7.8Good
LOON by Jamstik is a three-layer MPE software instrument combining virtual analog oscillators, multi-sampled instruments and 4-operator FM in parallel signal paths.
Plugin comparison
LOON vs u-he Zebra 3
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which synth to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
Contenders
The side-by-side
9.0Essential
u-he's cult-favorite synth, rebuilt from the ground up with spline-based wavetables, additive synthesis up to 1,024 partials, and an adaptive modular interface.
Score verdict
Which should you buy?
On the Dubspot Score, u-he Zebra 3 comes out ahead (9.0). That said, the right pick depends on your workflow and budget — read both reviews before deciding.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | LOON | u-he Zebra 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.99 intro (regular $99.99) | €249 |
| Dubspot Score | 7.8 | 9.0 |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX, Standalone | CLAP, VST3, AU, AAX |
| Architecture | Three parallel layers, each with stackable instrument groups | — |
| Sound sources | Virtual analog oscillators, multi-sampled instruments, 4-operator FM | — |
| Per-layer processing | Filter module plus dedicated effects chain | — |
| Modulation | LFOs, ADSR envelopes, multi-segment envelopes, MIDI CC | — |
| Macros | Six assignable macros mappable across layers and groups | — |
| Expression | Full MPE — per-note pitch bend and independent per-note response | — |
| Presets | 200+ factory presets; loads legacy Jamstik Creator sound packs | — |
| User sampling | Not supported | — |
| Plugin formats | Standalone app plus VST3, AU and AAX | — |
| macOS requirement | OS X 10.13 or later (macOS 10.15 recommended), 4GB RAM minimum | — |
| Windows requirement | Windows 7 or later (Windows 10 recommended), 4GB RAM minimum | — |
| Storage | 7.55GB | — |
| Release date | July 15, 2026 | — |
| Type | — | Modular wavetable / additive synthesizer |
| Partials | — | Up to 1,024 (additive) |
| Formats | — | CLAP, VST3, AU, AAX (macOS / Windows / Linux) |
| Released | — | April 2026 |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.