"Neumann" GUI for Zebra²/Zebralette

[jarenas]

Any plans to offer a Zebra 3 Neumann gui? If that’s even possible…

[Tekkera]

PLEASE

[plugmon]

Any plans to offer a Zebra 3 Neumann gui? If that’s even possible…

I will definitely be creating a skin for Zebra 3.
However, it won’t be a “Neumann 3” — it will be an entirely new skin.

There are two main reasons for this.

First, the changes in Zebra 3 are simply too extensive.
While it may look similar on the surface, under the hood it’s a very different instrument. The introduction of the Hive 2–style modulation system is especially significant: every parameter now needs proper properties for modulation depth indicators (rings, dots, etc.), and there have also been many changes inside the GUI scripting language itself. In practical terms, this means a complete rewrite from scratch.

Second, with changes of this scale, building on a six-year-old design would actually be a disadvantage. It’s not just about the visuals aging — reusing old resources can constrain thinking and slow down new ideas. When I designed Izmo for Hive 2, I deliberately put Eclipse skin out of my mind, and I’m convinced that decision led to a much better, fresh layout for Hive 2.

In any case, one thing is certain: next year will very much be a year focused on Zebra 3.

[plugmon]

Oh, one important thing I forgot to mention.
Despite the major changes, Zebra 3 remains fully skinnable just like previous versions, and the new systems are well within my understanding. I’ve already been experimenting with making personal modifications based on the original skin, and many of those experiments have been successful.

[jarenas]

Oh, one important thing I forgot to mention.
Despite the major changes, Zebra 3 remains fully skinnable just like previous versions, and the new systems are well within my understanding. I’ve already been experimenting with making personal modifications based on the original skin, and many of those experiments have been successful.

Thank you very much for your detailed response! It’s great to hear Z3 gui is perfectly customizable and that you’re planning on focusing next year on Z3. I recognize I am a relatively new user of u-he instruments and of your UI products but already very delighted about the quality work coming out from both parts. Looking forward to hearing more news on your side!