Dark Matter 2 review

Dark Matter 2 is out and adds brand new sample content compared to Dark Matter (One). For Dark Matter (One) customers there is an upgrade option. Dark Matter 2 does use content from Dark Matter (One).

Dark Matter 2 allows you to generate a variety of different cinematic sounds . Compared to Dark Matter (One) it has added some elements to the interface but still comes with a minimalist look that is easy to use and get’s you results fast that sound good.

Each instrument is composed of six layers and features several GB of sample material, giving you a lot of combinations and sound colors. Use one of the pre-programmed snapshots or use the powerful randomize function to create your own sounds.

Dark Matter 2 is divided into five sections:

Main (combine six layers)
Color (convolution reverb)
Motion (arpeggiator)
Effects (audio shaping)
Reamp (punch and saturation)

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On the Main page you can combine and shape six sounds.

Using the Color page you can use up to 6 convolvers, each with a different impulse response. Dark Matter 2 comes with 121 different impulse responses which can be used with the included convolution reverb.

There included arpeggiator is located on the Motion page.

The Effect page allows you to shape the used audio, there are five effects available with an additional highpass and lowpass filter. You can control the effect using the mod wheel.

Dark Matter 2 Effect Engine

On the Reamp page you have the possibility to add punch and saturation or boost frequencies to your taste.

Dark Matter 2 Reamp Engine

Dark Matter 2 is a great tool to create textures, atmospheres, drones, soundscapes and pulses.

Pro:

Ease of use interface
Huge selection of presets to get started
Large content (35+GB) behind the Instrument to generate sounds
Amazing for pads and sound design

Dark Matter 2 technical features and facts:

35+GB of state of the art String Audio original sample material (21GB using Kontakt’s lossless sample storage compression).

All sample content of Dark Matter 1 (owners of Dark Matter 1 don’t need to re-download it) plus 15+GB of brand new sample content (11GB using Kontakt’s lossless sample storage compression)

5000+ high-quality samples

6 layers

340+ pre-programmed Snapshots

Main Engine: Individual layer controls for pitch, volume, pan, solo, mute, effects bypass, layer lock, adsr, layer boost and cut, pan and amp LFO send

Powerful randomize function

Dedicated “Motion Engine”: Arpeggiator, Pan and Amp LFO

Dedicated “Color Engine”: six separate convolvers, 120+ convolution Impulse Responses, Randomize function

Dedicated “Effect Engine”: skreamer, lo-fi, chorus, tape saturation, delay, chorus and distortion (controlled by the modulation wheel, Randomize function

Dedicated brand new “Reamp Engine”: add punch and saturation to each layer and boost low, mid and hi frequencies.

Requires the FULL retail version (sold separately) of Kontakt 5.5.1.
This library is NOT supported by the FREE Kontakt Player.

You can also combine Dark Matter 2 with other tools (need to be purchased separately) and generate even more sounds, see two videos below