XILS-lab X-201, Vocoder … and vintage MultiEffect

An exceptional clarity: The X201 Vocoder was modeled after an ultra rare, ultra pricey (even at the time of its release), Vocoder unit, whose intelligibility has never been surpassed.

It's the missing link between artists like Kraftwerk, Herbie Hancock, Frank Farian (Boney M, Milli Vanilli etc.), Cylon Robots or Droids in Battlestar Galactica droids in Star Wars and… Daft Punk (RAM)

Two Filter Banks: Each of its two Filter Banks offer 20 frequency bands. Each Filter Bank can process the incoming signal (Usually voice, but any other signal, including drums, can be processed), or the CARRIER signal. As a comparison, the Roland VP-330 only had 10 frequency bands, with a very musical sound, at the price of much less clarity.

The Carrier: Ypu can use the internal analog Synthesizer as a carrier, which immediately gives the X201 its characteristic and recognisable sound. Any other incoming signal can also be used, like an external Synthesizer, another voice etc.

The Silence Bridging: This exotic title hosts a Multiband frequency dependent Envelope Follower engine, which will shapes the signal gain according to it's harmonic content. It's very useful for processing percussive or rhythmic sonic material, or contour to the sound.

So how does it work -in any DAW-? Usual scenario: You record your voice, even without actually singing, then choose the internal synth as the Carrier. Then you send Midi notes to the Carrier to make your voice sing those notes (or chords, because the engine is polyphonic). Et voilà.

More is more: On the X201, we exposed internal circuitry parameters that were not available on the original unit, making it more versatile, and powerful.

We also added some vintage analog modeled effects: Chorus, Phaser, Delay and an early ‘digital' reverb unit. You can also configure custom effect routing and order.

As a Multi-FX: You can also use the X201 as a simple Filter Bank/Chorus/Phaser/Delay/Reverb Multi-Effect. Try it on a Rhodes, Clavinet or String Machine patch, and rediscover these vintage organic sounds that required a long chain of vintage effects.