The Legend HZ
by Synapse Audio · Synth · Analog-modeled synth with fixed filter bank
Not rated yet
The Legend HZ is an analog-modeled synth from Synapse Audio, developed with film composer Hans Zimmer and aimed at scoring and modern production.
It adds polyphony, a step sequencer, an arpeggiator and a model of Zimmer's own fixed filter bank, for €179 (about $203).
Best for: Keys & Synths, Bass, Sound Design. Genres: Ambient & Cinematic, Electronic & EDM, Pop.
Keywords: sequencer, film & game audio, analog, polyphonic, cinematic, analog-sounding, arpeggiator, modern, pads, preset-driven, warm, circuit-modelled, classic, hardware emulation, monophonic, basses, chord generator, CPU-light, creamy, fat, inspired by, leads, modulation matrix, MPE support, simple, sound design, subtractive, vintage, virtual analog.
What it does
The Legend HZ is an expanded version of The Legend, Synapse Audio's model of a classic analog monosynth, made with Hans Zimmer. The developer pitches it as "uniquely positioned for use in modern film scoring".
- Oscillators: six VA oscillators with circuit-level modeling of the original synth.
- Voice modes: Unison, Mono, and 4-, 8- or 12-voice polyphony, so the monosynth sound can also play chords and pads.
- Fixed filter bank: modeled on Hans Zimmer's personal vintage 914 fixed filter bank, for shaping the tone after the main filter.
- Sequencing: a 32-step sequencer and an advanced arpeggiator/sequencer for pulses and ostinatos.
- Modulation: a modulation matrix and MSEGs.
- Effects: an expanded effects section compared with The Legend.
- Presets and control: 200 factory presets created by Kevin Schroeder and Hans Zimmer, with MPE and NKS support.
This is version 2.1. Free demos are available, and owners of The Legend can upgrade at a reduced price.
Source: Synapse Audio product page
When to use it
The Legend HZ is the pick for a classic Minimoog-style sound that also has to work in film cues, thanks to its polyphony, step sequencer and Zimmer filter bank. Compared with u-he Diva it models one synth rather than many circuits, but it is simpler to use and KVR users find it lighter on CPU. Next to Arturia Mini V it adds up to 12-voice polyphony, the fixed filter bank and a 32-step sequencer. It costs more than the original Legend, so the upgrade mainly pays off if you want the filter bank, sequencer and scoring presets.
- Best for: cinematic basses, pulsing sequences, fat leads and warm analog pads.
- Genres: film and game scoring, ambient, electronic, synthwave and pop.
- Look elsewhere if: you need several vintage circuits in one synth (Diva) or a cheaper plain monosynth model (Mini V or the original Legend).
- Tip: Red Shark's reviewer found its clean, neutral starting sound a good base for building patches, and DUNE users will learn it quickly.
What producers say
Reviewers and users treat it as one of the best Minimoog-style plugins, with no real complaints so far.
- Red Shark News (Erik Vlietinck, 2024) called it "in a class of its own", praising the accurate circuit modeling, the front/back panel interface and the cinematic presets; it counted 653 presets including the Zimmer set.
- KVR users rate it 5 out of 5 from 3 reviews, praising the warm, creamy Moog tone, simple controls and low CPU use; one called it "absolutely gorgeous sounding".
Where to buy
- Best Service: $179
- PluginFox: $179
- AudioDeluxe: $179
- Synapse Audio: $203.25 (Listed at €179; converted at €1 = $1.1355 (ECB rate, 29 Sep 2026))
Tutorials and reviews
- Test Drive - The Legend HZ by Synapse Audio - A legend meets a legend
- Hans Zimmer's Synth: The Legend HZ in review
- Hans Zimmer shows The Legend HZ Synthesizer
- The Legend HZ Preset Demo
- The Legend HZ 2026 Update
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