XILS 4 Ultimate Matrix Modular Synthesizer User Manual www.xils-lab.
Table of contents 1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................4 2 XILS 4 FEATURES:............................................................................................................................................5 2.1SYNTHESIZER MODULES:....................................................................................................................................... 5 2.
12.2.1 Two additional Envelopes:.................................................................................................................. 30 12.2.2 Tempo synced LFO:............................................................................................................................. 30 12.2.3 Sample and Hold:................................................................................................................................ 31 12.2.4 Voltage Processor:.............................
1 Introduction Thank you for choosing the XILS 4. The XILS 4 is a virtual instrument, based on the architecture of a classic matrix modular synthesizer. Modularity and the Modulation Matrix are the basis of these synthesizers: Up to 1080 connections are available to build any synthesizer structure, using many finely emulated synthesis modules. The XILS 4 is based on two main Synthesizers, with hard synchronization available between the oscillators. It also incorporates a 3-layer sequencer.
2 XILS 4 Features: Synthesizer Modules: 2.1 • • • • • • • • • • Input Modules: 2.2 • • • 1 Envelope Follower. 1 Pitch Tracker. 1 Gate. Effect Modules: 2.3 • • • 3 12 Oscillators, grouped in 6 pairs. 2 self-oscillating Low Pass Filters (12db, 18db, 24db) with analog-like behaviour. 4 Amplitude Envelopes (ADSR or Trapezoid). 1 tempo-synced LFO. 2 Polyphonic Ring Modulators. 1 Voltage Processor. 2 Spring Reverbs. 1 Sample and Hold Generator. 2 Noise Generators. 4 Output Filters. 1 Delay. 1 Chorus.
4 Installation: XILS-Lab offers you the choice of using an eLicenser, or an iLok. eLicenser drivers: 4.1 The XILS 4 uses an eLicenser dongle. You must have this dongle connected to a USB port on your computer to make the XILS 4 work. Important : Please take care of your dongle. You need it to run the XILS 4, as it carries your license! 4.1.
4.3 Windows (XP, VISTA, Windows 7): To install the XILS 4 on Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7, launch the XILS 4 installer file. Please download the latest version from the XILS-lab website. http://www.xils-lab.com/pages/XILS 4_Download-Installer.html Once you have accepted the license agreement, you will be asked to select the components to be installed : You can choose which format is to be installed, selecting any or all of RTAS, AAX and VST2.4 (32 and 64 bits).
The various files of the XILS 4 will be copied into the following directories: Library/Application Support/XILS-lab/XILS 4 Library/Application Support/Digidesign/Plug-Ins Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST Library/Application Support/Documentation/XILS-lab/XILS 4 And for the User Preset and various option : ..
5 5.1 Quick Start Launch, Play: When you launch XILS 4 in your host, an INIT preset will be loaded. It is a simple filtered one-oscillator sound, which can be seen as a basis for your sound design. You can directly use or modify this preset, or load one of the factory presets. To browse the preset library, just select a category of instruments, using the BANK drop down menu found at the left of XILS 4 Tool Bar.
To increase a parameters value, click and drag the knob to the right, or to the top To decrease a parameter value, click and drag the knob to the left, or to the bottom. Fine adjustments: If you right-click on a parameter, or if you hold shift while clicking, you can adjust the selected parameter with greater precision (the ? button of the toolbar displays a panel summarizing these shortcuts).
6 6.1 Preset Management: Main Toolbar: In the toolbar you can find two Criteria buttons, displaying the criteria name (Bank, Author, Type, Style, Feeling or Project), which open the sort management menus. The first two text fields show the current sorting criteria, and the third shows the chosen preset of the resulting selected group of presets. Clicking on the arrow to the left of the category, or preset names, opens the corresponding menus.
Open Preset Information (or click on SAVE AS): This opens the following preset information window where, not only the name, but all the other information related to the current preset can be displayed or changed. This window allows you to specify or change the data below, to be saved with the newly named preset: • • • • • Author: (Your name, mostly used by Sound Designers for factory presets) Type: (Category of the instrument such as Keys, Leads, Basses, etc.) Style: (Musical Genre, Groove Type, etc.
