Hive 2

Hive 2 is u-he’s deliberately accessible synthesizer — fast to program, low on CPU, and capable of high-quality results without requiring the depth of something like Zebra or Diva. The core architecture is two pairs of stereo oscillators, each offering nine standard waveforms plus access to a library of 140 wavetables. The oscillators support up to 16-voice unison and tunable sub-oscillators, and wavetable playback includes a multi-table mode that splits a wavetable into up to 16 sections, creating a two-dimensional scanning surface. Three engine characters (Normal, Dirty, Clean) give the oscillators different tonal responses, covering anything from pristine analogue-style signals to deliberately coloured output.

Modulation is handled through a 12×2 matrix that connects sources including the LFOs, ADSR envelopes, shape sequencer, and function generators to an extensive list of targets, including every parameter in the effects chain. The shape sequencer is an 8-step sequencer with four independent output lanes, each running at its own rate, making it well-suited to rhythmic modulation. Seven rearrangeable effects round out the signal path: distortion, chorus, delay, phaser, EQ, reverb, and compressor. With over 2,400 factory presets and NKS support, it’s well-stocked out of the box.