u-he Zebra2 Explained®
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6:49 Getting Started
Let’s get a general lay of the land and look at the main views we will be working in.
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7:04 Patch Window
In this video we will go over everything you need to keep your presets organized.
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9:22 Synthesis Window
The Synthesis Window is where we create patches, load modules, and work with signal flow.
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5:06 Global Settings
Learn how the Global settings influence how the synth responds, and how Voice Mode determines how many notes we hear and how the synth re-triggers them.
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5:52 The Oscillator
We can stack up to eleven voices per note all while morphing between wave forms.
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4:52 Oscillator Lower Panel
These sub-panels allow us to tweak the sound of the oscillator.
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4:54 Oscillator Wave Editor
Let’s look at how we can draw our own waveform. We can also morph or blend between sixteen different waveforms.
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5:01 FMO & Noise
There are two more Oscillators we can use: a Frequency modulated Oscillator and a noise Oscillator.
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5:42 Filters
These modules are great for sculpting and adding movement to a signal. The Cross Modulation Filter takes it to a whole new level.
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3:42 Comb Filter
The four-line multimode comb filter can also be used as an Oscillator thanks to it’s internal pulse generator.
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5:36 Additional Generators
Let’s take a look at the Sideband, Shaper, Distortion, Ring, and Mix modules.
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6:59 Modulation
We can source that modulation from a MIDI controller or from an internal module. The Modulation Matrix give us even more control over modulation depth.
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5:56 Multi Stage Envelope Generator
The Multi-Stage Envelope Generator will give you total control of the envelope and continuous control over is timing.
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2:59 LFO
It looks simple but it’s very cleaver. There is a simpler version as well called called the Global Low Frequency Oscillator.
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6:07 Modulation Mapper & Mixer
The Mmap is simple but has the potential to make any sound pop. The Modulation Mixer can also bring complexity to a sound.
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4:45 FX Grid
You can route and program effects chain in the FX Grid. We have the option of running FX modules as inserts and well as on sends.
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3:48 Remaining FX
Let’s take a look at Chorus/Flanger, Delay, Reverb, Compressor, and EQ.
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3:36 Arpeggiator/Sequencer
Programming Zebra 2’s arpeggiator is simple and musical.
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3:36 X/Y Pad Programming
The X/Y pads allow us to control multiple parameters at once. The range bar and markers also allow us to set up range and polarity control.
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1:44 MIDI Mapping
Mapping a parameter is as simple as clicking on the parameter we want to modulate and moving our controller.
Product Overview
u-he’s Zebra2 is a real animal of a virtual analog synth, and in this video tutorial series, synth expert Scottie Dugan covers every aspect of this amazing virtual software instrument!
Scottie begins with a birds-eye-view of Zebra2 as a whole, before focusing in on the patch window. He then covers the Synthesis window, where you create patches, load modules, and work with signal flow.
This leads into a discussion of the global settings such as Voice Mode to determine polyphony and general performance settings.
Next, Scottie explains and explores the Oscillator section, including all of its sub-panels containing fine tuning parameters for customizing nearly every aspect of the oscillator.
The Oscillator Wave Editor is then focused on, revealing how you can draw your own waveforms. Scottie then demonstrates how to use the Frequency Modulated Oscillator and the Noise Generator to add flavor and grit to your sound.
After that, Scottie explores all the filter modules in Zebra2. Zebra offers nearly every type of filter you can find in physical hardware, along with some unique software filters such as the Cross Modulation Filter.
But wait, Zebra has even more modules, and Scottie covers them all! He describes the Sideband, Distortion, Ring, and Mix modules, as well as the Modulation modules.
Scottie then talks about how nearly every parameter can be modulated either from a MIDI controller or internal module, and then demonstrates how the Modulation Matrix gives you even more control over your sound design.
If the standard Envelope Generator isn’t enough, Zebra2 offers a Multi-Stage Envelope Generator, which Scottie shows you and how you can use it to adjust the timing of your envelopes and more.
