2Rule Synth
2RuleSynth
2RuleSynth is a characterful software synthesizer that blends classic subtractive synthesis with FM and ring modulation in a deliberately raw, experimental way.
Rather than chasing polished emulations, it leans into texture, instability, and unpredictability.
While it comfortably covers familiar analog-style tones, its real strength lies in pushing into abstract territory, from unstable drones to musique concrète-style sound design, especially when the randomize function is brought into play.
System Requirements:
- 64 bit
- VST / AU
- Windows
- macOs
Dual-oscillator architecture with hybrid synthesis
At its core, 2RuleSynth is built around two fully independent oscillators, each equipped with its own filter, amplifier, ADSR envelopes, and LFOs.
This allows for complex internal movement without needing external modulation. The oscillators support classic waveforms including sine, saw, triangle, square, and white noise, and can interact through FM modulation and a ring modulation algorithm, enabling metallic tones, aggressive harmonics, and unstable textures.
Each oscillator feeds into a self-resonating Moog-style filter with low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass modes, making it equally capable of warm subtractive sounds or sharp, resonant sweeps.
Mono and poly modes are supported, with up to 8-note polyphony, keeping the synth flexible for both melodic and experimental use.
Modular-style effects and experimental workflow
Version 3 introduced a dedicated effects layer window, where effects can be freely chained and routed into one another.
This includes reverb, tempo-synced delay, chorus, phaser, distortion, decimator, pitch shifter, comb filter, vibrato, and tremolo. The ability to connect effects in different orders encourages exploration and happy accidents rather than predictable results.
Visual feedback is provided via spectrum and waveform displays, helping you see exactly how modulation and processing are shaping the sound. A built-in preset randomize button plays a central role in the workflow, often producing unusual, concrete-style sounds that would be difficult to design manually.
Factory presets reflect this philosophy, with several patches intentionally drifting into experimental and non-traditional territory.
Key Features:
This 8-note polyphonic synthesizer runs subtractive, FM, and ring modulation algorithms simultaneously across two independent oscillators.
- Two independent oscillators with classic waveforms
- Subtractive, FM, and ring modulation synthesis combined
- Per-oscillator filter, amp, ADSR envelopes, and LFOs
- Self-resonating Moog-style filters (LP, HP, BP)
- Tempo-syncable LFOs and delay
- Modular-style multi-effect layer with flexible routing
- Effects include reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, distortion, decimator, pitch shifter, comb filter, vibrato, tremolo
- Spectrum and waveform visualisation
- Mono and polyphonic modes (up to 8 voices)
- Preset randomize function
- 49 factory presets, including experimental and musique concrète patches
FAQ
Yes, but it really shines when pushed beyond standard subtractive tones into more unstable, experimental territory.
It’s focused rather than exhaustive. Each oscillator has dedicated LFOs and envelopes, but the real complexity comes from FM, ring modulation, and effect routing.
Surprisingly often. While some results are extreme, many lead to inspiring textures and unconventional starting points.
Generally no, but complex effect chains and heavy modulation can increase load depending on your routing choices.
Yes. On newer macOS versions, you may need to manually remove Apple’s quarantine flag via Terminal for DAWs like Ableton to recognize the plugin.
