5 reasons why you need impOSCar 3

[@gustinian]

The original OSCar was also capable of devastating bass tones and, thanks to the filter separation control, highly musical vocal emulations. Definitely the most characterful (and yet versatile) synth I ever had the pleasure of owning. Chris Hugget was a (overused word) genius, up there with David Cockerell and Dave Rossum. GForce have done an excellent job with all 3 impOSCars.

[@ThePlughugger]

You know what OSCar/Chris Huggett reminds me of? The early days of home computers, when we got lots of small compact innovative home computers like the Sinclairs, Orics, VICs etc.

[@acefstripe]

very nice relaxed presentation and I love the idea of allowing the synth to guide you to its strengths.

[@ThePlughugger]

Thanks! It's actually a technique that works pretty well. Rather than having ideas about what to do next, just listen and wait. New ideas often unfold themselves in surprising ways.

[@mikeyoharedj]

Awesome Carl, great vid and thanks for the presets, that's very generous :)

[@ThePlughugger]

Thanks. I hope they will be useful to you.

[@mistral-unizion-music]

So respectful of your deep experience and knowledge of synths, Carl! I would like it so much if you could make a series of videos in the style of Rick Beato's "What makes this song great", but here it would be "What makes this SYNTH great"!😃 You could do this with has many as possible, like the new Synapse Audio The Legend HZ, G-Force's OB-E and OB-X, Reveal Sound Spire, U-He's Hive2, Repro-1&5, Zebra, Dark Zebra, Omnisphere, etc. That would be awesome! Please! 😃🙏 Thanks so much!

[@ThePlughugger]

That's such a profoundly good idea. I am taking your suggestion to heart. It's truly a very interesting point of view.

[@mistral-unizion-music]

@@ThePlughugger Glad to know that! Looking forward to it. 🤗

[@biscuit1307]

Great review of a fantastic synth (which I've had since version 1 and upgraded to version 3 without blinking an eye in first possible moment) ;-)

[@ThePlughugger]

Yeah, it's an amazing synth. I also owned it since v1 :)

[@daynaybaybe]

I had an OSCar in the 90's. Cost a fortune to keep it running.

[@ThePlughugger]

Yeah - the early products from that team wasn't known for their high-end build qualities. But the sound...

[@86crush]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate how nasty and beautiful that Behringer WASP was? They just crush it, every time, and give you a real appreciation for the real machines. In this case, the Oscar is out of most people’s reach not to mention we are supporting one of the oldest plugin devs EVER, and they are STILL crushing it. Cracked all their stuff as a kid (like everyone else did) but it feels good to be an adult now and to actually be able to support them while sifting through presets sipping a neat whiskey. 😉 AWESOME review! Subbed! 👍

[@ThePlughugger]

Imposcar 1 was actually the first soft synth I bought. Yeah - I can't do anything else but nod in agreement. The Wasp is absolutely insane. I really hope GForce will make a software version of it. If anyone would be able to nail the sound it would be them.

[@sreesharma]

Very usable freebie sounds. Thanks man.

[@ThePlughugger]

Thanks for taking the time to let me know. Cheers!

[@Maradnus]

It most defiantly agree 10000% the impOSCar is the most underrated synth ever!!! I love this thing!!! it can sing, squeal, hum, buzz, choke, laugh, growl!!! It's the best I love it! I should add years ago when I use to be a naughty boy & torrent stuff this was the only synth I ever brought! It was so good that it was just criminal to not actually own this!

[@ThePlughugger]

What really puzzles me is that it still holds up to modern synths, even though the sound engine is quite old. They really got it right the first time.

[@Maradnus]

@@ThePlughugger agreed! It has such charecter with what I would call a perfect blend git & smooth to keep it totally relevant! it does everything you want from a synth!

[@ThePlughugger]

@@Maradnus I really really hope GForce will create a software Wasp one of these days. I love the Behringer but having it in the computer would be amazing.

[@Maradnus]

@@ThePlughugger I agree! I had the pleasure many years ago to borrow a wasp! 🐝 Funny enough it was the very first hardware synth I ever played with. So I too would love a plugin of one!

