XILS Labs | XILS 3 Analog Synthesizer Plug-in XILS Labs

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 to 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, easy to read, visualize, and build, your patch. No more roadies: The analog modular synthesizer suddenly became portable. Add to this the first Vector Synthesis experiments.
The XILS 3 offers the same advantages, and even 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 features here: Main Synthesizer, Extended Modules, Sequencer, Effect section, Input Processor, or DAW compatibilities.

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 3 oscillators were modeled to reproduce as close as possible the original waveforms.

The following figures compare the different waveforms of the original AKS model and those of the XILS 3.

No synthesis can be done without a good filter: the XILS 3 multimode filter was modeled to reproduce the analog character of the original machine.
The 18 and 24 dB low-pass types can self-oscillate, and 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 MATRIXES : As we saw, modules have to be connected through patch areas called Pin Matrixes.

The XILS 3 offers no less than 5 Pin Matrixes: One 256+225 points dedicated to the main audio synthesis, one for the trig connections, and another pair for the sequencer connections (one 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.

The Extended Modules (Augmented Matrixity):

To increase the sound design possibilities, we have added 5 other modules intended to be connected via the Extended Matrix (225 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 trig 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 3 Joystick, you can not only make fascinating real time controlled evolutive sequences or performances, but you can also find many interesting and varied patches nested in a single patch. Almost all XILS 3 factory library presets have been created to make use of the Joystick and other real time controllers.

The Effects:

The XILS 3 provides three warm and thick sounding audio effects.

Using the XILS 3 as an effect Processor:

The XILS 3 can also be used as a terrific effects 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 3 a fantastic mangling machine!

This is only a very brief summary of what you can do with the XILS 3 Matrix Modular Synthesizer.

We are fully aware that nothing can replace direct experience so, now that you are somewhat familiar with the XILS 3, you might want to try out the Demo version.
(Two options available: license/dongle free demo with limited features or fully featured but time limited license)

The XILS 3 is available with 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)