Zebra 3.0 - out now

[zvenx]

......
Hopefully Plugmon will do a lighter theme for those who want it so maybe if people express the willingness to pay for such a theme it will incentivize him to make one.

For me I just want a different theme not a different workflow.
And truth be told, his skins aren't without issues for me.

[pdxindy]

For me I just want a different theme not a different workflow.
And truth be told, his skins aren't without issues for me.

What do you want changed? A light version? Colored modules? Or?

[Teksonik]

I'm fine with the default theme but I was going to try doing an edit of it just for fun. However the files are in .svg format and I've never had much luck editing them. I can edit .bmps and .pngs with no problem but my preferred graphics program doesn't handle .svg files very well. I've tried Inkscape and Gimp with very little to no success.

If you are only changing colors... then there's no need to edit the SVG's.

I would want to edit some of the .svg files like TFXout-bg.svg

[enCiphered]

I fully agree with Zvenx. The UI is the weakest part of Zebra 3. It’s functional, but visually it’s very unattractive. The whole interface feels flat, overly dark, monotonous. There’s not enough contrast or separation between sections, so everything starts to blur together. The knobs are too small, not especially nice to look at and they don’t feel distinctive enough for such an advanced synth. A lot of elements share the same visual treatment, which makes the interface feel repetitive and lifeless. There’s also a lack of depth, visual hierarchy and refinement, so instead of feeling modern, it comes across as clunky and sterile.
I guess that’s the price you pay for going all-in on vector graphics. Everything ends up looking too clean, flat and sterile.

[oobesan]

Sounds incredible. The UX is fantastic. Congratulations!

[Teksonik]

......
Hopefully Plugmon will do a lighter theme for those who want it so maybe if people express the willingness to pay for such a theme it will incentivize him to make one.

For me I just want a different theme not a different workflow.
And truth be told, his skins aren't without issues for me.

Fair enough. I've never been a fan of his Hive 2 skin for example.

Seems like if all is needed for a light theme is to edit the Zebra3_orig.txt script someone should be able to do it if they're willing to put in the time. Someone used A.I. to change colors so maybe it could create a light theme.

Addressing enCiphered's post above, I find the default attractive enough. I also find it easy on my eyes for long periods of use but we all have different eyesight, different monitors,etc.

Obviously the more themes there are the more each individual is likely to find one that fits their taste and needs.

Did you guys bring your concerns up during the public beta period?

[pdxindy]

If you are only changing colors... then there's no need to edit the SVG's.

I would want to edit some of the .svg files like TFXout-bg.svg

What do you want to change on the GUI?

[ThoughtExperiment]

I fully agree with Zvenx. The UI is the weakest part of Zebra 3. It’s functional, but visually it’s very unattractive. The whole interface feels flat, overly dark, monotonous. There’s not enough contrast or separation between sections, so everything starts to blur together. The knobs are too small, not especially nice to look at and they don’t feel distinctive enough for such an advanced synth. A lot of elements share the same visual treatment, which makes the interface feel repetitive and lifeless. There’s also a lack of depth, visual hierarchy and refinement, so instead of feeling modern, it comes across as clunky and sterile.
I guess that’s the price you pay for going all-in on vector graphics. Everything ends up looking too clean, flat and sterile.

You forgot to say 'In my opinion'...

Because in my opinion the new UI is perfectly fine. But that's just my opinion.

[zvenx]

I fully agree with Zvenx. The UI is the weakest part of Zebra 3. It’s functional, but visually it’s very unattractive. The whole interface feels flat, overly dark, monotonous. There’s not enough contrast or separation between sections, so everything starts to blur together. The knobs are too small, not especially nice to look at and they don’t feel distinctive enough for such an advanced synth. A lot of elements share the same visual treatment, which makes the interface feel repetitive and lifeless. There’s also a lack of depth, visual hierarchy and refinement, so instead of feeling modern, it comes across as clunky and sterile.
I guess that’s the price you pay for going all-in on vector graphics. Everything ends up looking too clean, flat and sterile.

95% of my thoughts, said more eloquently than I ever could.
It's like being set up on a blind date with someone who seems excellent on pen and paper, but when you two meet you feel zero physical attraction to them.

rsp

[EvilDragon]

Did you guys bring your concerns up during the public beta period?

Yeah that definitely happened. But more testers liked the skin change than not.

[VitaminD]

Did you guys bring your concerns up during the public beta period?

There really hasn't been that much talk about wanting a lighter theme though versus features and actually getting the release out the door. But I'm sure someone will make a lighter version eventually for the few of you out there that want one.

[zvenx]

Whereas Functionality may not be very subjective, aesthetics really is.

I like a GUI that I find 'attractive' to look at it if I am going to spend hours with a synth.

For me personally the best looking GUI's u-he has made for their synths are/were:

1. the Previous Green Z3
2. Zebralette 3


3. Repros
4. The current default skin for Zebra 2 (not HZ).. I forgot what it is called.
5. Bazille.

I still dislike Hives and I use plugmon's Izmo Dark, though I do have some issues with it.

I think most of their effects: Filterscape, Satin, Presswerks , Color Copy, Twangstrom and the Uhbik's are quite attractive and pleasant to look at..

But for sure for me, the Green Zebra 3 was the best looking GUI I have ever seen from u-he s when they changed it to this, to say I was shocked and disappointed is an understatement.

But I know in time more themes/skins will come out, so I will stare at this unattractive gui for now,cause the synth sounds fantastic.
rsp

[beely]

Yeah I feel the same on the UI. The UX and thoughtful design touches are wonderful - I have no issues with how it *works*, it's just an aesthetic thing for me too, I just don't love some of the choices made, though I understand why they went in that direction. The finished thing just doesn't feel great for me because of that (whereas I've never had this feeling with any other u-he UIs).

That's fine though, u-he seem happy enough with it as it is - people will make different skins in due course and I'm sure there will be something I find nicer to work with - if not, I'll roll my own... all good.

It's not like it interferes with my music making.

[VitaminD]

Yes somehow I think you'll survive.

You could probably all group together and fund someone to make you a GUI you like maybe. The rest of us will just get on with music making.

[audiouser720]

They already had the GUI nailed. The previous green version in the beta was one of the most beautiful I’ve seen in a software synth. I’ve no idea whether they changed it by choice or due to feedback, but I was very surprised. I wish they’d kept it as it was. Zebralette 3 is better as well. This new GUI looks like it’s trying to match every other modern VSTi with the dark purple theme, but it doesn’t suit it. Anyway, it still sounds f*cking incredible