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Two synthesizers in unison
Taking inspiration from vintage hardware such as EMS' Synthi A, AKS and VCS-3 units, the XILS 4 blends two synthesizer ideas together in one futuristic approach to digital synthesis. Taking inspiration from the "crystal machine" combination of two linked AKS machines with hard sync between oscillators, where one was connected to the keyboard and the other connected to the synth, as well as an unreleased prototype of two VCS3's.
Experiment with modular connectivity
XILS 4 is the perfect blueprint for experimental modular synthesis, where any module can be connected to another to create unique and expressive sounds using only the simple modular matrix. This provides a platform for a tremendous number of inputs and outputs to expand on what is possible with traditional synthesis techniques. Build your patches in an intuitive and easy to read grid where each module is layed out with input and output connectivity to let your imagination run loose and push the boundaries of musical genres with unconventional patching.
Sea of inspiration
At the core of XILS 4 is the expansive and musical modules that provide the sound generation for your signal, including six oscillators, grouped in three pairs with hard sync, one multi-mode low pass filter from 12-24dB per octave slopes, four world-class effects to add studio-ready polish and shine to your tracks, one trapezoidal looping envelope, one polyphonic ring modulator, one noise generator and two static outputs.
With no shortage of modulation sources and modules, the XILS empowers you to dive outside of your comfort zone and explore new ways to patch modules together to create distinctive and exciting tones like never before. The true-analog emulation of vintage oscillators provides you with an exacting replica of the spirit and character of classic hardware machines to add all the flavour in your tracks that you will find from your favourite records of yesteryear.
No synthesizer is complete without the musical and flexible filters to change the landscape of your tones. The XILS 4 is no exception, with beautiful analog-modelled multi-mode filters that produce immaculate character and tone, even when pushed to the limits. With three settings at 12/18/24dB per octave, you can find the right tone for every sound source, whether you're looking to subtly filter out some harsh upper harmonics or wildly sculpt your sound to sub-blasting resonances. The 18 and 24dB low-pass slopes can self oscillate when driven to their limits, with all the non-linearities of analog circuitry implemented, boasting a characterful and unique flavour. With the benefit of digital technology, the filters have been created as zero-delay, ensuring a natural and responsive sweep.
Polyphonic sequencing
Inspired by the EMS 256 sequencer, the XILS polyphonic sequencer is a powerful 3 layer/2 track module with a set of unique features to give you the maximum amount of flexibility to your signal. Continuing with the modular design and ethos, each lane of the XILS 4 sequencer can act as a modulation source where each modulation creates an accidental interaction that would be impossible to replicate in even the most sophisticated DAWs. Each modulation source is assigned to a MIDI CC for manipulation on the fly, making it the perfect choice for live performing musicians.
Sophisticated Vector synthesis
What is now known as macro controllers, the XILS 4 features the innovative vector synthesis joysticks, with numerous inputs and outputs to connect to several modules within the synth. Featuring a duo Joystick, each engine features a separate joystick, meaning you can create real-time evolutions of sequences or modulations in a single patch with full control over each parameter. XILS 4 encourages the user to get hands-on with their instrument and experiment with macro controls to understand how each module interacts with each other, allowing you to discover accidental ways to create new sound effects for your music. Let your instinct take over and break free from your comfort zone with the Vetor joystick.
World-class effects
Once you've created your desired tone and want to fit it into your mix, or make it stand out amongst a heavy and dense group of instruments, the four onboard studio effects are ready to add the finishing touches to your sound. Featuring three modes of chorus, delay with tempo sync to host, a phaser with analog-modelled behaviour and a spring reverb tank, you can give your sound the space, width and depth it needs to sit within your mix or go overboard and put it at the centre of attention.
Features
- Software synth clone of EMS' classics Synthi A, AKS and VCS-3 hardware units
- 12 Aliasing-free oscillators
- Oscillators grouped in six pairs with wave-shaping and hard sync
- Two noise oscillators
- Two non-linear, zero-delay multi-mode filters
- 12dB/18dB/24dB per octave slopes per filter
- Four trapezoidal envelope generators with ADSR mode
- Polyphonic LFO as well as two oscillators with the ability to act as LFO in audio rate
- Polyphonic ring modulator and VCA engine
- Cascade mode to run engines in series
- Four independent outputs, each with high and low-pass filtering
- Two programmable joystick Vector controllers
- Polyphonic step-sequencer with three lines
- Pitch tracker, envelope follower, transient, gate and sample and hold modules
- Four world-class effects including chorus, delay, phaser and spring reverb
- Six different performance modes including Unison, polyphonic, monophonic, legato and more
- Up to 700 onboard presets, designed by world-famous sound designers
- Intuitive browser engine with tagging system
- More 1100 potential connections per patch
- MIDI control up to 100 parameters
Specifications
- Operating system:
- Windows: Windows 7,8 and 10 (32 & 64 bits)
- Mac: Mac OSX 10.8 and later (64bits only). Compatible on Big Sur with Rosetta (native Apple Silicone will be availabe soon)
- Plug-in Format:
- Windows: VST, AAX (native)
- Mac: VST, Audio Unit, AAX (native)
- Warning: XILS 4 is not a stand-alone application and requires a VST/AU/AAX compatible host application to function correctly
- Product Code: XILS4