1. Just create a bank, named “My Favorites”, and save all the interesting patches into this sound-bank. To browse all your favorites, just set the first criteria to BANK, then select “My Favorites”. You can still use the second criteria to filter the results by categories of instruments, in order to browse all your favorite basses, for example. This method is fast, but it will duplicate your patches. 2.
• • • • • Type: (Category of the instrument require: Keys, Leads, Basses, etc.) Style: (Musical Genre), Feeling: (Cold, Warm, Soft) and finally, Project: (My Song, My_Live_Project). All: (This item is not used for sorting the preset) These primary results can then also be filtered according to the second criteria, which can be chosen from a similar list in the secondary sort menu. Sometimes a picture is better than a lot of text.
Author Name, Project Name, All Presets). The preset menu will show presets of the same category (same author, same project or same bank). Export Bank: This function exports a bank in XILS 4’s proprietary cross platform format, (Mac and PC). The selected bank (i.e. the bank which contains the currently active preset) will be exported to a user specified location on your hard drive. Import Bank: This function allows you to browse through your hard drives to select a Bank file, and then imports an XILS 4 bank.
7 XILS 4 GUI description The XILS 4 features 2 main synthesizers and, for this reason, requires a specific GUI management. It is best to think of this machine as a three panel instrument: Left Synthesizer panel, Right Synthesizer panel, and the Sequencer/Modules panel. This is not so convenient for a computer screen, so a scrolling system has been incorporated. You can display either both of the synthesizers, or one of them beside the sequencer/modules panel.
When the Sequencer/Modules panel is closed, then the two synthesizers are displayed: The right arrow allows the opening of the Sequencer/Modules panel, by pushing the two synthesizers to the left. This workflow allows: • • • 8 Playing with two synthesizers, when no sequencer/modules are used. Playing with one synthesizer and the sequencer, when a simple patch is needed. Playing with the two synthesizers, modules and sequencer, when complex patches are needed.
In the Sequencer/Modules panel, you can switch between several tabs to display various functions: Env/LFO, Inputs, Effects, Sequencer, and Sequencer connections. In the same way, you will find a tab to display either the keyboard trig matrix, or the keyboard controls (velocity, mod. wheel ranges, etc) 9 XILS 4 Matrix description: All the XILS 4 audio paths and trigs are done with the matrix, so having some information regarding this major component is important.
For instance in this matrix: Oscillator 1 saw output is connected to the filter audio input. Filter audio output is connected to the VCA audio input (named ENV as in the original model) Finally output VCA (ENV. SIGNAL) is connected to the output of the synthesizer (OUT 1/2) Connection is always made from left to right and bottom to top. The matrix can sometimes seem too small.
As shown in the picture below, a “trig” is a one-pulse information event for initiating an envelope cycle, resetting a LFO, or starting a sequencer. A “gate” is a pulse with a certain width. For example, when you play a note on the keyboard, the gate signal it generates stays on until the note is no longer held down. From the sequencer, the gate length is dependent on the “sustain” knobs (see the sequencer chapter).
11 XILS 4 Synthesizer routing: The XILS 4 provides two synthesizers, the one on the left and the one on the right; mimicking the old EMS VCS4, or the Crystal Machine dual AKS used by Tim Blake. These two synthesizers are mixed together with their own level and pan parameters, before being sent to the effects unit (delay, chorus and phaser). But before its level and pan are applied, the left synthesizer is sent to the right synthesizer, though the main matrix “INPUT FROM LEFT” source.
12 XILS 4 modules description: The XILS 4 GUI is divided into four areas: Two cabinets are dedicated to the main synthesizers. One cabinet is dedicated to the keyboard and it's controls, and another cabinet is dedicated to the advanced analog-like 3 layer sequencer (based on the old EMS 256 unit) and other modules. 12.1 Main synthesizers: Both the left and right synthesizers are divided in two parts; the synthesis, and the matrix and level part.
