ZebraCM Free Synthesizer

The Legendary “Baby Zebra” Synthesizer by u-he

Originally commissioned as exclusive “magware” for readers of Computer Music magazine, ZebraCM (affectionately nicknamed “Baby Zebra”) has long been regarded as one of the best compact synthesizers in software history. Following recent updates and changes to the publication, developer u-he has officially made ZebraCM available as a direct, completely free download from their website.

Powered by the acclaimed DSP and sound generation algorithms of u-he’s flagship modular synthesizer, Zebra2, ZebraCM strips away the modular routing matrix in favor of a fixed-architecture, streamlined workflow that is fast, musical, and CPU-efficient.

Dual Wavetable Oscillators & Noise Generator

At the core of ZebraCM are two versatile wavetable oscillators derived directly from Zebra2:

  • 16 Morphable Waveforms: Allows continuous interpolation between wave shapes in real time.
  • Spectral Effects & Wave Shaper: Built-in spectral filtering and oscillator synchronization for rich harmonic content.
  • Stereo Signal Architecture: Genuine stereo signal path throughout the sound engine.
  • Multimode Noise Generator: Four selectable noise modes: White, Pink, Digital, and vintage-style Crackles.
Versatile 20-Type Multimode Filter

ZebraCM includes a high-grade multimode filter section featuring 20 distinct filter algorithms:

  • Multiple variations of Lowpass, Highpass, and Bandpass filters (with various roll-off slopes and resonance characteristics).
  • Specialized Notch, Shelf, and Allpass filters.
  • Direct modulation routing from envelopes and LFOs for dynamic cutoff sweeping.
Modulation & Polyphony

Despite its simplified panel layout, ZebraCM provides extensive modulation options:

  • 3 LFOs: Flexible Low-Frequency Oscillators capable of modulating pitch, filter cutoff, panning, and pulse width/morphing.
  • 2 ADSR Envelopes: Precision envelope generators with adjustable fall/rise sustain stages to sculpt organic transients and evolving release tails.
  • Polyphony Modes: Supports up to 16 voices of polyphony, as well as Monophonic, Legato, and Duophonic modes.
Integrated Multi-Effects Section

The master section features three simultaneous, studio-grade effects blocks:

  • Chorus: Rich stereo ensemble and chorus modulation.
  • Delay: Tempo-synced stereo delay with feedback and damping controls.
  • Reverb: Algorithmic reverb tailored for ambient space and acoustic depth.
Modern Interface & Advanced Features

u-he has updated the instrument with their modern framework standards:

  • Fully Resizable Vector GUI: Crisp scaling from 70% to 200% on high-DPI displays.
  • Tag-Based Preset Browser: Easily navigate, search, and categorize the 221 factory presets included out of the box.
  • Oddsound MTS-ESP Microtuning: Full native support for global microtonal scales and non-standard tuning systems.
  • MIDI Learn: Comprehensive MIDI CC assignment table for external hardware controllers.
Specifications & Compatibility
  • macOS: Universal 2 Binary (Native Apple Silicon M-Series & Intel). Formats: VST3, AU, CLAP.
  • Windows: Windows 7 or newer (64-bit, SSE4.2 required). Formats: VST3, CLAP (and legacy VST2 / AAX).
  • Linux: Compatible with modern distributions (glibc 2.28+). Formats: VST3, CLAP.
  • Price: 100% Free download directly from u-he.
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