> Step by step

1. Make a Gorillaz‑style synth string patch

1 Let’s begin by initialising a patch on the ZebraCM. Open up your DAW and load up the plugin. Once the plugin window is open, move to the central display at the top of the window, click to reveal the drop-down menu, and select ‘init’ from the bottom. This will initialise the patch.

2 This patch is going to be a relatively loud one, so now would be a great time to reduce your master volume to a level of 50. Just as a reminder, every time you tweak a pot or setting on the ZebraCM plugin, you will see an accurate value/numeric in the upper display.

3 Our patch creation begins with a sawtooth, which should be the default Wave setting on OSC1. Ensure that the volume is set to 100. String machine sounds often need a bright waveform, so the classic Saw is the ideal choice.

4 Staying within the OSC1 section, set the wave aliasing button to a value of 2. This should become highlighted in turquoise. We can then detune the aliased waves, by adjusting the detune pot to a value of -5. The detuning will thicken the texture immediately.

5 Now we can turn our attentions to OSC2, where we will be using a very similar set of values. Beginning with the waveform, leave this set to the default Sawtooth. Next, turn up the OSC2 volume, to a value of 100, which matches OSC1.

6 By a similar token, we will want to activate a second aliased waveform, by clicking on the number 2 in turquoise. Moving to the Detune pot, adjust this to a value of +5, which will nicely counteract the detuning on OSC1. By tuning in the opposite direction, it creates an even thicker texture.