Abyss II
by Dawesome · Synth · Perception-based synth
Not rated yet
Abyss II is a Dawesome synth that replaces technical parameters with color and texture controls, built around how people perceive sound.
It adds a modular effects engine, a poly-rhythmic sequencer, full MPE and 400+ presets; $149, or $75 to upgrade from version 1.
Best for: Keys & Synths, Sound Design. Genres: Ambient & Cinematic, Electronic & EDM, Pop.
Keywords: sequencer, modular, MPE support, preset-driven, undo/redo, cinematic, CPU-light, evolving, metering, monophonic, pads, randomize, sound design, textures, warm.
What it does
Abyss II is a Dawesome synth, sold by Tracktion, that is designed for musicians rather than engineers. Instead of oscillator and filter settings, you shape sound with colour palettes, an engine the developer bases on "how we actually experience sound."
- Palettes: gradient-based tone-colour palettes define the sound. You can extract palettes from an audio file, or generate custom ones from a file or a whole folder of samples.
- Tone controls: BRUTE, VELVET and SYNTIFY set the shape, warmth and aggression of the sound.
- Effects: a modular section with four slots and 20 custom-designed effect modules.
- Sequencer: a poly-rhythmic sequencer whose lanes can have independent step counts, for patterns that shift against each other.
- Wave drag-out: rendered audio can be dragged into the DAW or back into Abyss II as new source material.
- Expression and CPU: full MPE support, with low CPU use as a stated goal.
New in version II:
- Workflow: undo/redo, a mono-synth mode, a preset browser with tags and favourites, a randomizer and support for expansion packs.
- Modulation and access: larger LFO and ADSR editing areas, modulatable ADSRs with a slow mode, a high-contrast mode, and import of version 1 presets.
It ships with over 400 presets: 200 new patches and 200 upgraded ones from version 1. An upgrade from Abyss 1 and a 90-day unlimited trial are available.
When to use it
Abyss II is the better pick for players who want to shape sounds by ear without learning synthesis terms. Compared with Pigments 7 or Phase Plant, it gives far fewer technical controls and more intuitive, broad-stroke shaping through palettes and three tone controls. Unlike Serum 2 or Vital, it doesn't ask you to draw or pick wavetables, but it also can't be programmed as precisely for a specific bass or lead. Its sample-to-palette extraction is closer in spirit to Dawesome's own NOVUM, though Abyss II is cheaper and aimed at quick, playable results rather than deep sample editing.
- Best for: pads, keys, evolving soundscapes and rhythmic poly-meter sequences.
- Genres: ambient, cinematic, electronic and pop.
- Look elsewhere if: you like precise, technical control over every stage; Phase Plant or Serum 2 give it.
Where to buy
- Tracktion: $149
Tutorials and reviews
- Abyss 2 by Dawesome
- ABYSS II from Dawesome. The fun returns to synthesis.
- Abyss 2 - Dive in!
- Abyss 2 Synthesizer by Dawesome (No Talking)
- Livestream: Dawesome Abyss II -- Malt Euch Eure Sounds
Similar plugins
- Theia by Tracktion · Simplified player for Hyperion sounds · $65
- SkyDust 3D by Sound Particles · Spatial polyphonic synth · $299
- Parallels by Softube · Dual-layer wavetable synth · $93.13
- TUNDRA by SoundGhost · Ambient sample instrument · $51.66