u-he Zebra 3 – Now in Public Beta: “Like Photoshop for Synthesis”
The Legendary Software Synth in Version 3
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You can now download and thoroughly test the first public beta of u-he’s popular synthesizer, Zebra 3. Of course, you should be aware that there may be glitches, bugs, or crashes. However, this is a big step towards the final release!
All About u-he Zebra 3
Now in Public Beta!
The time has finally come to install the new version of the Zebra 3 software synth. Initially, only the public beta version will be available, but it will give you a good idea of what’s new. As mentioned in our news about the free version, Zebralette 3 will also use the new license card system.
Urs Heckmann had this to say about the update:
For u-he, the release of Zebra 3 not only marks a technical update but also the beginning of a new era for their modular software synth. The synthesizer is now available for pre-order, and it’s doubly worthwhile for many long-time users. Owners of Zebra 2 and The Dark Zebra will automatically receive a free Zebra 3 license in their user account. Those with older Zebra 2 licenses can purchase the upgrade for €30 via the My Licenses page. This demonstrates that u-he values its loyal users and is facilitating a smooth transition to the new generation.
For those entering the world of Zebra 3 for the first time, the manufacturer is offering an introductory price of €179 during the beta phase. That’s €70 less than the regular retail price!
The Alpha Stage
[25 January 2025] It’s only in alpha but u-he Zebra 3 is already shaping up to be an oceans-deep sound design playground with vector synthesis and other new modules.
u-he is one of my favorite software developers. The company’s instruments like Diva, Repro and Hive 2 are all fantastic. U-he originally made its name with Zebra (almost two decades ago now!) and is currently in development on Zebra 3, which it’s showing at NAMM. Although only in alpha stage, it already looks to be an incredible instrument, what founder Urs Heckman calls a “sound design shop” in the Sonicstate video (below).
“Like Photoshop for Synthesis”
Urs also said it was going to be like Photoshop for synthesis, and that’s a really exciting proposition. If you know Zebra, you know how deep it can be. Hans Zimmer is a fan – if it’s good enough for the Oscar-winner, you know it’s something special.
The first you’ll notice about Zebra 3 is the new user interface. A bit softer than before, it features the same gray as Zebralette 3, the beta freeware version of the software that you can access now. As with that, the synth appears to have the same basic wavetable/additive synthesis oscillators – but capable of many more than one at a time, of course.
New Modules
In the video, Urs talks about some of the new modules they’re working on. There will be modal synthesis, a kind of physical modeling that recreates the sound of marimbas and drums. It will also have vector synthesis, with a four-into-one mixer to pan and loop between sound sources. Urs also demonstrates a texture synthesizer with granular properties.
There will be a number of workflow changes as well, including a new way to view groups of modules as well as how you assign modulation sources.
There’s also a new legato mode, a visual matrix for assigning filters (currently over 48 types and more to come!), plus a unique pitch assignment structure.
Pricing & Availability
Zebra 3 is a long way off as of this point, with plenty more to add. Urs stresses that it wasn’t making any sound at all just two months ago. It’s also a complete rewrite from Zebra 2, meaning everything needs to be redone. However, he’s confident that U-he can get it out within the year.
Price is, of course, to be decided.
More Information
- u-he home page
- All about u-he
- All about synthesizers
- All about software
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