u-he @ Superbooth 25 - Zebra 3, Uhbik 2, Cen2rion, CVilization

[Urs]

Looks great! So dedicated FMOs (how many?) will be part of initial feature scope already?

Yes, they're nearly finalised. 4 FMOs, with two simultaneous operators, feedback and external input each. Can't wait for next year's list of FM synths in the Instruments forum

I think that the flexibility in routing and the combination of different FM methods offer possibilities that I haven't seen yet in dedicated FM synths. And of course, in Zebra one can combine FM with all other kinds of modules. I always liked the combo of Karplus-Strong with FM.

[elxsound]

Cen2rion: Without knowing the backstory, I saw the IG posts and wondered how much overlap with the new MN module I've been playing with. This does look great. I kept thinking this was the filter module when I saw the performance.

I hope all things align later in the year when it's released. I'm looking into ways to build out a different case for the MN stuff, and then I'd love an all silver box.

[sinkmusic]

The new Uhbiks GUI looks good
Soundwise, Is there any new features, or improvements in the sound engine of some modules?

[Urs]

Cen2rion: Without knowing the backstory, I saw the IG posts and wondered how much overlap with the new MN module I've been playing with. This does look great. I kept thinking this was the filter module when I saw the performance.

I hope all things align later in the year when it's released. I'm looking into ways to build out a different case for the MN stuff, and then I'd love an all silver box.

Yeah, I was baffled for a moment when MN released the Jumbler, just as we finished our hardware design. But their approach is quite different from ours.

I dearly miss RxMx, and I always liked it for the additional routing options beyond 6->1. My biggest issue with it was the 6->1 part, so we added 2 x 6->1. So you can get two independent scans/mixes from the 6 inputs. Additionally you can either insert 2 more sources through the Aux jacks, which is good for stereo 3->1 mixing, or - my fav - the Auxes can output the mix of Inputs 1-3 and 4-6 respectively. So you have 2 separate scans and 2 submixes. This is a more deliberate approach to composition than rigorously jumbling everything everywhere all at once. Cen2rion removes a dozen headaches I have had in my racks where I tried to figure out how to dynamically route submixes to effects without deploying a very large mixer and such.

[Urs]

The new Uhbiks GUI looks good
Soundwise, Is there any new features, or improvements in the sound engine of some modules?

Ok, so... all EQ and filter models were replaced or amended by better algorithms based on analog modeling. That's pretty much something that happened in every single Uhbik.

There are new modes or models in the reverb, the filter, the phaser. The compressor is an entirely new Uhbik.

The main improvement though is the modulation area which now adds a whole level of dynamics and vibe to the collection. We yet need to create a thorough set of presets to show this in action. Crazy things can be done here, but also beautifully alive movements and surgical sound designs. Like, combining the envelope follower on external sidechain with a step sequence in the mapper (and or sample & hold of randomness) can get one loads of varied reverbs on rhythmic material.

In order to make the most of this, many Uhbiks have new parameters, such as Reverb Input Gain so there's plenty of targets for modulation or automation.

Lastly, we have completely reworked the surround layer. It now works well in all important hosts, each with their individual quirks.

[audiojunkie]

Regarding copy protection: Will all of the new versions remain serial number/keyfile without phoning home?

Also,

Will you still be supporting Linux?

[Urs]

We'll be upgrading our copy protection system to keyfiles at some point, but we have no plans to ever phone home.

Yes, there are Linux versions. Sometimes they come a bit later, but they do come.

[elxsound]

Cen2rion: Without knowing the backstory, I saw the IG posts and wondered how much overlap with the new MN module I've been playing with. This does look great. I kept thinking this was the filter module when I saw the performance.

I hope all things align later in the year when it's released. I'm looking into ways to build out a different case for the MN stuff, and then I'd love an all silver box.

Yeah, I was baffled for a moment when MN released the Jumbler, just as we finished our hardware design. But their approach is quite different from ours.

I dearly miss RxMx, and I always liked it for the additional routing options beyond 6->1. My biggest issue with it was the 6->1 part, so we added 2 x 6->1. So you can get two independent scans/mixes from the 6 inputs. Additionally you can either insert 2 more sources through the Aux jacks, which is good for stereo 3->1 mixing, or - my fav - the Auxes can output the mix of Inputs 1-3 and 4-6 respectively. So you have 2 separate scans and 2 submixes. This is a more deliberate approach to composition than rigorously jumbling everything everywhere all at once. Cen2rion removes a dozen headaches I have had in my racks where I tried to figure out how to dynamically route submixes to effects without deploying a very large mixer and such.

