ESI Xsynth

ESI Xsynth

Ultra-Thin 25-key Synthesizer with integrated Master Keyboard and Audio/MIDI Interface

ESI is joining the synthesizer world with the Xsynth, the first synthesizer from the company best known for its portable MIDI controllers like the Xkey series and Xjam. The ESI Xsynth actually looks a lot like an Xkey 25, although it has a number of differences, including shorter keys and a coral design.

Synth Engine

Xsynth is a digital synth, with three oscillators capable of hosting a variety of waveforms. The synth comes with the usual analog waveform suspects but interestingly also includes more unusual fare like field recordings of environmental sounds. It also offers a number of drum sounds.

The synth engine also includes a multimode filter, three LFOs, three envelopes, a modulation matrix with up to 16 slots, and ring modulation. You also get an arpeggiator, glide, and octave control.

In terms of polyphony, the ESI Xsynth offers up to 10 voices but “always at least eight voices”.

Although you can do all your programming via the onboard screen, there’s also a software editor that runs on Mac or Windows computers.

Controller and Audio Interface

Given its MIDI controller history, it’s no surprise that you can use the ESI Xsynth as a controller. It sports polyphonic aftertouch as well as four controllers that can send out MIDI CC messages.

With its auxiliary in port, you can also use the Xsynth as a USB audio interface. It also sports MIDI in and out mini jacks.

Key Features

• Virtual analog subtractive synthesizer based on sample ROM
• 25 full size velocity sensitive keys with polyphonic aftertouch
• Aluminium body, ultra-thin and portable
• Polyphony: up to 10 voices
• 3 oscillators, 3 LFOs, 3 AHDSR envelopes, 16 mod matrix slots, 3 effect sections / EQ
• Patch memory: 512 sounds (4 banks of 128 patches each)
• Arpeggiator, glide, octave shift, hold function buttons
• Pressure-sensitive modulation and pitchbend buttons
• 4+1 encoders
• headphone, line out and aux in via 3.5mm (1/8″) connectors
• USB-C connection to Mac / PC (or other mobile devices)
• Bus-powered
• 3.5mm (1/8″) MIDI input and output
• 24-bit / 96kHz audio interface (recording of synth engine and aux in directly to computer), fully class compliant
• works as MIDI interface, Xsynth itself via USB MIDI plus MIDI I/O can be bridged to USB
• Free editor application for Mac and Windows
• EWDM / ASIO driver for Windows 10/11 available
• Dimensions: 387mm x 148mm x 27mm
• Weight: 634g

Full Size Keys
Xsynth comes with 25 velocity sensitive keys that follow exactly the width of traditional piano keys.

Portable
The ultra-slim lightweight design of Xsynth makes it easy to travel with. It fits into your luggage or backpack, so you can play on-the-go.

Aluminium Body
Robust, high quality construction: the ultra thin stylised anodised aluminium body gives Xsynth a solid and stylish design.

Connectors
Xsynth is very thin, and still has all the connectors you need.

Multi-sensitive Keys
Xsynth comes with 25 velocity sensitive keys that follow exactly the octave range of traditional pianos. Despite the slim design they even provide polyphonic aftertouch.

Encoders and Display
All synthesizer functions and parameters can be accessed quickly via the encoders with real time updates and information on the Xsynth display.

Polyphonic Aftertouch
Your pressure on the keys can control the individual amounts applied to vibrato, filter, etc – a professional studio standard feature.

Smart Buttons

Durable rubber smart buttons on the Xsynth provide the following features:

Pitch Bend Up and Down – touch sensitive buttons allow for smooth bends in either direction

Modulation

Sustain – held sustain, if you’re not using an external pedal

Octave Up and Down

Glide (portamento)

ARP

Editor Software

Bundled Software

In order to get you started right out of the box, Xsynth ships with a powerful software package for professional recording, creation of your own songs, mixing of any audio content and much more. The following applications are currently included:

Bitwig Studio 8-Track – the trim and effective DAW to start producing, performing, and designing sounds like a pro for use on up to eight tracks of audio / MIDI, incl. the Bitwig Essentials Package, a versatile selection of handpicked presets and sounds. Record instruments, create your arrangements, design new sounds, or just jam – every feature has been developed by musicians, for musicians!

Cubasis LE is the compact version of Steinberg‘s mobile multitouch sequencer, providing the same look and feel of its bigger brother Cubasis. Specially designed for quick and easy operation, Cubasis LE makes recording, editing and mixing a breeze, no matter where you are, right there on an iPhone or iPad when connecting Xsynth.

Whether you’re a podcaster, social media creator, musician, or home studio enthusiast, WaveLab Cast helps you refine and perfect your sound with professional-grade audio mastering and editing. This intuitive software from Steinberg transforms your computer with Xsynth into a full-fledged studio for recording, editing, analyzing, and publishing high-quality audio content.