With most of the building blocks covered, Scottie digs into the Modulation Mapper and Mixer, and how you can use it to bring complexity to your patches and make any sound pop.
Then it’s time to explore the FX Grid in which you route and program effects chains, as well as all the effects such as delay, chorus, reverb, compressors, and EQ!
Scottie concludes the series by showing you how to get the most out of Zebra2’s musical and intuitive arpeggiator, and how to program the X/Y pad which allows for controlling multiple parameters at once.
Finally, Scottie delves into Zebra2’s comprehensive MIDI Mapping capabilities.
If you’re new to Zebra2, or you’re an established user ready to dive deeper and get creative with it, watch “u-he Zebra2 Explained” Today!
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Reviews
Submitted 3 months ago
A nice tutorial
A good tutorial. Zebra is a bit complicated from the UI perspective, the tutorial clears that out efficiently.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Helpful but needs more demonstration
It's good and it will get you started, but it goes over subjects a bit quickly, it could use some more examples to demonstrate the posibilities.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Sweet!
Probably the best overall tutorial set for this synth I've seen yet. Great tutorial! Great plugin!
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Video Manual, doesn't explain how to actually use the features
This series offers an ok overview of Zebra's features, but it doesn't really get into how to actually use them or why. With a synth as sophisticated as Zebra, it would have been much more helpful to dig into some sound design that highlights some of the more unique features, so you see (and hear) them in action.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Just a list of features
This tutorial has the same value as reading the Zebra manual. It explains each feature but offers no value as how the features can be used. Some of the most advanced features such as the comb filter are not even explained in detail and the author refers the viewers to the manual.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Very good at the basic level
I found it helped enormously my basic understanding of the synth but it left me wanting more. The descriptions of each component were excellent but at the end of the course it was like being in a void. I needed help in actually knowing how to go on and produce my own sounds.
I am a: Hobbyist, FL Studio
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 years ago
a good overview , would like to have seen a bit more depth
All the components of the Zebra plug in are given a very good preliminary overview, I would like to see a subsequent Video tutorial that goes more in depth to how the various parameters interact. That way instead of just 'trying' various things , you would have a definitive idea how to attain the sound we are going after.
I am a: Professional, Producer, Audio Engineer, Mastering Facility, Sound for Film/TV, Logic Pro, Pro Tools
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 4 years ago
All in all inspiring.
Right after writing this review I´m going to create a soft using the technique explained in the modmapper section of this tutorial. Some explanations are very thorough, but some could use some practical examples. But everyone has their own taste and so it might have gone into too much food for the brain. For the real ambitious sound designer there´s no way around the well written manual. This tutorial serves as a starting point, so you are freed from the only use of presets. You´ll want to understand this complex beast of a synth.
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Beat Maker, Ableton Live, Reaper
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 5 years ago
Great Tutorial!!
Another brilliant tutorial from groove3. Mr.Scott did an excellent job in explaining all the features of zebra and its all you need to get started with the synth.
I am a: Beginner, Sound for Film/TV
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 5 years ago
Great Overview of this Synth
Great Overview of the features of this synth. I read through the manual but this helped further explain some of the murky bits of this synth. Thanks!
I am a: Hobbyist
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Reviews
Submitted 3 months ago
A nice tutorial
A good tutorial. Zebra is a bit complicated from the UI perspective, the tutorial clears that out efficiently.
Submitted 1 year ago
Helpful but needs more demonstration
It's good and it will get you started, but it goes over subjects a bit quickly, it could use some more examples to demonstrate the posibilities.
Submitted 1 year ago
Sweet!
Probably the best overall tutorial set for this synth I've seen yet. Great tutorial! Great plugin!
Submitted 1 year ago
Video Manual, doesn't explain how to actually use the features
This series offers an ok overview of Zebra's features, but it doesn't really get into how to actually use them or why. With a synth as sophisticated as Zebra, it would have been much more helpful to dig into some sound design that highlights some of the more unique features, so you see (and hear) them in action.
