Synplant 2

Name: Synplant 2
Price: 149 USD
Author: Sonic Charge

by Sonic Charge · Synth · Genetic synth with audio-to-patch

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Synplant 2 is a synth built around growing and mutating patches rather than turning knobs, with Genopatch, which builds patches from audio recordings.

A DNA editor gives detailed control over the genetic code; it costs $149, with a three-week trial.

Best for: Keys & Synths, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Ambient & Cinematic, Hip-Hop & Trap.

Keywords: AI/machine learning, experimental, monophonic, plucks, sound design, cinematic, creative, polyphonic, preset-driven, tempo-synced, textures.

What it does

Synplant 2 is Sonic Charge's genetic synthesizer. Instead of turning knobs, you grow patches as branches from a seed and pick the ones you like; its slogan is "Grow, Mutate, Create."

Genopatch: load an audio recording and AI searches for synth settings that match it; branches sprout and grow closer to the source, giving both close matches and unexpected variations. It runs locally.
Plant interface: each branch from the seed is a mutation of the current sound; longer branches move further from it.
DNA editor: edit the genes of a patch in a structured layout with graphic views of envelopes, oscillator types and filters, or switch to conventional rotary controls.
Playing modes: polyphonic and monophonic with portamento and tempo sync, plus a layer mode for richer sounds.
Variation: MIDI note and velocity variations change the sound as you play.
Presets: hundreds of included patches, with more patch packs available to download.

An upgrade price is available from version 1, the licence includes updates and support, and the trial lasts three weeks.

Source: Sonic Charge product page

When to use it

Synplant 2 is the pick for fast sound exploration and for turning a sample into a playable synth patch. Compared with Serum 2, Vital or Pigments 7, where you build a patch parameter by parameter, it works by mutation and selection, which is quicker for finding new sounds but less suited to planned, precise design. Genopatch has no direct equivalent in those synths. It is not a replacement for Diva or Hive 2 when you need classic pads, basses and leads on demand. It costs more than free Vital and less than Serum 2.

Best for: fast sound exploration, recreating short sounds such as plucks, kicks and percussion from samples, and unusual textures.
Genres: electronic, ambient and cinematic, experimental and hip-hop production.
Look elsewhere if: you want bread-and-butter synth sounds or step-by-step design with a full modulation matrix; Serum 2 or Vital fit better.
Tip: feed Genopatch short, simple sounds for the closest matches, then refine the result in the DNA editor.

What producers say

Reviewers call Synplant 2 one of the best uses of AI in a synth, with an inspiring workflow but a narrow role.

MusicRadar (Si Truss, 2023) called it "one of the best uses of AI we've seen" and found Genopatch "gets close to bang-on, after a bit of time"; it criticised the dated interface and preset browsing.
Sound On Sound (John Walden, 2024) called it a "great-sounding synth" with a "fascinating sound-design workflow", strongest on short sounds like plucks, kicks and percussion.
Criticisms: Sound On Sound found it pricey for casual users, not suited to bread-and-butter sounds, and unrealistic at matching complex polyphonic instruments.

Where to buy

Sonic Charge: $149

Tutorials and reviews

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