XILS 505

The X-505 emulates the iconic analog synthesizer known as “The Analog Orchestra,” which could function as a String Machine, Synthesizer, and Bass Synth all at once. In addition to faithfully recreating the original’s sound and interface, XILS-lab has added a Vintage Analog Human Choir Machine as an alternative oscillator source for the Synthesizer section, allowing for even more tonal flexibility. The X-505 also exposes numerous hidden parameters from the original unit, offering users deeper control over sound design.

The X-505 maintains the delicate balance between string registers and the BBD Chorus unit’s inputs. It also expands the sound palette with features like a built-in Phaser and vintage-style Reverb. Whether you’re layering strings, tweaking oscillators, or diving into hidden settings, the X-505 offers extensive possibilities for sonic exploration.

The synthesizer’s main panel mirrors the original design, complete with ADSR controls for the VCA and VCF of the Synthesizer section, and switches for activating oscillators. The SECOND TOUCH feature, a unique aspect of the vintage unit, allows for monophonic ADSR retriggering, recreating play modes that were lost in later polyphonic synthesizers.

The X-505 also features an advanced panel for additional settings, offering control over new effects like Phaser and True Stereo Space, as well as other hidden parameters not available on the original machine. The Mixer/ARP panel lets users fine-tune sound generation by adjusting the levels of Male and Female Human Voices, formants, and String filters. A built-in Arpeggiator can create complex, “broken” arpeggios for unique rhythmic patterns.

The Bass Panel provides control over the Bass 8′ waveform width and offers various filters to shape Tuba, Contra Bass, and Cello sounds. The X-505 also integrates a Modulation Matrix with 14 sources and 24 destinations, adding even more creative potential for sound designers.

The plugin comes with a powerful preset manager, making it easy to navigate through sounds, create tags, and perform multi-criteria searches. Additionally, the X-505 is built on the Top Octave Divider (TOD) oscillator technology, which was a hallmark of many vintage electronic organs and string machines. This clever design allows for up to 49 voices of polyphony from a single high-frequency square oscillator, divided into the 12 tempered frequencies across multiple octaves. The result is a distinctive analog sound, with monophonic filters providing a unique playing experience that can’t be replicated by later polyphonic synthesizers.

Key Features:

• Oscillator: One aliasing-free Top Octave Divider (TOD) Oscillator providing up to 49 voices of polyphony.
• String Section: Dedicated filter, waveform mangling, and AR settings for lush string sounds.
• Synthesizer Section: 24db analog filter, ADSR envelope, LFO modulations, and selectable sound sources with the unique SECOND TOUCH retrigger feature.
• Human Voice Section: Formant and balance controls for Male and Female voices, integrated with the main synth engine.
• Bass Section: Three cumulative waveforms (Tuba, Contra Bass, Cello) with customizable filters.
• Chorus and Effects: Quadruple BBD Chorus/Ensemble, Analog Phaser, Vintage Reverb, and True Stereo Space effects.
• Modulation Matrix: 6 nodes with 14 sources and 24 destinations, offering extensive modulation options.
• Advanced Preset Manager: Easy navigation, tag creation, and multi-criteria search for quick preset recall.
• Arpeggiator: Built-in arpeggiator with complex pattern options, including “broken” arpeggios.
• Additional Effects: True Stereo Space, Reverb, and Analog Phaser for added depth and richness.
• MIDI CC Integration: All parameters are controllable via MIDI CC in your DAW or live performance setup.