XL1

64 Voice BPM Synthesizer

Overview The Xtreme Lead was launched in spring 2000 as the Techno/Electronica Module in the new Proteus "1000" range. With a highly credible 64 voices and 32 MB of samples, the XL-1 takes the Audity 2000 sample set, adds hundreds more samples, and adds new functions to put E-mu sample synthesis onto a new level. From classic synthesizers to drums and to loops and worms - its all in here! Even a lawn mower .

Expansion E-mu Systems have launched various sound ROM's (at $249 - $295 each) that slot into the 1U casing via a SIMM socket. The TURBO upgrade takes the module to full Proteus "2000" specification (6 analog outs, Coax SP/DIF or AES/EBU digital out, 32 MIDI channels, and 4 ROM slots).

Filters The XL-1 has 50 Z-plane 14-pole digital filters some of which are extracted from the 197 filter types that were created for the Morpheus. Some are rather newer (e.g. TB303!). There are a wide range of filters from traditional analog, to formants and flange/phaser. If you use some of the more complex filters your voice polphony will reduce by a half.

Waveforms An amazing 1210 sampled waveforms are contained in this module. This is the complete 16MB set of samples from the Audity 2000, plus the 16MB of samples from the Audity Extreme Sound ROM (from the Phatt and Orbit modules). Some of the presets are the same as the Audity 2000, some are different.

Configuration There are four "oscillators" called Instruments, Layers 1 - 4. They each can replay any of the 16-bit sampled waveforms, which are connected to the Z-plane filter, and then a digitally controlled amplifier(DCA) and stereo pan.

There are 2 envelope generators (one for the filter, and one for the DCA), plus a third assignable envelope generator. There are also two independent LFO's per layer, each with 17 different waveforms and they can sync to MIDI clock. Then there is a full modular patch cord facility to enable control of any of the 64 destinations, with any of the 64 sources.

Effects The XL-1 has a dual 24-bit effects set up, with 76 types of basic effects. Very useful, but not a substitute for a dedicated unit.

Verdict The Xtreme Lead is awesome, the Audity 2000 on steriods !