KX-SYNTH-X16: A Modular Synthesizer with a Vintage Heart
Immerse yourself in the world of classic synthesis with KX-SYNTH-X16 from KX77FREE – a vintage modular polyphonic synthesizer, designed to reproduce the warmth and unique character of legendary instruments of the past, in particular, mimicking the features of VCS3 oscillators. This plugin offers deep sound design capabilities, combining the flexibility of a modular architecture with the versatility of a modern VST instrument.
Sound Engine Features
The heart of the KX-SYNTH-X16 is its oscillator system and routing matrix. Three oscillators with variable waveforms are carefully tuned to emulate the color and bandwidth of VCS3 oscillators, offering authentic vintage sound. Add to this a noise generator with an equalizer and ring modulation, and you get a rich palette of sound sources for experimentation.
The central element of the modular structure is the 16×16 routing matrix with feedback capabilities. It allows you to create complex modulation paths, connecting any signal source to any destination. Each connection in the matrix has its own mini-knob for precise modulation level adjustment from 0 to 1, providing unprecedented control over the sound. A low-pass filter with a slope of 18 dB per octave adds a classic character, capable of self-oscillation to create resonant effects.
Modulation and Control
KX-SYNTH-X16 offers advanced modulation capabilities. In addition to the flexible matrix, it includes two ADSR envelopes with Attack Reset mode that synchronizes with the host or internal sequencer. There are also LFO and Sample & Hold for additional modulation sources (monophonic). The XY joystick and matrix MIDI controllers provide interactive real-time control, and the Full Midi Learn function makes integration with MIDI controllers easy and intuitive.
The plugin supports polyphony up to 6 voices, with full control of polyphonic functions through the advanced KXMOD system. Each voice can be customized with relative parameters (KXMOD), allowing you to create complex and dynamic polyphonic textures.
Analog Sequencer and Routing
One of the outstanding features of KX-SYNTH-X16 is the built-in analog sequencer (CV & Gate). It has a memory of 256 CV and 256 gates, allows you to save sequences to disk, has two accent lines, a random clock pulse generator, and the ability to input from the keyboard for transposition or recording CV data. The sequencer also has a MIDI output.
The plugin includes a MIDI In splitter function and a unique Omni MIDI output, which allows you to control external monophonic instruments and build a polyphonic ensemble, where each instrument plays the role of a separate voice. This opens up new possibilities for integration with external hardware.
Additional Features and Presets
KX-SYNTH-X16 replaces the original VCS3 spring reverb with a delay effect with host synchronization and LFO modulation, expanding its sound palette. Built-in keyboard scalers and the ability to influence Velocity on envelope segments, filter cutoff, and volume add expressiveness to the performance. The plugin comes with 128 signature presets from KX77FREE, covering a variety of sounds: 35 polyphonic instruments, 20 unison, 36 monophonic, 23 sequencer demonstrations and 14 training/initialization presets. A modern skin with the ability to change the background color and a built-in notepad make working with the plugin comfortable. Also included is an HTML help file.
KX-SYNTH-X16 is a powerful tool for musicians and sound engineers looking for deep modular synthesis capabilities, inspired by the classics, in a convenient VST plugin format for Windows.