[@adrianhendy]

Chris Huggett - designer of this synth (RIP) also went on to design plenty of great products afterwards including writing the software for the Akai S series, and designed the Novation Supernova and Nova synths

[@botany500kojak]

Still waiting for the Behringer version of the OSCar. It is on their to-do list.

[@ThePlughugger]

I was completely unaware they are planning to do an OSCar. Thanks!

[@botany500kojak]

@@ThePlughugger Behringer now have a prototype on their Facebook page. They are asking for thoughts on it.

[@brucebennett5338]

Yes! I love this instrument so much! Thank you g-force!

[@kafrantz7576]

May I add to what others have said ..... A great video about a GREAT synth that I've also owned since version 1. GForce does some awesome work on their software synths ... I own a number of them and use them all often. The new impOSCar 3 has been a joy to play with since my upgrade a couple of days ago! And thanks for the free soundbanks too Carl!!!

[@ThePlughugger]

Thanks for saying so. And just to add - I've never been much into the Mellotron, but the GForce Mellotron is incredible fun. I truly hope we will see a Wasp from them in the future.

[@Tabazan]

OK, I'm sold . . off to buy this while it's still cheap

[@ThePlughugger]

Have fun! It's a fantastic synthesizer.

[@Maradnus]

you will not have ANY regrets!

[@Lov3TheM]

I have just upgraded from impOSCar 2 to 3 and I am first of all happy to have a finally streamlined and immediate graphical interface. I find the new features very interesting, especially the wavetable one, which allows you to further manipulate sounds, creating sometimes really bizarre solutions. What can I say? For me always the number 1 synth in my collection.

[@ThePlughugger]

Yes, I agree. I also think the biggest things for me was the improved interface. And the browser is excellent too.

[@nosocialmedia2854]

Thinking of purchasing this. How do you rate it after using it for 2 months?

[@Lov3TheM]

@@nosocialmedia2854 I'm really satisfied and I confirm my first impressions about it. I use it in almost every new tracks.

[@ThePlughugger]

@@nosocialmedia2854 Still. One of the most characterful synths ever made.

[@berniehcc]

I wasn't aware of it, but I downloaded the try version. What a surprise, the thing is really really cool and I immediately clicked on the BUY button 💯🚀😎

[@FanaticsArea]

I watched the video to be sold the upgrade.. and have instead been sold the Behringer Wasp!

[@ThePlughugger]

Haha.... I'm so sorry... but the Wasp is so damn good!

[@jvburnes]

Yes, it's an amazing synth. I'm currently using it as part of a virtual synth orchestra composition including the OB-E, 12 Virus C's and 2 Virus TI Snows. I'm thinking of adding a little M-Tron Pro in a vintage section. Time to make some music.

[@ThePlughugger]

Two Virus Snows? Compact and capable!

[@jonotwycross8998]

gr8 sounds amazing

[@ThePlughugger]

Love that filter.

[@jonotwycross8998]

@@ThePlughugger its great all round nice demo

[@ThePlughugger]

@@jonotwycross8998 Thanks!

[@RebeccaTurner-ny1xx]

Original was a fine British synth that sadly failed to succeed, despite being championed by Billy Currie of Ultravox (it's on the lead line in 'Love's Great Adventure').

[@Maradnus]

I do recomend a controller with at least 16 either knobs & faders to be able to to assign stuff too so you can tweak things on the go! you will lose your self for hours in this beauty!

[@ThePlughugger]

Did you ever see the custom controller for it? reverb.com/item/1240149-imposcar-2-custom-controller-by-touch-digital-rare

[@Maradnus]

@@ThePlughugger haha yes I was just talking about this with a friend of mine!!! I so want one! xD oh man that sold CHEAP! I would have thought £1000 just for the novelty factor!! there is hope!

[@GeorgeLocke]

I own the doepfer wasp filter and some of these tones seemed spot on to me. The Doepfer doesn't squeal as much, but I believe that's a design choice - there's a jumper that allows self oscillation I have never tried...

