Review: Current 2 synthesizer & sound platform by Minimal Audio

NoiseQuest’s Josh Turvey returns with a deep dive into the world of Minimal Audio’s flagship synthesizer instrument; Current 2.

Summary

With its latest upgrade, Current 2 consolidates its position as one of the industry’s premier software synthesisers. Minimal Audio’s flagship product provides a richly engaging creative environment that is fun, intuitive and deeply rewarding to use.

Through its combination of high-quality sound sources, world-class effects, and expertly crafted factory content, Current 2 invites exploration and adds value to every stage of the sound-design process.

Pros:

• The synthesiser is impeccably designed, coded and optimised.
• The current range of features have been well executed throughout all aspects of the synth.
• There is a vast array of Sound Sources and synthesis types for users to explore.
• The nine effects are elite in quality and capability.
• There is a fantastic selection of factory content, with a continuously growing library of additional resources.
• The modulation routing system is streamlined and intuitive.
• The synthesiser is MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) compatible.
• The implementation of interactive tooltips is efficient and informative.

Cons:

• No wavetable editing at the time of writing.
• Can’t export MIDI Chords or Arpeggiated sequences from the synth for further processing or manipulation.
• The Sound Sources are limited to only one, dedicated source of FM (Frequency Modulation) or AM (Amplitude Modulation).
• There are limitations on the number of Modulators and Effects that can be inserted into the signal path.

Intro

Having generated considerable buzz during its beta phase, Minimal Audio’s Current burst onto the scene in October 2023 amid a maelstrom of controversy and furore. The decision to release the plugin via a subscription-only model was met with vociferous pushback from the music production community, quickly overshadowing the excitement surrounding the release of the American developer’s first software synthesiser.

To their credit, Minimal Audio made swift attempts to remedy the situation, immediately providing multiple payment options: a Perpetual Licence, a Rent-to-Own plan, and a modified Subscription amended to include the entire catalogue of Minimal Audio’s highly regarded effects plugins. Further adding to the peace offering was Minimal Audio’s assurance that active Rent-to-Own and Subscription members would also receive ongoing store credit throughout the duration of their subscription. This could either be accumulated, or put towards perpetual licences and additional monthly content in the form of Presets, Wavetables, and Samples.

As with all subscription software, there exists an unwritten assumption that the developer will commit to creating continuous value for the user, either through additional content, or by evolving the product on a frequent basis. With the release of Current 2, Minimal Audio has delivered on both fronts, introducing a raft of new features and workflow enhancements to evolve the synth. Below, we highlight some of the best features that Current 2 has to offer.

Design & Features

Interface Overview

Current 2 houses its comprehensive feature set in a well-designed interface that is split across four main pages, namely: Play, Engine, Effects and Stream, all of which will be dissected later in the review. Whilst these pages differ in form and function, Minimal Audio have provided continuity throughout the synth, largely through the excellent use of colour and animation. Both of these provide essential visual cues when dealing with the synth’s extensive features, which are also covered by the brilliant interactive tooltips.

At its most basic, the interface (see image above) can be divided into three main sections, which are common to the four aforementioned pages. These sections are: Header (pink box), Sidebar (yellow box), and Central Display (green box).

The Header (see image below) provides access to Tooltips, Account Information, and Notifications (blue box).

A comprehensive Preset Menu (green box) ensures efficient navigation through factory, user, and additional presets. Plugin Settings and Cloud Status (orange box) can also be monitored from the header. Lastly, the Output Metre (red box) features a global volume slider, and a Limiter/Clipper with two modes of aggression, the latter being useful for adding a finishing touch to user-created presets.

The Sidebar (click to see image) cycles between Current 2’s four, main pages: Play, Engine, Effects, and Stream. Except for the Play page (discussed below), Current 2’s four Macro controls are also located in this panel. This ensures that users can make quick, broad-stroke adjustments to the currently selected preset, regardless of what page they’re on.

