Cakewalk Z3TA+ 2 Software Synth

4.5 (53)

1 Critic Review

11 Reviews

Find out who is using Cakewalk Z3TA+ 2

3 wishlisted

86 saved

Page last updated Feb 07, 2026

Pricing and availability

Store

Reviews

Price

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Dive into the world of limitless sound design with the Cakewalk Z3TA+ 2 Software Synth. This virtual synthesizer is a powerhouse for both seasoned sound designers and those new to the world of synthesis. With its 1,500 meticulously crafted presets, the Z3TA+ 2 offers an extensive palette of sounds right out of the box, ranging from punchy leads and resonant basses to ethereal pads and cinematic soundscapes.

For those who love to craft their own sonic landscapes, the Z3TA+ 2 doesn't disappoint. Its deep waveshaping capabilities allow you to transform basic waveforms into rich, textured sounds. The synth's morphable LFOs provide complex modulation possibilities, letting you add dynamic expressiveness to your music. Whether you're looking to create a unique lead or an evolving atmospheric pad, this plugin's intuitive interface makes sound design an exciting and rewarding process.

The Z3TA+ 2 also features a graphical arpeggiator with over 100 patterns, ensuring that your compositions are always dynamic and engaging. With 14 filter types, drag 'n' drop effects routing, and a flexible modulation matrix, the creative possibilities are truly endless.

Key Features:

Synthesizer plug-in compatible with Mac/PC - VST, AU
1,500 presets for immediate access to diverse sounds
14 filter types with flexible routing options
Morphable LFOs for advanced sound modulation
16 waveshapers to create textured sounds
Graphical arpeggiator with over 100 patterns
Integrated effects section with simple drag 'n' drop routing

Videos

Add video

Vario-Productions

Zetaficated - Cakewalk Z3TA+2 Demonstration

Vario-Productions

Cakewalk Z3TA+2 Masterclass Webinar

Scan Pro Audio

Cakewalk Z3ta+ 2 Ping Delay example (using the Misa Kitara)

misadigital

Cakewalk Z3TA+2 Tutorial 01 - Intro & UI

SadowickProduction

Cakewalk Z3TA+2 Virtual Synth Basic Patch Creation - Overview

Plugin Boutique

Cakewalk Z3TA+2 Tutorial 02 - Oscillators & Waveshaping

SadowickProduction

Cakewalk Z3TA+2 Demo - Sweetwater's iOS Update, Vol. 74

Sweetwater

Cakewalk Z3TA+ 2 Software-Synthesizer im Test auf musikmachen.de

musikmachen.de

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Full-sounding synth with 6 oscillators and extensive wave shaping
Modulation table allows flexible routing and creative sound design
Excellent for arpeggios, offers crisp lead sounds when arp is disabled
Offers a wide variety of sounds from vintage to current genres
Provides warmth of analog with outstanding filter quality
Great value, especially during Steam sales with significant discounts
Straightforward and easy to use, even with basic controllers
Unique synths that complement other VSTs
Powerful waveshapers mappable in mod matrix
Exceptional pad creation capabilities

CONS

High CPU usage with multiple instances
Some users find better alternatives on the market

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Cakewalk Z3TA+ 2 Software Synth.

Comparisons

0 0

Surge XT is regarded as the best free alternative due to its 6 oscillators and custom wavetable support, closely resembling Z3TA+2's capabilities.
Source
0 0

Helix is identified as the closest functional option to Z3TA+2 among paid synths, though it has only 4 oscillators and a less intuitive UI.
Source
0 0

Vaporizer 2 is notable for its affordability at $55, offering 4 wavetable oscillators and a built-in wavetable editor, providing distinct functionality.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Surge XT and Vital are highly recommended for recreating the "chords of life" 80's bass sound, essential for projects dependent on Z3TA+2.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

Vaporizer 2's wavetable editor adds unique value, allowing detailed sound customization often sought by users transitioning from Z3TA+2.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

Z3TA+ 2 requires offline activation through BandLab Assistant for reinstallation when Cakewalk Command Center is inaccessible.
Source
0 0

Z3TA+ 2 is confirmed as a VSTi-only plugin, unlike its predecessor, which supported both DXi and VSTi formats.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Activation involves exporting an activation request, processing it through BandLab, and importing the response in Z3TA+ 2.
Source

User experience

0 0

Users report that contacting BandLab's community team can resolve download issues if a valid serial number and registration code are available.
Source

