Cypher2

General Information

What is Cypher2?

Cypher2 is an expressive, performance-oriented software synthesizer designed to achieve a vast timbral range of sounds with intuitive and deep sound design. It is a sequel to the cult classic Cypher from DCAM Synth Squad, and has been optimized for MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) instruments.

Who made the presets in Cypher2?

Cypher2's presets were made by Rafael Szaban, Rory Dow, Mayur Maha, Lawrence King, Adam Smith and Nico Jaussaud.

What’s included in Cypher2’s oscillator section?

Cypher2’s three oscillators are capable of analogue-style FM and other audio-rate modulation, as well as hard sync and ring modulation. They feature thru-zero FM, which allows musical digital-style sounds rendered with precision engineered models of analogue oscillators. The scope also includes a useful visualiser that displays dynamic inter-oscillator modulation.

• Precise waveform control from a single dial to morph between wave types.
• Phase, fine tune (with tempo sync) and noise control for all three oscillators.
• Individual level and mix control for each oscillator.
• Keytracking and low frequency mode.
• FM, hard sync and ring modulation routing between each oscillator for complex and unique timbres.
• Transmod control of almost every parameter in the oscillator section.

What's new in Cypher2?

• Improved interface with real-time animated modulation, full signal flow visuals and preset descriptions.
• New built-in effects suite with parameters which can be modulated using TransMod.
• State-of-the-art step sequencer allows for deep sequence creation and modulation via Transmod.
• Lock individual controls or group controls so that they remain unchanged during editing and preset loading/switching/morphing/randomizing operations.
• Improved voice engine with better timing and envelope accuracy.
• Optimizations for Intel AVX/AVX2 instruction sets on modern i5/i7/i9 and AMD Ryzen CPUs.
• Redesigned preset browser - faster to use; can be always visible or switched off.
• Optimized for MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) - use next-generation controllers like ROLI Seaboard for natural and expressive control over 5D sounds, and use the 5D Transmod sources to apply.
• Separate default MIDI CC mappings for standard and MPE controllers.
• Oscillator enhancements: phase-reset, constant-beat detuning and key-tracking tone controls for more control and precise sound design.
• Filter mode transitions are now smoothed, allowing continuous mode modulation without clicks.
• Dual LFOs with secondary clock-divided 'sub LFOs'.
• 2 ramp modulators for adding further movement to parameters.
• New complex modulation processors - Euclidian and Curve processors.
• 16 swappable and 8 static TransMod slots.
• Microtuning support: import scale definitions in the widely-used Scala .tun format.
• Preset morphing and randomizing for exploring new sounds.
• Fast preset-switching using a set of 'edit-buffer' slots for live performance.
• A completely new factory preset library containing over 1200 inspiring sounds.

Is there a demo version?

Yes - the Cypher2 download can be either authorized using a purchased serial or used in demo mode. The demo can be converted to a full version by subsequently purchasing and then authorizing with the purchased serial.

Is Cypher2 a drop-in replacement for the original Cypher?

No - Cypher2 is an entirely new plugin and can co-exist alongside the old version. Cypher2 can browse and import Cypher v1 presets (if they exist on your system) using the 'Legacy' button in its browser section. Please note that, owing to slight differences in the synthesis engine, some v1 presets may sound slightly different.

Technical Information

Does Cypher2 have built-in effects?

Yes - Cypher2 features a suite of 30 FX processors which can be loaded into 6 FX slots. Processors include the following, which will be familiar to DCAM Synth Squad Fusor users:

• EQ (4-band)
• EQ-6F (6-band)
• Pitch EQ (3-band EQ tuned in semitones)
• Mix Filters
• Enhancer
• Comp VCA
• Comp Chan (limiting amplifier compressor)
• Comp Bus (console bus compressor)
• Noise Gate
• Env Shaper
• Gain
• Delay
• FX-Verb (high-quality algorithmic reverb)
• Pattern Delay (multi-tap delay)
• TinCan Reverb
• Freezer
• Dirty Delay
• Phaser
• Flanger
• Chorus
• AutoFilter
• Amber Chorus (with several new chorus models)
• Amber Formants
• RingMod
• Nonlinear RingMod (new ring modulator model)
• PhaseMod Array (oscillators which are FM-modulated by the input signal)
• Frequency Shifter
• Drive
• BitCrusher
• DirtyDAC (a model of a low-fi digital-to-analogue converter, offering a different flavour of bitcrushing)

Is there a limit to the amount of oversampling possible with Cypher2?

Yes - Maximum oversampling (8x) is only possible in projects using a maximum sample rate of 48kHz or lower.

Can Cypher2 be used as an audio effect?

No - Cypher2 does not provide this feature.

What plugin formats are provided with Cypher2?

On Mac: AU (64-bit), VST (64-bit) and AAX (64-bit)
On Windows: VST (64-bit) and AAX (64-bit)

Is Cypher2 compatible with 32-bit systems?

No - Cypher2 is supported as a 64-bit standalone application and plugin only.

Will Cypher2 work in my host?

Cypher2 is tested in most major hosts on Mac and Windows. We encourage you to download and try the demo to ensure compatibility with your DAW/host environment of choice.

What are the system requirements for Cypher2?

Minimum:

• Windows 10 (x64) / Mac OSX 10.11 or later (x64).
• Intel Core i5-2400 or AMD (2011 or newer) processor with AVX instruction set.
• 4GB RAM.
• Internet connection for product download and authorization.

Recommended:

• Intel Core i7 processor.
• 8GB RAM.

Purchasing / Licensing

Is Cypher2 a download or boxed product?

Cypher2 is a download-only product which can be purchased directly from FXpansion.com or from an authorized retailer. Purchasing from a retailer involves purchasing a serial which can then be registered to your FXpansion account.

What kind of copy protection scheme is used?

This product features a challenge-response authorization system with three installs allowed on your own machines simultaneously.

• You do NOT need to have an internet connection on the computers on which it is installed.
• Until the product is authorized, it runs in demo mode.

We have tried very hard to make the authorization procedure as pain-free as possible. Please understand that it is necessary for safeguarding your investment in future development and user support.

Our products do not use iLok or any other unified protection scheme. We do not believe in such systems' security and would rather not pass on their costs to our customers.

Can I use it on both my laptop and main machine?

Yes - you can install on up to 3 machines as long as only 1 is running it at any one time. Site / volume licensing is also available (POA - please contact us for details).

Do I need to re-authorize when installing the OS again or upgrading the OS/hardware?

A new major operating system version is enough of a change that the authorization system will require re-authing the product; point releases should be fine. Likewise, a significant hardware change will also require re-authorization. We will be monitoring the situation closely and adjusting the flexibility of the authorization system to get the best balance of copy protection and annoyance levels.

If reinstalling an existing OS without changing any hardware, you will be able to save the auth file and simply re-import it when authorizing the product again.

Do you allow license transfers?

Yes, however:

• If you're the seller, you must contact us in advance of the sale. If you're the prospective second-hand buyer, you must check that the seller is cleared to sell. If in doubt, contact us.
• There is a flat $50 fee per product for a license transfer, which can be purchased from our online shop.
• Review copies, NFRs (Not For Resale copies, sometimes used for in-store demos), etc., cannot be transferred under any circumstances.
• We reserve the right to refuse a license transfer request.

Once a transfer is authorised and the fee has been paid, the new owner is entitled to exactly the same upgrade paths and technical support resources as if they had bought the product new.