I’m about to download Cakewalk’s Z3TA+ 2.1. Unfortunate name really. Zowie would be cool … anything. It ain’t a freaking BMW. Anyway, I have the last version and really like it. This version promises:

New filters, modulatable waveshapers, flexible effects, expressive control and a gorgeous new interface make Z3TA+ 2.1 one seriously powerful synth.

New in Z3TA+ 2.1: 
• Completely redesigned user interface
• Quicker access to needed controls
• More parameters and controls
• 1,093 classic Z3TA+ patches
• Over 1,000 newly crafted sounds
• All new patch browser
• New filter types
• New waveshapers
• New modulation destinations
• Revamped FX section with drag and drop
• New Performance Module
• And much more!

So maybe I’ll be able to figure out what tweaking the knobs is doing in this version.  I’m sure it’ll have some uses.  Mostly I’m sure I’ll be spending long hours going through the new patches, and tweaking sounds to a loop for mind-boggling stretches until my head’s about to explode.  G

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Update 2/20/12

Installed it today and it really is awesome.  User Guide is in the documentation folder at the install location, and it at least tells you what the symbols and parameters are.  After that, with the routing map, it’s all pretty standard oscillat0r-filter-envelope synthesis.  Nicely arranged with sub-screens for various functions.  New sounds are even better, and more easily tweaked (that is, you can understand what you just did, and why it changed what about the sound).

Oh that I had unlimited free time to build 6-oscillator mad fat noise from the ground up…