The Xpander is a six-voice desktop version of the Matrix 12 with which it shares an identical voice architecture. In many ways they are the most flexible non-modular analog synths ever built. Each voice has five LFOs, each with about five different wave shapes, plus the ability to sample most other modulators; five envelopes that can repeat themselves, sync to an LFO, and so on; a lag processor (like portamento, but more general); three tracking generators (that apply a series of linear functions to a value over its range); some ramp generators (the attack portion of an envelope); a 15-mode filter and a user interface to make all of this accessible.

Another very useful feature is its CV/gate to MIDI conversion capabilities for communication with older synths. There are six CV and Gate inputs which use standard 1V/8va CV and positive gating. So you can connect up to 6 external sources delivering CV/Gate and convert that into MIDI. Ample output options offer stereo and mono outputs as well as six additional individual audio outputs (1 for each voice) allowing you to use the Xpander as a stereo polyphonic 6-voice synth, as six individual monosynths or any combination in between. There's even a 3rd party Mod (Oddernmart mod) that allows for an external audio input that can be routed through the filter. And like The Matrix synths, the Xpander sounds wonderful, capable of thick analog basses, pads and textures. It is used by Cirrus, Josh Wink, Astral Projection, Vince Clarke, DJ Sasha, Chemical Brothers, Meat Beat Manifesto and Nine Inch Nails.

John Melcher

February 5, 2013 @ 12:20 am

My favorite feature was the "rotate" voice assignment. Each voice could have its own sound, transposition and panning. The results were weird, similar to Zappa's "list twister" program for the Synclavier.

moonmonster

January 23, 2013 @ 6:00 am

If you want a similar system for alot less bucks search out a MARION systems MSR2.
I have both the xpander and Marion MSR-2 and let me tell you you can get the same sounds from the MSR-2.
MSR-2 is a modular type synth designed by Tom Oberheim and it has a great Oberheim sound.

mikko

January 6, 2013 @ 1:03 pm

Been lusting after ne of these for a while now, Amazing synth!!!

steele

October 30, 2012 @ 1:07 pm

Its a super sound module, cant be compared with any DCO-controlled synth.
But since it a pain to program... One cant just think "ok then ill just se time on it"
cos one has to jump back and fort back and forth for parameters that interact
until one has had enough. But its worth the price anyway cos its unbeatable sound,
and id there are software to program it, its a top synth. And, it can be hard and aggressive but not really.. but for anything thats not meant to be really agressive its a dream

claudio

October 24, 2012 @ 10:05 am

Hi there someone who could give me a sound library? or a link to download new sounds
I would be most grateful! thanks

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