XILS 4 by XILS Lab modular synth plugin interface

XILS 4: Analog Modular Synth Plugin by XILS Lab

Rated 4.5/5 on Plugin Boutique (56 ratings)

XILS 4 is a polyphonic synthesizer plugin by XILS Lab that emulates an unreleased EMS prototype built from two linked VCS 3 cores. It is built around a pin-matrix patching system.

VST2AUAAXRTASWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

XILS 4 combines two XILS 3 synthesizers that interact in many ways, drawing on the EMS VCS 3 (Synthi) design and a never-released EMS prototype. Its modules can be linked through a set of pin matrices, so almost any source can be routed to almost any destination. The developer describes it as a research synthesizer for producers who want to go deep into analog modular synthesis. It is offered as a plugin for Windows and macOS.

Best for

Experimental sound design
Analog-style modular patching
Evolving pads and textures
Sequenced modulation
Synth bass and lead design

Developer: XILS Lab
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

12 aliasing-free oscillators in six pairs with waveshaping
Two multimode filters with 12, 18 and 24 dB modes
Four trapezoidal looping envelope generators, switchable to ADSR
Five polyphonic LFOs, including four oscillators running at audio rate
Pin matrix routing with more than 1,100 connections per patch
Polyphonic sequencer with three lines, slew rates and three recording modes
Two programmable joystick vector controllers with 32+32 targets
Chorus, Delay, Phaser and Spring Reverb effects
More than 100 parameters mappable to MIDI controllers
Preset database with user tags and roughly 700 factory presets

03In depth

Modular Synthesis Architecture and Pin Matrix Routing

XILS 4 uses a pin-matrix approach instead of patch cables. Modules connect by placing pins in a matrix, which keeps the panel uncluttered and makes patches easier to read and rebuild. The plugin provides several matrices, including two large audio synthesis matrices and additional matrices for trigger and sequencer connections.

Sources such as Envelopes, LFOs, Sample & Hold and Voltage Processor modules can be routed through these matrices. The developer states that more than 1,100 connections are possible per patch, which gives the plugin a very deep routing range.

Oscillators, Filters and Sound Character

The synthesis core includes 12 aliasing-free oscillators arranged in pairs, with waveshaping and hard synchronization modes. Two multimode filters offer 12, 18 and 24 dB slopes, and the developer says the 18 and 24 dB low-pass modes can self-oscillate.

The oscillators are described as modeled to stay close to the original waveforms of the AKS hardware that inspired them. Effects include analog-style Chorus, Delay, Phaser and Spring Reverb.

Presets, Tutorials and Who It Suits

XILS 4 ships with close to 700 presets from sound designers, along with a separate preset library of more than 350 patches designed for it. The XILS 3 factory library is also included, and tutorial patches are provided for producers new to modular concepts.

A preset database engine lets you find patches and create your own tags. The manual includes a getting-started section and tutorials. The plugin is best suited to producers who want complex, experimental sound design rather than simple subtractive patches.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	XILS Lab
Type	Plugin
Category	Synth
Formats	VST2, AU, AAX, RTAS
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is XILS 4?

XILS 4 is a polyphonic synthesizer plugin by XILS Lab. It emulates an unreleased EMS prototype built from two linked VCS 3 cores and uses a pin-matrix routing system.

Which formats and operating systems does XILS 4 support?

XILS 4 is available in VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats and runs on Windows and macOS. It is a 64-bit plugin.

What do I need to use XILS 4?

XILS 4 runs as a plugin in a compatible host. The developer lists VST, Audio Unit, RTAS and AAX support, with Pro Tools 7.0 or later for RTAS and AAX. On macOS it requires OSX 10.3.9 or later, and on Windows it supports XP, Vista and 7.