Hi, I have only recently started using synths more as my background is guitar and piano.
I have used several resources to help me learn and have spent time on different synths to practice  getting similar sounds and therefore pick up the basics of each one.
 
What I have been struggling to accomplish with Z3TA is a reasonable brass sound and also anything Vangelis (cs80) like.
 
I have managed in other synths but its not happening in Z3TA, I have looked through all the patches and downloaded several free ones to try and find something to work back from but have not found anything yet.
 
Any help would be much appreciated!
Thanks

I get good brass sounds from one of these (not using Z3TA) :
 
1. 2x Dim Pro - 2 selection of brass sound (using some internal and DSF library), one pan left, the other pan right. I used to use this for pop chord stabs.
 
2. Using Garritan Jazz Band - I can specify the exalt combination and panning (trombone, trumpets, saxes) where you can get realistic parts by arranging each instrument (monophonic) to play at different note range. I use this setup when I'm arranging for my woodwind/brass band.
 
3. Native Instruments - Session Horns - good sounding, easy to use and setup, replacing option 1. I do like the volume swell by playing it above a certain velocity.

I find for the Vangelis Brass/CS80 sounds I like the AAS UltraAnalog VA1 (or their free player) with the Angelicals sound set. My second favorite would be Synthmaster with Nori Ubukata's 'Historical Giants' that includes Vangelis sounds. But you can get the AAS Swatches set with the free player that has a couple of those nice CS80 BladeRunner sounds on it. So I suggest starting there.

For the lead sound you have two examples in the factory bank:
- Greek Heritage (At+Mw) BT
- C5 Impressions FS
 
the first one is from one of the most respected sound designers in the plugin community (BigTone)
the second one is my humble attempt
 
please note that both require extensive use of Aftertouch and Modulation Wheel in order to get full expressiveness from the patches
 
Ciao
Francesco

Thank you for your responses it is really appreciated!
 
Session Horns and strings are something I plan to look into as I just picked up Kontakt this year and getting used to it.
 

BBFG#
I find for the Vangelis Brass/CS80 sounds I like the AAS UltraAnalog VA1 (or their free player) with the Angelicals sound set. My second favorite would be Synthmaster with Nori Ubukata's 'Historical Giants' that includes Vangelis sounds. But you can get the AAS Swatches set with the free player that has a couple of those nice CS80 BladeRunner sounds on it. So I suggest starting there.
 

 
I have the AAS player and Swatches so will take a listen to those patches, I also downloaded Synthmaster to take a look at last week so will have to listen to the patches you mentioned.
 

fr4ncesco
For the lead sound you have two examples in the factory bank:
- Greek Heritage (At+Mw) BT
- C5 Impressions FS
 
the first one is from one of the most respected sound designers in the plugin community (BigTone)
the second one is my humble attempt
 

 
Not sure how I missed those so thanks for pointing them out, your one is closest to the sound I was looking for. Also I have been trying out your Muz3um patches (which are great by the way) and the cs80 presets in there are great as well. I also tried inserting the cs80 samples into your patch above and that added more to the sound as well.
 
As I mentioned I have only just started my journey into using synths so still getting used to everything. One thing I have been finding is that z3ta seems to add "grit" to most things that you create or many of the patches display this as well.  I have been trying to come up with some pad sounds to use in various projects but don't seem to find it as easy in z3ta compared with Absynth or Massive. Is this because z3ta is more designed for EDM and the like or am I missing something.
 
I intend to investigate Synthmaster and zebra 2 this next week as they seem to have had great reviews. 
 

Crowned One  Also I have been trying out your Muz3um patches (which are great by the way) and the cs80 presets in there are great as well. I also tried inserting the cs80 samples into your patch above and that added more to the sound as well.
  One thing I have been finding is that z3ta seems to add "grit" to most things that you create or many of the patches display this as well.  I have been trying to come up with some pad sounds to use in various projects but don't seem to find it as easy in z3ta compared with Absynth or Massive. Is this because z3ta is more designed for EDM and the like or am I missing something. 

I hear something similar in Z3ta too, Something akin to grit or an implied saw even where there is none in the patch. I've had problems downloading the Mu3zum patches, but after this thread decided to give it another try and I really like the sounds in Z3ta as it does show a different character of the synth than what you get everywhere else. VERY usable sounds. Thanks Francesco. I've even tried to re-download your sounds for Rapture and while they install, Rapture doesn't seem able to find the samples for them.

But as far as the Vangelis sounds, I think I still prefer the AAS Angelicals.

Still wondering why the Mu3zum for Rapture can't find the samples.

Have been trying out Synthmaster and Zebra for the last few days and enjoying both. They both have super amounts of options and great sound.
Also I have spent quite a bit of time with U-he Tyrell N6 and must say for me it is the best free soft synth out there.
 
Bitflippers thread really got me curious and pushed me further in my synth journey.http://forum.cakewalk.com/My-longestever-shopping-quest-finally-concluded-m2859550.aspx
 
 I like the visual feedback on Synthmaster as it helps me see the effect of my adjustments and so has helped be grasp things a lot quicker.
Zebra 2 has a lovely sound and has a lot more free presets and information across the web.
 
As it stands still finding the "grit" mentioned above with Z3ta 2 a real pain. I like the layout and potential but for me getting the sound I like does notcome as easy as with other synths I have tried.
 
Where I have got to now is that I will be buying Zebra 2 in the future when funds permit as it is an amazing synth. With clear development plans and large resource base. Tyrell has also confirmed this for me as it is also a great product.
 
Really tempted with the current Synthmaster deal as I have enjoyed learning on it and found it quite intuitive after the initial learning of the layout. Only $65 to get the foot in the door.
 
We shall see 3 weeks to decide!

BBFG#
Still wondering why the Mu3zum for Rapture can't find the samples.

does it install ok ? go into the browser and try f5'ing (refreshing) if it's doing the install OK..
 
have you messed about with the locations of your default locations ? I'm pretty sure Chad made it so it would work with either the newer windows (that use program data) or the older ones that use "program files"