XILS Lab Releases PolyKB II Vintage Polyphonic Virtual Synthesizer

December 6th, 2010 by David Weiss

Virtual synthesis developer XILS LAB announced that it has launched PolyKB mk II, the recreation of a rare and powerful polyphonic synthesizer released in the 80’s. According to XILS LAB, PolyKB II captures the sound and spirit of the RSF PolyKobol Analog synthesizer including its continuous morphing oscillator, which can be fully modulated by many sources.

The PolyKB II takes this virtual synth further.

The PolyKB II is a polyphonic subtractive synthesizer based on two waveform morphing, aliasing free oscillators and a self oscillating 4 poles low-pass filter. The oscillators make up a large part of the synth’s sound, while the filter recreates a standard analog chip of the 80’s.

Along with complete modulation sections, these features allow the PolyKB II to create extremely warm sounds, from basses to slowly evolving pads, aggressive leads and thin crystal keyboards, as well as a large range of special effects ideal for sound design.

Through December 19, 2010 the new PolyKB II Synthesizer will be sold at an introductory price of $89 (MSRP $199), or as part of the “Ultimate XILS-Lab bundle” sold during the same period at $189 (MSRP $398).

PolyKB II updates Version 1 with the following:

• Modulation has been enhanced in the three modulation matrices
• All can now have a negative value applied (V1 always being positive), while an additional “Velocity Control Mode” now allows a huge dynamic range !
• A number of new modulation sources and targets have been added, including Monophonic LFOs (allowing Mono and Poly LFOs in the same patch)
• The implementation of a unique Time Multiplier system allows all envelope times to be multiplied by x2, x3, or x4 — all with a simple click.
• Two new effects have been added — Phaser, plus a special Dual EQ, with a unique and musical-sounding Contour function.
• The Arpeggiator now includes a Polyphonic mode, as well as Gate and Swing parameters, making it far more versatile.
• The proprietary D-Myx Stereo XY Pad tool now benefits from two dynamic modes, allowing a controlled motion between the points with full visual control.
• The proprietary P-Myx Polyphony-controlled XY Modulation Pad can now send negative modulation amounts, allowing notes to sound different each time they’re played – kiss goodbye to boring, static sounds, forever !
• An easier-to-operate Polyphonic Sequencer now has a magnification tool and shift step function — very handy for real-time recorded patterns.
• Responding to user feedback, PolyKB II benefits of an ergonomically and cosmetically-revamped GUI, viewable in three sizes (Small, Medium, and Large)
• An improved, intuitive management system based around a powerful dual-hierarchical filtering concept, allows users to quickly find whatever patch they’re looking for.
• 250 new hot patches now takes advantage of all these features — almost all new presets react to Mod Wheel.
• New patches will be available right after PolyKB II’s release date.
* All owners of the previous version of PolyKB can upgrade to PolyKB II for free.

The PolyKB II is available for the following formats :

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