U-He’s updated ZebraCM virtual synthesizer is now available for download with Computer Music magazine.
U-He have some great freeware versions of their flagship synths, some of which recently got a much-appreciated GUI refresh.
ZebraCM (the stripped-down magazine-only version of Zebra2) is one that benefitted from a refresh and design overhaul.
Understandably, a new image doesn’t always get everyone excited, but it’s not just about aesthetics. The old ZebraCM interface looked quite funky, but in truth, it was a bit clumsy and convoluted. Now, it looks great, and more importantly, it flows much better, which should help you work faster.
New look aside, ZebraCM just about scratches the surface of what Zebra2 can do, and it also takes a fixed architecture approach rather than the modular workflow of Zebra2. But that’s not a complaint by any means; Zebra2 is just absolutely massive.
At the core of ZebraCM are two wavetable oscillators with sixteen waveforms. Next up is a Noise generator with four types (White, Pink, Digital, and Crackles) and a multi-mode Filter (20 modes).
Moving down the interface, we have two expanded ADSR Envelopes with Rise/Fall Sustain, three LFO’s, and three effects modules (Mod FX, Delay, and Reverb).
If you’re familiar with ZebraCM, you’ll know what to expect from the sound. It’s fantastic for Euro House, Techno, EDM sounds, like roaring leads, and thumping/growling basses. It also does well with the more ambient, less in-your-face sounds, too, like warm brassy pads.
I said above that the new GUI isn’t just about looking pretty, so here’s a couple of examples of how it helps get to those great sounds faster.
Firstly, it has a much improved, much larger preset menu that allows you to search by type/tags. Exploring the 221 factory presets is quick and easy.
Secondly, the vast MIDI CC options are now more easily accessible thanks to a clever overlay page.
When turned on, the overlay pay highlights all MIDI CC assignable parameters with a neon border. Clicking a highlighted parameter will turn it white, ready for you to send some data by moving the desired control. Assigning user-defined modulation sources is a similarly simple process.
The GUI is resizable from 70-200%, which helps keep a tidy workspace.
The verdict on this ZebraCM update is the same great sound, far better workflow. If you like U-He, make sure you check out Triple Cheese, which had a recent makeover, too. I’m a U-He fan; I think they very rarely go far wrong, and their Repro-5 synth is one of my favorites.
ZebraCM is available for macOS and Windows from the latest issue of Computer Music.
More info: ZebraCM / Pocketmags (available with Computer Music magazine)
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9 Comments
Tomislav Zlatic
onThanks to BPB reader Numanoid for the info about the ZebraCM update!
JST81
onI think BeatZille is the same plugin and it was released a while ago as well (the new version).
Jamie M.
onum?? beatzille is a fully modular synth licensed to beat magazine, based off of u-he’s bazille.
this is a wavetable/subractive synth licensed to cm, based off of zebra.
trust, they are nothing alike
Numanoid
onI am waiting for Beat Magazine to release the latest version of BeatZille
I expect that CM will release the updated version of Bazille CM with next issue 302
Jamie M.
onthey don’t even look that much alike, the modular cables are a dead giveaway
Aaron
oncomo puedo obtener este vst? me refiero que reviste comprar?
Numanoid
onThe plugin will be available with every Computer Music issue from now on, the latest issue 301 can be bought at: magazinesdirect.com/az-magazines/6936419/computer-music-magazine-subscription.thtml
(I subscribe to the magazine, but I must admit that the question to get access to the digital content of issue 301 was so easy I solved it without having to look in the magazine ;-)
beikk
onYo la compro aquí: https://pocketmags.com/us/computer-music-magazine
Eddie
onJust downloaded and gave it a quick try. Very nice first impression! I like synths that inspire you to tweak or build sounds from scratch, this one tick all the boxes. Since I googled Computer Music, I instantly got an ad (in Sweden) to try Computer Music for free for six months!!! Done deal!