Scaler Music has introduced its new software synthesizer: Carbon Electra 2. This upgrade emphasises “musical intelligence” in addition to raw sonic power. In this particular instance, “musical intelligence” refers to integrating music theory into its functions, which makes sense considering Scaler Music’s title product is a music theory workstation.

The primary feature of Carbon Electra 2 is Scale Lock. This allows users to select scales of all qualities – major, minor, diminished, augmented – and modes – dorian, aeolian, lydian – and apply them to the oscillators. Scale terms are as complex to a producer who never studied music theory as terms like “wave-terrain oscillators” and “subtractive synthesis” are to classical musicians.

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By locking an oscillator on a specific scale, every twist of the knob will adjust the sound within that scale. This makes experimentation much more fun. Instead of needing to know the specific theoretical framework of what makes a minor vs. major scale, users can simply try different options and see which sound they prefer.

Filter 2 also acts in key with Scale Lock, emphasising root notes as different frequencies are cut out. But the filter scale lock can also be set to chords and different intervals to maintain selected harmonies. Plus, the sequencer information will be updated to reflect the notes in the chosen scale.

Once everything is in key, the Carbon Electra 2 has a huge number of options for more technical sonic manipulation. There are wave terrain oscillators for adjusting waveforms over a 3D-modelled surface to get more intricate sounds. Three LFOs and two envelopes are available as well, with the three LFOs able to work individually or be routed together.

Carbon Electra 2 is available now in VST3, AU, and AAX for Mac and PC. Price-wise, the soft synth clocks in at a starting price of $79, which will rise to $99 on 13 July. Existing Carbon Electra users can upgrade to the new version for just $39.

For more information, head to Scaler Music. You can also get Carbon Electra 2 now at Plugin Boutique.

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