SOUND Coldfire-based processor manages 64 digital voices polyphony.
a basic patch is composed by 4 tones PCM samples with independent parameters:
- chorus mode stacks twice the same waveforms
- sample start offset
and delay
- 5 solo modes
- volume
- pitch tuning
- panning
- keyboard zone.
WAVETABLE the factory ROM 32 MB wavetable contains 1210 PCM at 44 kHz- 16 bit resolution. According to EMU company, many XL-1 PCM were directly recorded from the analog vintage machines and modular synthesizers. ROM: wavetable is split in 3 main categories:
1- analog, noise and synthesizer raw waveforms with loops and textures
2- pre-generated harmonics PCM
3-
drum percussions (mainly electronics).
EXPANSION the XL-1 can be expanded another single ROM - some are standard in others EMU machines:
| ROM NAME |
can be found on: |
| |
|
| Definitive B-3 |
Emu b3 |
| Pure Phatt |
MoPhatt / MK6 / MP-7 |
| Protean |
PX-7 |
| Techno Synth Yard |
Orbit 3 |
| Beat Garden |
Orbit 3 |
| Orchestral Session 1-2 |
Virtuoso 2000 |
| World Expedition |
Planet Earth |
| Sounds of the ZR |
Ensoniq Halo |
| X-Lead |
Xtreme Lead-1 / XL-7 / XK-6 |
| Vintage |
vintage pro / keyboard vintage keys |
| Composer |
proteus 1000 / 2000 / 2500 / PK-6 |
| Audity |
audity 2000 |
| Siedlaczek Orchestra |
Not included in any machines |
| Protozoa |
Not included in any machines |
| Holy Grail |
Not included in any machines |
| Ensoniq Project |
Not included in any machines |
|
|
|
UPGRADE optional TURBO board add some upgrades:
-
it doubles polyphony
-
adds 2 extra SIMM slots
-
twice Midi channels
- extra second Midi set
-
digital SPDIF out (coaxial)
-
4 extra analog outs
.
TECH : Turbo upgrade brings the 1000 series to full 2000 series power but it is also possible to fit the XL1 lead SIMM directly to a 2000 model for the extra features.
FILTER there are 50 models of Z-plane filters but slimmed down-version from previous Emu Morpheus. First filter types are the classic ones including lowpass, highpass and bandpass and more sophisticated ones like swept octave EQ, phasers, flangers, vocal formant filters. Filters are classified in 9 different categories:
| LPF |
Low-pass filter
|
| PHA |
Phaser |
| HPF |
High-pass filter
|
| FLG |
Flanger
|
| BPF |
Band-pass filter |
| VOW |
Vowel/ formant |
| EQ+ |
EQ boost |
| EQ- |
EQ cut |
| SFX |
Special Effect |
|
ENVELOPE 3 main EGs sharing same structure : 6 segments + 6 times:
1- EG1: amplitude (1 for each layer)
2- EG2: filter (1 for each layer)
3- EG3: AUX
freely assignable in MATRIX.
LFO up to 2 interchangeable modulators (range from 0,08 Hz to 18,14 Hz) both can be assigned to and open matrix structure (see modulation processor) that manages various sources and modulation destinations. Typical destinations are: pitch, amplitude or filter.
The modulators can be key-synched, delayed and features 17 waveforms:
random
triangle
sine
saw
square
33 / 25 / 16 / 12 % pulse width
hemi quaver
|
pat octaves
pat 5th
pat sus 4th
pat neener
sine 1,2
sine 1,3,5
sine and noise
|
MODULATION PROCESSOR like a modular, the module handles 24 internal routings or virtual patchcords that connect a modulation source to a destination. The modulator polarity can be also changed: that is
the value relation that can be set to positive or negative.
A list of the matrix elements would be too long, here's a schematic simplification:
| Sources |
Destinations |
note key
velocity
bender
modulation wheel
Midi CC#
footswitch
EG1 -2 -3
LFO1 - 2
noise (pink/white)
random
time dividers
mathematical - logic functions
|
key sustain
pitch
glide
start wave offset
filter cutoff / resonance
pan
amplitude
EG1 ADSR
EG2 ADSR
EG3 ADSR
LFO1-2 frequencies
mathematical - logic functions |
MULTITIMBRAL the global mode manages 16 parts with individual settings:
- Midi channel
- analog out
- panning
- volume
- transpose
- split (link).
EFFECT a 24 bit DSP manages 2 ditable main FX groups:
1- DSP1: 44 reverb and echo algorithms including hall, room, plate and delay
2- DSP2: 32 modulation algorithms like chorus, flanger, phaser and vibrato.
Full FX list HERE
ARPEGGIATOR each of the 16 global parts can have an assigned arpeggiator (which also outputs Midi).The note/octave range can be assigned as well as velocity gate, latched, looped to specific bars or assigned to 19 different tempo dividers (arpeggio list )
SUPERBEATS included 1024 pre-programmer rhythmic patterns.
These patterns are usually sliced on the keyboards with 2 grooves variations and 4 fills and latch mode; it is also possible to program some user beats using 16 different tracks.
SYNC the internal masterclock from 25 to 300 BPM controls the superbeats, arpeggiator, the LFO frequency or can be clocked to MIDI source.
TIP: the enter button acts as a tap tempo.
MEMORY:
-
512 RAM patches
-
384 ROM patches on the XL SIMM
- 200 ROM arpeggiator patterns
- 100 RAM arpeggiator patterns
- 12 ROM microtuning
- 12 RAM microtuning
Created sounds can be only saved to Midi Sysex dump
EDITOR some computer-based editors for XL1:
- Soundquest (mac / pc $$)
- Prodatum (mac / pc / linux free donation)
LINK
RELATED X-TREME LEAD FAMILY
 |
Emu XK-6 - 61 keys version same characteristics |
 |
Emu XL-7 desktop version with 128 voices and 4 SIMM slots |
 |
Emu Audity 2000 - 16 Mb of sounds, upgraded to 32 in XL1 |
 |
Emu Orbit previous module series, the XL1 contains all waveforms. Orbit then has been updated to V2. |
VST PLUGIN / SAMPLED VERSION free and commercial samples set:
| |
name |
price |
link |
demo |
 |
EMU CREATIVE Xtreme Lead X |
PLUGIN commercial.
Should contains all Xl1 samples. For emulator X and Proteus X softwares. |
 |
n/a |
 |
digitalsoundfactory |
commercial sample pack |
|
n/a |
AUDIO DEMO
trend price : 200€
RACKMOUNT (weight: 3 Kg) 1 rack unit. 
