Z3TA+

Z3ta is one of the very rare software applications that really deserve the title "instrument".
It really does stand up to the most popular of hardware synthesizers. The sheer performance of sound it delivers is mind-boggling. If there is one thing justifying the use of software synths, it would be z3ta.

The interface is very functional, easy and fast to work. It eats up little space on screen and won't get in the way while sequencing. Yet the sliders and knobs are big and comfortable to handle.

In regards to sound quality, versatility and customizability z3ta is literally playing in another league than anything else out there to this day.
It can play simple sounds, it can play big complicated moving sounds, and it does it all at a level where its not the tool limiting the sound.
Many people, including myself, put a lot of value and appreciation into unique but still usable sound. Z3ta can be setup to sound entirely different than someone else's z3ta does. Developing a signature sound to your music is a piece of cake when you have z3ta.
You can feed it custom waveforms, you can feed it your own arpeggios, you can adapt it to ANY hardware controller that is able to send midi data.
There also is the modulation matrix, which gives you 16 slots to freely route controllers with things they should control, how much they should control them, and how they should control it.
All the customisation work is made easy, as a standalone z3ta is supplied with the vsti version. That part of course is highly valid for live performances, too.

The documentation is a 35 page PDF, laid out in clean and easily comprehensible design. It is actually more useful than the manuals that come with most of the high profile hardware synths and workstations. Z3ta's controls and modules are explained in a way so that the average mortal musician quickly grasps how to make his own sounds without much effort. That manual is an entertaining and rewarding read.

The presets z3ta comes bundled with are insta-inspiration(TM) when you play along a project in your sequencer. They are very useful references for making your own z3ta patches. Needless to say it takes a while until you're through auditioning 768 presets, let alone remember them all.

I've never required technical support with z3ta, but had a question or two regarding programming it. And when I found a z3ta patch attached to the email reply, I realized that RGC's support goes as far as to help their users to achieve the desired sounds with z3ta.

The new hermode tuning is an addition that made, what I thought was the king of synths already, even better. It basically improves whatever attribute any given sound has, be it fat or transparent.
Z3ta has so many awesome details, is of such quality, stability and versatility, that you have to see and hear it for yourself to grasp it.

At that price, z3ta is a must have (I mean it). But I won't give you my copy! Its mine, my own! My precious!Read Review