Electra3
by Tone2 · Synth · Multi-layer synth workstation
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Electra3 is Tone2's multi-layer synth workstation: four complete synth layers, each with its own oscillators, filters, effect and arpeggiator.
It covers 14 synthesis methods, from virtual analog and FM to wavetable and physical modeling, with 1,439 patches, for $169 (listed down from $189).
Best for: Keys & Synths, Bass, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Pop, Hip-Hop & Trap.
Keywords: preset-driven, arpeggiator, wavetable, FM, physical modelling, virtual analog, monophonic, polyphonic, analog-sounding, CPU-light, leads, pads, sample-based, sound design, subtractive, tube.
What it does
Electra3 stacks four independent synth layers in one instrument, each a full synth with its own controls, effects and arpeggiator. Tone2 sells it with the line "The only synth you need to create a hit!"
- Layers: four layers with keyboard splits, velocity zones and their own play modes (polyphonic, monophonic, legato); layers can be edited one at a time or together, and saved and loaded on their own; 64 voices per layer.
- Oscillators: three oscillators per layer, up to 54 when Ultrasaw stacks up to 18 detuned voices each.
- Synthesis methods: 14 in all, including virtual analog, FM, wavetable, phase distortion, physical modeling, fractal, waveshaping, PWM, sync, ring mod, vocoder and sample playback.
- Samples: import your own samples, with optional auto-tuning, loop modes and loop markers.
- Filters and distortion: dual multimode filters per layer with 37 types, from analog-modeled ladder filters to vocal, phaser and fractal types, plus dual distortion units with six modes from tube preamp to waveshaping.
- Modulation and arps: three LFOs plus a step LFO and four envelopes per layer, and an arpeggiator per layer with auto-chords, pitch slides and swing.
- Effects: 32 effect processors, including reverb, multi-tap delay, chorus, vocoder, compressor and an endless "Reverb Infinity", as insert effects on each layer plus a master section.
Version 3.5 includes 1,439 factory sounds, and Electra2 owners can upgrade at a reduced price. A demo is available.
When to use it
Electra3 is the better pick when you want big layered and split patches without the price or CPU load of a large workstation. Compared with Omnisphere 3 it costs far less and runs lighter, but it has no large sample library behind it. It is closer in idea to VPS Avenger 2, with four stacked layers on one page rather than a deep modular engine. Against Tone2's own Icarus 3, it trades the deeper wavetable editor and resynthesis for the four-layer design.
- Best for: layered leads and pads, split keyboard patches, and quick preset-based production.
- Genres: EDM, trance, pop and hip-hop.
- Look elsewhere if: you need separate outputs per layer, a modern visual workflow or a large sample library; Omnisphere 3 offers far more content, and Icarus 3 or Serum 2 go deeper on wavetables.
What producers say
The few user reviews are very positive about sound and CPU use, with some wishes for more routing.
- KVR users rate it 4.67 out of 5 from 3 reviews; one said it "sounds better than synthesizers that cost 5 times more", and others praised the low CPU use and the one-page layout.
- Criticisms: no individual outputs per layer, limited effects per layer, and one report of trouble saving imported samples.
Where to buy
- Best Service: $169
- Tone2: $169 (regular $189)
- PluginFox: $169
- AudioDeluxe: $169
Tutorials and reviews
- Tone2 Electra3 synthesizer: New sounds
- Tone2 - Electra 3
- Tone2 Electra 3 VST for PC, MAC - Tutorial 1: Create a Bass Patch with multiple Arps
- 🔥🔥Tone2 Electra 3 VST for PC, MAC (Powerful Syntheziser workstation) - Demo 1: How does it sound?
- Tone 2 Electra 3.3 - Presets Preview
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