Zebra/Alchemy vs... the world?

[Lotuzia]

Personally I think there are plenty of great choices already so no need to wait for something that is just an idea currently.

An idea that can produce a track with 6 instances of it running flawlessly simulatenously in Cuabse though.

But its true, its not released yet.

More news on the idea asap anyway.

[Arksun]

Both Zebra and Alchemy are immensly powerful and it sounds like you're still discovering new and different ways of creating sounds from them... which is great!.

I would enjoy this voyage of discovery further to see just how far you can push both engines, you'll gain more satisfaction at your achievements, skill levels will improve further and you'll have saved yourself some money too

It truly is a great feeling to feel like you're pushing 1 synth to its limits, getting the most out of it.

[_leras]

Personally I think there are plenty of great choices already so no need to wait for something that is just an idea currently.

An idea that can produce a track with 6 instances of it running flawlessly simulatenously in Cuabse though.

But its true, its not released yet.

More news on the idea asap anyway.

I deliberately hadn't commented, but as your trying to recommend something that only exists as a sounds example I have to say that I didn't think it sound like anything that couldn't be created in Zebra to be honest...

I'm still hope you spend some time sorting out synthix and making it pleasant to use...

[_leras]

Both Zebra and Alchemy are immensly powerful and it sounds like you're still discovering new and different ways of creating sounds from them... which is great!.

I would enjoy this voyage of discovery further to see just how far you can push both engines, you'll gain more satisfaction at your achievements, skill levels will improve further and you'll have saved yourself some money too

It truly is a great feeling to feel like you're pushing 1 synth to its limits, getting the most out of it.

This is definitely very true. (even though some synths just have a different flavour... pushed or not...)

What I would say about Massive though, is that is possibly the best synth to learn synth programming on. VA architecture, easy modulation routings, great sequencing abilities, awesome envelopes to choose from.. easy to analyse patches. etc etc


.

[Lotuzia]

Personally I think there are plenty of great choices already so no need to wait for something that is just an idea currently.

An idea that can produce a track with 6 instances of it running flawlessly simulatenously in Cuabse though.

But its true, its not released yet.

More news on the idea asap anyway.

I deliberately hadn't commented, but as your trying to recommend something that only exists as a sounds example I have to say that I didn't think it sound like anything that couldn't be created in Zebra to be honest...

I'm still hope you spend some time sorting out synthix and making it pleasant to use...

Thousands of people already find our synths pleasant to use, and sounding unique.

By this I meant thousands - 1 of course ....

Just play the bass I made without any live controler using any synth you want, then we'll see ( and also try to replicate the other instruments while you're at it )( ........ to be honnest )

Anway you have commented so many times that the Synthix had such a terrible and weak sound that I cant see why making it "pleasant to use" would change anything. At least for you.

So that you can comment all the way you want, and afaik, you did not deny yourself this right lately on many ( read all) Xils related threads.

[mcnoone]

An example - this is Zebra with no extra effects added at all:
https://soundcloud.com/madrayken/zebstep
I apologise for the crappy nature of the music. I don't usually write stuff with beats... or tunes - let alone Dubstep. That said, I don't think that it's way off to say it's a 'typical' Massive/Cyclop-style sound.

I liked it. Doesn't sound thin to me.

Here's some cold digital aggressive type basses/1-lead, I did mangling my sounds using the XY controls, also using additional modules, and aftertouch/modwheel settings. Just recorded in realtime finger noodling, so no wub-wub-chubby.
https://www.box.com/s/0d885df2544a02f70803

[vurt]

Personally I think there are plenty of great choices already so no need to wait for something that is just an idea currently.

An idea that can produce a track with 6 instances of it running flawlessly simulatenously in Cuabse though.

But its true, its not released yet.

More news on the idea asap anyway.

I deliberately hadn't commented, but as your trying to recommend something that only exists as a sounds example

he didnt recommend it, i did.
and i did even point out in my post that there was only one audio example so far.

i was actually suggesting holding off, he had said he had tried demos in the op, and didnt feel they where what he was looking for. holding off buying something he might regret is in my opinion good advice, it gives him time to think and perhaps get more out of what he already has, too many people think that what they need is a new synth, when in reality what they need is to spend more time getting to know what they have.
a minimal set up with more skills than toys is a good thing.

to the op, as suggested by someone else, try different effects chains on what you already use, layer synths, for example 2 or 3 zebras to thicken up the sound, then differing effects to add dirt maybe, then bus these to bring it into one sound!
use your host like a odular synth, routing things together to get what youre after

[Urs]

Well, if the OP doesn't go for ACE or Diva then I'd suggest to wait a bit too. We have something really exciting on our white board that might fit inbetween our endeavours to update Zebra. Also, of course, the upcomming Zebra update might leave little else to wish for.

