Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Hans Zimmer reveals he creates 90% of his scores using just one synth plugin, find out which one!

Despite having access to the best hardware, the legendary composer swears by a single software synth for his creative process.

Hans Zimmer

The legendary composer reveals why a single software synth powers 90% of his blockbuster film scores

Getty Images

Hans Zimmer is known for his grand, immersive film scores, but when it comes to his tools, he keeps things surprisingly simple. In a recent interview with musician and YouTuber Rick Beato, Zimmer revealed that nearly all his compositions are crafted using just one software synthesiser—the u-he ZebraHZ.

Zimmer’s conversation with Beato was part of the promotion for his latest project, Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert, a concert film and documentary blending live performances with behind-the-scenes insights. While the discussion covered various aspects of his career, from working on Inception and Dune to overcoming stage fright (with a little help from Paul McCartney), one of the most fascinating takeaways was his approach to technology in music production.


Despite having access to some of the best hardware synthesisers in the world, Zimmer has relied heavily on the ZebraHZ for years. The plugin, a modified version of u-he’s Zebra 2, was designed specifically for him and features a custom set of pre-sets called The Dark Zebra, which he used in The Dark Knight.


- YouTubeyoutu.be


“I was one of the first to dive into computers for music, but constant updates and new operating systems became too much,” Zimmer shared. “So, I simplified things and focused on what truly mattered. Now, 90% of what I do is on this one software synth, and I still haven’t run out of ideas.”

Another key tool in his setup is Synapse Audio’s The Legend HZ, a customised version of the Minimoog-inspired virtual synthesiser. Zimmer praised its improvements, particularly the addition of a proper release function, making it more flexible while retaining the sound quality of classic analogue synths.


Hans ZimmerThe Dune and Dark Knight composer shares his go-to synth for crafting Hollywood’s most iconic musicGetty Images


Though he owns several high-end hardware synths, Zimmer doesn’t get caught up in the analogue vs. digital debate. “If it sounds good, it sounds good,” he said simply. “I can close my eyes, reach for my instruments, and feel at home.”

Zimmer’s philosophy is a reminder that mastery isn’t about having the latest or most expensive gear, but it’s about knowing your tools inside out. By stripping away distractions, he’s able to focus purely on creativity, proving that sometimes, less really is more.

More For You

Shekhar Kapur Calls Out Amazon for Censoring Bandit Queen

Shekhar Kapur criticizes Amazon Prime for altering Bandit Queen without consent

Getty Images

Shekhar Kapur praises 'Adolescence': “A game-changer in storytelling that redefines how we connect with characters”

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has expressed his frustration over the changes made to his 1994 film Bandit Queen on Amazon Prime Video, claiming it has been edited beyond recognition without his consent. His remarks came after he praised the Netflix miniseries Adolescence for its innovative storytelling, pointing out the creative limitations faced by Indian filmmakers.

Kapur took to social media to commend Adolescence, calling it a game-changer in storytelling. He noted that the series defies traditional narrative structures and allows viewers to deeply connect with its characters. However, while applauding the British crime drama, he also raised concerns about the restrictions imposed on Indian creators by streaming platforms.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star is both a symbol of her success and a lightning rod for political debate

Getty Images

Gal Gadot's Walk of Fame ceremony obstructed by Pro-Palestinian protests

Hollywood actor Gal Gadot, known globally for her roles in Wonder Woman and the Fast & Furious franchise, was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. What was supposed to be a celebratory occasion turned tense as both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters clashed outside the venue. The event, which recognised Gadot's contributions to the film industry, became a focal point for political dissent amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Protests break out at the ceremony

The ceremony was overshadowed by dozens of protesters who gathered near the event just before its conclusion. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators carried signs with slogans such as "Heroes Fight Like Palestinians," "No Other Land Won Oscar," and "Viva Viva Palestina." Their messages underscored solidarity with Palestinians in the ongoing Gaza-Israel conflict and opposition to Gadot, who is seen as a symbol of Israeli nationalism by some protestors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anurag Kashyap

Kashyap vs. Netflix India – The Sacred Games director criticizes Netflix India for lacking vision and prioritizing numbers over meaningful content.

Getty Images

Anurag Kashyap slams Netflix India for stifling creativity, calls them "dishonest and morally bankrupt"

Anurag Kashyap has never been one to hold back, and this time, his frustration is aimed squarely at Netflix India. The filmmaker, who helped launch the platform's first Indian original series, Sacred Games, took to Instagram to vent about the hypocrisy of Netflix's content policies.

Kashyap was full of praise for Adolescence, a British crime drama that has been receiving critical acclaim. He called it a masterclass in filmmaking and performance, admitting he felt both admiration and envy. According to him, such bold storytelling would never be approved for production in India by Netflix.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gwyneth Paltrow & Timothée Chalamet

Gwyneth Paltrow reveals she and Timothée Chalamet had ‘a lot of sex’ in 'Marty Supreme'

Instagram/ fotogramas_es

Gwyneth Paltrow reveals she and Timothée Chalamet had ‘a lot of sex’ in 'Marty Supreme'

Gwyneth Paltrow is returning to the big screen after years away, and she’s making headlines for more than just her comeback. In her latest film, "Marty Supreme," the actress shares the screen with Timothée Chalamet in a sports comedy that promises plenty of drama and a lot of intimacy.

Speaking to Vanity Fair, Paltrow revealed that the film features a significant number of sex scenes between her and Chalamet. The two actors play characters caught in a complicated relationship, with Paltrow’s role being that of a woman married to a member of the so-called "Ping-Pong mafia." Her character's life takes a turn when she meets Chalamet’s, leading to a passionate yet a transactional dynamic.

Keep ReadingShow less
Happy Gilmore 2

Fans of the original will be thrilled to see the return of key characters

Youtube/ Netflix

‘Happy Gilmore 2’ trailer drops, release date and star-studded cast confirmed

Adam Sandler is swinging back into action as Netflix gears up to release the highly anticipated sequel, Happy Gilmore 2. The film, a follow-up to the 1996 cult favourite, is set to debut on the streaming service this summer. With a star-studded cast, a blend of nostalgic humour, and a dash of modern flair, Happy Gilmore 2 promises to be a fresh and exciting chapter in Sandler’s comedy legacy.

The release date was officially confirmed in a new trailer, teasing the return of familiar faces and the introduction of new characters. In true Happy Gilmore style, the trailer opens with a humorous dig at his own iconic character, as Happy reacts in horror to a bust of his head placed alongside real-life golf legends like Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods. "What is that?" Gilmore quips in his signature blunt style. "What's with the beaver teeth?"

Keep ReadingShow less