Quanta 2

Quanta 2 is a granular synthesizer plugin for building sounds from audio samples. It can generate up to 100 grains at once per voice and accepts AIFF, WAV, Broadcast WAV, FLAC, MP3, and Ogg files in any sample rate, bit depth, or channel configuration. Alongside the grain engine are two virtual analog oscillators and a noise source, with dual filters that can operate in series or parallel. Sound shaping includes four envelope generators with as many as 99 steps each, two LFOs, sample and hold, and four assignable macros. Chorus, stereo dual delay, and reverb are built in. It supports MPE controllers, MTS-ESP microtuning, and TUN tuning tables. Desktop editions come in VST3, AU, AAX, and CLAP formats; the iPhone and iPad edition is AUv3 and sold separately. The listed plan is $99, paid once, with a free trial. The functional demo has a 20-minute session timer and disables saving. A 2026 update added real-time recording and additional filter modes.

Quanta 2 combines granular sample playback with oscillators, noise, filters, modulation, and effects. Check the separate iOS purchase and demo restrictions when choosing how to use it.

Quanta 2 suits musicians who want a sample-based instrument with granular synthesis, multiple sound sources, modulation, and built-in effects. Its separate iOS purchase and range of desktop plugin formats may suit users working across those environments.

Quanta 2 is a sample-based granular synthesizer plugin for producers and sound designers who want to reshape audio while combining it with conventional synth sources. Its appeal is the breadth of sound generation and modulation in one instrument; the separate iOS purchase and time-limited, unsaveable demo are important caveats.

Overview

At its core, Quanta 2 turns imported audio into as many as 100 simultaneous grains per voice. That gives it a distinct role from a straightforward sample player: it is built for making evolving or fragmented sounds from source material, with oscillators and noise available when a sample alone is not enough. A 2026 update added real-time recording and more filter modes, extending those sound-shaping options.

It is an instrument rather than a general-purpose audio utility, and can run as a standalone app as well as a plugin. Its support for common audio formats and broad desktop plugin compatibility make it a flexible choice across production setups. The depth may be unnecessary for someone who only needs basic sample playback or a simple synthesizer.

Key features

Granular sampling and sound sources

Quanta 2 imports AIFF, WAV, Broadcast WAV, FLAC, MP3, and Ogg files regardless of sample rate, bit depth, or channel configuration. That removes format constraints when choosing source material. Alongside the grain engine are two virtual analog oscillators and a noise source, so a patch can draw on sampled audio and synthesized material.

Filters, modulation, and effects

Dual filters can run in serial or parallel, providing different ways to shape the combined sources. Four envelope generators, each with up to 99 steps, two LFOs, sample and hold, and four assignable macros offer substantial modulation flexibility. Chorus, stereo dual delay, and reverb are built in, reducing the need to route every sound through separate effects. MPE controller support and MTS-ESP and TUN-format microtuning are useful for players working with expressive controllers or nonstandard tuning systems.

Pricing

The Quanta 2 plan costs $99, paid once for a perpetual license, with no subscription and no DRM. It suits buyers who want ongoing access without a recurring fee; the iOS version is a separate purchase from the desktop version, so the desktop license does not cover both.

There is no free plan. The fully functional demo has a 20-minute session timer and disables saving, making it useful for evaluating the instrument but not for keeping finished work. Audio Damage says its products have no copy protection and can be installed on any computer the customer owns.

Platforms

Quanta 2 is available for macOS, Windows, Linux, and iPad, with the iPhone also supported. Desktop plugin formats are VST3, AU, AAX, and CLAP; the iPhone and iPad version is AUv3. Apple handles iOS purchase matters such as refunds. Audio Damage provides support through Discord and email.

Who it's for

Choose Quanta 2 if granular sample transformation is central to your sound design and you want oscillators, noise, filters, modulation, and effects within the same instrument. MPE and microtuning support also make it a stronger fit for expressive or nonstandard tuning workflows. Look elsewhere if you need a free tool, expect the demo to save projects, or want one purchase to cover both desktop and iOS.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Loads six common audio formats across sample rates, bit depths, and channel configurations, giving users wide latitude in source material.
• Combines granular playback with oscillators, noise, dual filters, extensive modulation, and built-in effects in one instrument.
• Supports MPE and two microtuning standards for more specialized performance and tuning needs.
• Perpetual licensing without DRM or a subscription avoids recurring payments and copy protection.

Cons

• The $99, paid once desktop purchase does not include the separately purchased iOS version.
• The demo cannot save and ends each session after 20 minutes, limiting extended evaluation.
• Its granular engine and deep modulation are more than needed for basic sample playback or uncomplicated synthesis.

Alternatives

Csound is a free and open-source option across desktop, mobile, web, and API platforms; choose it if cost and broad platform reach matter more than Quanta 2's packaged granular instrument workflow.

FabFilter Pro-L 2 is another paid option with a free trial on iOS, macOS, and Windows.

SILO costs $50, paid once and includes AAX Native, AU, VST2, and VST3 formats; choose it if those formats and its lower one-time price better suit your setup.

Bespoke Synth offers a free, open-source modular environment with more than 190 modules on Windows, Mac, and Linux; it suits users who prefer a free modular approach.

MSoundFactory has a free player with few sounds and no customization, plus a $55, paid once LE plan; consider it if those tiers match your budget and needs.

Pure Data is free software with no paid plans or usage limits stated; choose it if you want a free option instead of a paid instrument.

SuperCollider is free and open source for Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it an alternative for users seeking a no-cost option.

Vital has a free Basic plan with 75 presets, 25 wavetables, and full synth features; its free tier makes it worth considering if granular sample processing is not the priority.

Browse more options in Sound Design Software and Sampler Software.

Verdict

Quanta 2 is a strong choice for sound designers who want granular sample work, flexible modulation, and conventional synth sources in one instrument, with a perpetual desktop license. The main reasons to look elsewhere are the separate iOS purchase and the demo's no-save, 20-minute sessions; buyers who need a free tool or simpler sample playback should choose another option.