With their The Legend plug-in, Synapse Audio have already created one exceptionally successful emulation of an analogue synthesizer, coming incredibly close to the unique musical character of vintage classics from the 1970s. Now, to transform this legendary software synth into its new incarnation – Synapse Audio The Legend HZ – the company has enlisted the support of another legend: None other than Hans Zimmer himself. Known to a wider audience as one of the world's most successful composers and producers of film music, he is also a true specialist in the field of analogue synths and modular systems. In a spirit of conceptual collaboration, The Legend has been extensively revised and expanded with a variety of new elements, extending even to the analysis of a filter bank from Hans Zimmer's own collection, which is now integrated into the plugin. And, of course, the master himself has also contributed a series of sounds for The Legend's new factory presets.
Synapse Audio's The Legend HZ mimics the familiar structure of an analogue mono synth. However, the plugin, which can be played with up to twelve voices, goes far beyond this – without ever sacrificing its vintage qualities. No fewer than six oscillators form the foundation of its sounds; producers can then make use of the mixer, effortlessly applying popular tricks like drive and feedback via the emulator's dedicated controls. The filter employs zero-delay feedback technology, quite simply the state-of-the-art when it comes to the emulation of analogue circuits. Additional elements include a multi-segment envelope, a fixed filter bank modelled on the 914 module, and integrated effects such as a phaser, chorus, reverb, delay, and compressor. A modulation matrix, extra parameters for oscillators, filters and modulators, an arpeggiator/step sequencer, and support for the MPE and NKS standards complete the package.
When Hans Zimmer lends his name to a synthesizer, his fans will of course expect it to include atmospheres, textures, pads, and sequences with uniquely cinematic qualities. No disappointments here: The plugin delivers all of this in spades, and in stunning quality. However, users are by no means limited to these applications: The Legend HZ is, after all, a synthesizer, meaning it's been designed expressly for use across a wide range of musical genres. For example, electronic producers working in genres like Ambient or Trance will find they can make very effective and flexible use of the integrated sequencer and multi-segment envelope to create the rhythmically structured sounds so popular in these styles.
Synapse Audio is a software developer specialising in EDM-focused synthesizers. Initially known as Sonic Syndicate, the company rebranded in 2002 following the launch of the Orion mini-DAW. Orion integrated multiple synthesizers, drum machines, and samplers into a standalone production environment. Synapse Audio later released the versatile and powerful Dune synthesizer, which remains a favourite among EDM producers, consistently updated to meet evolving needs. Additional plugins, such as Obsession and The Legend, are praised for their authentic emulation of vintage analogue synthesizers, while maintaining unique, modern identities that set them apart in the digital music production landscape.
The elements Synapse Audio has added to the The Legend HZ bring sounds to life that could never be achieved with conventional emulation. The six oscillators per voice are almost worth the price of entry on their own, as they enable the creation of immensely wide, richly detuned tones and intervals, all of which serve as an excellent starting point for powerful basses, but also for atmospheric pads and textures. With this broad spectrum to work with, The Legend's integrated fixed filter bank can go to work adjusting or even significantly altering frequency ranges. Creative sound designers can also individually modulate the level of each frequency band, while the multi-segment envelope allows them to freely create curves by placing points and selecting different shapes. Using the loop function, MIDI sync, and multiple trigger options, producers can generate endlessly complex sequences and unique rhythmic modulation patterns.