Xhun Audio ZeroBox

Following in the footsteps of Roland‘s legendary TB-303 bassline synthesizer, Xhun Audio‘s ZeroBox takes a slightly different approach than its competitors by using physical modeling to create the expected cult sounds. In addition, this software synthesizer has been given a few extras that make it more sonically flexible than its hardware role model. The Sawtooth/Rectangular oscillator has a shape function here, and an LFO and a high-pass filter are also new. Even the aging process is simulated in detail. The creative heart of the plug-in is the straightforward 16-step sequencer with its indispensable Accent and Slide functions.

Retro feeling is in the foreground of the 130 factory sounds, with creaking and chirping acid sequences featuring bitingly sharp resonance, which are simply timeless and also fit perfectly with modern productions. The fat basses are indestructible and the sequences turn out varied, not least of all thanks to the triplet and shuffle rhythms. The two slots with the chorus, flanger, tube dist, solid dist, foldback and bitcrusher effects, as well as delay and reverb, are truly an enhancement. Thanks to the effects, this synthesizer also offers pleasantly clear leads, crisp plucks and sounds that you wouldn‘t necessarily expect from a 303.

Verdict

ZeroBox is an interesting alternative to the TB-303 emulations from D16, AudioRealism and Roland. This synthesizer from Xhun Audio shakes cool acid basslines and riffs out of its sleeve and also knows how to impress with its sound. Its competitors sound even more authentic, but XeroBox scores with extended setting options like the LFO, as well as really good effects. The operation is easy and the CPU load is low.

Developer: Xhun Audio

Web: www.xhun-audio.com

Price: 89 Euro, Currently: 50 Euro Format: VST2, VST3, VST, AU