XS-707: Revive the Beats of a Classic Drum Machine with Unique Character
Looking for that unmistakable vibe of classic electronic beats? Want to add authentic groove and a special character to your tracks? Meet XS-707 by 12bitz – a plugin that gives you the sound of the legendary Roland TR-707 drum machine, passed through the vintage 12-bit EMU EMAX sampler. These are not just samples; they are carefully recreated sounds of the era, saturated with warmth and unique artifacts of classic digital equipment.
The TR-707 left an indelible mark on the history of electronic music, playing a key role in the formation of house, techno, and other genres. Its percussive sounds, crisp hi-hats, and characteristic drums are instantly recognizable. But what happens when this sound goes through the magic of 12-bit sampling and analog processing? It acquires new depth, graininess, and an analog tint that cannot be obtained using modern clean recordings.
Unique Sampling Process: A Vintage Path to Authenticity
The secret of XS-707 lies in the extremely detailed sampling process. Each hit from the TR-707 kit was recorded through the classic 12-bit EMU EMAX sampler. This choice is not accidental, as the EMAX is known for its warm, slightly dirty sound and excellent analog filter. It is this filter, actively involved during recording, that gives the samples a special color and liveliness. To fully convey the dynamic range and expression, the developers recorded an impressive 127 velocity layers for each drum element! This provides unprecedented realism and the absence of a “machine gun” effect when sounds are repeated quickly.
But the sound creation story doesn’t end with the EMAX. The recording went through an analog graphic equalizer to emphasize “tasty” frequencies, and the final stage was a tube preamp, which added warmth, saturation, and pleasant compression to the samples. As a result, you get not just dry samples, but ready-to-use, already “processed” sounds that have a true vintage character.
More than just a sampler: powerful features for modern production
XS-707 is a full-fledged tool, ready to integrate into your workflow. It contains a huge library of 1905 high-quality samples in 24-bit 44100 Hz format, which takes up about 440 MB after unpacking. Despite the fact that the source was a 12-bit sampler, recording in 24 bits allows you to preserve the entire dynamic range and nuances of processing, as well as gives more room for further editing and mixing.
The plugin offers wide possibilities for sound control and shaping:
- 127 velocity layers for maximum expression.
- 16 separate assignable outputs, allowing you to direct each drum element to a separate channel in your DAW for flexible mixing and processing.
- Pitch control (+/- 2 semitones) using a convenient pitch bend knob.
- Built-in filters (Low Pass / High Pass) for quick timbre correction and creating effects.
Compatibility and availability
XS-707 is available in the most popular plugin formats – VST (including VST2 and VST3) and AU (Audio Units), which ensures its compatibility with most modern digital audio workstations (DAWs) on the market. It supports Windows operating systems (32-bit and 64-bit versions) and OS X.
Note: for Mac users with Catalina and newer operating systems, there may be problems with plugin authorization. Before downloading, make sure it is compatible with your system.
Conclusion
XS-707 by 12bitz is a real gift for producers and musicians who appreciate the classic sound of drum machines, but are looking for something more than just clean samples. Thanks to the unique sampling process through the EMU EMAX and analog processing, as well as the implementation of 127 velocity layers, this plugin offers an exceptional sound that breathes history and has a true character. Add XS-707 to your collection of tools to fill your tracks with vintage groove and the unique atmosphere of the golden era of electronic music.
