X Audio Systems has introduced XTRIKE, a stereo polyphonic, multitimbral wavetable synthesizer.
Here’s what they have to say about it:
“XTRIKE’s dual-daisy architecture combines a magnetic bender and an expressive pad, offering a tactile, soft impact-driven interface that feels like a percussive instrument while harnessing the full power of a modern synthesizer. Beyond traditional percussive sounds, XTRIKE empowers users to craft intricate, evolving soundscapes through its advanced wavetable synthesis engine and experimental toolset.”
Features:
- Synthesizer – A 4-voice polyphonic, analog-controlled wavetable synthesizer with robust processing and many effects.
- Tuning – An intuitive auto-tuning and micro-tuning engine for precise pitch control and cultural exploration.
- Sequencer – A dynamic 16-step sequencer for crafting complex compositions directly on the instrument.
- Loop/Multi – 20 seconds of stereo sampling, looping, processing, multilayering for real-time creativity.
Pricing and Availability:
XTRIKE is now in pre-launch phase on Indiegogo. You can sign-up with your email to get a 200€ super-early-bird discount. Details on pricing and availability are to be announced.
Looks really beautiful and the magnets pitch-bend is an interesting idea. I am wondering, if it is focusing on percussive sounds (since there is just one pad), does it need a pitch-bend? I can understand a fader or mod wheel, but why does it need to return to centre? I’ll be interested to understand the use-case if the project goes forward. I think unusual electronic percussion is great (e.g. wavedrum), if that’s what this is.
Definitely keeping an eye on this.
it looks like a wavedrum but appears to only have one trigger, whereas the wavedrum had many of them, same with Handsonic…. so more like a traditional electronic drum than the hand drum style
I really like the concept and the possibilities. However, sonically – as it is right now – I don’t see how could I use it on a song be it as drum or as a melodic part.
Hopefully the developer will take more time and user feedback to refine the design and sound engine.
Apart from that, I would suggest to add simple plus and minus buttons, no matter what’s on screen, just to change the current sound/patch/preset.
Screens are great and all but at least the basic operations should have a direct and dedicated knob or switch. For live situations there is nothing better than that.
Never again an indiegogo funding,,, been screwed too many times, especially with music hardware…
sounds like crap
As a synth it is rather limited. As a controller too. So, why does it exist? I think I am missing something.
Depends on how good the pad is. If it’s sensitive enough that you can actually pick out a melody with velocity sensitivity with your fingers or a pair of drumsticks, it could be really cool. Otherwise yeah, it’s a relatively limited, digital synth voice with a single trigger.
Not something I’d spend a bunch of money on unless it was really fun to perform with.
I am interested to see what the inputs are for.
Seems like it would be fun, always great to see someone do something odd like this.
The site doesn’t say anything about XY, zones, slide, aftertouch, etc… Is it just one big velocity-sensitive pad? That doesn’t seem great.
It appears to designed with drummers & percussionists in mind. Pads like that are nicer to hit with sticks than MPC size pads. It’s like a monotimbral Nord Drum.
Where did you get the idea about XY, zones, slide, aftertouch from?
I meant that I didn’t see any of those, and given the way it is presented and the desktop synth form factor I was expecting more tonal playability..