New ROLI Equator2, a Next-Generation MPE Synth

ROLI releases Equator2, a next-generation MPE synth that redefines the possibilities of expressive sound design.

ROLI’s new flagship synth marks a coming of age for MPE. The launch of Equator in 2015 pioneered a new approach to expressive sound design — though primarily on the ROLI Seaboard for which it was created. Equator2 offers a vastly expanded range of tools for shaping MPE sounds, and is now part of a much larger MPE ecosystem.

Expanded and upgraded, Equator2 has an array of new features including:

• A broader array of synthesis engines
Six fully assignable source slots let you build unique sounds, drawing on a wide range of synthesis engines. A wavetable oscillator with a library of over 240 waveforms combines with a high-resolution multi-sampler, a granular engine, FM and more to provide an infinite palette of sounds and textures.

• New multi-sampled instruments
Equator2 includes 42 new multi-sampled instruments with over 180 articulations and variations. From vintage synthesizers like the Roland System-100 to world acoustic instruments like the Sitar and Koto, the samples are richly detailed and highly adaptable, opening new possibilities for sound design. Import your own samples easily.

• A powerful, versatile modulation system
Equator2’s versatile modulation system — evolved from the Cypher2, Strobe2, and Equator engines — makes it easy to add modulation to any parameters. A flexible assembly of envelopes, LFOs, key-tracking sources, and macros animate patches and help you create deeply expressive sounds.

• An expanded effects section
Equator2 gives you the power to shape sounds with a vastly expanded rack of effects, filters and dynamics processors. It’s easy to arrange and reorder effects with a flexible routing system and drag-and-drop slots.

• An even larger library of MPE sounds, plus new standard MIDI sounds
Equator2 ships with the biggest, broadest library of MPE sounds in existence. With over 1,300 expertly crafted presets — including over 500 new sounds built for MPE and 800 standard MIDI presets for conventional controllers — Equator2 offers a kaleidoscope of sounds for any music maker.

Equator2 will sell for $249. It is now available for a time-limited, launch-period offer of $199. Equator2 is available on Mac and Windows as an AU and VST. Owners of Equator, Cypher2, Strobe2, and ROLI Studio can upgrade to Equator2 for $99, discounted from the normal upgrade price of $149.