For years, Synapse Audio’s The Legend has been a benchmark in analog-modeled soft synths, praised for its meticulous recreation of vintage warmth and character. Now, with the release of The Legend HZ, a collaboration with legendary film composer Hans Zimmer, Synapse Audio pushes the boundaries further, offering a powerful new instrument tailored for cinematic and electronic music production.
Design and Interface
The Legend HZ retains the familiar interface of its predecessor but with key expansions that elevate its usability. The synth remains clean and intuitive, keeping the vintage aesthetic intact while integrating advanced modulation options. A standout feature is the inclusion of a 32-step sequencer and an intuitive modulation matrix, which provide deeper sound sculpting capabilities. Despite the expanded feature set, navigating the UI remains fluid and well-structured, making it approachable for both seasoned producers and newcomers.
Oscillators and Sound Engine
One of the most significant upgrades in The Legend HZ is the addition of six high-quality VA oscillators (up from three in the original). This extra polyphony provides richer, more complex timbres, particularly useful for lush cinematic textures and deep sound design applications. The oscillators maintain the warm, harmonically rich character that defined The Legend, and the extended range allows for more dynamic and expressive patches.
Modulation and Sound Design Capabilities
The inclusion of four Multi-Segment Envelope Generators (MSEGs) is a game-changer for modulation enthusiasts. These MSEGs allow for highly detailed and evolving modulation shapes, ideal for cinematic swells, intricate rhythmic elements, and deep sound morphing. This feature alone sets The Legend HZ apart from many other analog-modeled soft synths, providing a level of customization typically reserved for modular systems.
Additionally, the modulation matrix expands routing possibilities, giving users fine control over parameters such as pitch, filter cutoff, and amplitude with expressive depth. For film composers and producers looking for nuanced movement in their sounds, this is a significant addition.
Effects and Hans Zimmer’s Signature Touch
One of the standout elements of The Legend HZ is its fixed filter bank, modeled after Hans Zimmer’s personal Vintage 914 Fixed Filter Bank—a rare and highly sought-after piece of gear. This addition introduces a unique spectral shaping tool that enhances the sound palette with precise tone sculpting.
The expanded effects section includes high-quality reverb, delay, chorus, and other essential processing tools that blend seamlessly into the workflow. These effects are designed to complement the analog-modeled engine without overpowering it, ensuring that the synth retains its organic warmth.
Preset Library: Cinematic Power at Your Fingertips
With 200 factory presets crafted by Hans Zimmer and sound designer Kevin Schroeder, The Legend HZ comes loaded with a vast array of instantly usable sounds. From brooding basses and ethereal pads to dynamic sequences and evolving textures, this soundbank caters to modern film scoring, electronic music, and ambient sound design. Whether you’re scoring an intense action sequence or creating atmospheric soundscapes, these presets offer a solid starting point.
Performance and CPU Optimization
Synapse Audio has also addressed CPU efficiency in update 1.0.3, delivering strong performance improvements. Despite its expanded feature set, The Legend HZ runs efficiently even in complex projects, making it a reliable tool for demanding productions.
Final Verdict
The Legend HZ is not just an upgrade—it’s an evolution. By incorporating Hans Zimmer’s expertise, Synapse Audio has refined their already exceptional synth into an instrument that excels in cinematic and electronic music production. With its expanded oscillators, deep modulation capabilities, and curated presets, The Legend HZ stands as one of the most powerful analog-modeled soft synths on the market.
For producers and composers looking for an authentic analog sound with modern flexibility, The Legend HZ is an outstanding addition to any toolkit. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of The Legend or new to Synapse Audio’s lineup, this synth delivers unparalleled sound design possibilities with a distinct cinematic edge.
Pros:
- Six high-quality VA oscillators for richer polyphony
- Deep modulation capabilities with four MSEGs
- 32-step sequencer for intricate patterns
- Vintage 914 Fixed Filter Bank for unique spectral shaping
- 200 presets from Hans Zimmer and Kevin Schroeder
- Excellent CPU performance improvements in update 1.0.3
Cons:
- Some features may require a learning curve for beginners
- No built-in granular or wavetable synthesis (strictly analog modeling)
Rating: 9.5/10
A stellar synth for film scoring and beyond—The Legend HZ is a masterpiece of analog modeling.