[@You-ud2fp]

Sines 1357 is straight ozric tentacles i love it

[@SoftSynthPortal]

Cool! At the moment trying to decide whether upgrade (v2 -> v3) now or not.

[@ThePlughugger]

Personally the two biggest new features are the resizing and the new browser. Just those two makes impOSCar so much easier to work with.

[@sebszade1032]

Hello, nice review on this fantastic vst. I try to download you free presets and doesn't work. Your link for this is on http not https. All protection kill your folder and it's impossible to add on imposcar3 ( i try a lot !) Is it possible to fix it ? Cheers Seb

[@ThePlughugger]

The link works. Just checked with Firefox and Safari. It's probably some extension for your browser causing that. I know adblockers can do that.

[@RaquelFoster]

There was an old Crystal Method studio tour where Ken was saying how cool the OSCar was. I've been watching the two OSCars on Reverb for months. Even all the imOSCar reviews dropping today isn't gonna get anybody to pay that much LOL

[@AnkitPuniaFX]

Honestly, I am not impressed as per today's competition and I am more interested in buying The Legend HZ. If I didn't had Diva, I will pick it first.

[@ThePlughugger]

The Legend HZ sounds absolutely amazing. But personally I much prefer the impOSCar filter over a Moog-style filter.

[@InsidesAndOutsides]

4:31 I feel like I've heard this sound on a Gary Numan track. I know he used the Wasp.

[@ThePlughugger]

The Wasp really makes powerful sweeps.

[@KristynRakus-z6i]

Rachel Track

[@MarkyGoldstein]

Awesome

[@MultiMam12345]

Imposcar is great but Fors Tela is what you really need. just saying

[@ThePlughugger]

I'm a big fan of Opal. I'll check it out. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@TheSpecialCostumeShop]

Have they added note slide? like that of the TB-303

[@jeanpepin5869]

Why computer can replace typewriter but not synth ? ;)

[@manvfoodnation2]

Strange presentation with the overlay of you on much of the video. The visual aspect of the vid would be much better if you actually came on camera, in front of your PC / keyboard etc.

[@ThePlughugger]

Yeah, I am still experimenting with finding a format / presentation that I like. I'm not a video guy, so it takes a bit of experimenting.

[@RichardDeHove]

I think you need a Polivoks filter in your life.

[@ThePlughugger]

You are feeding my GAS my friend :)

[@TheSpecialCostumeShop]

I own an original hardware OSCar It is duophonic

[@ThePlughugger]

How do you feel the software holds up against the hardware?

[@TheSpecialCostumeShop]

@@ThePlughugger I don't have the software version, so can't say

[@ThePlughugger]

@@TheSpecialCostumeShop Ahh... a real hardware connoisseur! I would love to have a real OSCar.

[@Rhythmattica]

I own a real OSCar... What I love about GF, is it's an extension , in the best way ever.... Bet remember, The only thing better than the Imposacar...... Is just that

[@liothomasart]

Could this kick the Wavestate out the water?

[@shanecgriffo]

preset download for this doesn't seem to work on your site

[@mistral-unizion-music]

It does work, you just need to click on "confirm" and keep anyway or something like that. Click the 3 dots on the right of the download pop up to show these options. Windows thinks it's a virus but you need to override this to keep the file anyway.

[@shanecgriffo]

@@mistral-unizion-music thanks! they sound great !

[@Mclennnan]

Why on the master. This is bad advice and I don't care who u are BUT I RESPECT YOU ;)

[@ThePlughugger]

Sure! Put it anywhere you want. Just put something after! The dynamic range goes from a whisper to nuclear thunder.

[@butsukete1806]

That thing looks huge, where would I even put it?

[@ThePlughugger]

You need wo wide-screen displays for it. At least!

[@brunobridge7253]

Will it work with the dedicated hardware controller?

[@ThePlughugger]

You own the controller? That's a nice looking controller for sure.

[@brunobridge7253]

Yes, I have it. Makes programming more intuitive.

