ACE vs. Zebra

[golemus]

Can you comment anything about the difference of these synths? Obviously the user interface is different, but is the modules inside (filters, etc..) the same?

In other words, if I do a sound with ACE, am I able to do the exactly same sound with Zebra? Or does ACE really have different sort of sound or timbre? I would like to get only one of them, if possible.

[Igro]

Can you comment anything about the difference of these synths? Obviously the user interface is different, but is the modules inside (filters, etc..) the same?

In other words, if I do a sound with ACE, am I able to do the exactly same sound with Zebra? Or does ACE really have different sort of sound or timbre? I would like to get only one of them, if possible.

frequency modulation can be mega fast in ACE.

[xh3rv]

Generally the components are quite different between the two synths, and the techniques for sound design are quite different as well. ACE is all about audio rate manipulations, and has very streamlined, fixed modules. Zebra is completely unfixed, and it's rooted more towards more classic digital implementations of things (although not in a bland way). For both, there's plenty of valuable stuff above and beyond a generic VA, but different stuff for either synth.

Try the demos!

[Rabid]

Generally the components are quite different between the two synths, and the techniques for sound design are quite different as well. ACE is all about audio rate manipulations, and has very streamlined, fixed modules. Zebra is completely unfixed, and it's rooted more towards more classic digital implementations of things (although not in a bland way). For both, there's plenty of valuable stuff above and beyond a generic VA, but different stuff for either synth.

This is the information I was looking for. I love Zebra for both the sound and the customer friendly support. I could be totally content working with only Zebra and Dimension Pro. While I like the sounds of Ace that are posted on the U-he web site I also worried about CPU load. But if I can get FM and AM effects like I do on my analog modular than it would be worth the CPU load and definitely worth the price. I guess I can consider my tax refund to be $89 less than I expected.

[Madrayken]

Generally the components are quite different between the two synths, and the techniques for sound design are quite different as well. ACE is all about audio rate manipulations, and has very streamlined, fixed modules. Zebra is completely unfixed, and it's rooted more towards more classic digital implementations of things (although not in a bland way). For both, there's plenty of valuable stuff above and beyond a generic VA, but different stuff for either synth.

This is the information I was looking for. I love Zebra for both the sound and the customer friendly support. I could be totally content working with only Zebra and Dimension Pro. While I like the sounds of Ace that are posted on the U-he web site I also worried about CPU load. But if I can get FM and AM effects like I do on my analog modular than it would be worth the CPU load and definitely worth the price. I guess I can consider my tax refund to be $89 less than I expected.

But...

...if you have a real modular, why give yourself one reason less to get it out and use it?

(I also act as Satan's legal counsel when necessary)

[Rabid]

...if you have a real modular, why give yourself one reason less to get it out and use it?

(I also act as Satan's legal counsel when necessary)

Because on a nice evening I cannot sit on the back porch with a modular in my lap.

[Madrayken]

...if you have a real modular, why give yourself one reason less to get it out and use it?

(I also act as Satan's legal counsel when necessary)

Because on a nice evening I cannot sit on the back porch with a modular in my lap.

Tarpaulin, extension lead, torch, sorted.

[zerocrossing]

...if you have a real modular, why give yourself one reason less to get it out and use it?

(I also act as Satan's legal counsel when necessary)

Because on a nice evening I cannot sit on the back porch with a modular in my lap.

Tarpaulin, extension lead, torch, sorted.

I agree. Of course, there's a demo you can download and play with but my guess is you won't be happy with the sound if you already own a decent modular. I'd maybe save up and get a Doepfer Dark Energy for your summer nacht modular noodlings.

http://www.doepfer.de/Dark_Energy_e.htm

Lighter than a laptop! (maybe)

[Lotuzia]

To OP :

Ime and imho Ace and Zebra sound vastly different

In case it might be of some interest, below are the links to more than 25mn of audios demos of ACE. A lot of instruments in isolation, as well as two minitracks. No Equing, no comps, Total ACE naked truth.

ACE Funky DiscOo

Asteroids One Leads and Basses

Asteroids 2 Keys and Fx

ACE Elektro Lounge Minitrack


Pads and Percussions Demo

Even generic instruments will sound different in ACE.

LtZ

[pdxindy]

Can you comment anything about the difference of these synths? Obviously the user interface is different, but is the modules inside (filters, etc..) the same?

In other words, if I do a sound with ACE, am I able to do the exactly same sound with Zebra? Or does ACE really have different sort of sound or timbre? I would like to get only one of them, if possible.

They are different... depending on your musical tastes you might prefer one or the other...

Zebra has a wider sonic palette. It has far more modulation capabilities, ability to layer sounds in complex ways etc etc etc

ACE has extraordinary sound quality and a snappy aliveness I have not heard in softsynths and more the territory of analog synths... ACE is special

If I had to pick one it would be Zebra but I have both and would not want to do without either.

[pdxindy]

Even generic instruments will sound different in ACE.

LtZ

That is something I noticed right off with ACE... even presets that are so-so interesting still sound great because of the sound quality of ACE.

[abstractcats]

Hmmm, ACE, great look and sound, I've found a little harder to program and the CPU cost? OUCH!! But it should still be in your plugin folder.

Zerba Programing is a dream, Looks fantastic and the CPU cost? When I run Zebra my CPU asks, "Hey! Buddy, thought you were going to run Zebra??" and then says "Oh!!, You ARE running Zebra, I don't notice!"

[LeVzi]

What is ACE's big brother Bazille going to be about then ? I am getting confused tbh.

[Lotuzia]

Even generic instruments will sound different in ACE.

LtZ

That is something I noticed right off with ACE... even presets that are so-so interesting still sound great because of the sound quality of ACE.

Totally agree,

the more complex your arrangements will be, and the more "rather_simple" instruments you will need, just because too much wow instruments tend to anihilate themselves in complex mixes.

Now this doesnt mean that these instruments are more easy to build, doesnt include some little but efficient tricks to make them "lively" and "expressive" in fact. There again it's more a matter of directions and decisions in sound design.

But the most important thing at the end of the day is that, whatever complex or less complex your instruments are, they will sound GoOood and full in the mix. ANd this can become crucial to achieve some good tracks at one point or another

LtZ

[bmrzycki]

What is ACE's big brother Bazille going to be about then ? I am getting confused tbh.

Bazille is a totally different beast. In it's current beta form:It has more envelopes, more oscillators, a sequencer, and more advanced lag/inverters.

The Oscillators are completely difference as Bazille is designed around FM/PD (frequency modulation / phase distortion).

The big brother to ACE will be the "Berlin Modular" which Urs hasn't really said much about other than it will be ACE XL kind of like Zebralette and Zebra.