Zebra

Zebra is our wireless modular synthesizer. It combines many different types of synthesis with a powerful modulation engine. Imagine – you can create any additive, freehand or spline-based waveform you like, apply a vast selection of spectral effects, morph between those waves and send them through classic synth filters. Perhaps use that entire sound as modulator for an FM oscillator, or route it through a comb filter – the building block of physical modeling synthesis. All generator modules, all signal paths, all effects are stereo.

Synthesizer Modular Additive FM Physical-Modeling Granular Subtractive

u-he
Added 6mos ago

Zebra is a versatile software synthesizer developed by u-he, a company renowned for its high-quality audio plugins. Zebra combines subtractive and additive synthesis, allowing for a broad range of sound design possibilities. It is known for its rich, complex sounds and intuitive interface, making it a favorite among both amateur and professional musicians.

History

Zebra was first released in the early 2000s and has undergone several updates and iterations since its inception. The development of Zebra was driven by the desire to create a flexible, powerful synthesizer that could cater to a wide range of musical styles and production needs. Over the years, u-he has continuously improved Zebra, adding new features and enhancing its capabilities to keep up with the evolving demands of music production.

Uses

Zebra is used for:

  • Sound Design: Its modular architecture allows for intricate sound creation, making it ideal for designing unique textures and tones.
  • Music Production: Suitable for various genres, from electronic music to film scoring, Zebra's versatility makes it a staple in many studios.
  • Live Performance: With its stable performance and extensive modulation options, Zebra is also a reliable tool for live electronic music performances.

Notable Artists

Several high-profile artists and producers have incorporated Zebra into their work, including:

  • Hans Zimmer: The renowned film composer has used Zebra extensively in his scores, particularly for its ability to produce lush, cinematic sounds.
  • Junkie XL: Another prominent film composer and electronic music producer who leverages Zebra for its deep sound design capabilities.
  • Deadmau5: The electronic music producer has praised Zebra for its flexibility and sound quality, often featuring it in his tracks.

Fun Facts

  • Modular Design: Zebra's semi-modular design allows users to create custom signal paths, giving them unprecedented control over their sound.
  • Community Presets: The Zebra user community is active and creative, sharing a wealth of presets and patches that can be downloaded and used as starting points or inspiration.
  • Eco Mode: Zebra includes an "Eco" mode that reduces CPU usage, making it more efficient for use in complex projects or live performances.

Zebra continues to be a powerful tool in the arsenal of many musicians and producers, thanks to its flexibility, sound quality, and continuous development by u-he.