[@ThePlughugger]

@@brunobridge7253 Damn... now I'm jealous! :)

[@mikaelsjodin1963]

Det måste vara en svensk som pratar.

[@ThePlughugger]

Nejdå. Inte alls :)

[@mikaelsjodin1963]

@@ThePlughugger Mycket lugn och behaglig röst att lyssna på, som talar tydligt och inte i raketfart eller försöker låta cool hela tiden (som 99,9% av alla andra pluginpratare).

[@ThePlughugger]

@@mikaelsjodin1963 Tack för att du tar dig tid med att ge feedback. Jag försöker spela in min röst antigen tidigt på morgonen eller sent på kvällen så att jag inte låter som en raketpratare som druckit för mycket kaffe :)

[@craigsurette3438]

​@@ThePlughuggerJag är en stygg amerikan som avlyssnar ditt privata svenska samtal. Jag ville bara säga att din engelska är mycket bra, och jag är alltid imponerad av din diktion och förmåga att skapa roligt och användbart innehåll, på det som inte är ditt modersmål Tak!

[@ThePlughugger]

@@craigsurette3438 Tack - du är alldeles för snäll ❤

[@DeadzoneMusic]

Yeah another analog emulation synth based on decades old tech with a grid of knobs for a gui. No thanks.

[@ThePlughugger]

Yeah, the UI is a bit confusing in the beginning. But the sound is incredible.

[@DeadzoneMusic]

@@ThePlughugger It sounds more or less the same as Diva to me

[@ThePlughugger]

@@DeadzoneMusic Well there you have it. It's great to have options.

[@donnas8408]

Meh

[@showerstudio]

Pads and atmospheric keys are where imposcar truly shines.

[@ThePlughugger]

The new reverb really helps making things sound even larger.

[@derekbaker3279]

I, too, was totally blown away by many of the complex, lush, emotive pad sounds. Hans Zimmer would be impressed!

[@ThePlughugger]

@@derekbaker3279 Maybe we can hope for an impOSCar Legends Hans Zimmer edition?

[@derekbaker3279]

@@ThePlughugger Yes! 🙏🙏

[@QuantumSynths1]

I like GForce but they keep missing the boat by not putting step sequencers in all their products, like Oddity 3. It’s a shame that it’s missing from Imposcar. And no xmods? That’s a big miss.

[@ThePlughugger]

A step sequencer in impOSCar would be absolutely amazing.

[@RayTheProducer]

Excellent stuff. Loved the video. My favorite thing about Imposcar (apart from the spectacular emulation and gorgeous filters) is the fact that it can actually sound like a lot of the classic VA ‘dance’ synths from the 90s. It’s really kind of a mini Virus/Supernova. Absolutely love it. My only complaint was it was stuck on V2 with a tiny, outdated GUI, and then I wake up and see this! Brilliant. A new challenger has emerged.

[@ThePlughugger]

I never thought it it that way, but you are right. Interestingly enough is that I've never been interested in the Supernova - now I am :)

[@RayTheProducer]

@@ThePlughugger Haha, you're welcome. It's a beast of a synth, and no one has tried to emulate. Chris Huggett later went on to work with the Supernova/Nova, so there's definitely some DNA there, especially with the wavetables. Keep up the great work.

[@ThePlughugger]

@@RayTheProducer You know what the most tragic thing is? I bought a Peak and sold it. Today I would push it the same way I would push Wasp or Imposcar and see what happens.

[@RayTheProducer]

@@ThePlughugger Argh! Hate it when that happens. But maybe you can squint and tell yourself you're still playing the Peak, lol.

[@ThePlughugger]

@@RayTheProducer Haha... lol! I fear that will only increase the GAS, but thanks for the advice :)

[@EannaButler]

Hurray! One of the first soft synths I got all those years ago. Been hanging for v3 for quite a while! I like that they didn't break the flow of the synth, am happy that e.g. XMod wasn't implemented. Just made what is there, slightly better. Great sounds from your bank of presets - thanks Carl!

