Schiavone Benedetto has recently released an update to his ZEN-Core Editor Librarian software. Version 2.0 brings the “B67 ZEN FM” synthesis engine for all Roland instruments that support the ZEN-Core standard.
The new ZEN-Core Editor Librarian V2.0 for Windows and Mac is now available for Roland synthesizers from the Fantom, AX-Edge, and Jupiter-X/Xm. Among many new features, it allows editing of a new synthesis engine, fully compatible with the ZEN-Core standard, which uses linear FM synthesis (4 operators) and 4 modulable operator waveshapes.
The “B67 ZEN FM” synthesis engine is achieved through a special implementation of a ZEN-Core tone that allows access to only a limited number of synthesis parameters, leaving the others predefined and inaccessible (e.g., Structure 1-2/3-4 = XMOD2, Osc Type = VA). Specifically, the modulation matrix is “locked” with predefined Source and Destination parameters to ensure correct modulations that operate on the main FM synthesis parameters.
Real-time editing is performed on a new page containing all the synthesis parameters, the operator frequencies settable via the freq. ratio parameter (0.25, 0.5, 0.78, 1, 1.5, 1.57, 1.78, 2, 3, 3.5, 4.5, etc.), the waveforms (SIN, SIN2, TRI, TRI2, TRI3, SAW, SQR, RAMP, JUNO), the graphic display of the 8 envelopes (4 for FM and 4 for shapes), a dedicated librarian (2048 sounds), 20 tone presets, 8 ENV presets, a clipboard, and the ability to copy and paste synthesis parameters. Each sound is associated with one of the 93 MFX multi-effects, which can be edited in the dedicated section.
By applying waveshaping to the 4 operators’ waveforms (via the FAT and PW parameters) and modulating them with 4 dedicated ENVs, the synthesis engine can replicate the phase distortion (PD) synthesis famous in Casio CZ synths.
When using sine wave oscillators and modulating their PW with the dedicated ADSR ENVs, the overall synthesis structure becomes similar to that of an 8-operator FM algorithm, as shown in the image: 4 operators (1, 2, 3, and 4) can have their frequencies freely configured, while the other 4 modulate the corresponding carriers and modulators with a 1:1 ratio.
Polyphony is 22 voices for all synthesizers, pianos, keyboards, wind instruments, guitar synths, and virtual instruments compatible with the ZEN-Core standard. This is reduced to 11 voices for the MC-101, MC-707, and VERSELAB MV-1 grooveboxes.
Simplified graphical editing of all parameters, sound management via the librarian, and parameter recall for subsequent editing is only possible with the ZEN-Core Editor Librarian V2.0.
The new B67 ZEN-Core Collection 3 (197 ZEN-Core tones in total) is also available, including 112 tones created with the “B67 ZEN-FM” synthesis engine.
Thanks to full compatibility with the ZEN-Core standard, these sounds can be used on all compatible instruments and virtual instruments: Zenology Pro, Zenbeats (ZC-1), FP-E50, RD-88, RD-08, Juno-D, Juno-X, V-Stage, MC-101, MC-707, Verselab MV-1, GM-800, Aerophone AE-20 Pro AE-30, GO:KEYS 5, GO:KEYS 3.
Along with the collection, the sounds with the B67 ZEN-FM synthesis engine also come with a proprietary file format that can be edited and managed within the Editor/Librarian V2.0 section, available for Fantom, AX-Edge, and Jupiter-X/Xm.
Among the various sounds in the collection, created with this synthesis, are emulations of some “classic” Yamaha DX7 sounds (Marimba, Vibe, Celesta, Bakket, Jazz Guitar, Tubular Bell, EPiano, Bowed Strings, Brass, Synth Bass, Metal, etc.) and original sounds that use FM and Wave Shape synthesis for new sounds with complex and evolving harmonic spectra.
The upgrade to version 2.0 of the ZEN-Core Editor Librarian for Fantom, AX-Edge, and Jupiter-X is free for existing users. Collection 3 (197 ZEN-Core tones, including 112 created with the B67 ZEN-FM synthesis engine) is available individually, in the “best of” version, and bundled with other collections and editors.
New customers can purchase the ZEN-Core Editor Librarian V2.0 and ZEN-Core Tone Collection 3 at Schiavone Benedetto’s store.