Critic Reviews

Cakewalk Z3TA+ 2 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Cakewalk Z3TA+ 2 is a revitalized powerhouse synth, lauded for its powerful sound and innovative features, like the adaptive pitchbend and mappable waveshapers, making it a favorite among sound designers. The interface sees significant improvement, and the extensive preset banks offer an enticing array of sounds. However, some features have been removed, and the modulation system can be complex, with a filter section that could see enhancements. While not the most intuitive for beginners, it's a robust tool for seasoned synthesists looking to explore a wide sonic landscape. Overall, it's a strong update for an already revered synth.

positive

Full Review

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 11 Reviews and 53 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

graspee

268

over 11 years ago

FANTASTIC softsynth

This is a really full-sounding synth. It has 6 oscillators and really good control over the shape of the waves; there's 2 filters with quite a few choices for the type; there's 4 "all voice" LFOs and 2 "per voice"; there's 6 envelopes plus one each for amplitude and pitch; there's a bunch of digital effects you can tweak and reorder; there's an arp, and finally, the best thing, there's the modulation table which is like the patch bay: you can route pretty much anything anywhere.

This is great value as it is, at the full price, compared with other softsynths, but if you wait for the big sales on Steam, Winter and Summer basically, you can get this for 75% off which is A TOTAL FREAKING BARGAIN.

zorovo

122

about 11 years ago

Amazing sound!

This synth has an amazing sound! Especially for arpeggios. One thing I like is that for a lead, if the arpeggio sounds good but I don't actually want the arpeggiator on, I can turn it off and I get a crisp lead sound. I usually don't have to put any FX on it except for EQ since the sound is so pure.

forrest

over 10 years ago

Excellent soft synth with straight forward UI

offers good variety of choice from vintage to current genres. straight forward simplicity/eas of use even if using a very basic ( no bells and whistles) controller. also good value for the money.

mike_byrd

773

over 11 years ago

The closest analog waveshaping alternative

I use this synth plugin for analog emulations its the only one of few softsynths thats been able to give me the warmth off analog that so hard to come by the filter is brilliant on this synth and the waveshaping and routing facility on board offers the sculpter the possibilty off endless new patchs. Great plugin for the price worth splashing the cash on.

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Electronica Dance music

ridwan

3147

over 10 years ago

Waveshaping Synthesizer, Amazing stuff!

This is an amazing synth, sadly it often kills my CPU with too many instances of it running so I tend to not use it very often. Recommended for anyone who wants to take a different approach to sound design.

refive

334

over 11 years ago

Cool

Cool synthesizer but there are better ones on the market. It has some unique synths which are very nice to combine with synths from other VST's.

newgenerationkids

145

over 9 years ago

GOOOOOOOOD

Powerful synths. Waveshapers mappable in mod matrix. All-round great sound.

sethfannin

126

over 11 years ago

Great Synthesizer package

Great package of many uplifting synths and a interface that is one of my personal favorites. Great VST plugin for any studio.

Roles:

Music Producer DJ

Genres:

Electronic Trance Uplifting trance

idolate

155

almost 11 years ago

Some of the best synths!

After getting the Z3ta+ I decided to get Z3ta+2 and I don't regret it at all

jeffersonweber

820

over 10 years ago

Z3TA + 2

Again one of my fav synths. If you are into EDM you need this.

Roles:

Guitarist Keyboardist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Pop

Artist usage

Add artist

Avicii

Music Producer

Jovicii

Verified via Photo

In this image Avicii is using this plugin

Knife Party

Music Producer

Verified via Imgur

List of plugins that Rob swire uses and carries over overtime he switches PC or workstation. Also in an interview with Sound on Sound, Rob swire mentioned he uses Z3TA +2 for pendulum http://www.soundonsound.com/people/pendulum

W&W

Music Producer, DJ

Verified via Splice

Wardt of W&W states "if we want that old-school trance vibe, we go to the old synths, like Zeta, Vanguard and V-Station".

Rusko

Music Producer

Verified via Twitter

Twitter user @shmaigler asks Rusko, "#AskRusko whats your favorite VST/ AU youve recently come acroos? [sic]" (asked 23 Aug 2013)

Rusko replies, "my fave current vst or plugin is Z3TA2"

MDK

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Verified via YouTube

"Go up to the top where it says 'Channels'. Click that, go to 'Add One' and you'll notice that you have this list. Your list probably looks a lot different than mine because I have a bunch of third party software installed."

Among this list is Z3TA+ 2.

Shingo Nakamura

Music Producer, DJ

Verified via Photo

From an article, Silk Artist Spotlight :: Shingo Nakamura discusses the disaster in Japan, his upcoming album, studio equipment, and more...:

My main DAW is FL studio. I have been using it from the very beginning of making music. My main synths are Sylenth, Omnisphere, Massive, and z3ta+. Sylenth is my favorite synth because it's easy to make sounds as I imagine them.

Original article can be found here.