Z3ta+ 1.1 Release Notes: Enhanced CPU Usage

z3ta+ 1.
1 Release Notes
One more time, thank you for choosing z3ta+!

Following are the Release Notes for this new version.
Before updating, important warning!

All previous versions of z3ta+ programs will be automatically converted to the new version
to adapt them to the modified components as soon as they’re loaded by this new version.
This means, all factory and user-created patches will sound exactly the same (or very close)
with this version, even with the new effects and expanded ranges.
However, despite of the –huge- built-in converter effort, it might happen that some patches
sound slightly different, and would require a minor manual adjustment, not possible to
automate. This is not a desirable thing, but to say this graphically, it is impossible for us to
‘enhance the reverb while keeping it sounding the same’.
Consequently, it is a good idea NOT to install this version if you are working on a mission-
critical project, or in a project which would require a –exact and particular- sound out of a
z3ta+ previous version.
Alternatively, it is recommended to render-to-audio existing projects using z3ta+ before

switching to the new version.
What’s new on 1.1?

Enhanced CPU usage
More parts on z3ta+ were ‘assembled’, resulting in a very enhanced CPU usage.
DXi version drop is even more noticeable.
Faster loading time

z3ta+ now loads 100% faster for first instance, 200% faster for subsequent instances.
CPU saving using envelopes (DXi)

It is now possible to draw the ‘BYPASS’ envelope to save –all- CPU z3ta+ consumes when
it’s unused in parts of a track (check SONAR .cwp demos for more info).
128 new presets!

Bank E is now filled with 128 new presets that show the new arpeggiator and other new
features in z3ta+. Now it ships with 640 professional-quality presets.
Alternative Tunings and Microtuning using native Scala ™ .scl flexible files
Now it is possible to load native Scala .scl microtuning files in z3ta+ by using the OPTIONS
menu, or dragging the files over z3ta+ GUI.
The tuning definition file selected is remembered and reloaded in a per-preset basis, or as
global by selecting ‘Global Tuning’ in OPTIONS menu (the files must be moved to the
\tunings folder so the automatic reloading option can find it).
z3ta+ microtuning is not limited to 12-tone scales, allowing for any amount of notes
including mean-tone and quarter-tone scales.
When a tuning with a different number of tones than 12 is loaded, the OCTAVE control will
add/subtract the selected scale number of tones to keep the oscillators in unison when
changing octaves. Arpeggiator will also skip the number of tones to follow the scales
correctly.
Scala is a powerful software tool for experimentation with musical tunings, such as just
intonation scales, equal and historical temperaments, microtonal and macrotonal scales,
and non-Western scales. It supports scale creation, editing, comparison, analysis, storage,
tuning of electronic instruments, and MIDI file generation and tuning conversion. All this is
integrated into a single application with a wide variety of mathematical routines and scale
creation methods.
Scala is ideal for the exploration of tunings and becoming familiar with the concepts
involved.
In addition, a very large library of scales is freely available for Scala and can be used for
analysis or music creation. And it’s freeware!
For more information about Scala, visit:
http://www.xs4all.nl/~huygensf/scala/
z3ta+ includes 200 Scala tuning definition files with the default installation. A file with over
2900 tuning definition files (.scl) can be downloaded for free from:
http://www.xs4all.nl/~huygensf/doc/scales.zip.
Check a brief description of the scale files in:
http://www.xs4all.nl/~huygensf/doc/scalesdir.txt
If you download it, be sure to extract the .scl files in the ‘\rgcaudio z3ta+\Tunings’ folder in
order to allow z3ta+ to recall them for every preset.
MIDI Arpeggiator
Now z3ta+ features a MIDI arpeggiator, which will follow a processed MIDI file
monophonically or polyphonically. 100 patterns are included with the release. Additionally,
users can create their own patterns using any MIDI sequencer and convert them to z3ta+
format using a included conversion program.
More information in how to create MIDI arpeggios is in Readme.txt file, located in the
\Arpeggio folder.
Smoothed Waveshaper
The waveshaper controls have now an expanded range and were extremely smoothed. The
performance of the transformations was enhanced a 100%, which combined with the new
graphic library makes the shaping -very- fast.
New GUI library
The GUI was completely rewritten using a new graphic library. As a result now it:
- Redraws at lightning speeds even in very slow graphic adapters.
- Uses a lot less of system resources (GDI).
Drag and Drop Program, Bank and Tuning definition files

Now it's possible to drag and drop .fxb and .fxp files over z3ta+ to load them.
Readout indicators and Keyboard Support for all RANGE controls

All range controls in z3ta+ (i.e. compressor Threshold, etc) now display the value readout in
the Readout Indicator in master section. Additionally, they now can be adjusted using the
PC Keyboard.
Programs Menu by right clicking selected Bank letter