[@ThePlughugger]

Haha, yes me too! Imposcar was the first soft synth I ever bought. And I agree. XMod would have made it too complex.

[@inperfectsequence7840]

Sir, yes, there are WASP emulations in VSTi format. Da Hornet from NUSofting is the plugin that has this much creamier filter, I always liked Da Hornet more than ImpOSCar, Da Hornet is 16-note polyphonic. I am a big fan of wave tables and my favorite wave table synthesizer is Waldorf Wave, without a doubt I couldn't have one due to its high price, but I have the emulator that is closest to PPG, Waldorf Wave, it is the Waldorf blofeld . That thing has the most esoteric wave tables ever created, they really only do sweeps, but the comb filters and their 4 modifiers with the 16 modulations of their modulation matrix, make it infinite, there is nothing it can't do. Waldorf wave didn't have FX so Blofeld having a more powerful DSP than Waldorf Wave with the FX can't handle the job, so I never use the FX, unless I need a chorus or something similar for PCM samples, because waldorf blofeld It is also a customizable sample player in oscillator 1 and 2, as well as the wave tables. (2 multi-format oscillators, VA, WT, WAV) These fluctuations of the WASP deluxe filter remind me of the comb filters that Waldorf Blofeld has, and you can believe me when I say that the wave tables are incredible with the comb filters, to master the formants and different scans of the sweeps. I also have the DX7 operators in Waldorf Bofeld, with its progressive sine wave that acts as an upward sweep of the sine wave. DX7 has no filters, but Blofeld with comb filters (2 routable filters in series and voice filter with FM similar to the ones Access virus Ti2 has). I also have a keyboard Acess Virus Ti2, a digital beast for any sound you want to have, with an analogized and flexible sound that no other has, its filters are so good that they can easily fool your ear. ImpOSCar 3 is a great update of its old versions, but it needs a little more to improve, the wave tables surprised me by how useful they are, but without comb filters they do not have that variety to generate infinite sounds. Thank you very much.

[@ThePlughugger]

Thanks for the suggestion of DaHornet - I will absolutely take a look at it!!!

[@craigsurette3438]

I havent played on an actual OSCar, but ive heard raw recordings of them. This plug in is not nearly in your face and present as a proper OSCar, and they dont quiiiiiiite get the saturation/distortion right in the filter or the digital gnarlyness of the oscillators correct That said, it is an excellent sounding synth in its own right, and in a mix no one is going to know the difference . However that rawness and ability to cut live is part of the appeal of an OSCar

[@ThePlughugger]

That's my impression as well. It gets close but doesn't nail it perfectly. But as you said - it's a great synth in it own right.

[@basspartout]

I had the same experience! When I finally bought ImpOSCar last year, I was blown away by some of the pad sounds! And owning and using most of the "usual suspects" for years (i.e. Diva, Hive, JV-1080, Zebra etc..) I did not exspect it! No wonder that Spectrasonics is licensing the filter!!

[@ThePlughugger]

GForce really managed to create a fantastic sounding instrument with impOSCar. I even think it was the first software synthesizer I ever bought.

[@goldenanalog]

GForce hits it out of the park - again! Upgrade v2-v3 imho no brainer: wavetables are the sh!t - Maybe for v4: Xmod and wavetable import -

[@ThePlughugger]

Oohh... wavetable import. That would be absolutely fantastic!

[@absent_]

after all these years been waiting for this got over 2000 presets for it.

[@ThePlughugger]

I think the only thing that really bothers me with the new version is that I made a bank with the old v1 and there is no easy way to quickly import it to v3. But then again. There is quite a few presets in the new version.

[@russell_szabados]

I was a little too young for the OSCAR, but I fell in love with impOSCAR from the first time I heard it (I bought my first synth in 1984). impOSCAR'S harmonic filters are so badass. Thanks

[@ThePlughugger]

Haha... badass is the word. But I do think the Wasp sounds a bit more hairy :)

[@denzilstudios7072]

6:25 dark & long!!!!!

[@ThePlughugger]

What an excellent track that is.