Submitted 2 years ago
Just a list of features
This tutorial has the same value as reading the Zebra manual. It explains each feature but offers no value as how the features can be used. Some of the most advanced features such as the comb filter are not even explained in detail and the author refers the viewers to the manual.
Submitted 2 years ago
Very good at the basic level
I found it helped enormously my basic understanding of the synth but it left me wanting more. The descriptions of each component were excellent but at the end of the course it was like being in a void. I needed help in actually knowing how to go on and produce my own sounds.
I am a: Hobbyist, FL Studio
Submitted 3 years ago
a good overview , would like to have seen a bit more depth
All the components of the Zebra plug in are given a very good preliminary overview, I would like to see a subsequent Video tutorial that goes more in depth to how the various parameters interact. That way instead of just 'trying' various things , you would have a definitive idea how to attain the sound we are going after.
I am a: Professional, Producer, Audio Engineer, Mastering Facility, Sound for Film/TV, Logic Pro, Pro Tools
Submitted 4 years ago
All in all inspiring.
Right after writing this review I´m going to create a soft using the technique explained in the modmapper section of this tutorial. Some explanations are very thorough, but some could use some practical examples. But everyone has their own taste and so it might have gone into too much food for the brain. For the real ambitious sound designer there´s no way around the well written manual. This tutorial serves as a starting point, so you are freed from the only use of presets. You´ll want to understand this complex beast of a synth.
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Beat Maker, Ableton Live, Reaper
Submitted 5 years ago
Great Tutorial!!
Another brilliant tutorial from groove3. Mr.Scott did an excellent job in explaining all the features of zebra and its all you need to get started with the synth.
I am a: Beginner, Sound for Film/TV
Submitted 5 years ago
Great Overview of this Synth
Great Overview of the features of this synth. I read through the manual but this helped further explain some of the murky bits of this synth. Thanks!
I am a: Hobbyist
1. When did you start dabbling in music?
I grew up taking classical piano lessons, so music has always been a part of my life. It started out as a daily chore and eventually evolved into a passion. Now I am very lucky to call it my profession.
2. What training have you had?
After thirteen years of private piano lessons I decided to pursue a formal degree. Two years in and I realized it wasn't for me. From that point on a began teaching myself and taking various online courses that offered subjects that excited me. I've gotten to learn and sit under individuals who are way better than I am.
3. When did you get into recording?
Ableton Live and the ability to make music with a computer were the two biggest reasons I didn't continue pursue a formal degree. I was in a band, we cut a DIY "garage album" and that started the obsession. The once obscured world of synths, hardware and software was now overwhealming as I transitioned away from a piano only mindset.
4. People you have worked with/for?
I have the great privilege to be working with Ableton as one of their Ableton Certified Trainers. Being a part of that community has been really amazing and life changing. I have yet to work with anyone rich and famous... but I have a feeling one day some of these crazy talented people will be. I get to work with students and artists who are chasing their musical dreams. I like the purity and passion that comes with that.
5. Why are you so good at training people?
Well, I've always been told that I'm a good teacher but I hated talking to people I didn't know. It took a while to get over those introvert tendencies and fear of public speaking and now I can't get enough. Watching a student get that lightbulb breakthrough or seeing an ignition of passion after the transfer of knowledge creates such a sense of fulfillment for me. I can't not teach.
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tutorial videoAbleton Live 9 Explained
Presented by Ableton Certified Trainer Scottie Dugan, this collection of videos will show you what you need to know to hit the ground running with Live 9 and then elevate you to 'power user' status.
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tutorial videoAbleton Live Compressors & EQs In Action
Ready to make Ableton Live come alive? Well, Scottie Dugan explains how, showcasing Live's awesome built-in dynamics and EQ processors. Compression and EQ are the most commonly used effects for making your tracks and productions shine, so let Scottie demystify them and show you them all in action!
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tutorial videoAbleton Live Racks Explained
Ableton Certified Trainer Scottie Dugan is back with a collection of videos that will show you what you need to know to build, edit and play racks within Ableton Live. Watch and learn how racks are a powerful way to create amazing sounding instruments, effects and more within Ableton Live.
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