ROLI Equator2 – Expressive MPE Hybrid Synthesizer

ROLI Equator2 is a synthesizer that treats performance as part of the patch. Where most soft synths respond to note-on and note-off, ROLI Equator2 is built around MPE, so strike, glide, slide, press and lift shape every note independently. Underneath that expressive surface sits a deep hybrid engine — six source modules spanning wavetable, virtual analog, sampling, granular and noise — plus a modulation system and effects rack that invite serious sound design. It is an instrument, not a preset player.

Six sources, four synthesis modes, endless combinations

Each of ROLI Equator2’s six Source Modules can run as an oscillator (with wavetable and virtual-analog modes), a sampler, a granular engine or a noise source, routed through a flexible architecture with per-source filtering and two global filters. That means a single patch can blend a wavetable lead with a granular texture and a noise transient — techniques that usually live in separate plugins now coexist in one signal path. From cinematic beds to snarling basses to delicate plucked hybrids, the palette is genuinely wide, and the architecture rewards experimentation rather than punishing it.

MPE expression and a modulation system built for movement

The headline feature is per-note expression: with an MPE controller, each note in a chord can bend, swell and brighten independently, turning static harmony into something that feels played rather than programmed. Even without MPE hardware, the standard MIDI mode keeps everything musical. Behind the scenes, five envelopes, five LFOs, two Multi-Mod sources with custom curves, keytracking, math modifiers and random sources keep patches in constant motion, while the 12-slot semi-modular effects rack — 15 effects across dynamics, EQ, distortion, modulation, delay and reverb with mixed, parallel and feedback routing — functions as a second instrument rather than a garnish.

Key features of ROLI Equator2

• Hybrid engine with six Source Modules: oscillator, sampler, granular, noise
• Wavetable and virtual-analog oscillators with deep routing architecture
• Full MPE support — Strike, Glide, Slide, Press and Lift per note
• Five envelopes, five LFOs, two Multi-Mod sources and extensive modifiers
• 12-slot semi-modular effects rack with 15 effects modules
• Per-source filtering plus two global filters
• Standard MIDI mode for non-MPE workflows
• Built for evolving pads, expressive leads, basses and cinematic textures

Who ROLI Equator2 is for

It is for producers and composers who perform their parts rather than just programming them — especially owners of MPE controllers like ROLI Seaboards who want a synth that actually speaks the language. Sound designers, film composers, ambient artists and experimental electronic musicians will find the hybrid engine and modulation depth equally compelling, and even traditional keyboard players get a first-class instrument in standard MIDI mode.

Tech specs and compatibility

ROLI Equator2 runs on macOS and Windows as VST3, AU and AAX in all major DAWs. It operates in both MPE and standard MIDI modes, so no special hardware is required — though pairing it with an MPE controller unlocks its full expressive range. ROLI provides the installer and authorization through its own software manager; check current system requirements for the latest OS compatibility before purchasing.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need ROLI hardware to use ROLI Equator2?

No. Equator2 includes a standard MIDI mode alongside its MPE mode, so it works with any keyboard or DAW — MPE controllers simply unlock deeper per-note expression.

What synthesis types does ROLI Equator2 include?

Each of its six Source Modules can operate as a wavetable/virtual-analog oscillator, sampler, granular engine or noise source, all combinable within one patch.

Is it good for cinematic sound design?

Very. The combination of granular sources, deep evolving modulation and a 12-slot effects rack makes it a natural fit for atmospheric beds, textures and evolving cinematic material.

Most synths play notes. ROLI Equator2 plays performances. At Plugboutique deal pricing, one of the most expressive software instruments ever made costs less than a forgettable sample pack — buy it now and start playing patches that move under your fingers.

Explore more Synth Plugins at Plugboutique, or pair it with GForce Prophet-5 – Classic Analog Synth Revival for an even bigger toolkit. Also listed on PluginsBoutique.