Cakewalk sells Z3ta+ for $20

[jens]

First of all a myriad of plugins have been regarded as 'top soft synths of all time' and then I don't consider Zebra to be a 'VA' at all.

It's in no way advertised as such either.

Zebra is a wireless modular synthesizer that combines subtractive and additive synthesis with a powerful modulation engine and built-in effects section. Version 2.0 adds the sonic capabilities of FM, modeling of natural sounds and advanced wavetable synthesis.

There is a world of difference between Zeta and Zebra both architecture- and
soundwise.

Perhaps you are confused due to the similarity of their names?

[JimmiG]

not being a negative nelly or anything but... what do people find so special about z3ta? Being a cheapskate I thought I'd better check the demo out at least and, while I certainly enjoyed myself, I'm not really getting it... Maybe only for the Trance brigades? Lots of impressive presets in that vein but nothing that really blew me away in the pure, basic synth sounds I guesss I tend to use (unlike something like Twin2 or even some of the TAL freeware). Is that fair? Or does the magic lie somewhere else that I may have overlooked..?

When I tried the demo a few years ago, I wasn't that impressed either. I found it rather cold and digital sounding and the filters seemed harsh and artificial. However this doesn't necessarily mean it's bad - sometimes that's exactly the sound you want. It's also supposed to have some great wave-shaping capabilities and other tricks for its oscillators, though I haven't dug into that yet. I would not have bought the synth at its original price, but at just €20 it's a steal, virtually free even for a poor student like me. With some instruments, you need to use them for a while before you realize their potential. Maybe this will be the case here.

[RandomWave]

then I don't consider Zebra to be a 'VA' at all.

No? Its not a modular VA at its core? Is it a sampler or rompler then? Is it an FM synth? ...

There is a world of difference between Zeta and Zebra both architecture- and soundwise.

Agreed. But if you were in the market for a top VA, you would most likely hear many suggestions for z3ta+ and Zebra as well as others.

There have been countless of post and discussions on this subject for years and years all the the place. z3ta+ is still regarded as a must have synth.

Computer music still has it in there top ten this year coming in at #3 behind Zebra and Absynth! The fact that 5000 people have viewed this discussion and counting is a good indication of its popularity. I hope Cakewalk does well with this sale. All their synths are great.

[jens]

then I don't consider Zebra to be a 'VA' at all.

No? Its not a modular VA at its core? Is it a sampler or rompler then? Is it an FM synth? ...

No, neither a sampler nor a rompler, but it can do indeed FM as well - again, here's a quote from Urs himself:

Zebra is a wireless modular synthesizer. It combines numerous synthesis techniques (subtractive, additive, fm, wavetable, etc.) with a powerful modulation engine that even smoothly integrates with the built-in effects section.

Not every pure synthesizer (as opposed to an instrument using samples) attempts to emulate analog hardware. Both wavetable synthesis and FM (PM) synthesis for instance are typically digital soundgeneration-wise.

[RandomWave]

Zebra is a wireless modular synthesizer. It combines numerous synthesis techniques (subtractive, additive, fm, wavetable, etc.) with a powerful modulation engine that even smoothly integrates with the built-in effects section.

Its a VA. Many VAs do FM as well. z3ta+ load wav files. Its a hybrid VA as well with an extensive modulation matrix.

You wouldnt buy Zebra if you were in the market for an additive synth. The dedicated ones like cameleon5000, white noise, etc blow it out of the water. You wouldnt buy Zebra or z3ta+ if you were in the market for an FM or sample based synth either. They are VAs.

[jens]

[Download SOphist]

[MaliceX]

Cakewalk's gone mad with their price drops. Must...resist temptation..!!

[PlasticSoul]

I like z3ta because its presets never get old, there are synths with lots of vintage/oldschool sounds, that I dont like, but z3ta presets are very useful.
And now, I like it more because the price.

So people, go get it...

[KBSoundSmith]

Zzz3333333ttaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! ...(releases over keyboard)...

[RandomWave]

I like z3ta because its presets never get old, there are synths with lots of vintage/oldschool sounds, that I dont like, but z3ta presets are very useful.
And now, I like it more because the price.

So people, go get it...

I always liked z3ta+ since I first demoed it. I do wish there were more pads and ambient sounds for it though. Its kind of been club sounded to death. Ultra Analog is great synth too. One of my favs in the VA department.

[eduardo_b]

There always been a long standing rivalry between the z3ta camp and Zebra camp

Can't see why or how...

I don't recall anything close to a rivalry. In fact, I think Zebra came out after all development on Zeta had ceased and Renee was working with Cakewalk. Might have my time frames a bit off, but not by much.

[VariKusBrainZ]

Back in the day a popular decision was Rhino or Z3TA+ in that price and feature range, and there werent many others compared to now. They were considered a good bang for the buck feature and sound wise and because they are so damn versatile and individual.
Testament to both of these excellent synths that they are still relevant today and both going strong, and very stable due to the years of bug squashing!

How anyone can snub this Z3TA+ offer is beyond me!

[hibidy]

actually it is even better $19.99

did we mention no brainer even if you somewhat like it not even love it
and you Download SOphist seem to love it
rsp

ok, just bought it... does the authentication code arrive via mail?

edit: sorted.

[xtp]

Here are some simple written instructions for the Virus z3ta+ mod V2

==========================

Virus Z3ta+ MOD V2 for z3ta+ 1.5.3

Hi,

for a not very knowledgable synth dabbler who just purchased this [a victim of the frenzy ] could someone please explain what this Mod does and where do I get it from.

Cheers Sean.