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Description

XERXES delivers and unmatchable level of warmth through its two digitally controlled analog oscillators. A multimode analog filter, noise generator, 2 ADSR envelopes, 2 sync-able LFOs, unique analog BBD chorus with 3 modes, full MPE-based polyphonic aftertouch, and complete MIDI control work together to bring a classic analog sound ready to integrate into modern times.

Xerxes produces triangle, saw, square, and PWM waveforms with variable drift controls from each oscillator, sync with variable phase shifting, and ring modulation allowing for complex cross-modulation effects. Each oscillator features an octave switch, bipolar transpose potentiometer +/-7 semitones, a master tuning pot affecting both oscillators, and a detune knob for subtly detuning Oscillator 2 to Oscillator 1. Portamento/Glissando or Glide can be programmed to affect Oscillator 1, 2, or both.

The analog multimode filter on XERXES offers 24db/oct low pass and high pass modes and a band pass filter mode switchable from 12db/oct & 24db/oct for all kinds of filter characteristics. The filter can also be modulated by the dedicated ADSR envelope, LFO, velocity, and aftertouch (both MPE and Polyphonic Aftertouch supporting) allowing for incredibly expressive performance and programming.

XERXES features 6 LFO waveforms: Sine, triangle, saw, ramp, square, and random, plus a dedicated delay control to fade the LFO to the full amount set by the depth knob. Two LFOs are selectable with an A/B switch, each of which can be used to control multiple parameters set by the button switches to control oscillator tuning (A/B/Both) filter cutoff, and amplifier levels (VCF/VCA/Both.) Each of these LFOs also includes a Sync on/off switch.

XERXES features a beautiful, fully-analogue BBD-based chorus with 3 selectable modes, similar to the chorus effect found on the vintage Elka Synthex synthesizer. XERXES is equipped with stereo 1/4” outputs to take full advantage of the stereo chorusing effect.

Finally, XERXES features full MIDI control and ability to store 128 user presets per bank across 11 banks (Factory, Vintage and 9 user banks), integrating this classic synth concept seamlessly into any studio setup.

MrFirechild

MrFirechild

Black Corporation XERXES

Video thumbnail for Black Corporation XERXES by MrFirechild

Black Corporation XERXES

MrFirechild

MrFirechild

Video thumbnail for Black Corporation Xerxes Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer by Perfect Circuit

Black Corporation Xerxes Analog Polyphonic Synthesizer

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2019: Black Corporation Xerxes Synthesizer Sound Demo - Elka Synthex Clone | SYNTH ANATOMY by SYNTH ANATOMY

NAMM 2019: Black Corporation Xerxes Synthesizer Sound Demo - Elka Synthex Clone | SYNTH ANATOMY

SYNTH ANATOMY

SYNTH ANATOMY

Video thumbnail for Black Corporation XERXES. I did not expect this! by Wine&Synths

Black Corporation XERXES. I did not expect this!

Wine&Synths

Wine&Synths

Video thumbnail for Black Corporation Xerxes - Deep Dive by TJontheRoad

Black Corporation Xerxes - Deep Dive

TJontheRoad

TJontheRoad

Video thumbnail for Black Corporation Xerxes & Vermona DRM - 🇮🇹 Italo 🇯🇵 Minimal 🇩🇪 Disco Synth Demo by Wine&Synths

Black Corporation Xerxes & Vermona DRM - 🇮🇹 Italo 🇯🇵 Minimal 🇩🇪 Disco Synth Demo

Wine&Synths

Wine&Synths

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Black Corporation Xerxes.

Features and functionality

  • Owners highlight the aggressive, fat, and raw sound of the Xerxes, attributed to its DCOs and liberal use of chorus.

    Source
  • Black Corporation's synths, including the Xerxes, are designed for polyphonic aftertouch and MPE, though compatible keybeds are not readily available.

    Source

User experience

  • Enthusiasts appreciate the rack format for its flexibility despite the lack of a full-size keyboard, aligning with the target market's existing equipment.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how The Real Mike Dean uses Black Corporation Xerxes

The Real Mike Dean

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Def Squad

...
Verified via Photo

At 0:02 Mike shows a complete rack with all the Black Corporation synths available.

See how BT uses Black Corporation Xerxes

BT

Music Producer

All Hail The Silence

...
Verified via Facebook

In a Facebook video posted on February 10, 2021, BT discusses his setup and mentions using the Black Corporation Xerxes synthesizer at the 2:05 mark.

See how Firechild uses Black Corporation Xerxes

Firechild

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

at 3:52 in the video he shows the Xerxes under the Tube Tech Compressor

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Black Corporation Xerxes, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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