The PL2 is an analog synthesizer module with a digital (125kHz, state variable) multimode filter, offering unique saturation. That filter's followed by a second analog lowpass filter. It comes in two versions:
The original black PL2 is MIDI powered via its MIDI input. It works with almost any MIDI equipped keyboard or MIDI interface. The built-in micro USB connector doesn't contain USB functionality, but can be used for additional power when needed. Here's a list of MIDI devices reported to be compatible:
Frequently updated compatibility list
Soundwise identical, the white PL2 Leukos USB only works with computers or iPads® (USB camera connection kit required).
Instead of a MIDI Input, πλ² Leukos features a perfect MIDI output, so you can connect an additonal MIDI synth (e.g. a black PL2).
Ploytec PL2 (MIDI In) vs. PL2 Leukos (USB MIDI In)
The PL2 gets entirely controlled via MIDI. Here's a list of the MIDI Control messages the PL2 understands:
In order to make life easier, there's some software editors:
Editor for Windows (updated September 2019)
Editor for Mac (updated September 2019)
The πλ² song Lazy Sunday from Raziel Ambientmusic is created using only the PL2!
"πλ² sounds and drums" means all sounds are from the PL2, including drum sounds.
Click here to download the English πλ² manual German πλ² manual
The PL2 synthesizer was first released with firmware V1.5. The V2.0 update supplements drum mode and more waveforms, V2.1 enhances the filter resolution and allows to map MIDI controllers. Here's the V2.1 release notes. The most recent V2.5 firmware released at Superbooth17 facilitates polyphonic setups and adds a fantastic cowbell.
At Summer NAMM 2014 the PL2 finally learned to talk, here's the release notes for πλ² PL02.56 alternative firmware emulating the legendary SP0256-AL2 chip. Superbooth16 brought the "re50.n80r" firmware, replacing the "Resonance" controller by a "Resonator" one.
For exchanging firmware, please use the software editors above.
Markus explains the PL2
Remote Programmer for Native Instruments' Reaktor
Optional multiclient Windows MIDI driver for PL2 Leukos (USB)
πλ² and Ploytec related videos
Distributors: Europe / UK: Comline, Japan: Dirigent, Switzerland: Omsound, USA / Canada: Eleven Dimensions Media - List of US Resellers
Purchase the πλ² Synthesizer from Ploytec