The Central Display (see image above) is typically divided into Upper (blue box) and Lower (orange box) panels. The Upper panel is dedicated to the main features of the selected page, with the Lower panel reserved for Modulators. An interactive keyboard display is also located in the Lower panel, providing access to Current 2’s scale settings, Chord Trigger and Arpeggiator.

It should be noted that the Play page ditches the modulators entirely, opting instead for the interactive keyboard. The Stream page doesn’t possess a Lower panel at all.

Play

Designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind, Current 2’s minimalistic Play page (see image below) puts the synth’s essential controls directly in the user’s hands. The features on this page make it easy to explore the core attributes of the selected preset, allowing the user to make wholesale changes that impact the overall timbre.

The centre of the interface is dominated by an eye-catching XY Pad (blue box), which features the artwork of the currently selected preset library. The four macro controls that usually reside in the Side panel have been mapped to two, draggable controls that move freely around the XY Pad. The result is both visually and sonically pleasing, inviting interaction with the preset’s macro controls, which often brings the preset to life in unexpected ways.

Quick access to the Preset menu (red box) allows users to favourite, and randomise the selection of presets. Users also have access to Current 2’s five Sound Sources (yellow box), with options to mute and solo each one. Finally, users can interact with the keyboard in the Lower panel (green box), which also features a scale-locking feature as a useful songwriting aid.

Overall, this is an excellent addition to Current 2. Simplified pages such as this sometimes risk becoming a gimmick, but Minimal Audio strikes a nice balance between function and simplicity. Indeed, the implementation of this page serves as a viable option for live performances, whereupon the user isn’t at risk of negatively affecting the preset. The XY Pad is undoubtedly the standout feature, but the simplified browsing functionality makes it easy to explore different presets in a fun and engaging manner.

Engine

The Engine page (see image below) represents the heart of Current 2, and it is likely here where users will spend the majority of their time. Although beginners may initially struggle with the vast array of features on display, intermediate to advanced users will feel right at home navigating an interface that draws inspiration from popular plugins, such as: Serum, Pigments, Phase Plant, and Vital.

Reserving the Lower panel for modulation sources (discussed later in the review), the Upper panel has been divided into two sections. The Left panel (green box) contains three pages of high-quality Sound Sources, with the Right panel (red box) reserved for: Filters, Routing, and Mixing.

Engine: Left Panel

Split across three subpages, Current 2 equips its users with five Sound Sources (see/click GIF above):

• Page 1: Two Wavetable Oscillators.
• Page 2: A Granular Engine.
• Page 3: A Harmonic Sub Oscillator, and a Sampler with traditional playback features.

Having access to such a varied palette of sound generators provides near infinite inspiration for the user, the creative potential of which is limited only by one’s imagination. Minimal Audio ought to be commended for their attention to detail here because each Sound Source is truly worthy of a standalone review.

From the excellent wave and spectral shaping features in the Wavetable section (see image above—green boxes), to the extensive range of features found in the Granular Engine (see image below—orange boxes), Current 2 is a veritable goldmine of creative potential that offers plenty of scope for sonic experimentation.

As the unsung hero of the bunch, even the Harmonic Sub Oscillator (see image below) is not to be underestimated. Equipped with the tools to create sub-basses that translate across all speaker types (red boxes), this Sound Source—being the only one capable of Additive synthesis—can also produce warm, organ-like keys. This is especially true when increasing the number of Partials, and harnessing the built-in Octave, Detune, Saturation, and Width features.

As a quality of life improvement, Current 2 would benefit from being able to internally resample the current preset directly into the Wavetable, Granular and Sampler engines. Current workflows require the user to bounce the audio and drag it back into the synth. Streamlining this process would likely encourage deeper interaction and experimentation between the various Sound Sources. Additionally, not being able to edit the wavetables (at the time of writing) will likely be a point of contention for advanced users. This is certainly something that Minimal Audio will have to remedy in future updates if Current 2 is to compete with the industry-leading wavetable synthesisers.

As a final word on the Wavetable oscillators; users do have the option to load audio files directly into this engine. Whilst the results are mostly solid representations of the original source, Current 2’s limited wavetable editing capability requires unsatisfactory results to be corrected externally. This back and forth has the potential to stifle the creative process, so is worth noting.

