SYNTH ANATOMY Unleashes the ESI Xsynth: The ROMpler-Virtual Analog Mashup Nobody Saw Coming

The ESI Xsynth isn’t just another plastic keyboard hoping for a spot on your desk. It’s a full-on multitool: MIDI interface, controller, audio interface, and a 10-voice digital synth all crammed into a single slab. SYNTH ANATOMY wastes no time laying out the basics—this thing is designed to do it all, and it’s not shy about it.

You get polyphonic aftertouch on the keys, MIDI input for external control, and the ability to play the synth engine directly from the onboard keyboard. If you’re after a portable rig that won’t buckle under pressure, the Xsynth is already ticking boxes. Don’t expect it to just sit there looking pretty—this is a workhorse built for action.

Tom from SYNTH ANATOMY nails the vibe: the Xsynth’s sound engine is the lovechild of a 90s ROMpler and an early 2000s virtual analog. Think Novation, think MiniKorg, but with a modern twist and a few surprises lurking under the hood. It’s not just about nostalgia—the Xsynth manages to channel those classic tones while keeping things fresh.

You’ll find single-cycle waveforms, sample-based oscillators, and even some field recordings thrown in for good measure. Sure, you can’t upload your own samples (yet), but there’s plenty to explore. The result? A familiar, punchy palette that’s ready for anything from lush pads to gritty leads, all with that unmistakable digital edge.

Let’s get one thing straight: nobody wants to get lost in endless menus when inspiration hits. Tom’s quick to point out that the Xsynth keeps things immediate—four knobs, clear buttons, and a workflow that’s more about tweaking than scrolling. Oscillators, filters, and modulation are all just a button press away.

Switching between parameters is dead simple, and you’re never more than a twist or two from the sound you want. Even the modulation matrix and macros are a breeze to set up. If you’re allergic to menu-diving and love hands-on control, the Xsynth’s interface is a breath of fresh air. It’s built for speed, not frustration.

Under the bonnet, the Xsynth packs three sample-based oscillators, each with their own set of tweakable parameters. You get FM, PWM, oscillator sync, and a mixer section with ring mod for extra bite. The filter section is no slouch either—classic controls, multiple types, and a resolution that goes way beyond the usual 127 steps, letting you fine-tune with surgical precision.

Modulation is where things get spicy: three envelopes (with hold), three LFOs that go into audio rate for proper chaos, and a modulation matrix that’s actually fun to use. Want to map polyphonic aftertouch or velocity? Easy. The FX section is a bit quirky—three slots, each with fixed effect categories—but there’s enough on tap to mangle your sounds in style. Add in an advanced arpeggiator and a generous preset system, and you’ve got a sound design playground that’s begging for abuse.