[braj]

too many people think that what they need is a new synth, when in reality what they need is to spend more time getting to know what they have.

[Madrayken]

Have decided to hold out.

Am testing Massive a lot more.
Am testing Surge.
Am testing Helix.
Am on beta-test for an upcoming Mac synth.

That'll keep me busy until the GAS passes, I think.

In the meantime, I shall be effect-chaining a crap load and (my resolution for the year) trying to get more rhythmic elements in my work.

Thanks for the help!

[_leras]

Just play the bass I made without any live controler using any synth you want, then we'll see ( and also try to replicate the other instruments while you're at it )( ........ to be honnest )

Anway you have commented so many times that the Synthix had such a terrible and weak sound that I cant see why making it "pleasant to use" would change anything. At least for you.

FYI, I'm in this thread recommending Massive - and as much for the interface as for the awesome sound. (something that can't be said for the confusing xils synths I own)

ok, so now you have steered this back to xils somehow...

OK, so you're dumbing down the process of making a wub wub dubstep bass even further... It's something that can be done in massive just using the internal sequencer pretty easily, or any other synth that you can modulate a tempo locked LFO speed with a sequencer... The bass sounded pretty smooth *but*, lacked edge if you ask me. Maybe that was the programming rather than the sound, but who's to know... Your synth doesn't even exist yet.

You misquote me on synthix. specifically
1. Yes, I was/am disappointed with the sounds compared to youtube videos of the real thing.
2. I didn't really dig the filters, and thought it had a 'softsynth' sound, (in the same way I think Aalto does), just had an overall soft edge. I have a pretty decent
3. It's a complete pita to try to program, it's unintuitive and the layer management is just shocking. Hot to change cutoff for a layer, how to change cutoff for all layers - simple stuff that just isn't obvious. This could be fixed right? Are you looking at how to improve this?

[glokraw]

So:

Bar 'workflow/UI' preferences*, has anyone found anything in Massive, Cyclop or Helix that just can't be done with these two? In fact, is there a patch in any non-sample-based synth that can't be made almost identically in Zebra?

A lot depends on what you enjoy more, and what your budget is.
If it is more fun to play and record existing presets, and spinoffs,
than it is to dig in and make things more from scratch, then get more
synths, and jam with the favorites.

As far as budget, If you have a years expenses saved, and no debts,
another synth you will use every month, won't be a risk. The enjoyment
of making music, is also a major medical benefit, as long as you
don't keel over at the mastering desk at 2AM

[glokraw]

Well, if the OP doesn't go for ACE or Diva then I'd suggest to wait a bit too. We have something really exciting on our white board that might fit inbetween our endeavours to update Zebra. Also, of course, the upcomming Zebra update might leave little else to wish for.

How many K does your white board hold? That must be mounted on
a long long wall

[_leras]

So:

Bar 'workflow/UI' preferences*, has anyone found anything in Massive, Cyclop or Helix that just can't be done with these two? In fact, is there a patch in any non-sample-based synth that can't be made almost identically in Zebra?

A lot depends on what you enjoy more, and what your budget is.
If it is more fun to play and record existing presets, and spinoffs,
than it is to dig in and make things more from scratch, then get more
synths, and jam with the favorites.

As far as budget, If you have a years expenses saved, and no debts,
another synth you will use every month, won't be a risk. The enjoyment
of making music, is also a major medical benefit, as long as you
don't keel over at the mastering desk at 2AM

Massive has a unique set of waveforms for it's oscillators. It's sequencer is also very unique and awesomely powerful, and it's envelopes can also offer things that other synths can't.

workflow/UI in massive also has an effect on the sounds you can create. Using the macro systems you can create really quite complex sounds and modify them very expressively from just a few macro controls. I actually think this has an impact on the 'sound' of massive - at least for me.

[LeVzi]

Have decided to hold out.

Am testing Massive a lot more.
Am testing Surge.
Am testing Helix.
Am on beta-test for an upcoming Mac synth.

That'll keep me busy until the GAS passes, I think.

In the meantime, I shall be effect-chaining a crap load and (my resolution for the year) trying to get more rhythmic elements in my work.

Thanks for the help!

Massive is a beast tbh, and more indepth than it looks. I've never used Surge so cannot comment, but Helix is one of those forgotten gems imo, I wish it would get the 64bit update.

Also check out ElectraX from Tone2, another very powerful synth that also allows for wavetable import (Along the lines of massive) it's basically like having 4 x 3osc synths in one + effects ><