Essential VST Picks: u-he's Zebra 3 Revealed, Heavyocity's Mix Magic, and Vintage-Inspired Gear Drops

Hey studio crew! Some serious heat dropped in the gear world this week - u-he's finally lifting the curtain on Zebra 3 with some mind-bending new synthesis features, Heavyocity just released their MicroFX Refiner that's looking to change how we polish our mixes, and Audio-Technica's bringing studio-quality monitoring to every budget with their new R-Series headphones lineup.

LATEST IN MUSIC SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Audio-Technica's ATH-R-Series Open-Back Headphones

Audio-Technica's new ATH-R-Series open-back headphones include the flagship ATH-R70xa, the mid-range ATH-R50x, and the entry-level ATH-R30x. Designed for music production, mixing, and mastering, the series offers accessible open-back designs with high-quality drivers and varying impedance levels to suit different use cases.

Heavyocity Releases MicroFX Refiner Plugin

Heavyocity has launched the MicroFX Refiner, an all-in-one solution for finalizing instrument buses, stems, and overall mixes. This plugin combines EQ, compression, saturation, stereo imaging, limiting, and subtle clipping to help tighten, drive, and polish audio for a professional finish. MicroFX Refiner also features 36 presets tailored for drums, instruments, and mastering, as well as intuitive controls for quickly dialing in the desired sound character, dynamics, and loudness.

Noise Engineering's Batverb Reverb Pedal

Noise Engineering has introduced the Batverb, a new reverb pedal based on the Desmodus Versio module's synthetic tail generator DSP. Offering features like pitch shifting, distortion, and ducking, Batverb aims to provide unique atmospheric and textural reverb effects.

Behringer Unveils DX1-Inspired BX1 Synthesizer

Behringer has introduced the BX1, a new keyboard synthesizer that takes inspiration from the iconic Yamaha DX1 from the 1980s. While official details are still to come, the BX1 appears to offer a modern take on the classic DX1 FM synthesis architecture, with a sleek silver design and colored knobs for easier navigation. Early demos showcase the BX1's warm, punchy sound, hinting at its potential to appeal to both vintage synth enthusiasts and modern producers.

Endorphin.es Expands Ground Control Sequencer and Introduces Compact Mixer

Endorphin.es has announced two major updates for Eurorack enthusiasts. The Ground Control v3 firmware update brings powerful new features to their flagship sequencer, including MIDI and variable clock support, expanded 128-step patterns, and advanced random pattern generation tools. Additionally, the company has introduced the Cockpit X 1U, a compact 6-channel stereo mixer designed for live performance and studio use, featuring an analogue signal path and smart digital control.

u-he Previews Zebra 3 Synthesizer at NAMM 2025

u-he is showcasing an early alpha version of Zebra 3, the next generation of their acclaimed software synthesizer. Described as a "sound design shop", Zebra 3 features a new user interface and introduces several innovative modules, including modal synthesis, vector synthesis, and a texture synthesizer. The update also promises workflow improvements, such as a new legato mode and visual matrix for assigning filters. While still in development, Zebra 3 is shaping up to be a powerful and flexible sound design tool.

DEALS

• Early-bird deal on ROLI Piano System ends in 2 days: a new ROLI Piano is only €399 (regular €599), Piano + Airwave Bundle is available for €648 (regular €948). Also get add-ons worth €212.

• HY-Plugins Sequencer Bundle, a bundle of two MIDI effect sequencers - $44 (usually $99).

• 8 Hip Hop Packs for $20, a limited time bundle of 8 hip hop sample packs.

• Peak Techno - Presets for Orbit, 50 generative presets for ADSR Orbit - $15 (usually $49).

• Sampletraxx Massive 3-in-1 Winter Bundle from Audio Plugin Deals, offering a comprehensive collection of soundpacks, WAV sounds, Kontakt Instruments and more at 92% off, now $99 (RRP $1200).

• The Eighty by XILS-Lab, a CS-80 emulation plugin - $79 (was $179).

• Biome Bundle for Arturia Pigments 3, a vast collection of 820 presets for cinematic, EDM, and experimental music - $15.

• SPL Machine Head Plugin by Plugin Alliance, an emulation of the iconic SPL Machine Head hardware unit - $69.

• La Creme: The Ultimate Mix Bus Processor, a mastering-grade 4-band EQ and Vari Mu compressor plugin that delivers analog warmth and clarity - now 65% off at $35 (regular price $99).

DEMOS, REVIEWS & TUTORIALS

4STRINGSZ walks us through his LABS+ pack in the studio - Introducing a unique and innovative LABS+ pack crafted in collaboration with trailblazing drill and grime violinist 4STRINGSZ, known for his cutting-edge approach to the violin.Find it here: Spitfire Audio 4STRINGSZ LABS+ Pack Dash Glitch's Osmose.

Tutorial: Creating Custom SFX and Transitions - Learn how to use the Osmose synthesizer to craft unique sound effects, risers and transitions for your electro productions.

The Classic Rock Show: Live Guitar Demos and Tutorials - Witness renowned guitarist Pete Thorn and the Classic Rock Show band perform loving tributes to classic rock songs, showcasing their gear and playing techniques.

Stylophone Gen X-2 Demo Video - Check out the new features and capabilities of the latest version of the Stylophone analog synthesizer in this demo video.

MIDI Association Explains Network MIDI 2.0 - Get an overview of the technical details and benefits of the new Network MIDI 2.0 standard in this video presentation.

FREE

Panorama Hybrid - a free instrument from Sonora Cinematic. Panorama Hybrid is being offered for free with the purchase of any eligible Sonora Cinematic NKS product between 13th Dec 2024 and 31st Jan 2025. This offer ends soon, so don't miss your chance to add this versatile instrument to your collection.