The menu showing all programs in selected bank will now also appear if the selected bank
letter (A-F) is right-clicked, simplifying the ‘select bank and program’ operation.
Selected Program Number is shown

Now it is possible to know the program number of the playing patch just looking at the
program selector. Program selector now displays lower case names as well.
Filters LINK mode

Both filters can be adjusted at same time when the new LINK button is on.
EG curves display shape, MIDI Learnable

The curves of the EG display shows the real direction of the shape. The EG shape can now
be MIDI Learned.
LFO range doubled

LFO Range was doubled to allow for even more aggressive effects when modulating
oscillator levels. All programs will be automatically converted to fit existing settings in new
range.
New LFO mode: one shot

This new mode allows using the LFO as a envelope generator, as it runs only one time once
it’s triggered.
Effects Bypass
By right clicking on the 'EFFECTS' button, it is now possible to bypass all effects in z3ta+.
Main Limiter won’t be bypassed, so the dynamic range can still be kept in real world ranges.
A blinking red light will indicate the bypass status. Bypass status is global, so it is possible
to change programs while bypassed and hear different programs without effects.
Enhanced modulation effects

All modulation effects were recreated to enhance the stereo image. Even fatter
chorus/flanger/phaser effects!
New Progressive Decimator

Aliasing? Yes, a lot! The decimator can now be progressively adjusted to really destroy your
sound. To increase the fun, Decimation amount is now a destination in the modulation
matrix (check included preset ‘Mayhem’).
New Reverb
We’ve introduced several new diffusors and modulated delays in z3ta+ reverb.
As a result, it sounds –much- smoother and warmer. Check some extreme reverb settings
as in “Alone in the arena II” (F001) and tweak the reverb controls to hear the new effect in
action.
New Compressor
Compressor parameter ranges were expanded to fit better aggressive z3ta+ sounds! As the
Threshold and Ratio parameter values are now shown, it can be very precisely adjusted.
New Limiter
z3ta+ now features a new Limiter, smooth as silk. Test it with the included .fxp preset
'Infinite Feedback' (be sure to have the volume of your system VERY low if you turn the
Limiter off).
Enhanced performance of Eq
Eq now takes 50% of the CPU usage it took in v1.02
microHost support for 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz samplerates

Additionally to 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz samplerate selection (F3 and F4), now the microhost
can play at 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz (Shift+F3, Shift+F4 respectively).
Minor modifications:
- Banks change from some keyboards works now (DXi version only).
- NRPN parameters support (Project 5 assignable controllers work flawlessly).
- .128 files can be dropped over z3ta+ GUI.
- Readout is now displayed when controls are adjusted using PC keyboard.
- PC keyboard works now on the waveshaper RANGE controls too.
- Keyboard and wheel commands in RANGE controls changed as follows:
RIGHT = +1% of the control

LEFT = -1%
UP = +5%
DOWN = -5%
PGUP = +20%
PGDOWN = -20%
WHEELUP = +5%
WHEELDOWN = -5%
SHIFT+WHEELUP = +1%
SHIFT+WHEELDOWN = -1%
Bugfixes:
- Amp eg clicked when in DRAFT Eq mode.
- GUI gets garbled when changing windows color depth.
- X-Y, Analyzer and Waveshaper windows don't adjust the size when changing
Windows title bar size.
- It is not possible to modulate a Osc-Level with a square-shape LFO in NORMAL render
mode.
- Program Changes using the GUI makes a click in some patches.
– EGs don’t work when Amount is set to –1 (fully down).
– DXi version doesn’t receive bank changes with some bank change mode settings.
– Ribbon does steal control focus when clicked.
– microHost icon was Pentagon I with ‘some’ Pentagon I versions installed and under some
color depths/resolutions.
– microHost crashed when using ‘File…Exit’ menu when using certain ASIO drivers (not
when using the X to close the window).
Enjoy!
Sincerely yours,
René G. Ceballos
rene@rgcaudio.com

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z3ta+ 1.

One more time, thank you for choosing z3ta+!

Before updating, important warning!

Alternatively, it is recommended to render-to-audio existing projects using z3ta+ before

What’s new on 1.1?

Faster loading time

CPU saving using envelopes (DXi)

128 new presets!

For more information about Scala, visit:

Check a brief description of the scale files in:

Drag and Drop Program, Bank and Tuning definition files

Readout indicators and Keyboard Support for all RANGE controls

Programs Menu by right clicking selected Bank letter

Selected Program Number is shown

Filters LINK mode

EG curves display shape, MIDI Learnable

LFO range doubled

New LFO mode: one shot

Enhanced modulation effects

New Progressive Decimator

microHost support for 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz samplerates

RIGHT = +1% of the control

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