After finding out that Cakewalk's Z3ta VST is no longer supported for Mac, I'm wondering what a comparable VST would be. I've been using Z3ta and Massive almost exclusively, and Z3ta was my go-to for many sound concepts. If anyone is familiar with the presets, the hard "Teccnoe" sound (and variations thereof) is something I haven't been able to achieve with other synthesizers.
 
Is there anything similar out there?

From the Cakewalk store re Z3ta+ 2:
 
Windows XP, Windows Vista 32/64-bit, and Windows 7 32/64-bit (VST2).
Mac OSX 10.6.8 or later (VST3 and Audio Units).

Unfortunately that's no longer true. There's a bug with the product registration that prevents anyone with an up-to-date OS on their Mac from installing the software. When I contacted customer service, I was told that I can either restore my Mac to an earlier version (and lose months of progress), or I can get a refund. They are, however, still selling the product knowing that it doesn't work. (Don't get me started...)
 
Anyway, I'm looking for something comparable now.

I would check out U-He Hive for techno sounds.  It's still available for download as a free public beta, so it's worth checking out.  Not sure if it's what you're looking for, but it's worth a shot since there are no demo limitations.  BTW, I wouldn't judge it by the factory presets that come with the beta, as it's got a lot of non-techno sounds in it at the moment.  The release version will definitely have a lot of modern and/or techno sounds.

Try NI Monark, reaktor, absynth, and even fm8.
Great sounds although arp functionality is almost non existent (apart from reaktor).

If you are using that and massive it's pretty much all you need. My big recommendation is to get away from the presets, groove3 tutorials help a lot.

For best value reaktor wins hands down,the number of free synths bundled to download is mind boggling. Of course these are all available as part of a bundle.

Serum. Hands down one of the best synths I've used.
https://www.xferrecords.com/products/serum/
 
Serum walkthrough by Skippy (PlugInGuru):
https://www.youtube.com/w...amp;v=TYhnSuuVqBE#t=34

While certainly not a direct replacment for Z3ta I suggest you add SynthMaster to your shortlist. There is a demo versions so you can try it out.
 

When I saw this thread I was thinking SynthMaster might fit the bill.  I've been using z3ta+ since beta testing version 1 and love it, but I'm kind of new to SynthMaster, so I was a bit hesitant to say anything.  My first impression is that it would be great for the type of music you are describing, and definitely something I like having in my kit.  I'm more of a rock and metal guitarist, but I like throwing in the types of sounds you are describing now and then.

I just brought both Serum and Synthmaster about 2 weeks ago, I think they are both great, certainly both have way more power and potential then I will ever come even remotely close to using.

exbehave
Unfortunately that's no longer true. There's a bug with the product registration that prevents anyone with an up-to-date OS on their Mac from installing the software. When I contacted customer service, I was told that I can either restore my Mac to an earlier version (and lose months of progress), or I can get a refund. They are, however, still selling the product knowing that it doesn't work. (Don't get me started...)
 
Anyway, I'm looking for something comparable now.

That's very naughty of them. Tut tut, CW !
 
Have you checked out the range of synths from tone 2....  https://tone2.com/html/synthesizers.html
 
Demos available for all. Bit pricey if you end up wanting them all though.