Lena Torres
Zebra by u-he is a wireless modular synthesizer that combines many different types of synthesis with a powerful modulation engine. It is highly flexible and can be used to create any additive, freehand or spline-based waveform. Zebra's adaptive interface only shows the modules that are being used, making it simple to use for any particular task. It features a modulation mixer that processes up to 3 modulation sources in different ways. The Zebra2 version comes with 400 presets and a custom-built version (ZebraHZ) that was requested by Hans Zimmer to suit his workflow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sound | Cinematic, club-ready, experimental, analogue, classic analog, early digital, psychedelic, trance, chill-out, ambient, sci-fi, rhythmic, orchestral soundtrack, etc. |
| Compatibility | Native Instruments NKS-ready and compatible with Maschine and Komplete Kontrol hardware. |
| Users | Hans Zimmer, Howard Scarr, Samuel Bereczky, Ennio Morricone, Tamás Vásáry, Enzalla, etc. |
| Features | Wavefolder, Mix module, Modulation Mixer, Envelope module, wireless modular synthesizer, ZebraHZ, Zebra2, Zebra3, Zebra Legacy, Zebra Legacy Release Notes, ZebraHZ, Zebra Legacy, Zebra2, Zebra Legacy, ZebraHZ installers, Zebra Legacy content, Zebra2, Zebra3, Diva, Tyrell N6, Zebralette, Ableton’s Wavetable, Logic’s Alchemy, etc. |
| Advantages | Versatile, sonic range, easy to get most out of, flexible, powerful, adaptive interface, etc. |
| Disadvantages | Not easy to learn, interface not great, not fun to program, eats up CPU power, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Zebra's Modulation Mixer
U-he's Zebra is a wireless modular synthesizer that combines many different types of synthesis with a powerful modulation engine. Its Modulation Mixer can process up to three modulation sources in different ways. For instance, you can sum modulations, scale the sum by a constant, or use one of the inputs to crossfade between the two other sources.
The Zebra2 oscillators are highly flexible and powerful. The package includes an extra instrument called Zebralette, a much simpler synth framework consisting of just one oscillator. Zebra2's modules are divided into generators and modulators, with freely assignable controls that directly modulate important parameters.
The ModMix module is a way to combine and mix between modulation sources. When you open the ModMix and assign it to any parameter in Zebra, three different modes will appear. The first two modes are useful when you start to run out of modulation sources or when you want to modulate a lot of stuff with the same LFO. The last mode allows you to get creative: you can assign two LFOs to modulate a specific target and a third LFO (or MSEG) to mix between these two modulation sources.
The Zebra synthesis window consists of a Grid with four vertical lanes for connecting generators together, with a signal flow from top to bottom. Any module can route signals between lanes, and you can add modules, drag them around, and change the routing. Below the main grid is a 4-channel Mixer where you can adjust pans and volumes, select envelopes, and the routing to the FX grid for each lane.
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Hans Zimmer's use of Zebra2
Hans Zimmer is one of the most famous composers of our time, known for his work on films such as The Dark Knight, Inception, and Sherlock. In creating these soundtracks, Zimmer has used the Zebra2 software synthesiser, a product of the company u-he, which is known for its Zebra and Hive synths.
Zebra2 is a wireless modular synthesiser with a unique sound design concept and workflow. It is highly versatile, with features such as VCF's, DIVA-VCF's, two types of waveforms (morphing and blending), and cross-modulation filters, allowing users to create almost any sound type imaginable. This versatility is what drew Zimmer to the synthesiser, as he stated in U-he's newsletter:
> "I use... mainly Zebra and no other plugin synth... I don’t believe that there is another software synth out there at the moment that has such a core sonic integrity as Zebra."
Zimmer's use of Zebra2 can be heard on the soundtracks for The Dark Knight, Angels & Demons, and Inception. Notably, Zebra is the only synth used on the "Sherlock" soundtrack, although it is only a single note amidst the orchestra. In these soundtracks, Zimmer and his team were able to create unique sounds, such as choirs, organs, percussions, and semi-realistic strings, that blended in very naturally with the other instruments.
ZebraHZ is a special version of Zebra2 that was developed at the request of Hans Zimmer. It features Diva filters but does not have multicore support. It comes with close to 4000 presets, which were programmed to be performed using the left-hand controls and Zebra's two user-definable controls.
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The Dark Zebra soundset
The soundset provides a diverse collection of sounds, such as thundering drums, rich pads, percussive effects, crystal-clear keys, and thick basses. These sounds can be easily tweaked to make them your own, thanks to Zebra's flexibility. The Dark Zebra not only offers a vast array of presets but also inspires and enables users to create their own unique sound designs.
