Synapse The Legend HZ — Free Download
An analog-modeled software synthesizer developed with Hans Zimmer, expanding The Legend with extra oscillators, modulation tools, sequencer, and a fixed filter bank for cinematic scoring.
Evolution of a Classic
The Legend HZ is a collaborative effort between Synapse Audio and film composer Hans Zimmer, building on the legacy of their acclaimed The Legend synthesizer. It aims to faithfully recreate the sonic character of a classic analog hardware synth while introducing enhancements suited for modern scoring and production. The design focuses on both usability and versatility, blending Zimmer’s compositional insight with Synapse’s expertise in analog modeling.
The result is a software instrument that retains the sound of the original hardware while offering expanded creative possibilities. This evolution marks a new direction in analog modeling synthesis, positioning the instrument for both traditional music creation and cinematic work.
Key Capabilities
The Legend HZ expands on its predecessor with several notable additions. It features three additional oscillators, bringing the total to six, and a new polyphony setting to complement them. A modulation matrix, a 32-step sequencer, and an MSEG (multi-stage envelope generator) provide advanced modulation control. The effects section has been expanded, and a fixed filter bank modeled after Hans Zimmer’s personal Vintage 914 Fixed Filter Bank is included.
This rare hardware piece adds a unique tonal character. The instrument includes 200 factory presets developed by sound designer Kevin Schroeder and Hans Zimmer, offering a wide range of cinematic-style sounds. These presets provide immediate access to the creative tools used by the collaborators, making the instrument’s capabilities accessible to users.
Workflow and Integration
The Legend HZ is designed to fit into modern production workflows. It is available in VST, AAX, and Audio Unit formats, ensuring compatibility with major digital audio workstations. Support for MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) allows for expressive performance control, while Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) integration facilitates use with Native Instruments hardware and software. The interface is laid out to streamline sound design.
The inclusion of an advanced arpeggiator and sequencer adds rhythmic and melodic possibilities, making it suitable for pattern-based creation. The modulation matrix and MSEG allow for intricate sound shaping, enabling users to create evolving textures and complex movements. These tools support both hands-on tweaking and detailed automation.
Practical Applications
The Legend HZ is particularly well-suited for film scoring, where its cinematic preset bank and faithful analog character can evoke powerful atmospheres. The expanded effects and filter bank are useful for crafting trailers, underscores, and sound design elements. For music producers, the synths’s versatility covers a range of genres, from electronic to pop and beyond, with the sequencer and arpeggiator adding creative drive.
The polyphony modes, including Unison, Mono, and various voice counts, allow for everything from thick leads to lush pads. The MPE support enables nuanced performances, while the fixed filter bank offers a distinctive, rare tonal palette. Overall, it serves as a comprehensive tool for professionals seeking an analog-style synth with advanced modern features.
Key features
- Accurate circuit simulation
- 6 high-quality VA oscillators
- 8x oversampled engine
- Comprehensive effects section
- Unison, Mono, 4-, 8-, and 12-voice polyphony modes
- Support for MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression)
- Advanced Arpeggiator/Sequencer
- Fixed filter bank modeled after Hans Zimmer’s Vintage 914
Best for
Best for film composers and music producers seeking an analog-modeled synth with cinematic presets, advanced modulation, and a unique filter bank for creating immersive soundscapes and expressive performances.
