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Classic Synthesis. Palm-Sized.
Despite its small housing the PL2 is a complete duophonic mono synthesizer. Leukos (white) edition now available. Same great sounds, new integrated USB MIDI and MIDI Out!
PL2 Technology Overview The PL2 generates an enormous variety of sounds with the help of two square wave (pulse) oscillators which can be interconnected in variable and innovative ways - these are fun to experiment with. Not only the classic waveforms such as saw-, sine- or pulse-waves will be simulated, rather newly and interesting sounds - from warm to destructive - are also generated. The PL2 receives its data always via MIDI channel 1 and all setting parameters can be edited by MIDI controller commandos. Up to 32 of your own self-programmed sounds can be stored in the user memory area. In addition, further 32 factory sounds are located within a fixed memory area which provides ideal starting material to experiment with. |
"...whether you’re connecting the PL2 Leukos to your computer or iPad, it provides more synth power per square inch than you’ll find anywhere."
– Mike Levine, Audiofanzine review
Generally the PL2 follows the principle of subtractive synthesis in which the waveform (generated by the oscillators) first runs through a wide range adjustable digital filter stage (low- high- and band-pass) to edit the frequency spectrum and/or amplify the resonance area if desired. After the digital filter an additional analog low-pass filter follows which particularly ensures the necessary warmth especially for destructive- and digital-like sounds.
Wait, there’s more: a dedicated analog saturation stage at the output provides dynamic compression and therefore a respectable bass punch is created.
Of course the PL2 includes several additional options in terms of sound and playing manipulation like LFO modulation, PWM, ADSR envelope and various play modes. Another interesting detail: LFO- and envelope-speed synchronise automatically to an external applied MIDI clock - whereby the PL2 perfectly adjust to your song tempo. Thanks to the memory flash technology: future PL2 synthesizer extensions or new features can be integrated by updating the firmware via MIDI system exclusive (SysEx) transmission. |
PL2 Block Diagram
"In a world flooded with more and more software instruments every day, its easy to miss the sound and process of true analogue synthesis and the reliability of external hardware when the computer overheats and crashes. Luckily for me, the PL2 is the simple answer for my complex need of fat bass, shimmering strings, resonant arpeggiator, randomness (with 32 random sounds for a constant surprise factor!) and simplicity in connection- requiring only a midi cable. The PL2 brings some fun back into making sounds and utility in accessing them anytime that got lost somewhere in virtual synthesis." –Kelvin Sholar- keyboardist, composer, bandleader |
Audio & Video Demos
Demos from Klaus Frauenholz:
Demo from Falconi
Demo from Kyle Geiger
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Demos from Markus Medau
Demo from Frieder Lock
Demos from Kevin Sholar
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"Thanks Markus and Felix for letting me have a go at the PL2 many moons ago, it is very awesome and has become an integral part of my production on the new and upcoming KMFDM album! The editor update and new firmware made it even more killing!"
(Sascha Konietzko a/k/a Käpt'n K) |
Key Features & Specifications
- 2 Oscillators
- 4 Waveforms
- 32 Presets
- 32 User presets
- Square Wave Synthesis
- Digital Filter (LPF, BPF, HPF)
- Analog Filter (LPF)
- Pulse Width Modulation
- MIDI clock synced LFO
New Free Downloadable Editor for Mac, Windows, and iOS!