XILS 3 CM - FREE VST/AU synth plugin

So how'd you like your very own virtual recreation of one of the most revered modular instruments ever created? Computer Music and the DSP-crazed boffins at XILS-lab have teamed up to bring you XILS 3 CM, an astonishingly accurate recreation of the legendary EMS VCS 2 synthesiser.

Based on the same synthesis engine developed for their incredible XILS 4 (which scored 9/10 in issue 209 of CM), this self-contained electronic music laboratory provides you with all you need to recreate the sounds of the future - as imagined by those mad scientists of yore! What's more, you'll be able to use the synth as a learning tool to master the art of modular synthesis by following along with our expert walkthroughs and video tutorials. There's even an extra-special 'Modular Track-Builder' feature, showing you how to create a modern modular-powered dancefloor track using only XILS 3 CM!

Features and uses:

  • Six oscillators (including saw, sine and triangle waves) grouped in three pairs
  • Self-oscillating low-pass filter with either 12dB, 18dB or 24dB/oct slope
  • Dual-mode envelope generator, switchable between trapezioid and regular ADSR modes
  • Noise generator
  • Oscillators can be used as LFOs or modulation sources
  • Flexible pin board matrix section for near-endless routing possibilities
  • Ring mod - multiply two oscillator signals for crazy metallic effects
  • Spring reverb module
  • Stereo chorus and delay sections
  • X/Y joystick - assign horizontal and vertical parameters for live tweaking
  • Virtual keyboard module with portamento, velocity sensitivity and aftertouch
  • MIDI Learn
  • 32-/64-bit PC VST
  • 32-/64-bit Mac AU/VST

How to get XILS 3 CM:

Buy Computer Music magazine issue 211 (CM211) and you can download XILS 3 CM right away.

For more info on CM Plugins, read our FAQ, and find out about our Vault download system.

If you like XILS 3 CM, be sure to check out XILS-lab's site for more of their fantastic synths, including the mental XILS 4 - essentially two VCS 3-alikes in one! It houses 12 oscillators, two multimode filters, four trapezioidal envelopes, five LFOs, polyphonic sequencer, effects and plenty more. Click here to head to the XILS-lab website.

Computer Music

Computer Music magazine is the world’s best selling publication dedicated solely to making great music with your Mac or PC computer. Each issue it brings its lucky readers the best in cutting-edge tutorials, need-to-know, expert software reviews and even all the tools you actually need to make great music today, courtesy of our legendary CM Plugin Suite.