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Description

Unleash your creative potential with the u-he ZebraHZ Software Synthesizer, a powerhouse in the world of virtual instruments. This synth is a collaborative creation between u-he and film composer Hans Zimmer, designed to meet the demands of intricate film scoring and cutting-edge music production. The ZebraHZ expands on the already acclaimed Zebra2, offering a plethora of new possibilities with its flexible architecture and intuitive interface.

Hans Zimmer's unique contributions have endowed the ZebraHZ with a custom-designed set of modules, including extra oscillators and filters that aren't found in the standard Zebra2. This makes it a favorite among those looking to craft expansive soundscapes and complex sonic textures. Whether you're crafting epic soundtracks or experimenting in the studio, the ZebraHZ provides an extensive toolkit to inspire and empower your musical journey.

ZebraHZ’s modular design allows for unparalleled versatility, enabling you to patch together your preferred signal paths. The synth includes a range of effects and modulation options, allowing for creative freedom and precise control over your sound. With its semi-modular setup, you can customize your workflow to suit your unique style without constraints.

Key Features:

  • Collaborative design by u-he and Hans Zimmer
  • Enhanced version of Zebra2 with additional oscillators and filters
  • Semi-modular architecture for customized signal paths
  • Extensive modulation options for dynamic sound shaping
  • Comprehensive effects section for added depth and texture
  • Intuitive interface designed for both novice and advanced users
  • Ideal for film scoring, electronic music production, and sound design

Product specs

Plugin Format VST, AAX
Operating Systems Mac, Windows
Jon Audio

Jon Audio

Basic Signal Flow Zebra HZ Tutorial Lesson 1

Video thumbnail for Basic Signal Flow Zebra HZ Tutorial Lesson 1 by Jon Audio

Basic Signal Flow Zebra HZ Tutorial Lesson 1

Jon Audio

Jon Audio

Video thumbnail for Zebra Legacy - Includes Zebra 2 - Zebra HZ & ALL the Soundsets for €99 - WTF - Incredible Value by The Sound Test Room

Zebra Legacy - Includes Zebra 2 - Zebra HZ & ALL the Soundsets for €99 - WTF - Incredible Value

The Sound Test Room

The Sound Test Room

Video thumbnail for Bladerunner "2049"  Mock - Hans Zimmer - Reproduced in u-he ZebraHZ by sonictales

Bladerunner "2049" Mock - Hans Zimmer - Reproduced in u-he ZebraHZ

sonictales

sonictales

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about u-he ZebraHZ Software Synthesizer.

Features and functionality

  • ZebraHZ offers a semi-modular flexible signal path, allowing for extensive sound design possibilities not commonly found in other synths.

    Source
  • ZebraHZ's engine, despite its dated UI, remains robust and delivers high-quality sound that impresses even after many years in the market.

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User experience

  • It's noted for being light on the CPU, making it efficient for complex projects without needing to freeze tracks.

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  • Beginners may find the programming interface complex; starting with simple patches is recommended to build understanding and avoid reliance on presets.

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  • Some users find ZebraHZ difficult initially but rewarding after learning through resources like "Intro to Synthesis" from Matrixsynth, which is essential for grasping its complexities.

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  • Users have successfully run up to 50 instances of ZebraHZ on a decade-old Mac Pro, showcasing its efficiency even on older hardware.

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Comparisons

  • Preferred over Serum and NI/Arturia synths for its interface and sound, with ZebraHZ being favored for film soundtracks due to its versatility.

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  • Zebra2 is likened to a modular ecosystem without patch cables, suitable for subtractive, additive, FM, and karplus-strong synthesis, contrasting with Diva's analog focus.

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Use cases and applications

  • Used extensively in film composing, highlighting its capability to produce cinematic sounds that compete with larger sound libraries like EastWest.

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  • ZebraHZ is a programmer's synth, preferred for custom sound design and complex audio tasks, but requires a steep learning curve and is best suited for discipline in sound design sessions.

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  • Some users enhance their learning by recreating tracks or presets, which helps them understand sound design intricacies within ZebraHZ.

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Mods and upgrades

  • The Neumann interface by Plugmon.jp significantly enhances ZebraHZ's usability, making it more intuitive and enjoyable for users, costing around $35.

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Software and compatibility

  • ZebraHZ includes Zebralette in its demo version, offering a free, simplified experience to help users learn before committing to the full synth.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Hans Zimmer uses u-he ZebraHZ Software Synthesizer

Hans Zimmer

Composer, Music Producer

Hans Zimmer & Klaus Badelt

...
Verified via YouTube

This video takes us on a walk through of some of THE DARK ZEBRA synth presets. In this accompanying article, directly from u-he, they write "A bank of over 400 presets, a collaboration between Hans Zimmer and Howard Scarr. Practically all Zebra sounds in the The Dark Knight as well as The Dark Knight Rises soundtracks are included, plus several more that didn’t quite fit into the scores. The pack also includes Hans' custom built update from a licensed Zebra2.x to the version you can see in this video, ZebraHZ. Several of the more recent patches make use of the extra features available in ZebraHZ."

See how Charlie Clouser uses u-he ZebraHZ Software Synthesizer

Charlie Clouser

Keyboardist, Composer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via YouTube

one sound is from the excellent Zebra synth from UHE. I have the Zebra 2 version, Hans Zimmers custom version.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPqMXbD3hhE at 6:45

See how Anthony Rodriguez uses u-he ZebraHZ Software Synthesizer

Anthony Rodriguez

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Instagram

In a video posted on Instagram by anthonyrodriguezmusic, Anthony Rodriguez is seen using the u-he ZebraHZ Software Synthesizer, which likely includes features from Zebra2.

See how Jack Wall uses u-he ZebraHZ Software Synthesizer

Jack Wall

Composer

...
Verified via Headlinermagazine

Wall used Arturia soft synths for their recallability factor, as well as having some fun with the dials on his Moog Sub 37. His go-tos, u-He Diva and Zebra HZ, also made it into the mix, along with Omnisphere, which is “still the most relevant synth I own for just about anything,” he says.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use u-he ZebraHZ Software Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

2 alternative and related items for u-he ZebraHZ Software Synthesizer, curated by the Equipboard community.

u-he ZebraCM Software Synthesizer

 

cheaper alternative

This one like Zebralette can be useful to get a tasty of Zebra2/ZebraHZ power.

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