Comments on: Zebra 2 is Here; Gallery of Hardware Retired & Replaced for a Soft Synth

By: MetroSonus

MetroSonus — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 21:53:29 +0000

From the audio demos and from what I read, I really got the idea that Zebra 2 caters to a more expressive style of synth and music programming. I really only use vanguard right now with quite a few samples I’ve made myself along with my outboard hybrids. I’ve been holding out for a soft synth that would give me a vintage edge in writing music that may have been a sound track to a sci fi flick from the 70’s.

So to repeat myself, how did you capture the noise from the synths? Every sample set I’ve heard has allways been too clean and dissapointing.

By: Urs

Urs — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 18:53:06 +0000

Hey Peter, thanks for the article!

Jay, you’re pretty biased of course! LOL! - You must know that Zebra was originally designed to complement my Virus (I was one of the first owners in Germany), and it kind of still has that different sound to it, a bit more organic, less aggressive etc. I use my Virus merely as a control box nowadays…

Metro, I’d be more than happy if it was used in music, not in dancefloor hits. All I know is, it’s already in use for upcoming cinema blockbusters.

Have fun,

;) Urs

By: Thomas

Thomas — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 05:35:57 +0000

A really cool marketing idea. Much better than the boring “Reason 3 will replace your Workstation” ads from Propellerhead Software ;-)

By: Metro:Sonus

Metro:Sonus — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 17:28:05 +0000

Well, Live is the first place I’ve seen the graphical pots like that.

It just seems lately alot of programs are following the same color scheme then.

So I guess having seen it in Live first, everything tastes a bit like chicken. But yes, other than that they are quite different.

Although, I’m not complaining. :) I think the graphical scheme and colors work well in darkened situations.

By: Peter Kirn

Peter Kirn — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 16:13:36 +0000

Good suggestions, Niall.

Actually, looking at that lineup, you begin to understand why there are so many different options — sure, they all have some of the same basic underlying features and synthesis methods, but the way you actually program sounds and use the UI differs, and a lot of the subtle details have a big impact on the sounds that result. And for those of us who can’t afford investing in hardware (or lack the space, or both), software does make a compelling alternative on a budget, even if you wouldn’t actually throw away / eBay hardware over it.

Metro, Zebra2 looks like Live to you? Really? They look completely different to me. The only thing I can see is the graphical pots, but those weren’t invented by Ableton and they’re a pretty essential UI concept. I’d say Live’s minimalism is about the opposite of Zebra2.

By: Niall

Niall — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 15:58:02 +0000

MOTU’s MX4 {mac only}, Vember Audio’s Surge and Zebra would be a delightful menage. I still think Tassman’s the best-sounding one I’ve heard, though.

By: Metro:Sonus

Metro:Sonus — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 15:56:42 +0000

Well, I dont think it captures the digital sound at all. Im just not hearing next summers block buster dance floor hits coming off this thing…

This may scratch my itch for an analog sounding moudlar soft soft synth with which to do retro soundtracky stuff and ambient with.

Im buying rapture pretty soon though.. It’s nice to have all those staple dance and harder sounds in one place.

By: Jay Vaughan

Jay Vaughan — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 15:46:08 +0000

No way I’ll throw away my room full of Virus gear just coz I installed Zebra2 last night (and had fun with it) .. for one thing, the Indigo2 has a far better user interface than Zebra2, and doesn’t require me to set up a mouse, and for another thing, Zebra2s’ UI makes my eyes bleed. Can’t tell whats what from what isn’t.

Sounds great, though. Should make a preset-only player available, that’d be kind of fun (throw away the editing features..)

By: Metro:Sonus

Metro:Sonus — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 15:35:53 +0000

Well, damn.

In quite a few audio demos, I’ve heard that subtle noise ambience I swore I’d never give up my DW8000 / D550 because I love it so much.

Howd they do that ?

Anybody notice more and more the Live look is being copied?