Spectrasonics Omnisphere 3 VST Plugin

Omnisphere 3 VST by Spectrasonics

Omnisphere 3 VST is the flagship synthesizer plugin from Spectrasonics. It combines granular, wavetable, sample-based, and virtual analog synthesis in a single engine. At 64GB, the core library is one of the largest included with any software instrument. On top of that, it features Neural Resynthesis technology and hardware integration for over 65 synths. This page covers what the plugin includes, how it differs from version 2, system requirements, and what you receive with your ReverBay purchase.

What You Get With Omnisphere 3 VST

Omnisphere 3 runs as VST, AU, and AAX across all major DAWs — Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, Pro Tools, and Studio One. Your purchase through ReverBay includes a full license key and download access via the STEAM activation system. Installation requires an internet connection for initial activation only. After that, the plugin runs completely offline on up to 3 computers.

Core Features of the Omnisphere 3 VST Plugin

Neural Resynthesis

Neural Resynthesis is the most significant new feature in Omnisphere 3. Rather than playing back imported audio as a static sample, the engine analyzes the file and reconstructs it as a playable patch. What you get in return is a patch that responds to velocity, modulation, and pitch across the full keyboard range. As a result, a field recording, a guitar riff, or any found sound becomes a functional instrument almost immediately after import.

Hardware Synth Integration

Connect one of 65+ supported hardware synthesizers via USB or MIDI. Omnisphere 3 then automatically loads a custom device profile for that instrument. Because each profile is built specifically for that hardware, knobs and sliders map to plugin parameters with no manual MIDI learn needed. Supported manufacturers include Moog, Roland, Korg, Sequential, and Oberheim, among others. For the full list, see the Spectrasonics compatibility page.

Dual Synthesis Engine

Each patch contains two independent synthesis layers. Both have their own oscillator section, filter, amplifier, and modulation matrix. Furthermore, the layers can run different synthesis types at the same time — for example, granular on Layer A and wavetable on Layer B. This architecture allows for internal sound movement that single-layer instruments cannot replicate.

Sound Match and Sound Lock

Sound Match scans the 14,000+ patch library and returns tonally similar results to any patch you select. Navigating a library of this size is where that feature proves especially useful. Sound Lock, on the other hand, lets you freeze individual layers while browsing replacements for others. For instance, lock the bass layer and audition leads on top, or hold the effects chain and swap oscillator shapes underneath.

The Orb

An X/Y morphing interface, the Orb moves between up to four parameter states in real time. Any combination of synthesis, filter, or modulation parameters can be assigned to each corner. Then sweep between them using a mouse, touchscreen, or mapped MIDI controller during performance. Because it operates continuously, it works equally well for live performance and for recording automation into a DAW session.

Four Independent Arpeggiators

Each layer has access to its own arpeggiator with custom rhythm grids and MIDI output to external hardware. Complex polyrhythmic patterns can, in addition, be synchronized across layers. Alternatively, route them out to trigger other instruments in your session. In either case, this extends Omnisphere’s role beyond a self-contained synthesizer into a broader performance hub.

Omnisphere 3 System Requirements

Omnisphere 3 vs Omnisphere 2 — What Changed

Version 3 introduces several meaningful additions rather than a full engine rebuild. Neural Resynthesis is entirely new — it was not available in any earlier version. Additionally, hardware integration expands from roughly 50 to 65+ supported devices. Patch count also grows by 2,000+, covering modern electronic genres not represented in version 2. Sound Lock is likewise a new addition. Meanwhile, granular interpolation on pitched source material is noticeably smoother than before. Upgrade pricing for Omnisphere 2 owners is available through Spectrasonics directly. Note that this listing covers the full version license, not the upgrade.

Granular Engine and Sound Design

Omnisphere 3’s granular engine handles long source audio without the pitch artifacts common in other granular processors. Harmonic Editing, moreover, lets you reshape overtone content on any sample. For instance, you can reduce or amplify specific frequency ranges within the synthesis engine rather than using an external equalizer. Meanwhile, Sound Origin shows the complete signal path of any loaded patch: oscillator type, processing chain, and modulation routing. Because this information is always visible, the library also works as a practical learning resource alongside its role as a sound source.

Omnisphere 3 VST — Frequently Asked Questions

Related Spectrasonics Instruments

Omnisphere 3 integrates directly with two other Spectrasonics instruments. Keyscape — which covers acoustic and electric keyboard instruments — can also be loaded as a sound source inside Omnisphere 3, giving you access to its full library within the same interface. Similarly, Trilian — the bass module — shares the STEAM platform and uses the same browser conventions. Both are available in the VST Instruments section of ReverBay. For additional context, MusicRadar’s review and the official Spectrasonics product page cover the full feature set in depth.