Engine: Right Panel

The Right panel (click to see GIF) is always accessible—no matter the selected Sound Source—and it is also subdivided into three pages that offer further opportunities for sound manipulation: Filters, Routing, and a Mixer.

The synth is equipped with two Filters (see image above) that can be configured in series or parallel (orange box). Multiple Sound Sources can be routed into each filter from the provided list (yellow box), and a vast amount of filter types (red box) are available so that users are afforded maximum control when sculpting their presets.

Of particular note is the large selection of morphing filters that seamlessly blend between different filter types using the Morph control (blue box). These can yield highly creative results, especially when combined with the Modulators (discussed later in the review). Additionally, the Spread control (green box) is a nice touch that makes it easy to enhance the stereo width directly within the Filter.

The Routing page (see image above) extends Current 2’s synthesis capabilities by providing easy access to Frequency Modulation (FM) and Amplitude Modulation (AM). Each Sound Source can be routed into the other to act as a source of audio-rate modulation (red box). Additionally, all Sound Sources can feed back into themselves, which can open up new vistas regarding experimental sound-design.

It’s important to note that the Sound Sources can’t receive FM and AM simultaneously, so users have to choose between one or the other (green box). Likewise, Sound Sources can only accept FM or AM from one source at a time, so there is definite room for expansion when it comes to Current 2’s FM and AM capability.

The Mix page (see image above) is a useful addition that makes it easy to balance the levels of each Sound Source (blue box). Options to Solo (red box) each source are also located here, as is the ability to bypass the Filter and Effect sections via a Direct Out button (green box). Lastly, a basic Metre, Oscilloscope, and Volume Slider can be used to monitor the overall level of the synth (yellow box).

MIDI Generators and Modulation

Current 2 houses its extensive Modulation and MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) generation capabilities in the Lower panel of the Central Display (see image below).

Access to each Modulator is located in the top portion of this section (green box), with the lower portion (blue box) adapting its view to accommodate the currently selected Modulator or MIDI Generator. The two MIDI generators—Chord and Arpeggiator (blue dots)—both work in tandem with the scale selector in the bottom-right corner, which also contains global settings for Voices and Glide.

Whilst the inclusion of the MIDI generators is undoubtedly useful for sketching out chord progressions and melodic ideas, it’s important to note that the generated MIDI cannot be dragged out of the plugin for further manipulation.

Current 2 boasts a comprehensive selection of Modulators (see image above) that can be used to animate virtually any parameter throughout the synth. These include:

1. A fixed Amp Envelope (orange box). This modulator can only ever function as an envelope and cannot be turned into another source. Despite being hardwired to the output volume of the synth, it can be assigned to any additional parameters of the user’s choosing.
2. Nine, configurable modulation sources (green box). These modulation sources can switch between four modes: Envelope, LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator), Curve, and Follow. They can all be freely mapped to any parameter in the synth.
3. Six, MIDI modulators (yellow box). These can switch between Standard and MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) modes (blue box), the latter of which can be used to create highly expressive presets that respond to multiple gestures.

The majority of this panel (red box) is occupied by a dynamically changing window that displays the parameters of the currently selected modulator. This allows users to tweak the settings of each modulator with precision and ease.

Modulation Assignments

Modulators can be freely assigned by dragging and dropping them onto various parameters throughout the synth (click to see GIF), or by right-clicking on a destination and selecting the modulation source from the context menu.

Once assigned, the currently selected modulator is indicated by a yellow modulation Icon, and an accompanying Ring above the modulated parameter. The Ring indicates the modulation amount. This can be lengthened or shortened by dragging on the associated modulation Icon according to taste.

Further options (e.g. Modulation Polarity and Auxiliary Modulation) can be located in the context menu, which is engaged by right-clicking on the modulation Icon. If more than one modulation source is assigned to a parameter, a triangle appears below the Icon. This can be used to conveniently switch between the modulation sources.