12.1.1 Oscillators: Three oscillators are available. The first one outputs a sine wave and a saw wave, with independent level. The Shape knob allows changes to the sine waveform, and to add a new pulse to the saw wave. The second oscillator provides a square wave and a triangle wave; both with independent level control. The Shape knob changes the pulse width of the square wave, and the symmetry of the triangle waveform.
Frequency: This knob has two parts, one for coarse tuning and the other for fine-tuning. The outside ring sets the octave of the oscillator frequency: you can set it from -2 to +2 octaves, or it can be set to Low. This “Low” setting gives a very low frequency oscillator, which can be used for effects. The inside part of the knob finetunes the frequency. When tuning with the left mouse button, it sets the frequency by semitone steps.
On the left is an illustration of both cycle types: Envelope (ADSR), and Trapeze. ATTACK: Sets the speed of Attack, and is common to both modes. ON: Sets the ON (or Hold) duration of the Trapeze mode. DECAY: Sets the Decay duration, and is common to both modes. SUSTAIN: Sets the level of the sustain phase the Envelope (ADSR) mode. RELEASE: Sets the release duration of the Envelope (ASDR) mode. OFF: Sets the OFF duration of the Trapeze mode.
LEVEL: this knob sets the output level of the ring modulator. RMV DC: By clicking on this check box, you remove any DC component of the input ring modulator signals. By connecting the Joystick to one of the inputs, the effect can be heard only while moving it. Otherwise the level is null 12.1.6 Reverb: A monophonic spring reverb unit is available. This means that any polyphonic sounds will be mixed together before being sent to the reverb unit.
In the XILS 4, only the left synthesizer is connected to the Audio inputs of the plug-in. The right synthesizer inputs are connected to the output of the left synthesizer. In this way, you can use any modules of the left synthesizer inside the right one. 12.1.9 Joy-Stick and output levels: As in the original model, the XILS 4 also has a joystick, but in this case is fully controllable by MIDI messages. The V-RANGE and H-RANGE set the level of the horizontal and vertical modulation.
The Sources of the Modulation are separated in three different groups: Oscillators, Envelopes and Modulators. For the XILS 4 you will find oscillators and envelopes for both synthesizers. In the case of the XILS 4, having access to both synthesizers helps create a much wider range of sound design possibilities.
The Destinations of the Modulation are separated in five groups: Oscillators, Filters, Envelopes, Modulators and Effects. For the XILS 4 you will find Oscillators, Filters and Envelopes for both of the synthesizers. In the case of the XILS 4, having access to both synthesizers helps create a much wider range of sound design possibilities.
12.2 Additional modules: For some patches, the VCS3 core is not enough, so we added some extra modules. These include an LFO, Envelopes, Sample and Hold, and a Voltage Processor. 12.2.1 Two additional Envelopes: Two envelopes were added to the VCS3 core, for a total of three envelope modulators. These two additional envelopes are similar to the main envelope shaper, apart from the fact that they are not connected to the internal VCA.
(Keyboard or Sequencer) is connected to the LFO. 12.2.3 Sample and Hold: This very useful module allows the sampling of its input, and holds it over until it receives the next clock. If no input is selected, then a white noise is used instead. The Input and Output must be connected in the advanced matrix, by using the drop-down menus. RATE : Sets the frequency of the Sample & Hold. SYNC : When engaged, this switch synchronizes the frequency to a multiple or sub-multiple of the DAW tempo.
12.3 Sequencer: The sequencer of the XILS 4 is extremely useful, and can create endless sound design ideas. It is well worth the learning curve, as it will help unleash the full potential of this synthesizer. 12.3.1 Front sequencer controls: The XILS 4 sequencer is inspired by the original EMS 256 sequencer, which was, in its time, a very revolutionary machine. It has three layers, each having two tracks. This means that each of the layers can send trig information, and can record two independent values.
