Vaporizer 2 review
A free, open-source instrument for synthesis-focused sampling across major platforms.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Vaporizer 2 is a hybrid wavetable synthesizer and sampler workstation from VAST Dynamics. It is aimed at producers and sound designers who want sampling alongside several synthesis methods, rather than a sampler focused only on sample playback. The instrument supports wavetable editing, granular synthesis, additive synthesis, four-oscillator FM synthesis, modulation, effects, arpeggiation, step sequencing and MPE. It runs as a standalone application or plug-in across Windows, macOS and Linux through the available formats.
Its standout strength is breadth within a single instrument. The sampler supports loop points, key tracking and drag-and-drop sample loading, with WAV, MP3, AIFF, OGG and FLAC support. Wavetable editing includes drawing with Bezier curves, while the modulation matrix provides 25 sources and 220 destinations. Three step sequencers, a built-in arpeggiator, multiple effect busses and parameterizable effects give it additional sound-shaping and sequencing scope. This makes Vaporizer 2 a strong fit for users who want to move between sampled, granular and synthesized textures without switching instruments.
The published Free plan provides the full version without a license or activation, and the software is open source. Its platform coverage is broad, with Windows, macOS and Linux support, including Linux LV2 builds in current downloads. The trade-off is that sample mapping and round-robin support are absent, and maximum polyphony is 32 voices. Users prioritizing advanced sample-organization features or higher polyphony should consider an alternative; users seeking a free, open-source workstation with extensive synthesis and sampling options should choose Vaporizer 2.
Vaporizer 2 pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free, open-source full version needs no license or activation
- Combines sampler, granular, wavetable, additive and FM synthesis
- Runs standalone and as VST2, VST3, AU, AAX and Linux LV2
- Where it doesn't
- Sample mapping support is absent
- Round-robin support is absent
- Maximum polyphony is 32 voices
Vaporizer 2 fact sheet, pricing and score →
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