I'm all in on non-dedicated mixing modules for creative routing and CV inputs for modulated routing. I love that this can be both a utility and creative tool. Plus, I imagine the lights look great, especially modulating Width or Select.

I'm hoping everything works out for the rest of the year I can make the case move happen.

[audiojunkie]

Congrats on all this progress. I can't wait to see some of the videos of the likes of Sonicstate to see it in action.
Is there any planned update for Diva? It's still my go-to synth and I'm sure it could use some TLC ...

So, our focus for Sonicstate is going to be Cen2rion and Uhbik as we already did a Zebra 3 preview at NAMM, even though we had a lot fewer modules to show than we do now.

Our development team will soon focus on exactly those areas that are needed to update Diva. We have concentrated incredible knowledge about filter modelling and young talent in our development team, so we hope to seamlessly move over from Zebra 3 development to Diva development in a few months. This will take time, but we're all excited to get there.

Very cool! Aside from improved filter modelling, what other ideas are you thinking of for Diva? Diva and Repro are two of my absolute essentials. ....of course, I keep adding more U-he essentials to my collection. (Uhbik, Hive 2, Colour Copy, etc).

[audiojunkie]

We'll be upgrading our copy protection system to keyfiles at some point, but we have no plans to ever phone home.

Yes, there are Linux versions. Sometimes they come a bit later, but they do come.

This is why I love you guys (that and the fabulous sound quality )!!!

I'm a Linux user, and serial and keyfiles are just fine by me. I love that they don't call home.

[sinkmusic]

The new Uhbiks GUI looks good
Soundwise, Is there any new features, or improvements in the sound engine of some modules?

Ok, so... all EQ and filter models were replaced or amended by better algorithms based on analog modeling. That's pretty much something that happened in every single Uhbik.

There are new modes or models in the reverb, the filter, the phaser. The compressor is an entirely new Uhbik.

The main improvement though is the modulation area which now adds a whole level of dynamics and vibe to the collection. We yet need to create a thorough set of presets to show this in action. Crazy things can be done here, but also beautifully alive movements and surgical sound designs. Like, combining the envelope follower on external sidechain with a step sequence in the mapper (and or sample & hold of randomness) can get one loads of varied reverbs on rhythmic material.

In order to make the most of this, many Uhbiks have new parameters, such as Reverb Input Gain so there's plenty of targets for modulation or automation.

Lastly, we have completely reworked the surround layer. It now works well in all important hosts, each with their individual quirks.

Thank you, Urs, and sorry for not being more accurate in my question : i meant : is there any change or new features since the first/last betas (the Uhbiks released a couple years ago, where the compressor was already featured, and not the very first generation of Uhbiks)?
No changes to the reverb, for example?

[0degree]

Can't wait for Zebra 3, Uhbik UI is sick too. Congratulations!
Edit: Is is possible to upgrade to from Zebra 2 to Zebra 3 now?

[jtsterays]

Congrats on all this progress. I can't wait to see some of the videos of the likes of Sonicstate to see it in action.
Is there any planned update for Diva? It's still my go-to synth and I'm sure it could use some TLC ...

So, our focus for Sonicstate is going to be Cen2rion and Uhbik as we already did a Zebra 3 preview at NAMM, even though we had a lot fewer modules to show than we do now.

Our development team will soon focus on exactly those areas that are needed to update Diva. We have concentrated incredible knowledge about filter modelling and young talent in our development team, so we hope to seamlessly move over from Zebra 3 development to Diva development in a few months. This will take time, but we're all excited to get there.

So does this mean you will improve the current filters? Personally I think they're already amazing, just need some more optimization. Or are you going to add more aggressive filters? We getting Polivoks?

[justin3am]

Oh dude, these all look dope!

More automation parameters for Uhbik?! Thanks muchly! I still use them a lot and forsee using them a lot more.

Cen2rion looks great. I was also a fan of RxMx. Interpolating/scanning mixers are a great thing for audio and CV and different features are useful for different applications, so I'm really happy to see this.

[NAD]

I like how each uhbik seems to have a unique material/texture background panel, that's a nice subtle detail.