Say hello to the new and improved version of Cakewalk's Z3TA+ soft synth, Cakewalk Z3TA+ 2. Its official title is "Second Generation Waveshaping synthesizer" but you can think of it simply as the first synth's revamped successor featuring improved sound design, real-time expression, and sound quality.

The key to Z3TA+’s success, according to Cakewalk, has been its formidable sound synthesis generation engine, featuring unique per-oscillator waveshaping capability, vast filters, multi-stage envelope generators, morphing, and advanced modulation matrix with powerful effects routing.

Z3TA+ 2 builds upon the features of the original classic waveshaping synthesizer, adding improved controls via a completely redesigned user interface. The new GUI offers hands-on control of parameters, including envelopes, effects routing, waveshaping, and performance functions. Real-time performance and expression controls are centralized into the Performance Module, which boasts the new Adaptive Pitch Bend.

In addition, Z3TA+ 2 loads all original Z3TA+ patches and sports a new browser for quick, easy access and organization of patches. The synth also includes hundreds of new presets from renowned sound designers Nico Herz of Big Tone Studios (who crafted many of the original Z3TA+ patches), Francesco Silvestri / FI Sound, Frank Genus / Pro Sounds, and Chad Beckwith / FI Sound / Patch Arena.

What's new in Z3TA+ 2:

• Waveshaper is now an integral part of the Oscillator section with 4 new Waveshaping modes
• All Waveshapers are now accessible via the modulation matrix
• 4 New Filter modes, for a total of 14 Filter modes with separation control for tweaking resonance peaks on stacked filters
• New Graphically controlled Envelopes providing visual representation of all envelopes, mouse controlled ADSR, and improved naming and interface arrangement
• New Graphical LFOs clearly show the resulting LFO shapes when morphing between two waves and the new AMOUNT fader quickly scales an LFO’s intensity
• New Graphical Arp provides visual display of Arp patterns, including 100 new patterns from Dance MIDI Samples
• 50 new Gate patterns, also from Dance MIDI Samples, instantly apply trance gates to synth pads and leads while Humanize and Swing controls increase total Arp flexibility and expression
• Simple drag and drop routing of all effects
• New Hypertube distortion algorithm
• Flexible distortion module routing (apply to filter busses and master section or both simultaneously)
• Real-time Expression enhanced with Adaptive Pitch Bend, which allows for the bending of notes within the key and mode performed; automatically learns key based on performance.
• XY Pad speed control allows users to adjust the morphing speed of XY coordinates
• Z3TA+’s sound engine has been improved with a new "HIGHEST" SRC algorithm providing smoother, more accurate interpolation of wavetables

Other UI enhancements include:


• Layout is rearranged with numerous usability improvements
• Menu items now show graphical previews (oscillator shapes, velocity curves, and so forth)
• New extended ribbon controller with latch (Shift-click)
• Menus are revamped with clearer organization and descriptions

Cakewalk expects to release Z3TA+ 2 (Windows VSTi) on August 4, 2011 for $99 (estimated Street). If you purchased Z3TA+ 1.5 starting July 18th, you will get a free upgrade to Z3TA+ 2 when it becomes available. Registered Z3TA+ customers can upgrade for $49 at cakewalk.com.