Xpand 2

Xpand 2 is a multitimbral workstation PC software offering four active sound slots, or parts, per patch. Each part is provided with its own MIDI channel, Note Range (Zone), Mix, Arpeggiation, Modulation, and Effects settings—an excellent method for creating individual parts.



Xpand 2 for PC is a versatile virtual instrument plugin designed for music producers, composers, and sound designers. Developed by AIR Music Technology, it offers a vast array of sounds and features to inspire creativity in electronic music production. Whether you're crafting beats, scoring a film, or experimenting with sound design, it promises to elevate your sonic palette to new heights.

Harnessing the four parts together to build one amazing Patch is where Xpand2 by AIR Music Tech reveals its true power. The Voice Mode for each part can be set to polyphonic or monophonic. Polyphonic parts can have up to 64 voices; monophonic parts offer First, Last, Highest, or Lowest priority making it easy to designate a bass, lead, or solo instrument.

• Four-channel multitimbral operation
• Up to four stereo instrument parts per patch
• Up to 64 voices per part; Mono or Poly voice modes
• Smart Knobs provide intuitive sound editing
• Easy Edit Knobs control the entire patch at once
• Two digital effects processors; 50 editable effect types
• Individual arpeggiation control for each part

Air Music Technology originally created Xpand VST! as part of the Creative Collection of instrument plug-ins included as part of Avid™ Pro Tools™. With the release of Pro Tools 8, this widely popular workstation was given new controls, improved features, an additional Gigabyte of sounds, and a new name: Xpand!2.



Highlights

Sounds Galore
Using everything from wavetables and FM synthesis to sample playback, the expert sound design team at Air Music Tech has carefully created thousands of ready-to-play patches. Creating your own is easy, too. Parts can be quickly browsed and are conveniently sorted into 29 categories, offering a simple path to find just what you’re looking for.

Smart Knobs and Easy Edits
Six smart knobs are provided for custom-tweaking your sounds. Each knob changes function depending on the part selected, offering hands-on control of the most critical sound elements. Select the Easy mode, and all six knobs now control all four of the common parts in a patch simultaneously for quickly performing those crucial edits. And of course, all of your edits can be saved for instant recall.

Major Modulation
Express yourself with powerful performance features! Pitch Bend wheel and Aftertouch (pressure) modulation assignments can be made independently for each part. Modulation rates can be tempo-synced or free-wheeling. Numerous modulation destinations are provided, and the WAVE destination parameters are different from part to part, providing unique sound-shaping capabilities.

Advanced Arpeggiation
Keep things moving with advanced arpeggiation. Simply set the Rate—including dotted and triplet values—and then select the Mode. Using the Latch switch allows the arpeggiator to continue to play, even when your hands leave the keyboard. Each app part is provided with its own arpeggiator.  Many parts such as Action Pads and Loops will automatically activate the Arpeggiator, as it forms an integral part of the sound.

Dynamic Effects Duo
It includes two independent effect processors with fifty studio-grade effects, ranging from rich reverbs to the mind-bending Chaos Delay. When selecting a new effect type, It will instantly change the edit knob functions to provide accurate control of every effect. The output of FX1 can be fed into the input of FX2 to create advanced “cascade-style” effects.

2500+ total presets and parts in the following categories:

• Soft Pads
• Bright Pads
• Huge Pads
• Action Pads
• Ambiance and FX
• Polysynths
• Synth Brass
• Percussive
• Simple Arpeggios
• Multitrack Arpeggios
• Soft Leads
• Hard Leads
• Acoustic Piano
• E-Pianos and Clavinet
• Organs
• Strings
• Vocals
• Brass and Woodwinds
• Mallets
• Bells
• Guitars
• Ethnic
• Hits
• Synth Basses
• Basses
• Drums
• Percussion
• Loops
• Multitimbral

Features

• Extensive Sound Library: It boasts over 2,500 presets covering a wide range of musical genres including hip-hop, EDM, pop, and more.
• Intuitive Interface: Its sleek and user-friendly interface allows for easy navigation and sound customization.
• Flexible Architecture: With four active sound slots per patch, users can layer sounds and create complex textures effortlessly.
• Dynamic Effects: The plugin includes built-in effects such as reverb, delay, chorus, and distortion to shape and enhance your sounds.
• MIDI Learn Functionality: Assign MIDI controllers to parameters for hands-on control and expressive performances.
• Compatibility: The app is compatible with major DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) including Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro X.

Installation and Setup

Installing this program is a straightforward process. Simply download the installer from the AIR Music Technology website, run the setup file, and follow the on-screen instructions. Once installed, activate the plugin using the provided serial number or license key. Integration with your DAW is seamless, with most platforms automatically detecting the app upon installation.

How to Use

• Load the app as a plugin within your DAW.
• Browse through the preset categories or use the search function to find sounds that suit your project.
• Customize the sound using the intuitive controls, including filters, envelopes, and effects.
• Experiment with layering multiple sounds across the four available slots to create rich and textured compositions.
• Use MIDI Learn to assign parameters to your MIDI controller for real-time manipulation and performance.

FAQ

Is Xpand 2 compatible with my DAW?
The software is compatible with most major DAWs on PC, including Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro X.

Can I import my own sounds into Xpand 2?
It does not support user sample import, but its extensive preset library offers a wide variety of sounds to work with.

Does Xpand 2 require an internet connection for activation?
It requires internet access for initial activation, but can be used offline once activated.

Can I use Xpand 2 for live performances?
Yes, it can be used for live performances when hosted within a compatible DAW or software environment.

Are there any expansion packs available for Xpand 2?
At the moment, there are no official expansion packs for the software, but the built-in library offers plenty of versatility for music production.

Alternatives

• Native Instruments Kontakt
• Spectrasonics Omnisphere

Pricing

Xpand!2: Multitimbral All-in-one Workstation is available for purchase from the AIR Music Technology website and authorized retailers for approximately $99.99 USD. It may also be included as part of software bundles or promotions, so be sure to check for discounts or special offers.

System Requirements

• Windows 11, 10, 8 or 7
• Intel Core i3 / AMD Athlon 64 processor or higher
• 2GB RAM (4GB recommended)
• 2GB free disk space
• VST, AAX, or RTAS compatible DAW

PROS

• Extensive preset library covering multiple genres.
• Intuitive user interface for quick sound customization.
• Flexible architecture allows for layering and sound manipulation.
• MIDI Learn functionality enhances performance capabilities.
• Seamless integration with major DAWs.

CONS

• Lack of user sample import feature.
• Limited expansion options compared to some competitors.
• Some users may experience occasional compatibility issues with certain DAWs.
• Higher CPU usage compared to more lightweight virtual instruments.

Note: Compatible with AU and VST only. (AAX version available in AIR Creative Collection). VST64 is qualified for Cubase 6 (64-bit) and Ableton Live 9 (64-bit). iLok is not required for use.

Also Available: Download Xpand 2 for Mac