12.3.2 Connecting the Sequencer: Above the sequencer controls you will find the Sequencer Connection tabs. With these matrices you can connect the sequencer outputs to synthesizer parameters, such as Oscillator pitch, PWM, filter cut-off frequency, or output level. You can also trig envelopes, or reset the LFO with one of the three layer trig outputs. For instance, you can connect layer 1 trig to the first Trapezoid envelope, and layer 1 bank A to the oscillator frequency.
_ Connect the recorded sequencer output to some parameters (see above) _ start the sequencer by hitting the start button. The sequencer will start outputting trig and value information. To stop it, just hit the stop button. If you need to reset the sequencer clock, hit the reset button. The keyboard can perform starting, stopping or resetting operations on the sequencer, once you have connected the keyboard trig information to the corresponding sequencer trig inputs (see the Keyboard trig Matrix).
For instance, clicking on the A edit check will enable the Layer1/Track A to be edited by the mouse. Left clicking on a step will add trig information, and dragging the coloured rectangle will change the corresponding value. Only one track can be changed at a time. If you need to modify a different track, you will need to change the Edit check selection. To remove a step, just right click on it. This will remove the trig information, and set the value at zero for the corresponding track.
• • • • RESET POLY: A polyphonic mode with up to 18 active notes at a time. Each new note is played with the first free voice, cutting the current release and reducing the CPU load. UNI2: A monophonic mode with two active notes of the same pitch playing. Thanks to the detune knob, a phasing effect can be created. UNI4: A monophonic mode with four active notes of the same pitch playing. UNI6: A monophonic mode with six active notes of the same pitch playing.
Finally, in this keyboard panel you will fine the GLOBAL LEVEL, which is applied after all the internal treatment. The GLOBAL TUNE, which sets the overall tuning of the synthesizer, is also found here. Please note this parameter is a global parameter, and is not saved within a preset. The ANALOG knob increases or decreases the internal instability of the modules emulating the random variance of vintage equipment. The GLIDE TIME sets the rate at which the keyboard will alter its pitch control information.
LVL OUT sets the level of this control signal. 12.5.3 Pitch Tracker: This module extracts the pitch of the input signal. The resulting pitch signal can then be applied to the oscillators, but it can also be used to modulate any other modules, via the connection matrix. QUALITY: This knob sets the smoothing of the pitch tracking.
ATTACK: This knob sets the duration the gate will take to open. RELEASE: This knob sets the time the gate will take to close. OPENING THRESHOLD: This knob sets the opening threshold of the gate. The external input signal must be at or over this level, to open the gate. CLOSING THRESHOLD: This knob sets the closing threshold of the gate. The external input signal must below this level to close the gate. GATE LEVEL: This knob sets the level for opening or closing the gate. 12.6 Effects modules: 12.6.
12.6.2 Chorus: DRY/WET: Sets the mix balance between the initial signal and the processed signal. SPEED: Sets the rate of the internal low frequency oscillator of the chorus. AMOUNT: Sets the amount of the effect. TYPE: Toggles through the three available types of chorus. 12.6.3 Phaser: DRY/WET: Sets the mix balance between the initial signal and the processed signal. SPEED: Sets the rate of the internal low frequency oscillator of the phaser.. AMOUNT: Sets the amount of the effect.
13 Option menu: This menu allows the setting of the global settings. These settings are defined for all instances of XILS 4. Each time an option is changed, the related option file is saved. 13.1.1 Main: In the toolbar, the Options button opens a menu for selecting various options for XILS 4. This menu shows the following options settings: XILS 4 About: displays information about the XILS 4 (version, build date and credits).
13.1.3 Misc. Init settings from current settings: initializes the default values of XILS 4 from the current settings. All the new presets will be created from these settings, when the init settings option is selected. These parameters will also be used when setting a control to its default value. (Win: CTRL+click, OSX: ALT+Apple+Click). Wheel Incr: 0.01: Parameter increment of 0.01 when using of the mouse wheel. Wheel Incr: 0.05: Parameter increment of 0.05 when using of the mouse wheel. Wheel Incr: 0.