Albino vs Gladiator vs Surge vs Zebra

[xx JPRacer xx]

Sorry for another versus topic, but maybe users of these synths can help me make my final decision.

I tried them all and love them all and I really don't know which one to get and this will probably be my last synth since I don't have time for this anymore (music is just a part-time hobby for me).

Anyway, I already have Alchemy and it's a super vsti. A little complicated for me, I don't have a lot of experience in synth programming, but I can clearly see the potential.

From my small experimentation time I had with these synths I can say that I found Albino very versatile, I like the muti-layer possibilites, the arp and the presets. But that color scheme... my eyes hurt!

For Gladiator I really like the sound quality, presets are good, the actual programming is different than what I'm used to, but I think this won't be a problem after some time.

I think Surge is the easiest to program, it's quite versatile, but compare to Gladiator I think the sound quality is not as good (ok, let's say it's just as good but different) and the presets are passable.

I really like Zebra, the sound quality, the presets and it's semi-modular possibilities. I also like the fact that it's a u-he product, meaning that I know I'll recevied great support and free/fair priced update in the future. The problem is I don't really "get" the interface. I think considering this is a semi-modular synth Urs did a great job designing an interface that is both practical and fit on one page but... I don't know. Maybe with time I'll "get" it.

So far here's my order:

1) Gladiator
2) Surge
3) Zebra (I really wanted it to be #1)
4) Albino (change that interface and color scheme)


Like I said this will probably be my last synth, I already have Alchemy and I also use Wasp 5 and Toxic 2 in Orion. I would like one that is versatile and complement with the synths I already have.


I'm waiting for your suggestions, thank you!

[Bubbamusic]

1-Zebra
2-Zebra
3-Zebra
4-Zebra

Hon. Mention: Zebra, Gladiator

[bluedad]

1-Zebra
2-Zebra
3-Zebra
4-Zebra

Hon. Mention: Zebra, Gladiator

ditto on all four choices.

[bmanic]

I guess Zebra is one where you either like it's sound or don't like it at all, I'm in the latter category and hence my suggestion is Gladiator (it's kind of the opposite of Zebra, very bright and bassy sounding, has a kind of attitude that I like).

I'd also add Alchemy to that list if you haven't considered it yet. For pure VA type sounds it's superb and falls somewhere in between Zebra and Gladiator in it's basic sound. The filters are awesome in a very different way than the ones mentioned in your list. It doesn't do full self-oscillating resonance at all but it'll still sound fantastic for most basic VA sounds.

Cheers!
bManic

[tehlord]

If I were you i'd discount Gladiator as I 'believe' the developer to have a bad attitude, rip off upgrade paths and Gladiator 2 alledgedly has some of the paramaters greyed out as they're 'optional extras'!?!?! FFS! I cannot stand their attitude.

Albino - Their support is exceptional. keep that in mind.

Zebra - Everybody raves but I dont get it, I dodnt really find the demo that inspiring. I am in the minority as you well know.

Surge - Never touched it!


Don't forget the wonderful Sylenth

[MitchK1989]

I'd go with either Zebra or Surge.

I voted surge since interface is important and you say you like Surge's better than Zebra's, but you can't go wrong with either (I own surge and hope to own zebra soon, as they sound VERY different and would be VERY nice playmates)

[thelizard]

I think Zebra + Alchemy is one of the best combos you can go for. My next suggestion would be Surge, but Alchemy has that same digital quality. Much different results, but I think Zebra and Alchemy balance each other out well. Urs posted a great video regarding how to navigate the Zebra interface on YouTube, so check that out.

[lococarlos]

Like you I had some confusion about the Zebra interface, but Urs posted a great youtube that cleared up a lot of confusion for me, maybe it will help you also.


edit: also, I voted for zebra because I haven't yet tried a synth with such versatility of sound and use - deep programming and great performance options as well as running the gamut from nearly analog sounding to crazy additive wavetable year 3000 digital... I think Massive and Alchemy come close though

[sinkmusic]

What kind of sound do you want ?
Basses ? experimental ? techno sounds ? accoustic emulations ? analogue ?

I have Zebra2 and Gladiator, and like them both.

Zebra is softer in the bass range, i use it for "classic" basses, or medium-low basses, and many pads, astuff. Not the best choice for hoovers or sub basses.
It is an awesome synth, and if you're frightened with the interface, you still have nice presets to use as starting points, and a "perform" mode with less knobbies.

Gladiator is more focused on techno/trance sounds : check the presets, it's obvious.
It has excellent filters, is not too high on the cpu and easier to tweak than Zebra, maybe.

In the same range, i woudl also consider Helix : it is very powerfull, sounds huge and is incredibly low on the cpu...

[zvenx]

well for me the two are Gladiator and Zebra.....I have both... and although I personally prefer the sound of Gladiator 2, Zebra 2 is so useful that.....if I had to buy only one, I think I would have to sell something to buy both ...They are both so different and so very useful.
rsp

[sounddesigner]

Gladiator: puts up a big fight.

[ZenPunkHippy]

Zebra all the way

Once you "get" the interface, it's a piece of cake ... just takes a little time, and with your Alchemy experience, you should be able to transfer the knowledge no problem. Plus, you know Urs is committed to developing it further!!

Peace,
Andy.

[ozmoz2008]

Sorry for another versus topic, but maybe users of these synths can help me make my final decision.

I tried them all and love them all
So far here's my order:

1) Gladiator
2) Surge
3) Zebra (I really wanted it to be #1)
4) Albino (change that interface and color scheme)

I'm waiting for your suggestions, thank you!

In order:

1-Zebra
2-Albino
3-Gladiator

[Lotuzia]

4 very capable synths. Very difficult choice but ....

Of the 4 I'd probably pick Albino because it's the one that offers the most unique patches and unique character.

Some other of the competitors might be more versatile, either in their sound palette, or in the way you can build patches with them (like Gladiator where the sound design can become quite interesting : usefull to make grainy "organic" instruments, especially in the field out of the conventional VA or supersaw emulations) . Yet, they lack this very personal sound Albino does possess, at least imho.

This said if your sonic arsenal is still in the building phase, you might be more interested in a very versatile synth.

There are demos for all these synths. Might be a good idea to make some little soundclips with the four synths of the same part and then after listening decide wich one makes it better for you. It will be more easy than to judge on subjective criterias like the color of the Gui. (Once in a mix of your songs, who will worry about the color of the gui who made it )

My 0.002

LtZ

[xx JPRacer xx]

It will be more easy than to judge on subjective criterias like the color of the Gui. (Once in a mix of your songs, who will worry about the color of the gui who made it )

Thanks for your comments.

About the interface, when you design a sound this can be a time consuming process. Looking at the Albino interface for more than 10 minutes really make my eyes hurt.


Also, since this is just a hobby for me there's not a lot of people that will hear what I've done. The final result is important, but the way I get there must be a fun and pleasing experience too.