Muse Research Receptor C2
VST Instrument Computer

The Muse Research Receptor C2 is a unique and versatile musical instrument that takes the best software-based synthesizers and effects processors available, and turns them into real instruments. With the push of a button, the Muse Research Receptor C2 can transform itself from a sampler into a guitar processor; from a drum module into a synthesizer; or from a delicate mastering tool into a screaming drawbar organ.

Plugin software has completely changed the way we make music. Puny samples crammed into tiny chips are a thing of the past. Fixed architecture synths, by their very nature, are forever incapable of adapting to an ever-shifting sonic landscape. In today's musical world, virtual instruments reign supreme. But using plugin software can be an exasperating experience. Stability concerns and high latencies limit their effectiveness on stage, and high CPU demands limit their flexibility in the studio.

The Muse Research Receptor C2 solves these problems by combining everything that's good about plugins with everything that's good about hardware.  After all, we designed the Muse Research Receptor C2 so that performers could simply turn it on, dial up a VST plug-in, and start making music. With its lightning fast MIDI response, durability and stability, the Muse Research Receptor C2 is truly optimized for live performance.

Whether syncing to MIDI beat clock, responding to MIDI performance controllers, or recalling complex patches with standard MIDI program change messages, the Muse Research Receptor C2 integrates effortlessly into a live performance environment. And if your roadie kicks out the power cable, the Muse Research Receptor C2 will reboot right back into its proper configuration within 5 seconds! Its flexible and intuitive architecture allows customers to create Receptor environments than can respond to patch changes instantaneously.



The Muse Research Receptor C2 is robust and portable-hosting both today's and tomorrow's best plugins in an easy to use hardware environment.  The Muse Research Receptor C2 conforms to the performer's workflow, not the other way around. Do you want a dedicated, stand-alone visual editing and configuration environment? Simply plug a monitor, keyboard, and mouse directly into Receptor and configure it without using a computer. Is the computer the center of your musical universe? Then connect the Muse Research Receptor C2's Ethernet cable to your computer and graphically control it directly from your Mac or PC. Do you not want to bother with monitors and mice? Receptor is completely controllable from its own front panel using dedicated knobs and buttons.

With its whisper-quiet fan and cool, retro appearance, the Muse Research Receptor C2 belies its true identity - a thoroughly modern, software-configurable module, designed to integrate completely and effortlessly into a network of computer-hosted digital audio workstations.

The Muse Research Receptor C2 is designed for musicians. Its user interface follows a familiar mixer-analogy, allowing users to create patches containing as many 16 simultaneous stereo plugin instruments. Insert slots, two stereo send busses and the master buss all allow the possibility of adding a whopping 57 additional effects plugins to your sonic assault.  These 16 individual synthesizers and 57 effects can be used individually or combined-allowing for complex sound sculptures unattainable with either computers or hardware. And, of course, all parameters can be remotely controlled via MIDI, and entire configurations can be saved and recalled with a single program change.

Muse Research is fully aware that the computer is the heart and soul of every modern recording studio, and we've designed Receptor to integrate completely with today's studios. Up to 10 Receptors can be connected to a single computer using gigabit Ethernet. All audio, MIDI, and graphical control information is then transferred between Receptor and your computer using only the Ethernet cable. This is called UniWire - and it comes free with every Receptor.

By instantiating a UniWire plugin in your computer's sequencer, you can graphically control and edit your Receptor without ever taking your eyes off your sequencer! The UniWire plugin transmits all MIDI and audio data between the Muse Research Receptor C2 and your sequencer over a single Ethernet cable. Each Receptor that you plug into your computer network becomes an extension of your existing recording environment-allowing unprecedented sound creation potential without taxing your host computer's CPU. And all this power is accessed exactly the way your workflow requires-through a plugin running in your host computer.

The word "sound" is the first word in "sound module," and Muse Research understands that any good musical instrument is about the sound-first and foremost. For this reason, Receptor's audio I/O was designed for superlative sonic performance, with 24-bit / 96kHz converters, balanced +4dbm input and outputs on 1/4" TRS connectors, plus S/PDIF stereo digital I/O.

The Muse Research Receptor C2 is both a sound module and an effects module. Each of Receptor's 16 instrument channels is able to processes audio as well as generate it. Along with its S/PDIF stereo digital input and balanced +4dbm stereo analog inputs, the Muse Research Receptor C2 features a front panel, high-Z instrument input that enables guitarists and bass players to enjoy the modern sonic palette that plugins offer. MIDI I/O supports your keyboard rig and a convenient USB port provides support for several USB MIDI devices. And, of course, you can plug your headphones into the front panel jack during those late night moments when inspiration strikes.

The Muse Research Receptor C2 is designed to be equally at home on the stage or in the studio. Not only will it integrate with your studio, allowing you to incorporate hundreds of additional virtual instruments and effects into your productions, but it can be untethered from the studio and taken on stage-insuring your audience loves your live performance as much as your records.

The Muse Research Receptor C2 is flexible, adaptable, and open-ended-allowing your to run today's plugins as well as tomorrow's. It combines the flexibility and diversity of software, with the immediacy, durability, and tactile ergonomics of hardware to give musicians, producers, sound designers and performers the ultimate musical tool.

Not only does the Muse Research Receptor C2 run hundreds of "Receptorized" plugins - all of which are "fine tuned" for Receptor and feature a harmonized installation method, but it also supports an increasing number of "off the shelf" plugins-meaning you can purchase a Windows plugin at your favorite music store and install it in Receptor. Muse Research's plugorama.com website contains a wealth of information about available plugins, and new plugins constantly being added to the Receptor compatibility list.

Muse Research Receptor C2 Features:
-160GB Hard Drive
-2GB RAM
-2 Super-quiet fans
-MIDI In/Out/Thru
-S/PDIF In/Out
-Stereo In/Out, 24-bit/96kHz, balanced +4dbmI/O on 1/4" TRS (jack) Connectors
-PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports
-VGA monitor output
-Ehternet port
-ADAT connection
-4 USB 2.0 ports on rear
-1 USB port on front for registration keys
-Headphone output