Looking to replace hardware VA's with Zebra 2. Need Advice

[tdm71]

Hey Guys-

I have heard NOTHING but rave reviews for Z2 that it really got me thinking that mabe I should downsize a bit and sell of some of my hardware VA's. I'm looking to sell off the Nord Lead 3, Virus B and ION and I'm wondering how close I can get to most if not all of those "types" of sounds with Z2?? I don't need to have that "VIRUS" or "NORD" sound just a very good replication of the sounds (that is why a put quotes around TYPE). Admitedly, I'm more of a tweaker than a programer, plus I have other synths to (Albino, Rapture, Blue, Absynth 3, to name a few) so I'm not as concered about losing a feature here or there with anyone or all synths.

URS- since you are such a genius can you offer some insight or maybe some of the faithful Z2 supporters can as well?

Also, how does Filterscape fit in to this equation? Is it a good alternative as well and how might they differ?

THANKS SO MUCH!!1

[beej]

Have you actually tried Z2?

Only you can decide whether it does what you need, I guess...

[Urs]

tdm71,

Hehe, although I really enjoy people retiring & replacing their hardware by Zebra, I'd highly encourage you to check out the demo and base your decision on actually working with it.

If you like it, check out the Dinosaur Crossgrade for Zebra2. You can get 50$ off for a photo of your Nord with the "Retired & Replaced by Zebra" label attached. I'm collecting these photos for a funny little gallery, like this:



(you don't really have to put it in the trash though...)

Cheers,

Urs

[Timfonie]

Urs, you are not only an excellent synth programmer but also a clever marketeer!

[Kebmaster]

I had a Virus B for a couple of months but found the sound to be too dark for my tastes. I was thinking of saving for a Virus C (has built in EQ to brighten it up) or a JP8000 / Nord Lead. As soon as I discovered Zebra 2 there was no need!!!!!!! I produce hard trance and find that the Zebra has a unique character just like the mentioned VAs. It is fantastic for dirty trance leads and easily gives the Virus(And any other VA synth!!) a run for its money for a fraction of the price!!!!!!! Recommended!! The only critisism is that it suffers from denormalisation problems i.e it makes my CPU shoot up for very short periods in Logic 5.5.1 (Windows).

[Urs]

The only critisism is that it suffers from denormalisation problems i.e it makes my CPU shoot up for very short periods in Logic 5.5.1 (Windows).

That's fixed in the final

[Kebmaster]

Thats good news!!!! Will definately buy it!!

[kodama]

I told a friend who was just starting to look at hw and vsti synths the other day that after trying about 1300+ soft synths, I have one word for him - "Zebra".



(Well Wusik also for samples, wish that was for Mac...)

[munchkin]

This is a fantastic synth! I own a Virus C Rack XL and the U-he Filterscape plugins. I'm going to assign the Virus to the dusbtbin because Zebra 2 could easily replace it. Any chance of a discount with either of these?

[suthnear]

I sold my nord rack 3 to buy z2 (oh, and a g2 engine )

[tdm71]

THANKS guys, that is such great news!! That is what I was looking for in advice. KEEP EM' COMING:)

Any idea what the difference is with Filterscape and Z2? Is it just in the features, programability or the sound? Where does each the advantage or is both just overlap?

THANKS

[beej]

Filterscape is a funky filter effect, with a small synth bundled with it. Zebra is a semi-modular synth. They both do things the other don't do, but if you looking primarily for a synth, it's Zebra. If you want something to spice up your tracks, Filterscape does some uber-cool stuff to 'em

[Urs]

Any chance of a discount with either of these?

Any Virus qualifies for the Z2 Dinosaur Crossgrade, if that was the question

Regarding the overlap of Z2 and FilterscapeVA. Well, there is some. Just like a Moog Modular and a Matrix 12 have some overlap. I can definately say that the sawtooth waveforms of both Z2 and FilterscapeVA sound very similar. Z2's has a little softer edge above 10kHz though. But then, Z2 can do Dual and Quad modes which FilterscapeVA can't. Z2 is stereo throughout the whole signal flow, while FilterscapeVA has an EQ With Balls for each voice. Z2 has a modular effects matrix and a buttload of filter styles, while FilterscapeVA does FM for arbitrary waveforms. Z2 has multistage envelopes while FilterscapeVA has a simpler interface. Unlike FilterscapeVA, Z2 does not yet do FilterFM, but there's a new filter in the drawer that will, uhm, render a few discussions void, hopefully later this year (remind me to post an audio sample as soon as Z2 is finsihed... I have sworn not to touch the filters in development for as long as Z2 is still under construction)

Whatever... I think it's up to taste and situation. Sometimes FilterscapeVA does the job just right, other times Z2 delivers the inspiration and flexibility needed. Z2 is certainly more sophisticated in its approach of combining several synthesis techniques. FilterscapeVA comes with the same sound quality and compensates lack of features with quicker access.

The Filterscape bundle will grow in terms of additional plugins, because there's not much room for many more features in each plugin. Z2 will grow in number of modules and options. Z2 is the u-he flagship. Filterscape is gonna be the mothership for a couple u-he satellites.

Cheers,

Urs

[beej]

Plus Filterscape has that spinny thing, which looks great!

[Urs]

Plus Filterscape has that spinny thing, which looks great!

Yeah. Havn't you seen how many synths have fancy circular devices in the center these days? It's embarrassing!

I know I know... Sculpture was first...

Urs