XILS 4

Name: XILS 4
Price: 59 USD
Author: XILS-lab

by XILS-lab · Synth · Matrix modular synth (EMS VCS4)

Not rated yet

XILS 4 emulates an unreleased EMS VCS4 prototype, two linked VCS3 (Synthi) cores, as a matrix-patched modular synth with a 256-step polyphonic sequencer.

It has 12 oscillators, two multimode filters, joystick controllers and effects, for €59 on sale (about $66.99).

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

Keywords: sequencer, hardware emulation, modular, polyphonic, sound design, analog, classic, evolving, experimental, monophonic, vintage, 70s, cinematic, drag-and-drop routing, steep learning curve, subtractive, tempo-synced, textures, virtual analog.

What it does

XILS 4 is a virtual analog matrix modular synth that recreates a prototype EMS never released: the VCS4, built from two interacting VCS3 (Synthi) cores. The developer combined that idea with Tim Blake's "Crystal Machine", two linked EMS machines with hard sync, and added modules from XILS 3.

Sound sources: 12 aliasing-free oscillators in six pairs, with wave-shaping and hard sync, plus two noise oscillators.
Filters and envelopes: two non-linear, zero-delay multimode filters (12, 18 or 24 dB) and four looping trapezoid envelopes that can switch to standard ADSR.
Pin matrices: eight pin matrices, including two 256-point matrices for the main synthesis, with more than 1,100 possible connections per patch.
Modulation modules: a polyphonic LFO with two audio-rate oscillators, a polyphonic ring modulator, and pitch tracker, envelope follower, transient, gate and sample and hold modules that can also process incoming audio.
Joysticks: two programmable joystick vector controllers with up to 32 + 32 modulation targets each.
Sequencer: a polyphonic sequencer modelled on the EMS 256 with three independent lines, live, step and edit recording, slew controls, and use as a modulation source.
Outputs and effects: four independent outputs, each with an analog low-pass and high-pass filter, plus three-mode chorus, tempo-synced delay, phaser and spring reverb.
Play modes and presets: six play modes including unison (2, 4 or 6 voices), poly and mono portamento and legato, polyphonic aftertouch, and nearly 700 tagged presets including the XILS 3 factory library.

This is version 1.6.3. A demo can be downloaded, and a 15-day time-limited full licence is available.

Source: XILS-lab product page

When to use it

XILS 4 is the pick for EMS-style patching: wild, evolving and noisy sounds built by setting pins in a matrix. Compared with Phase Plant and Pigments 7, it has a fixed vintage architecture instead of open module slots, but its two linked synths, pin matrices and joysticks invite more happy accidents. It is far less immediate than Serum 2 or Vital, since you route most things by hand. Unlike Diva, it is not built for classic subtractive pads and basses, though MusicRadar found its envelopes and filters rich and punchy.

Best for: experimental sound design, evolving sequences, effects and textures, and classic EMS VCS3-style sounds.
Genres: electronic, experimental, ambient and cinematic music.
Look elsewhere if: you want quick, modern preset-based sounds (Serum 2 or Pigments 7) or straightforward polysynth patches (Diva).
Tip: start from the presets, which are sorted by style and type, and learn the routing from them before building patches from scratch.

What producers say

Reviewers rate the sound and depth very highly; the learning curve and sequencer editing are the main reservations.

MusicRadar (2014) called it an "incredibly realistic analogue emulation" with excellent presets and flexible routing, but found the sequencer grid small and tedious past 32 steps.
The Synthesizer Sympathizer (2014) praised its faithfulness to the VCS3 and "incredible depth of signal routing and modulation", but warned you can't "stumble randomly into a sound you like".
Criticisms: hidden or unexplained GUI features, non-standard envelopes and a sequencer that needs the manual to set up.

Where to buy

PluginFox: $59 (regular $159)
AudioDeluxe: $59 (regular $159)
XILS-lab: $66.99 (regular $225.96) (Listed at €59 (regular €199); converted at €1 = $1.1355 (ECB rate, 29 Sep 2026))
Best Service: $159
Plugin Boutique: $185

Tutorials and reviews

Similar plugins

Synthi V by Arturia · Semi-modular analog synth · $149
ARP 2600 V3 by Arturia · Semi-modular analog synth emulation · $149
Modular by Softube · Virtual modular synth · $49
Modular V3 by Arturia · Modular analog synth emulation · $169.19
MAP by GForce Software · West Coast-inspired modular synth · $119
SYSTEM-100 by Roland · SYSTEM-100 semi-modular emulation · $39
TAL-Mod by TAL Software · Virtual analog modular synth · $60
PS-3300 by Cherry Audio · Korg PS-3300 semi-modular polysynth · $49
Bazille by u-he · Modular FM/PD synth · $129
XILS 3 LE by XILS-lab · EMS VCS3 modular emulation (lite) · $32.93

All synths