Modulation Matrix

Current 2 features an excellent Modulation Matrix, which offers an alternative method to assign, monitor and edit modulations throughout the synth. Clicking the Matrix button (click to see GIF) will open a floating window that displays a list of every modulation assignment.

Depending on the number of modulations, this window can become difficult to navigate. Current 2 offers a compelling workaround to this common problem by allowing users to filter the modulation Matrix by modulation source. With the Matrix open, simply selecting any of the modulators will engage this behaviour (see GIF above), thus displaying only the modulations linked to the selected source.

Notable Modulators

Generally speaking, the Modulators behave according to industry conventions, which makes them easy to understand for intermediate to advanced users. There are a few surprises worth noting, however. For example, the LFOs can easily be turned into Random generators by engaging the Random dial (click to see GIF). Users can then tweak the Rate and Shape controls to create stepped or undulating modulations that have an organic and unpredictable nature.

The Curve modulator (click to see GIF) is by far the most versatile within Current 2. Users can create custom curves with the provided illustration tools and by defining their preferred grid size. This essentially turns Curve into a completely customisable Step Generator. The modulator can also switch between continuous and a one-shot modulation, the latter of which converts Curve into a MSEG (Multi-Stage Envelope Generator).

It should be highlighted that the modulator parameters can also receive modulation. This is a favoured technique for creating natural presets that have an organic and lifelike quality, so it is definitely worth exploring. The Follow modulator is particularly useful for this application because of its ability to dynamically respond to the volume fluctuations outputted by Current 2, as well as the various Sound Sources.

In concluding, it’s important to note that whilst users are free to make as many modulation assignments as their system will allow, Current 2 is limited to a maximum of nine configurable modulation sources. This doesn’t include the Amp and MIDI Modulators, but it still feels like an unnecessary limitation that prevents users from unlocking the synth’s expansive nature.

Effects

Minimal Audio has received widespread acclaim for their excellent suite of effects plugins, so it comes as no surprise that Current 2 wraps many of them directly into its ecosystem.

Of the nine available effects (see image above—green box), only WaveShifter and PolarDistortion aren’t available as standalone plugins at the time of writing. The former is a brand-new addition to Current 2, and the latter borrows much of its functionality from Minimal Audio’s flagship saturation effect: Rift.

As with the Sound Sources, the functionality of each Effect is review-worthy, which is testament to their comprehensive feature-set and superb design. Whilst an in-depth investigation is beyond the scope of this article, a brief description of each effect is provided at the bottom of this section.

Effects can be loaded by clicking on an effect slot in the Effect Chain (see image above—red box) and choosing from the menu. The Effect Chain can be used to bypass and reorder the effects, which can easily be exchanged by clicking on the ‘plus’ icon. Notably, effects can be loaded into the chain more than once. Multiple layers of processing are therefore possible with one effect, should that be desired.

Once an effect has been loaded into a slot (click to see GIF), the interface will update to display its parameters. Each effect offers a wide range of features that are primed for receiving modulation, thus making it easy for users to further animate their presets. Additionally, each effect is equipped with an independent preset menu. Users can therefore mine the existing presets for inspiration, or create new ones for future use.

Overall, the quality of each effect is such that it’s virtually impossible to find any fault with them. Current 2’s only real shortcoming in this department is that users are once again limited to using nine at a time. As with the Modulators, this will hopefully be addressed in future updates.

Effect Descriptions

1. Cluster Delay: A multi-tap delay with six internal effects, and integrated ducking.
2. Flex Chorus: An expansive, multi-band chorus with up to 24 voices.
3. Fuse Compressor: A multi-band compressor, configurable up to six bands. Capable of both upwards and downwards compression.
4. Hybrid Filter: A feature-packed filter with over 50 filter-types.
5. Morph EQ: A unique, parametric equaliser that is capable of morphing between customisable filter paths.
6. Polar Distortion: A multimode saturation.
7. Ripple Phaser: An advanced phaser featuring seven modes.
8. Swarm Reverb: An algorithmic reverb with independent control over early and late reflections.
9. Wave Shifter: A combined Frequency Shifter, Ring Modulator and Amp Modulator with FM and soft-sync capability.

