Hive 2 vs Zebra2

Hive 28.7Visit ZZebra28.3Visit

Higher score Hive 2 #4 in Software Synthesizers 8.7/10 Paid ✓ 1 of 2 features Visit u-he

vs

Z Zebra2 #8 in Software Synthesizers 8.3/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 2 features Visit u-he

• Hive 2 fits best

  Preset-rich synthesis with Linux support

• Zebra2 fits best

  Modular wavetable synthesis across desktop systems

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Side by side

Feature	Hive 2 8.7/10 Visit ↗	ZZebra2 8.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.7	8.3
Ranking	#4 in Software Synthesizers	#8 in Software Synthesizers
Best for	Preset-rich synthesis with Linux support	Modular wavetable synthesis across desktop systems
Pricing model	Paid	Paid
Starting price	—	Not checked yet
Free plan	—	—
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux
Integrations	3 integrations	3 integrations
Features Hive 2 1/2 · Zebra2 0/2
Standalone app	—	—
MPE support	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Specs
Synthesis engine	Not checked yet	Modular
Plugin formats	vst3, au, aax, clap	CLAP, AUv2, VST3, AAX
Supported platforms	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Included presets	2420 presets (best)	551 presets
Our review
Pros	Three synth engines with 2D wavetable oscillators 12 x 2 modulation matrix, XY pads, and sequencers Windows, macOS, and Linux plug-in versions with MPE support	Modular grid supports flexible oscillator, filter, modulation and effects routing Four wavetable oscillators plus dedicated FM, spectral and wavefolding tools Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux with NKS, Maschine and Komplete Kontrol support
Cons	Runs as a plug-in rather than a standalone application Linux builds have beta status and more limited support No free plan; it is available as a paid product	Not sold as a standalone product; distributed through Zebra Legacy Linux versions are described by u-he as beta Requires host software because no standalone app is included
Our verdict	Hive 2 is a software synthesizer plug-in from u-he for musicians, composers, and producers working inside a host application. Its focus is broad electronic sound design, combining three synth engines, two oscillators with standard… Read the review →	Zebra2 is a modular software synthesizer from u-he for musicians, composers, producers and sound designers. Its patching grid lets users combine dynamically displayed modules for oscillator, filtering, modulation, sequencing and effects… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Hive 2 — where it wins

  • Three synth engines with 2D wavetable oscillators
  • 12 x 2 modulation matrix, XY pads, and sequencers
  • Windows, macOS, and Linux plug-in versions with MPE support

  Where it doesn't

  • Runs as a plug-in rather than a standalone application
  • Linux builds have beta status and more limited support
  • No free plan; it is available as a paid product

• Zebra2 — where it wins

  • Modular grid supports flexible oscillator, filter, modulation and effects routing
  • Four wavetable oscillators plus dedicated FM, spectral and wavefolding tools
  • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux with NKS, Maschine and Komplete Kontrol support

  Where it doesn't

  • Not sold as a standalone product; distributed through Zebra Legacy
  • Linux versions are described by u-he as beta
  • Requires host software because no standalone app is included

• Hive 28.7/10 · Paid

  Hive 2 combines three synth engines, deep modulation, MPE, and 2,420 factory presets.

  Visit u-heFull verdict →
• ZZebra28.3/10 · Paid

  A deep modular synth for producers who want extensive wavetable and FM sound design.

  Visit u-heFull verdict →