u-He Hive 2 (Download)
Sleek, streamlined, supercharged

Hive's clear layout and easy workflow let you create stunning patches in next to no time at all. Although surprisingly CPU-friendly, Hive doesn't sacrifice flexibility or audio quality. Now packed with more controls than ever, version 2 opens up new dimensions of expression… and sheer fun!

Underneath its sleek exterior, Hive 2 lets you go as deep as you like. Add movement and life using the shape sequencer, or instantly record, rotate and arpeggiate note sequences. The 12-slot matrix even lets you modulate effect parameters, encouraging you to explore a whole new world of creative options. With its swappable audio engine, flexible signal routing, wavetable support and quality effects, Hive 2 makes sure you can get the sound you want with a minimum of fuss.

How it works

Hive 2 includes Wavetables! These appear as multiple waveforms, and are controlled in the central hexagon. You can manually select wavetables, modulate the wave position via the matrix, or even scan through them automatically using the envelope and loop options (which let you animate wavetables without the need for an extra modulation source).

This panel also offers a Reverse option to flip the wavetable back to front, Cyclic mode for seamless wavetable cycling, and various real-time interpolation methods.

Multi-Table

Wavetables can be split into multiple parts (up to 16), effectively creating a 2-dimensional oscillator. For instance, a wavetable with 30 frames can be split into 3 x 10 frames by setting Tables to 3. The lower Position knob will crossfade between those 3. This feature opens up a second dimension of wavetable scanning, such as velocity crossfade or multisample support.

UHM scripting

Want to go even deeper? Many of Hive's factory wavetables are not samples, but ".uhm" files containing scripts written in a proprietary wavetable generation and manipulation language. If you're interested in writing your own scripts, grab this document (also included in the Hive installer)…

Interpolation

Hive provides 4 different algorithms for interpolating between wavetable frames: switch, crossfade, spectral, or zero phase. The appearance (and CPU usage) of waveforms can differ significantly, depending on the chosen interpolation. The spectral and zero phase modes shift the relative phases of partials differently, while the switch option only shows non-interpolated waveforms.

The Shape Sequencer is where you can create complex modulations and/or rhythmic patterns, it offers a comfortable way to 'gamify' rhythm creation. The shape sequencer has four Shape Modulator lanes (A, B, C and D), each with an independent set of options determining how the active cells in that lane are sequenced: This means that the shape modulators can be triggered differently and run at different speeds! While it may look like a baby version of what other synths have to offer, Hive's shape sequencer can do a lot more than first meets the eye…

Function Generators

Hive’s Function Generators combine simple envelope functionality with LFO, slew limiter (a.k.a. envelope follower) and gate control. Each of the three outputs has its own ‘crosshair’ you can drag & drop onto any modulation target, onto the Scope or even onto the modulation matrix source fields. Triggered and/or modulated by the LFOs, the Shape Sequencer and each other, Hive’s Function Generators can create some truly mind-bending motion effects!

Hive provides 4 different algorithms for interpolating between wavetable frames: switch, crossfade, spectral, or zero phase. The appearance (and CPU usage) of waveforms can differ significantly, depending on the chosen interpolation. The spectral and zero phase modes shift the relative phases of partials differently, while the switch option only shows non-interpolated waveforms.

Requirements:

mac:
cpu: Modern CPU (Intel Nehalem, AMD Bulldozer, Apple M1 or newer)
ram: 1
disk: 0
version: Mac OS X 10.9 or newer
additional_requirements: 1000 × 600 or larger display
internet_required: True
support: 64_bit
plugins: VST-2,VST-3,AU

windows:
ram: 1
disk: 0
version: Windows 7 or newer
additional_requirements: 1000 × 600 or larger display
internet_required: True
support: 32_bit,64_bit
plugins: VST-2,VST-3,AAX

linux:
ram: 1
disk: 0
additional_requirements: 1000 × 600 or larger display
internet_required: False

Licensing:
methods: computer