Stream (Content)

The Stream page (see image below) serves as an excellent content management system.

Additional content notwithstanding, Current 2 is equipped with a sizeable selection of factory content. This has been conveniently organised into packs that can be downloaded directly within the plugin. Other variations of this approach can often be a cumbersome experience, but Current 2’s implementation is thoughtfully designed.

Users can select from a large library of Presets, Wavetables and Sounds (red box) before using a comprehensive filtering system to locate specific content (green box). The Local and Cloud selectors (blue box) make it easy for users to locate the packs on their system, or search for more downloadable content.

Upon selecting a pack, users can freely audition the content (see image above). Giving users the option to download individual files or the full pack is a considerate touch because it can prevent bloat from accumulating on one’s local drive. That being said, an area that could be improved upon involves the removal of downloaded content. Currently, this cannot be managed from within the plugin, so users will have to locate the files on their system and remove them manually.

In Use

Current 2 is an absolute pleasure to work with. Every component of the synth has been impeccably designed and coded, thus culminating in an experience that is both seamless and immersive. Experienced sound designers will have no trouble navigating its intuitive design, and novices will be hard-pressed to find a better starting point from which to launch their sonic explorations.

The five Sound Sources offer exceptional quality and are capable of a near-infinite range of sound-design and synthesis possibilities. Whether designing pads, keys, leads, basses, plucks, and sound-effects from scratch, or implementing samples into the sound-design process, Current 2 is more than up to the task. True to Minimal Audio’s pedigree, the Effect modules are laudable for their excellence. The depth and texture they can provide is truly transformative, especially when combined with Current 2’s inspired approach to modulation, which is easily one of the most intuitive on the market.

Probably the highest compliment one can pay to Current 2 is that it simultaneously feels both fresh and familiar. This somewhat paradoxical statement is testament to the manner in which Minimal Audio have collated their sources of inspiration and evolved them with innovative refinements.

Conclusion

At just over a year on from its initial launch, Current 2 confidently marches into the elite category of software synthesisers. The latest release sees Minimal Audio operating at the peak of their powers, delivering a user experience that prioritises creativity and workflow efficiency. The execution of the current feature-set is top class, thus resulting in an incredibly polished soft-synth that encourages creativity through the exploration of multiple types of synthesis.

Whilst there are still areas to address (e.g. Wavetable Editing, and the limitations on Effect slots and Modulation Sources), these are only likely to deter advanced sound-designers with specific use-cases. Their inclusion would undoubtedly elevate Current 2 to new heights, so it would be unsurprising to see these features addressed in upcoming revisions. Needless to say, should Current 2 maintain its trajectory, the future looks incredibly bright.

Technical Info

1. Simple download, installation, and authentication process. A user account is required.
2. The factory content (Presets, Wavetables and Samples) is downloaded directly within the plugin and requires approximately 3.5 GB of storage.
3. Mac & PC are both supported, with options for VST, VST3, AU and AAX.
4. The manual is extremely comprehensive, but it is only available online. A PDF version would be a useful addition.
5. The CPU usage will likely run high for older machines, especially when pushing Current 2 to the edge of its capabilities. That being said, the plugin has been exceptionally well-optimised, offering a smooth and seamless experience.

Disclaimer: This review was conducted on a MacBook Pro M4 Pro with 48 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD (macOS Sequoia 15.2). User experience with the reviewed software may vary with different technical specifications.

Alternatives

1. Serum (Xfer Records)
2. Vital (Vital Audio)
3. PhasePlant (Kilohearts)
4. Pigments (Arturia)
5. Massive X (Native Instruments)
6. Alchemy (Logic)

Many thanks Josh, for yet another thorough review!

Priced 199 USD/EUR, Current 2 is available from Minimal Audio and at distributor Plugin Boutique, and rent-to-own options are available from both Minimal Audio and Splice.

Josh Turvey is a musician, producer and an avid plugin enthusiast. He provides online, 1-2-1 tuition for guitar and music production for NoiseQuest.