Zebra 2 Brain Overload
-
- KVRist
- 361 posts since 20 Jul, 2018
I've always loved Zebra 2, and I've committed to learning a lot more about it because I don't know how to use a lot of its features, but I swear every time I approach this synth and start opening doors it seems like that leads to endless more doors to open. That's a good thing, of course, but wow, sometimes I don't even know what direction to go in next. For something that has such an understandable interface the number of combinations of things you can do in this synth is sometimes daunting - so many variables.
-
- u-he
- 30186 posts since 8 Aug, 2002 from Berlin
-
- KVRAF
- 8037 posts since 28 Dec, 2015 from Atlantis Island
The number of icecold beers and manageable variables are reciprocal dependend, aren‘t they?low_low wrote:I've always loved Zebra 2, and I've committed to learning a lot more about it because I don't know how to use a lot of its features, but I swear every time I approach this synth and start opening doors it seems like that leads to endless more doors to open. That's a good thing, of course, but wow, sometimes I don't even know what direction to go in next. For something that has such an understandable interface the number of combinations of things you can do in this synth is sometimes daunting - so many variables.
https://sonograyn.bandcamp.com/music Experimental Ambient
https://martinjuenke.bandcamp.com/music Alternative Instrumental
https://martinjuenke.bandcamp.com/music Alternative Instrumental
-
- Banned
- 4491 posts since 8 Jul, 2008 from UK
You could say that about a lot of Synths tbh.
Alchemy used to give me the headache, as it was so much in one box, you didn't know where to start sometimes.
KarmaFX modular is one that gives me a headache as it's literally a kid with lego. Reaktor was similar but a lot harder to comprehend.
Alchemy used to give me the headache, as it was so much in one box, you didn't know where to start sometimes.
KarmaFX modular is one that gives me a headache as it's literally a kid with lego. Reaktor was similar but a lot harder to comprehend.
Don't trust those with words of weakness, they are the most aggressive
-
- KVRian
- 1115 posts since 6 Jul, 2009
In another thread, bbtr wrote: viewtopic.php?p=7127579#p7127579fmr wrote:???????bbtr wrote:How about real oscillators?
Anyway, on topic...
My suggestion is to learn one module at a time. Sit down with the manual, and make a bunch of simple patches that use only a select few features of the chosen module. Do this until you know the module in and out.low_low wrote:I've always loved Zebra 2, and I've committed to learning a lot more about it because I don't know how to use a lot of its features, but I swear every time I approach this synth and start opening doors it seems like that leads to endless more doors to open. That's a good thing, of course, but wow, sometimes I don't even know what direction to go in next. For something that has such an understandable interface the number of combinations of things you can do in this synth is sometimes daunting - so many variables.
A good starting point is to use only one OSC module. Then, learn each of the modulators in isolation, and use them on only that one OSC module. Resist the temptation to add a second oscillator or noise source. One oscillator. And milk it for all it's worth with modulators. Really try to get everything you can out of the modulators.
-
- KVRAF
- 9849 posts since 15 Sep, 2005 from East Coast of the USA
Urs wrote:Hehehe, yeah, sorry for that...
-
- KVRian
- 680 posts since 1 Jan, 2018
I just recently got Zebra, and this is the stage that I'm at right now. I've found that editing your own OSC waveforms/spectra is an art in itself. It's rewarding of course, but it can be slow going. Modular synthesis comes pretty naturally to me, but creating new oscillators with modulation in mind is a new, fun challenge.KBSoundSmith wrote:A good starting point is to use only one OSC module. Then, learn each of the modulators in isolation, and use them on only that one OSC module. Resist the temptation to add a second oscillator or noise source. One oscillator. And milk it for all it's worth with modulators. Really try to get everything you can out of the modulators.
The best way that I've found to keep the options of any synth from becoming a rabbit hole is to start with a specific sound in mind (whether it's a reference recording or just an idea like "50-foot cowbell"), think of a few different approaches that might produce the timbres you want, then try each of them. There's nothing wrong with freeform exploration, but having a goal in mind is always helpful. I also keep a notebook to jot down ideas, which is a good way to get your head out of the computer and keep the big picture in mind.
-
- KVRAF
- 22878 posts since 8 Oct, 2014
Zebra 2 actually isn't that complicated. What makes it appear complicated is that you have to patch it together one piece at a time. Pull up the "blank" patch and it's one OSC, whereas with a non modular synth, it may be only one OSC but you also have your filter, ADSR and whatever else already initiated. Here, you've got to pull things up on your own. But architecture wise, it's really not different from a conventional synth. As it's not fully modular, it has limitations, meaning you can't quite do anything you want as with a fully modular synth, which would then make Zebra 2 as complex as something like Softube Modular, MUX, KarmaFX, Reaktor or even the free Sonigen Modular.
If you take Zebra 2 one piece at a time and keep in mind a standard synth layout as far as how things flow (OSC -> Filter -> etc) then it's really very easy. The only complex part is when you start getting into the various modulations that you can do on all these pieces. And even there, the mod matrix (for lack of a better word) isn't totally open ended either. You're given the things that you can modulate and what you can modulate them with. It's all there in a nice easy drop down. Just pick the one you want.
Zebra 2 was my 3rd paid for synth after Synthmaster and ACE (which was my intro to U-he stuff) and that was a few years ago. But it didn't take me long to wrap my head around it. Just take your time. Eventually, what you'll find yourself doing is setting up templates (because there's really only so many "useful" setups you can have unless you're into making some really weird stuff) and then you can just tweak the templates, which will be very similar to tweaking that INIT patch for a conventional synth. Trust me, you will want to do this because it beats going back to that one OSC patch and doing the same basic things over and over.
Hope this helps.
If you take Zebra 2 one piece at a time and keep in mind a standard synth layout as far as how things flow (OSC -> Filter -> etc) then it's really very easy. The only complex part is when you start getting into the various modulations that you can do on all these pieces. And even there, the mod matrix (for lack of a better word) isn't totally open ended either. You're given the things that you can modulate and what you can modulate them with. It's all there in a nice easy drop down. Just pick the one you want.
Zebra 2 was my 3rd paid for synth after Synthmaster and ACE (which was my intro to U-he stuff) and that was a few years ago. But it didn't take me long to wrap my head around it. Just take your time. Eventually, what you'll find yourself doing is setting up templates (because there's really only so many "useful" setups you can have unless you're into making some really weird stuff) and then you can just tweak the templates, which will be very similar to tweaking that INIT patch for a conventional synth. Trust me, you will want to do this because it beats going back to that one OSC patch and doing the same basic things over and over.
Hope this helps.
-
- KVRist
- 230 posts since 4 Jun, 2017
wagtunes suggestion here is exactly right. Don't overthink it. Once you can conceptualize how synthesizers are composed of modules, and those modules are often routed in certain ways, all modular/sem-modular synths become much clearer.
-
- KVRAF
- 3729 posts since 3 Nov, 2015
For me the introduction to synth architecture and how to do things with them was with a cable-patchbay synth, u-he's ACE, in which you actually have to draw cables between components and, the more-than-excellent 4-part tutorial on youtube by Dan Worrall. Eg:
ACE being a relative simple synth, it was the perfect introduction.
Cheers.
ACE being a relative simple synth, it was the perfect introduction.
Cheers.
-
- KVRian
- 878 posts since 24 Jan, 2006 from Universe #5346198720
You people DO know, that there's a U-he forum, right? I've excluded all company forums from my 'latest topics' list for a reason! Wish, the moderators would do their job and move threads to where they belong.
The hole is deeper than the hum of its farts