Hey what’s good fam?
Got another review for you today, this is a new library from Synthmagic called Zed 80 vol 2
Let’s jump right into it!
So what is Zed 80 Vol. 2?
It’s a Kontakt instrument made from samples that were taken from various 80s synthesizers and samplers.
Not just a digital reproduction of one specific instrument, the samples were used as the foundation for a new instrument all together.
Digital and analog sources were combined and stuffed into a custom interface that encourages tweaking, exploration, and experimentation.
The interface is very sleek, crisp, and easy to navigate while the sound ranges from plucky to ambient.
Quick Specs
- content: 1.5GB, 300+ presets
- format: Kontakt 5
- price: £20 (about $30 usd)
- product page: http://www.synthmagic.co.uk/zed-80-vol.2.html
So how does it sound?
Being based on synths and samplers from the 80s, there’s a bit of lofi grit and dirt to the overall sound.
That’s not to be confused with distortion but there’s sort of a warm fuzzy blanket over the sounds.
As for the sounds themselves, they cover the range from ambient drones and pads to deep/fuzzy bass and synth style keys.
My favorite sounds in the library tend to be the more ambient pad-like textures and drones.
Overall it’s got a great sound that’s not too digital, capturing just enough of the grit without turning it into a chiptune or bit crushed sounding library.
So what’s the bottom line?
I really love that Synthmagic sticks to the things that brings a smile to his face, his instruments always capture the vibe of instruments gone by with his mixture of tributes, recreations, and totally new instruments based on dna from vintage devices.
I give this library 4 out of 5 subs, it sounds great, I absolutely LOVE the interface, and it’s very easy to tweak or change your sounds as needed.
I think you’ll find it hard not to find something useful within this library, and the fact that blank templates are included allows you to load up the interface and choose from the various waveforms to create your own sounds from scratch.
Go on over and check it out: http://www.synthmagic.co.uk/zed-80-vol.2.html
Leave me a comment below and let me know what you think
SJ: Thanks for reviewing this product. From your video review,there’ so many sounds here,taking me back to the 80’s to the present.” The price is affordable too. This is a “must buy” for all synth lovers. I’ll rate this @ 4.5.
Yeah man, it’s really cool! Thanks for checking it out.
In particular these are taken from wavestation, M1,D50 VFX synths circa 1987 to about 93 from what I can tell,
Nothing wrong with sampling old synthesizers, same way people sample any other instrument.