Click picture to see panel close-up

The FutureRetro XS is a true analog synthesizer with a modern, aggressive sound. Its compact form can be configured as a desktop or rack-mount module - whichever the user wants. The XS is monophonic with semi-modular characteristics. It has 46 controls on its surface, 43 of which are knobs for full knob-tweaking bliss. It has pre-wired internal signal routings similar to traditional synthesizers. However, there are 7 inputs and 11 outputs that can be utilized to override the pre-wired signal routings and interface with other instruments - even process external audio - making the XS a true semi-modular instrument.

The XS has 2 voltage controlled oscillators that can be frequency modulated independently by internal and external signals for complex waveforms. A dedicated LFO can be used to modulate external or internal signals. The 2-pole multimode filter can be used as a lowpass, bandpass, highpass, or notch filter and is capable of self-oscillation. Velocity-sensitive ADSR envelopes can be used to alter filter and amp.

Both MIDI and CV/Gate can be used separately or together to control signals in a variety of configurations. It can also act as a CV/Gate to MIDI converter, including CV/Gate/Mod Wheel/Velocity signals for controlling other analog instruments.

The XS can be used to make a variety of analog synth sounds including basslines, leads, drones, percussion, and sound effects. Although the XS is monophonic, multiple units can be linked together for more flexible and polyphonic possibilities. And like any true analog synth, there is no on-board memory, no effects processors, and sequencing/arpeggiation features are handled via external controllers (such as FutureRetro's Revolution).

10 VISITOR COMMENTS

cxs303

August 24, 2011 @ 1:10 pm

I got the XS for a year, and sold it at the end. Don't get me wrong, it's a cool synth for fx sounds and so on. Also, the easy bpm sync of the Lfo modulations are a good feature. But i never get a cool bassline out of it. The main sound is to harsh and gritty and fits not easy in the mix. After i got the Sem Patch Panel i sold it, because the Sem blows the XS away with his organic bass sound.

Conrad

October 18, 2010 @ 7:24 pm

Oh, and the envellopes are soo snappy. Amazing. It's definitely in the same league as Sequential's Pro-One.

Conrad

October 18, 2010 @ 7:23 pm

Oh man, I just got this synth less than a week ago, and there are sooo many sonic possibilities. It's my first real (by real, I mean analog) hardware synth and it is fantastic. You can get everything from ear-wrenching sound effects to beautiful, smooth leads. The basses on this thing are so fat and juicy, it blows any software synth straight out of the water. The only drawbacks are the limited amount waveforms on Oscillator A, and it's lack of patch memory (not too much of a problem, you can always just take a picture).

Things I wish it had, but would make it much more expensive:
-A keyboard
-Polyphony

Other than that, zero complaints. I highly highly recommend it, and customer service is excellent; Jered is a really nice guy.

donkey

September 24, 2010 @ 4:58 pm

"Also second filter modulation wouldn't hurt. Let's say you want to modulate filter frequency with LFO AND via EXT IN...no way - either LFO or EXT IN. Accent feature is killer! "

-you can, just patch from LFO out to Velocity in, then just turn up the velocity filter mod knob to add LFO mod to the filter, then set filter mod to external. boosh! i love this synth so much .

Pete James

June 6, 2010 @ 5:25 pm

I would say 4 stars is a little harsh! This synths sounds has really powerful oscillators that can sound beautiful and sweet or really overdriven and biting. The filter has a really gorgeous resonance and is just so smooth an analogue.

Very snappy envelopes, make it perfect for bass and percussive sounds such as kick drums and snares.

Then there's the extensive routing and expandability plus clever features like different envelopes for accented note and an analogue distortion as if being about to overdrive the oscillators and filter wasn't enough. It's also not massively common to find a sine wave which is great for thickening and sub bass!

The build quality is high, no mass produced and discreet components are used!

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