Z3ta+ sounds so much better than anything else?

bytheriver · Post by **bytheriver** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 3:16 pm

I found my housemates Z3ta+ the other day and thought I'd give it a bash to see how it sounded, and its completely blown me away.

I've been using Reaktor (fatcat/MX6000/Minimod), MinimoogVA (the free one) and I have a hardware nord lead 2 and evolver which I use quite a bit, but Z3ta+ just seems to sound instantly better than all of them.

I cant put my finger on what it is about it, but nearly all the sounds it makes are usable and really good.

Is it really that good, or is it really easy to get good results with it whereas the others take more effort (and skill) which I've not given them?

It really surprised me since I don't think I've ever read a post/review raving about how good Z3ta+ is.

TITBAG · Post by **TITBAG** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 3:29 pm

*bitterly disappointed with the way this thread has panned out*

leedsquietman · Post by **leedsquietman** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 4:24 pm

It's pretty good but I think if you were to really get deeper with it and use it for a longer period of time, the wow factor would disappear somewhat and you would probably be reaching for Reaktor and the Nord again, etc.

But yes, Z3TA+ is a great synth, and certainly a good selling point for Sonar Producer 7, where it is included in it's full form for free.

inmazevo · Post by **inmazevo** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 6:57 pm

It's an excellent synth... I use it fairly often.
It's getting a bit dated in terms of release date, so the factory sounds don't really do it for me at this point, but it's excellent none-the-less (there are a bunch of soundsets you get get free or purchase for it also).

I think the release date of it is why you haven't heard much talk about it. It's been, what, over 3 years I think.
When first released, it was talked about quite a bit. Now that it's included with Sonar 7, it's getting some press again... there's even a Sound on Sound article about it this month (how to use it as an effects plugin... decent article, BTW).

When I first got it, I had the same reaction, which diminished somewhat when I realized that part of the wow factor with it was the volume... it's cranked up LOUD. Turn it down if you want it to sit in a mix and not dominate.

Despite its age, I still can't think of too many synths that match it. It was ahead of its time in many respects. If you like its arpeggiator, you might dig Native Instruments FM8, which I use very similarly to z3ta+ (I actually tend toward FM8 more these days, actually). Both can do FM.

If you like rhythmic noises, check out synths with step generators, or that are wavetable... I like Cakewalk Rapture and Native Instruments Massive for this type of thing.

Have fun,
- zevo

Tarekith · Post by **Tarekith** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 7:03 pm

Aside from Zebra2, z3ta+ is probably my favorite softsynth. If only there was an OSX version.

inmazevo · Post by **inmazevo** » Fri Mar 21, 2008 7:11 pm

Tarekith wrote:Aside from Zebra2, z3ta+ is probably my favorite softsynth. If only there was an OSX version.

Ah... what I would do for a Mac version of z3ta+.

I need to check out Zebra 2. I've been thinking about getting it for some time now, but I'm taking studio upgrades off the table for 2008, unless I get some free cash (it could happen).

Unfortunately, I'm at the end of my ability to manage (and master) what I already have, so... I'm trying to not get anything new.

Bummer too. Last year was my gear addict's dream; I didn't deny any urge to upgrade. Very fun.

- zevo

azmills · Post by **azmills** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 2:11 am

I have wanted a Mac version of the z3ta+ for for a long time. I don't think it will happen though.

Right now I'm in the same mindset as inmazevo. Trying not to get any new softsynths. Sometimes it's just to hard to resist.

SimonPHC · Post by **SimonPHC** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 2:43 am

the presets are mind blowing, but I couldn't use them for what I do. So I told my mate he could just keep on using his amazing synth, and I would just keep on using simple stuff I can control and use, like the Operator and the Evolver.

Anubis · Post by **Anubis** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 3:35 am

Are you talking about the quality of the sounds or their uniqueness?

blank · Post by **blank** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 5:18 am

Anubis wrote:Are you talking about the quality of the sounds or their uniqueness?

this is the question

I don't know this synth a lot, how versatile is he ?

aeon · Post by **aeon** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 8:24 am

zeta's strengths lie in the envelopes, mod matrix and waveshaping departments.

i find the filters a bit shitty, and the effects (with the exception of the incredibly-creatively-useful EQ and the enjoyably straightforwards distortion) pretty average.

but for sitting down and just enjoying making sounds from scratch, it's a lovely environment. the envelope curves make for much versatility, the touchpad is genius (record it!), the hermode tuning is awesome and the fact that you can map waveshaping functions to midi is just the icing on the cake.

agree about the loudness though!