JX220 by Jxplugins is an exciting virtual analog synthesizer that brings the warmth and character of classic hardware instruments directly into your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Designed for musicians and sound designers who value authentic analog sound, the JX220 offers an intuitive interface and a set of features that make it easy to create rich timbres – from deep basses to expressive leads and atmospheric pads. Available in VST format for Windows operating system users, this plugin is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced producers.
JX220 Features
The heart of the JX220 is its flexible sound generator.
Oscillator and Sub-Oscillator
- Main Oscillator: Allows you to choose between variable waveforms, providing broad possibilities for initial timbre shaping. Experimenting with the waveform, you can obtain both soft and rounded, and sharper and more saturated sounds.
- Sub-Oscillator: Works an octave or two below the main oscillator. This is an indispensable tool for adding “body” and weight to the sound, especially when creating bass lines or dense synth pads. The combination of the main and sub-oscillator allows you to achieve a dense and deep sound that is difficult to obtain with just one generator.
Filtering: Timbre Shaping
For sound sculpting, the JX220 is equipped with a 2-pole resonant digital IIR Low Pass filter. This filter is a key element in shaping the analog character of the sound:
- Low-Cut: Allows you to gradually or sharply reduce the intensity of high-frequency components of the signal, making the sound softer, warmer or more muted.
- Resonance: Amplifies frequencies around the cut-off point, creating a characteristic “singing” or “whistling” sound, which is a hallmark of many classic analog synthesizers. Using resonance can add drama and dynamics to the sound.
- Digital IIR filter: Implements classic analog filtering behavior in digital form, providing effective and musical timbre shaping.
LFO: Adding Movement and Life
The JX220 Low-Frequency Oscillator (LFO) generates a sine wave and operates in the range of 1 to 10 Hz. The LFO can be used to modulate various synthesizer parameters, bringing movement and dynamics to the sound:
- Creating vibrato for lyrical parts.
- Adding tremolo for rhythmic volume effects.
- Modulating the filter cut-off frequency to create “wah” or “quack” effects.
- Modulating pitch for pitch change effects.
Using the LFO allows you to transform a static timbre into a lively and breathing sound that integrates better into the mix.
Unison and Polyphony: Density and Harmonies
- Unison: By activating the unison function, you can layer several voices of the same timbre with slight detuning and panning. This creates a chorus effect, making the sound much denser, wider and richer, which is especially effective for lead melodies or powerful synth pads.
- Polyphony: The JX220 supports up to 8 simultaneous voices. This means you can play chords up to eight notes at the same time, which is sufficient for creating complex harmonic structures and arrangements in most musical genres.
MIDI Control and Sound Library
- Full MIDI Control: The plugin is fully compatible with the MIDI standard, which allows you to control all its parameters using a MIDI keyboard, controller or automation in your DAW. This provides seamless integration and convenience of the workflow.
- Presets and Programs: The JX220 comes with 128 factory presets, which demonstrate the variety of the synthesizer’s sound and can serve as an excellent starting point for your own experiments. Additionally, you can save up to 140 custom programs for each instance of the plugin, creating personalized sound libraries for different projects.
Compatibility
The JX220 is available in VST format and designed specifically for working on the Windows (Win32) operating system. This makes it easily accessible to the vast majority of PC users who are involved in creating music. Simply install the plugin in the appropriate folder and it will be ready to use in your DAW that supports VST plugins.
Conclusion
The JX220 virtual analog synthesizer from Jxplugins is a valuable and functional tool for any producer who wants to add classic analog sound to their tracks. Thanks to its basic but effective features – a flexible oscillator, resonant filter, LFO, unison and polyphony – the JX220 allows you to create rich and expressive timbres. Full MIDI control and a large number of preset slots provide convenience in work, and availability in VST format for Windows makes it easy to integrate into most studio settings. Try the JX220 and discover the world of warm analog sound!
