various flavors of distortion. You can adjust the cutoffs independently or move them together by dragging the link icon in the interface.

Amplitude Envelope

The Main Amplitude Envelope is displayed and adjustable in the top signal path window, as well as in the Modulation section, which makes sense. As with most synths, one of the envelopes is hardwired to amplitude, but can also be used to modulate other parameters simultaneously. This is not always obvious to the first-time user, but it’s quite clear in the Twin 2.

Delay Effects and Output

The Delay FX Section is powerful enough to be its own plugin.

The benefit of having effects in the instrument itself as opposed to external plugins, is that the effects stay with the preset. So you don’t have to duplicate effects chains in other sessions to get the same the sound. The Delay section in the Twin 2 allows for stereo delay, cross feedback, sync or free settings, two delay filters (identical to those in the dedicated Filter Section mentioned above) and variable routing between delays and filters (serial, parallel, per delay). Again there are plenty of click and drag key options that enable fast and intuitive control.

The Output sections give controls for Dry and Wet level and panning.

Modulation

The Modulation Section is extensive and the user can add modulators as needed including:

4 – XY Pads
6 – XLFOs
6 – Envelope Generators
4 – Envelope Followers
10 – MIDI Sources

The XLFOs are particularly attractive. They offer some unique possibilities in terms of LFO shapes, including up to 16 step sequence points, predefined rhythmic beats, and a heartbeat among others. Each point in the LFO is movable and you can add new points after a shape is created making this an extremely versatile modulator.

Connecting a source modulator to a target control is a simple matter of clicking and dragging from the icon in the upper left of the modulator to the parameter you want to modulate. This creates an instant routing connection and an appropriately labeled intensity control, directly above the modulator.

The Modulation Display section can be replaced with a Keyboard Display with Bend and Mod Wheels for experimentation and auditioning purposes, if you don’t have a controller accessible.

Presets and Global Controls

There is a nice catalog of Preset sounds intelligently organized, as well as a menu for Delay presets.

In most cases, clicking and dragging on a waveform or envelope will directly affect it, and double-clicking on it will expose additional controls for tweaking.

Global controls include polyphony and voice settings (1 – 32 voices). You can also choose the number of Unison Voices independently, and using the Unison Spread Parameter, they can be detuned relative to each other. Last are stereo spread control, master output and panning controls.

Lastly and most importantly, this thing sounds great!

I encourage you to check out the 30-day trial and give it a spin. I’m throughly impressed with this deceivingly simple subtractive synth. Currently priced at around $150, I think it’s a must-have for any synth arsenal.

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If you’re new to synthesis or just want to deepen your knowledge and fill in some gaps, check out my new course called Synthesis 101, available exclusively on The Pro Audio Files.

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Philip Mantione

Philip Mantione is a composer, synthesist, guitarist, educator and sound artist active in the LA experimental music scene. His music has been presented in festivals, museums and galleries worldwide. His current project is TriAngular Bent, an electroacoustic trio featuring Don Preston (founding member of Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention) and circuit bending virtuoso, Jeff Boynton. Details at philipmantione.com