XILS-lab has a very specific reputation in the software world. They are one of the few companies still devoted to recreating analogue instruments through deep modelling rather than convenience. Based in Grenoble and led by Xavier Oudin, their catalogue has grown to more than twenty instruments and effects, all of them focused on expressive playability and authentic vintage behaviour. The Eighty continues that tradition by paying tribute to the CS-80, one of the most iconic and emotional analogue synthesisers ever built.
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The CS-80 has always held a mythic place in electronic music. Its weighted keyboard, expressive polyphonic aftertouch and rich dual layers gave artists a sound that breathed in a way most modern synths struggle to match. The Eighty aims to bring that experience into the computer while adding modern workflow improvements that make it more usable in today’s sessions.
At its core The Eighty is a three layer instrument that blends classic subtractive synthesis with modern modulation. XILS-lab’s zero-delay analogue modelling captures the warmth and instability of vintage circuits without the blurry edges you sometimes get from basic analogue emulations. It is expressive, detailed and capable of moving from soft cinematic pads to bold leads and evolving textures that feel alive under your hands.
One of the strongest features is the modulation system. The Eighty includes ring modulation, cross modulation, complex LFO routes and envelope options that make the instrument feel deeper than a straight recreation. You can stick closely to CS-80 inspired tones or build modern layered patches that go far beyond the original hardware. The large preset library helps with this, offering hundreds of sounds that cover classic synth scoring, ambient work, retro tones and contemporary electronic presets.
The 2D mixer is another welcome addition. It gives you a quick way to balance layers and blend sources in a fluid, performance friendly way. Combine that with the arpeggiator, effects section and macro controls and you get an instrument that captures the soul of an analogue classic without feeling trapped by the past.
In a production environment The Eighty is fast to dial in. It loads quickly, responds well to expressive controllers and sits in a mix with minimal EQ shaping. The oscillators and filters carry a natural warmth that feels familiar to anyone who has used analogue hardware. Pads bloom gently. Leads cut without biting. Motion based textures feel organic rather than synthetic.
XILS-lab’s approach has always been about making instruments that feel playable rather than technical and The Eighty continues this tradition. It is not just a recreation. It is a modern evolution of a legendary instrument designed for musicians, producers and sound designers who want depth without friction.
If your studio needs a synth that can cover expressive scoring, retro analogue colour and modern cinematic sound design, The Eighty is a powerful choice. It has character. It has warmth. And like all XILS instruments, it rewards hands-on exploration.
TLDR
🎹 Vintage inspired synth with modern depth
🔥 Zero latency analogue modelling for authentic tone
🎛 Three layer architecture for expressive sound design
🌌 Ideal for cinematic pads, leads and evolving textures
⚡ Fast loading and performance friendly
🎧 Over twenty XILS instruments share the same design philosophy
