Virtual instrument and plug-in developer Rob Papen Soundware is proud to announce availability of BLUE-II — an all-new reworking of its BLUE soft synth for Mac (OS X 10.6 or higher) and PC (Windows Vista, 7, and 8).
First released in 2005, the original version of BLUE has stood the test of time remaining a software synthesizer favorite. When it was first released it already reflected Rob Papen’s creative and musical approach towards developing virtual instruments that stand out from the standard soft synth offerings.
By first delivering FM and subtractive synthesis — subsequently adding Phase Distortion and waveshaping synthesis — into the creatively combustible musical mix, BLUE was an immediate success. Rob Papen called it ‘Crossfusion synthesis’ since it covered so much musical ground so effectively.
The newly introduced BLUE-II is bigger and better than its predecessor. BLUE-II offers even more sound dimensions and features to its extended name, starting with six oscillators beating powerfully at its musical heart. These can be connected in various ways, together with two analogue-style modeled stereo filters with no fewer than 27 different filter types, an astounding range of processing and modulation options, serious sequencer, and an amazing arpeggiator.
A new range of specially selected waveforms based on samples have been meticulously fashioned for creating new-fashioned and killer-sounding synth sounds to die for!
But BLUE-II is also easy to use, thanks to its user-friendly user interface with an innovative Easy Edit page for speedy sound changes, while the Bank Manager allows whistle-stop navigation through thousands of inspirational presets and artist sound banks covering a wide range of musical styles.
All told, BLUE-II represents an upgrade to ‘Crossfusion synthesis’. By bringing blue sky thinking to virtual instruments, Rob Papen has succeeded in creating an original and immensely inspirational soft synth fit to follow in its predecessor’s fanciful footsteps.
BLUE-II can be purchased as a boxed version from authorized Rob Papen Soundware dealers worldwide for €149.00 EUR (including VAT/tax)/$179.00 USD or can be purchased and downloaded directly from Rob Papen online.
Upgrades are also available as follows: BLUE owners can upgrade to BLUE-II for €44.00 EUR/$49.00 USD, while eXplorer II bundle owners can upgrade to the still-to-be-released eXplorer III — which will include BLUE-II and also the upcoming Punch-BD virtual instrument — for €44.00 EUR/$49.00 USD. (eXplorer II owners can also request a ‘temporary’ BLUE-II serial number if planning to upgrade to eXplorer III when released, while anyone who purchased eXplorer II in 2014 will qualify for a free Explorer III upgrade and can also request a ‘temporary’ BLUE-II serial number.)
