Gotharman’s Zaturn Zero is a new, redesigned version of its cable-free hybrid modular Synthesizer/groovebox with interchangeable analog filters.
Flemming Christensen, better known as Gotharman’s, is a Danish Synthesizer developer who releases unique synthesizers and drum machines. For example, you can customize the sound of the instruments by exchanging the analog filter core.
One of his recent projects was the Zaturn, a cable-free modular hybrid Synthesizer that is also a groovebox. The developer has discontinued it due to a lack of components. Gotharman’s has now re-released it as Zaturn Zero, the successor with new features.
Gotharman’s Zaturn Zero
Zaturn Zero is a complete redesign. This starts with the case. Where Gotharman’s used steel in the first, the Zaturn Zero uses aluminum and a PCB. There are also new and higher-quality RGB backlit push buttons.
Much of the engine remains the same. Zaturn Zero is a multi-timbral polyphonic Synthesizer with up to 16 parts, divided into eight normal and eight alternative parts. The latter can be used to play sounds when the first part isn’t in use.
Like most other Gotharman instruments, each of the eight parts can also be played in monophonic mode, for eight completely separate parts.
The engine has 76 internal modules that can be patched using the touchscreen. There are a variety of sound generators to discover, including different oscillators (draw waveform, noise, harmonic oscillator, drum generators) and sampling. According to the developer, he removed the wavetable oscillators and the filter frame sequencers from the firmware to run the new extras in the engine.
Interchangeable Analog Filters
Gotherman’s Zaturn Zero also comes with an interchangeable filter setup. Each analog group has a dual analog filter or digital filter (4 dual analog filters in total). You can choose between six different styles of analog filters during checkout: original Zaturn (12dB dual self-resonanting filters), Spaze Filter (filters from PolySpaze, SpazeBoards 2…), Vothar 8 Filters, Multi Filters (SSI2140), and VCF5.
Alternatively, there is also a digital multimode filter with 28 different types: standard, triple, vowel, sharp, tube… Each filter group has two filters, which can be set in 12dB LPF, 12 dB BPF, 12 dB HPF, 24 dB LPF, and 24 dB BPF modes. There is also a tweakable analog distortion per group.
On the modulation side, each group has four syncable multi-wave LFOs (16 in total) with a drawable waveform option and two envelopes (8 in total) (ADSR + decay envelope with loop options and two sample and hold generators (8 in total).
Plus, you have 2 VCA’s (8 in total) with a dedicated ADSR envelope, 16 different characteristics, and a ring VCA (4 in total) with several modes. The latter make ring modulation, crossfading, and functions like AND, XOR, and MIX possible.
Further, you can find two creative FX processors with various algorithms from the Little DeFormer and a new reverb.
Zapturn Zero also comes with the same built-in 8-track sequencer that can have up to 64 steps per track and settable resolution. Position subtrack makes it possible for any step to play back at any position. Nice, you can route the sequencer to the internal engine or MIDI output gear.
Automation is also onboard. There are 16 sequencer controller tracks can have up to 128 steps per track, settable resolution and smoothin per step option.
Connectivity
On the backside of the Zaturn Zero, you can find a power supply input with a switch, 5-pin MIDI In/Out, four audio outputs, and a stereo line input on 6.3mm mono jacks. Unlike the original, the Gotharman’s added two more audio outputs to the Zaturn Zero.
Zaturn Zero is compatible with all the original Zaturn presets. Presets using wave tables and/or filter frame sequencer might sound different.
First Impression
It’s great to see that the Zapturn modular Synthesizer is back in a new form. It’s a lovely original synth with a wealth of possibilities that will surely find its fans. While I enjoy following and reporting on Flemming’s developments, the Zapturn Zero’s workflow wouldn’t be for me.
Gotharman’s Zaturn Zero is available now for pre-order at an introductory price with a discount of 3% to 10% OFF until July 1st, 2025. Price and discount depend on the features, the amount of internal memory, and the selected analog filter board. The simplest version, without analog filters, costs 1280€, while the largest version, with a VCF5 or ladder filter, costs 1961€. Zaturn Zero is hand-built in Denmark.
More information here: Gotharman’s
Now everyone will know 🙂