XILS 201 Vocoder - Vocoder with 18 Filter banks.
The X201 Vocoder is based on a very rare and expensive vocoder known for its exceptional clarity. It's been used by artists like Kraftwerk, Herbie Hancock, and Daft Punk to create unique sounds.
The X201 has two filter banks, each with 20 frequency bands. These can process an incoming signal, typically a voice, but it can also handle other sounds like drums. Unlike some vocoders with fewer bands, the X201 offers much clearer results.
The X201 also has a built-in analog synthesizer that can be used as a carrier signal, giving it a distinctive sound. You can even use other external sounds or synthesizers as carriers.
A unique feature of the X201 is "Silence Bridging." This shapes the sound based on its harmonic content, which is particularly useful for processing rhythmic sounds.
Here's a basic overview of how it works: You can input a voice (even speaking is fine) and use the internal synth as the carrier. By sending MIDI notes to the carrier, you can make your voice "sing" along to the notes or chords being played.
The X201 offers many additional features that weren't available in the original hardware version, making it more versatile and powerful.
XILS also included emulations of classic analog effects like chorus, phaser, delay, and reverb. You can customize these effects and create your own chains.
The X201 can also be used as a multi-effects processor on its own. Try it on instruments like Rhodes, Clavinet, or string machine patches to recreate those vintage sounds.
Two Filter Banks:
Each of the 20 bands can be adjusted to fine-tune the frequency response for your music.
Unique X201 Feature:
You can bypass individual bands using their own level controls. This allows you to create special multi-filter effects by simply disabling the internal vocoder.
Silence Bridging:
This technical-sounding term refers to a multi-band frequency-dependent envelope follower. It shapes the sound based on its harmonic content and is useful for processing rhythmic sounds or adding definition to the overall sound.
Additional Control Panels:
- Internal synthesizer
- Input Gate
- Vocoder
- Effects
- Modulation Matrix
Key Features:
- Carefully recreated 20-band filter vocoder
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Individual band bypass, allowing for various filtering options
- Each sound carrier has its oscillator and noise generator
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Four effects (reverb, delay, chorus, phaser) with individual routing controls
- Automatic input gain control
- Analog-like pitch tracker
- External carrier input for using your own sounds or synthesizers
- Many additional parameters beyond the original hardware version
- All parameters can be controlled via MIDI
Technical Specifications:
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Mac
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OS X (Mac OS X 10.9 or later)
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Memory: 4 GB RAM
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CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo or higher
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Plugins: VST-2, VST-3, AU
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Windows
- Windows (Windows 7 SP1 or later)
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Memory: 4 GB RAM
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CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo / AMD Athlon 64 X2 or higher
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Plugins: VST-2, VST-3, AAX
