AudioThing The Orb 2 is a vowel formant filter, updated in September 2026, that shapes any sound into vowel-like tones using three band-pass filters, one per formant. Version 2 adds a custom-vowel system, new Stereo Width, Spread and Size controls, a redesigned procedural interface with a preset browser, and a first iOS release.
Three LFOs animate the vowel, the formant emphasis and a frequency drift, so the effect moves on its own from subtle talking pads to rhythmic vocal filtering. It runs as VST2, VST3, AU, AAX and CLAP on desktop and as an AUv3 plugin and standalone app on iOS, and it is a free update for existing owners. For the full breakdown, see the Orb 2 first look.