Uhe Zebra 2

[fedbcc]

Hello all,

I am back to sound design after a few years and I am in the market for a soft synth. Mainly for soundtracks and sound design. I really like Zebra 2 (and Zebra HZ), but I understand it's about 15 year old. Is it a good investment of money and (most of all) time? I understand Zebra 3 is at the horizon, but it has been in the pipeline for a longtime. Is there any alternative you would suggest?
Many thanks.

Kind regards,

Fed

[gondii]

Zebra 3 will still take some time. But you get it for 30€ once it's released if you own Zebra 2. IMO it's still very much worth it. But true, a bit dated in some ways (do check out Plugmon skin "Neumann" though). But if you only use one synth I would recommend demoing a few to see which one fits best. For synths that cover a lot of ground, possibly try Rapid, Dune 3 or VPS Avenger. And if you want a more semi-modular approach with a similar grid to Zebra 2 and ultimate flexibility try MSoundFactory (will be 50% off during BF very likely).

[Dirtgrain]

Zebra 2 has received updates. It is still a relevant synth that sounds great and can go many directions. I learned a lot with it. One can resell it, as well, I believe (some synths cannot be resold, like Rapid and Serum). u-he has a great demo policy--you get as much time as you need to make decision. Check out Hive, also (not semi-modular, but makes great sounds).

I just downloaded demoes of some Tone2 synths. The resynthesis in Icarus 2 is damn good.

Rapid is good, with sampling, resynthesis and granular options (although I was quite put off by the steps for importing samples--blech) and layers--also Rapid FX as an effect plugin is a nice bonus (Zebra 2 and Serum similarly have effects versions that are included with the purchase).

Falcon has no demo, but it probably has the broadest range of sound design possibilities (Omnisphere also, maybe--don't know enough about its scope). While Falcon expensive (it was on sale recently--not sure if it still is), up front, you could wind up avoiding spending money on a bunch of external effects, as it has a lot of quality effects options within it.

Still, I keep on using Zebra 2--I get sounds I love from it.

[gentleclockdivider]

Not everythig in zebra is 15 years old old
- updated xmf filters
-updated zdf filter in vcf tab ( tyrell and ms 20 filters )
- sascha's distortion module
-foldover distortion
-new osc effects
etc...
It's still pretty good

[Winstontaneous]

As a teenager Zebra 2 is experiencing hormonal surges, experimenting with drugs, having wild sex, and doing everything possible to piss off its parents. Whether or not that fits into your music is up to you.

[fedbcc]

Thanks everyone. I have started trying other synths. I have downloaded and tried Dune 3. Very nice sound, although a bit cold. And I thought the presets might not be very usable for the music I do: I don't plan to use presets, but having some good ones it's a helpful starting point. I'll try the other synths you suggested.

Federico

[GRUMP]

Thanks everyone. I have started trying other synths. I have downloaded and tried Dune 3. Very nice sound, although a bit cold. And I thought the presets might not be very usable for the music I do: I don't plan to use presets, but having some good ones it's a helpful starting point. I'll try the other synths you suggested.

Federico

DUNE can - in Comparison - sound very warm and thrilling. But that is not the Topic here. I´d say that Z2 is still a very relevant Supersynth - among a growing Number of others - and with all Implications of this Class. Especially when it´s about the mentioned "Genre". But SSynths are generally no Time Savers an Zeb Version 2 is standing before its End.

If I´m not all wrong it depends mainly on you, your Targets and your Ears in the End and you´ll find lots of Recommendations in all those "Best of" Threads here.

[clipnotic]

Dune3 kills Zebra easily!

[GRUMP]

Dune3 kills Zebra easily!

One should maybe not even reply on such aggressive Assessments, but even as convinced DUNEian from Earcandy I have to state that Zeb freaks D easily when it´s about more serious Topics - and maybe Timbres, too. I really miss those Envelope Curves, MMaps, the XY Pads and the Modularity, too. That is not the daily Business, especially for me, but Z plays in an other League, as it delivers all/most Options for higher musical (and Time consuming) Demands (despite of Soulfulness).

[clipnotic]

at the end the sound is the most important thing and Dune3 sounds much better!

[Dirtgrain]

Much? Please.

[liquidsound]

Dune 3 better than Zebra? Just coming up with that, should be considered a self insult.

And I like Dune a lot.

[clipnotic]

well, I sold Zebra, but using Dune3 almost daily. I knew that my statement provokes trouble ...

[bftucker]

well, I sold Zebra, but using Dune3 almost daily. I knew that my statement provokes trouble ...

You are glad you sold it. I am glad you sold it. The person you sold it to is also happy. I am sure it is more appreciated now! It is a wonderful world (despite, you know, everything).

[liquidsound]

well, I sold Zebra, but using Dune3 almost daily. I knew that my statement provokes trouble ...

No trouble at all, it's your call and karma
I use both but I'm waiting to invest more time for Zebra 3 for future projects.