XILS Labs | XILS 4 Synthesizer Plug-in

History: Why two synthesizers for the XILS 4 ?

Tim Blake told us about his old "Crystal Machine" combo: two linked AKS machines with hard synchronization between oscillators. One was connected to the keyboard, and the other connected to the sequencer. Peter Zinovieff also told us about a never released EMS prototype, the VCS 4: two linked VCS3!
We mixed both concepts, then added a lot of modules inherited from the XILS 3 V2.0: and so the XILS 4 was born!

History: XILS 4 combines Two XILS 3 synthesizers that interact in many ways. To understand the genesis of the XILS 3, a recreation of the famous EMS Synthi synthesizer, we have to go back to… 1969.

1969: The PIN MATRIX REVOLUTION ( No More Cables Anywhere )

In a modular synthesizer, you can connect any module to another one. Peter Zinovieff, the visionary synth Wizard, established, with the EMS series, a new way to connect modules: The Pin Matrix. Just plug a pin in the Matrix, and the connection is set.

Advantages of these techniques were obvious, breathtaking: More inputs and outputs for each module. No more cables cluttering the synth panel. Easy to operate, read and visualize. Easier to build your patch. No more roadies: The analog modular synthesizer suddenly became portable. Add to this the first Vector Synthesis experiments.

The XILS 3-4 series offers the same advantages, but additionally brings a lot more to the table.

Let’s take a look at the different modules:

You will find some details of the XILS 3-4 features here: Matrix Synthesizer, Extended Modules, Sequencer, Effect section, Input Processor, or DAW compatibilities.

The PIN MATRICES:

As we saw, modules have to be connected through patch areas called Pin Matrices.

The XILS 4 offers no less than 8 Pin Matrices: 2* 256+256 points dedicated to the main audio synthesis, one for the trig connections, and 4 for the sequencer connections (one for the modulation and one for the trig connections) Experts will spot at once that, in the 2 extended Matrices, you can freely define some sources and destinations in the last two rows of lines and columns, like S&H, or even Envelope Segments.

And, yes, that means even more fun, and ultimate tweaking possibilities!

Matrix Synthesizer:

Oscillators: Beyond the digital limitation, in a true analog emulation, as in all XILS-lab instruments, the freedom of the sound that one has in mind when listening to hardware analog synthesizers, the analog spirit has been preserved.

XILS 4 oscillators were modeled to reproduce the original waveforms as closely as possible.

The following figures compare the different waveforms of the original AKS model and those of the XILS 4.

No synthesis can be done without a good filter: the XILS 4 multimode filter was modeled to reproduce the analog character of the original machine.

The 18 and 24 dB low-pass types can self-oscillate. Internal non-linearities have been finely reproduced: It is faithful to the "zero-delay" behavior found in real life to give you a big smile when sweeping it.

The PIN MATRICES: As we saw, modules have to be connected through patch areas called Pin Matrices.

The XILS 4 offers no less than 8 Pin Matrices: Two 256+225 points dedicated to the main audio synthesis, one for the trig connections, and three others for the sequencer connections (two for the modulation and one for the trig connections) Experts will at once spot that, in the extended Matrix, you can freely define some sources and destinations in the last two rows of lines and columns, like S&H, or even Envelope Segments.

Thanks to these added matrices, the sequencer can independently modulate the "right" or the "left" core!

Last but not least, the Keyboard trig can be delayed: the envelopes can be triggered at two different times.

And, yes, that means even more fun, and ultimate tweaking possibilities!

The Extended Modules (Augmented Matricity):

To increase the sound design possibilities, we have added 5 other modules intended to be connected via the Extended Matrix (2x225 new possible connections).

The Polyphonic Sequencer:

The Sequencer has been inspired by the EMS 256 sequencer, a powerful 3 layer/2 track device, with some unique features, like 3 independent slew rate knobs.

Here again a few things were added, like Sequencer Lines acting as Modulation Sources in a special Matrix. Interactions that you cannot reproduce in even the most sophisticated DAW.

Note: The sequencer can modulate or trigger both cores independently.

Vector Synthesis:

The Pin Matrix and looping analog envelopes weren’t the only innovative features of the EMS series. Vector Synthesis should definitely be added to the list. The Joystick, with its numerous inputs and outputs, should be regarded as a giant step toward Vector Synthesis, and what is now known as Macro controllers.

With the XILS 4 Joystick duo (yes each engine has its own Joystick), you can not only make fascinating real time controlled evolving sequences or performances, but you can also find many interesting and varied patches nested in a single patch. Almost all XILS 4 factory library presets have been created to make use of the Joystick and other real time controllers.

The Effects:

The XILS 4 provides three warm and wide sounding audio effects.

Using the XILS 4 as an effect Processor:

The XILS 4 can also be used as a terrific effect processor. The plug-in inputs can be used directly, feeding the filters, or as audio rate modulation sources... endless possibilities.

To increase the fun a little bit, we added 4 input audio processors, making XILS 4 a fantastic mangling machine!

This is only a very brief summary of what you can do with the XILS 4 Matrix Modular Synthesizer.

We are fully aware that nothing can replace direct experience, so now that you are somewhat familiar with the XILS 4, you might want to try out the Demo version.

(Two options are available: license/dongle free demo with limited features or fully featured but time limited license)

Warning: the XILS 4 is not a stand-alone application and requires a VST/AU/AAX compatible host application to function correctly.

The XILS 4 are available in the following formats (32 and 64 bits):

• Mac OSX 10.8 and later : VST, Audio Unit, AAX (32&64 bits, native)
• Windows 7,8,10 ; VST, AAX (32&64 bits, native)