Additionally, The Dark Zebra soundset is not just limited to ZebraHZ. It is also compatible with Zebra2, making it accessible to a wider range of users. This compatibility ensures that those who do not have ZebraHZ can still utilize the power of The Dark Zebra soundset. Overall, The Dark Zebra soundset is a comprehensive tool for composers, musicians, and sound designers, providing a vast array of sounds and presets to create captivating and immersive sonic experiences.
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Using Zebrify with Zebra
Zebrify is a great addition to the Zebra synthesizer. Its main advantage is that it can be used on any input source, including guitars, vocals, and drums. The first step is to set the input detection, modulators, and trigger timing. The input settings depend on the type of sound used; for example, using pads with slow attack settings may be more challenging than using a drum loop. In such cases, a separate muted track with percussive sounds or a click can be used to guide Zebrify's timing.
Zebrify is particularly useful for creating big bass sounds. Starting with a big sound in Zebra, with plenty of harmonics to work with, the sound can then be bounced down from MIDI to audio. From there, it can be manipulated in various ways, such as reversing, stretching, chopping, or splitting into different frequency bands for individual processing. Filters can be automated, and the sound can be bounced down again, resulting in a complex sound with multiple elements.
Zebrify can also be used as an insert on an audio channel, allowing access to all Zebra FX on an audio track. This enables the creation of rich and complex sounds by setting up LFO's and MSEG's to iterate and refine the sound. This workflow, combining Zebra and Zebrify, can lead to unique and captivating audio results.
Additionally, Zebrify can be used to process various sound sources, including basic synth sounds, FM presets, samples, and drums. Its versatility allows users to experiment and explore a wide range of sonic possibilities. The Zebrify FX plugin further enhances the capabilities of Zebra, providing sound designers with a powerful tool to create and shape their desired audio experiences.
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Zebra2 vs Diva
When it comes to choosing between Zebra2 and Diva, a few key factors come into play, including sound, ease of use, and flexibility. Both Zebra2 and Diva are soft-synths produced by U-HE and are popular choices for music producers and sound designers.
Starting with Zebra2, it is known for its vast sonic range and flexibility. It offers a neutral sound canvas that allows users to build and design their own unique synth sounds from scratch. Zebra2 is an entire modular ecosystem, providing multiple types of synthesis, including 4-op FM. It has a steep learning curve, requiring users to understand the nuances of each module. However, once mastered, Zebra2 becomes a powerful tool for custom sound design, especially for exotic sounds. Additionally, Zebra2 is often favoured for its ability to recreate convincing analogue sounds, despite being a digital synthesizer.
On the other hand, Diva is known for its rich and solid analog sound. It excels at producing classic analog and early digital sounds, with a simple yet intuitive workflow. Diva is less flexible than Zebra2 but makes up for it with its ease of use and practical application for most types of sounds. It is well-suited for bread-and-butter sounds and has a lower learning curve compared to Zebra2. Diva also has a smaller CPU/RAM footprint, making it more manageable for some computers.
In terms of presets, both Zebra2 and Diva offer extensive preset libraries. Zebra2's presets provide a wide variety of sounds, from ambient to EDM, cinematic, and even nature-inspired. Diva's presets, on the other hand, are known for their big cinematic sounds and analog feel, making it a popular choice for synthwave and analog enthusiasts.
When it comes to making a decision, it depends on the user's needs and preferences. If you are a beginner, Diva's simplicity and ease of use might be more appealing. If you are looking for a wider range of sounds and don't mind investing the time to learn a more complex synthesizer, Zebra2 could be the better choice. Ultimately, both Zebra2 and Diva are powerful tools, and many users find that they complement each other well in a music production setup.
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Frequently asked questions
Zebra U-he is a wireless modular synthesizer that combines many different types of synthesis with a powerful modulation engine.
Some Zebra U-he presets include Traveller, Crystallia, and The Dark Zebra. Traveller offers an eclectic range of sounds, including basses, arpeggios, pads, drones, keys, and brass. Crystallia includes thundering drums, rich pads, crystal clear keys, and thick basses. The Dark Zebra contains nearly all the Zebra sounds found in the *Dark Knight* and *Dark Knight Rises* soundtracks.
Zebrify can be used on anything from guitars to vocals to drums. First, set the input detection, as the input settings depend on the type of sound you are using.
Zebra Legacy is a workhorse synth by U-he. It features a Modulation Mixer that processes up to 3 modulation sources in different ways. It also has a 4-channel Mixer where you can adjust pans and volumes, select envelopes, and route to the FX grid.
Zebra U-he is more flexible and capable of more exotic sounds than Diva, but Diva is less complex and easier to use. Diva is a great choice for bread-and-butter sounds, while Zebra is better for those looking for more exotic sounds and are willing to put in the time to learn it.
