Syn'X

Name: Syn'X
Price: 66.99 USD
Author: XILS-lab

by XILS-lab · Synth · Elka Synthex-inspired polysynth

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Syn'X is a polytimbral synth inspired by the Elka Synthex, with DCOs, modeled CEM 3320 filters and BBD chorus, laid out in up to eight layers.

It adds chaotic and rhythm LFOs, a polysequencer and 300 presets, for €59 on sale (about $66.99).

Best for: Keys & Synths, Bass, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Pop, Ambient & Cinematic.

Keywords: polyphonic, 80s, hardware emulation, preset-driven, punchy, inspired by, sequencer, analog, BBD, bright, modulation matrix, 70s, arpeggiator, cinematic, leads, pads, sound design, subtractive, thin, vintage.

What it does

Syn'X is XILS-lab's polytimbral synth based on the synthesis part of the Italian Elka Synthex from the 1980s, with a layered architecture inspired by "hardware analog monsters" like the Oberheim Matrix 12. The developer highlights its "clear and punchy DCOs."

Oscillators: up to 40 per patch, with seven waveforms including triangle, saw, square and PWM variants that can be selected at once, plus ring modulation, hard sync and a zero-delay-feedback PWM cross-modulation mode.
Filters: eight CEM 3320-based filters with 12 and 24 dB lowpass, 6 and 12 dB bandpass and 12 dB highpass modes, self-oscillation and an optional overdrive circuit.
Envelopes and LFOs: up to 32 D-ADSR envelopes with MIDI-synced delay segments, and up to 50 LFOs with cumulative waveforms.
ChaoX and rhythm LFOs: a chaotic module with four functions (Flying Fly, Bow Tie, Rainbow, Butterfly) and rhythm LFOs named Octo, Hexa, Terna, Hoover and Stutter.
Mod matrix: 132 possible destinations, including the effect parameters.
Layers and play modes: up to eight layers with 16-voice polyphony, two independent keyboards for splits and layers, eight mono, unison and poly play modes, and a Guitar mode.
Sequencing: two arpeggiators, one per keyboard, and a 4x128-step polyphonic sequencer with real-time and step recording.
Effects and editing: analog-style chorus, phaser, delay, reverb and dual EQ; Easy and Advanced edit modes; 300 factory presets.

This is version 2.6.3, with NKS support. A 15-day time-limited demo licence and a demo version are both offered.

Source: XILS-lab product page

When to use it

Syn'X is the better pick for bright, punchy early-80s DCO polysynth sounds built from many stacked layers. Compared with Diva, it has a deeper layered and split architecture, two keyboards and a polyphonic sequencer, while Diva focuses on modelling a single analog voice in great detail. CS-80 V models another early-80s flagship, but Syn'X is closer to a Synthex/Matrix 12 hybrid with chaotic and rhythmic LFOs that CS-80 V lacks. Against Sylenth1 or Hive 2 it is slower to program and less aimed at modern EDM sounds, though its Easy mode helps.

Best for: bright DCO leads, layered and split pads, sequenced polysynth parts and 1980s-style patches.
Genres: synthpop, synthwave, electronic and cinematic music.
Look elsewhere if: you want a simpler synth for quick modern sounds; Sylenth1 or Hive 2 are easier.
Tip: start in Easy mode with the 300 presets, then switch to Advanced mode and the 132-destination matrix for complex patches.

What producers say

User feedback is thin but positive, centred on the sound.

KVR users rate it 5 out of 5 from one review (v1.0, 2011); the reviewer put it alongside Diva as one of the finest software analog emulations.
Criticisms: the same reviewer found the GUI sluggish in some setups and was less keen on the front panel design.
Sample Sound Review (v2.5) praised the punchy DCOs, BBD-style chorus and the split between Easy and Advanced modes.

Where to buy

XILS-lab: $66.99 (regular $225.96) (Listed at €59 (regular €199); converted at €1 = $1.1355 (ECB rate, 29 Sep 2026))

Tutorials and reviews

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