X Audio Systems XTRIKE, an impact-driven wavetable Synthesizer with looper

X Audio Systems XTRIKE is a new impact-driven wavetable Synthesizer playable with a tactile interface and a looper.

In May 2022, Italian boutique developer X Audio Systems unveiled the BEATS FM, a hybrid Synthesizer/noise machine that uses radio signals as a sound source. A highly experimental synth that was recently discontinued.

This was done because the developers are currently working on a new project that is just as special. X Audio Systems has announced the XTRIKE, a new hardware wavetable Synthesizer with an innovative tactile approach.

X Audio Systems XTRIKE

XTRIKE is a new hardware wavetable Synthesizer; however, it is not an ordinary one.

As you can see from the picture, the X Audio Systems XTRIKE does not have a traditional keyboard. Instead, it utilizes a combination of a magnetic bender and an expressive pad that form a tactile, soft, impact-driven interface.

The interface invites the user to create percussive and other types of sounds. Touch gestures can be used to play sounds, and with the magnetic bender, you can play them very expressively.

At the heart of XTRIKE lies a new architecture consisting of two Daisy chips that manage both the power for the synthesis engine and for the controller.

On the synthesis side, it offers a 4-voice polyphonic analog-controlled wavetable Synthesizer with various adjustable parameters and built-in effects such as a delay. According to the developer, you can also draw your own wavetables in the hardware.

For the best playing experience, it also has a clever audio-tuning and micro-tuning engine for precise pitch control and exploration of various exotic scales.

Part of the engine is also a dynamic 16-step sequencer and a 20-second stereo looper with multi-layering capabilities. The looper, in particular, pushes the playability of the synth further and makes it possible to perform with different sounds at the same time.

Currently, the XTRIKE Synthesizer is a prototype and the developers say

As of July 2025, XTRIKE is in the prototype phase. Our team is committed to refining the instrument until its design and performance meet our exacting standards. To achieve this, we are implementing minor adjustments before moving to production.

The prototype’s features are performing exceptionally well. Its graphical display is both visually stunning and highly intuitive. The dual-daisy engine is robust, delivering the substantial processing power required for the project’s complexity. While minor software tweaks are still needed, this aspect of the project is nearly complete.

Our current focus is on enhancing the interface, particularly the tactile pad. We are dissatisfied with the responsiveness and appearance of the current silicon pad, which is glued to the faceplate. We are reverting to our original concept of an independent, mechanically isolated pad. By integrating a PCB interface, as used in our initial testing, and fitting it into a dedicated slot in the faceplate, we aim to significantly improve sensitivity and user experience. Additionally, the pad will be available in various colors with a distinctive, creative design.

We are also refining the overall design, with particular attention to the side panels. While beech wood has yielded positive results, we are exploring alternative materials and designs to ensure the highest quality outcome. Only the best will suffice.

Connectivity

4-voice polyphony wavetable doesn’t sound like much. However, I suspect the highlight of the synth is the tactile interface, which allows you to perform differently than with a keyboard. Four voices are probably enough for this. 

But if you want to play the X Audio Systems XTRIKE synth traditionally, there are I/O options that make this possible.

On the back side, you have a power supply input, a 5-pin MIDI interface, clock in/out, a stereo input (L/R) with line and mic switch, and a stereo output also on 6.3mm sockets.

Since there is L/R stereo input, I guess the XTRIKE can also mangle audio signals like the BEATS FM.

First Impression

Since the synth is still in development, it’s difficult to give a comprehensive first impression at the moment. I find the concept intersting and refreshing, and what I see in the video makes me want more. I’m looking forward to the next development updates.

X Audio Systems XTRIKE is available soon to support on IndieGoGo. You can sign up with your email and secure a 200€ super-early-bird discount on the pre-order price for the official launch.

Keep in mind that crowdfunding campaigns can involve risks. See this project site for details.

More information here: X Audio Systems / IndieGoGo

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