The quest for authentic vintage synth sounds has led to a surge in software emulations, but few capture the soul of ’90s hardware like Xenia, a free Waldorf Microwave XT VST plugin by The Usual Suspects. This groundbreaking emulation resurrects the iconic Microwave II/XT’s digital grit while navigating the quirks of beta development. Whether you’re a retro synth enthusiast or a modern producer craving that gritty 90s texture, this guide unpacks everything you need to know about Xenia—from its unique emulation approach to installation nuances.
A Brief History of the Waldorf Microwave XT
To appreciate Xenia, we must revisit its muse: the Waldorf Microwave XT. Released in 1998, the XT was the response to lukewarm reception of its predecessor, the Microwave II (1997). While the Microwave II introduced 10-voice polyphony and wavetable synthesis, its rackmount design lacked hands-on control. The XT fixed this with a desktop module packed with knobs and sliders, earning its place in studios for its bold, digital character.
Unlike the original Microwave (1989), which boasted analog filters, the XT embraced digital filters—a divisive shift that carved its niche in industrial, techno, and ambient music. Its raw, metallic timbres and intricate modulation options made it a cult favorite, a legacy Xenia aims to replicate.
What Is Xenia?
Xenia is the latest emulation from The Usual Suspects, a developer renowned for faithful recreations of classics like the Access Virus and Waldorf microQ. Unlike traditional plugins, Xenia doesn’t just mimic the Microwave XT’s sound—it emulates its hardware brain.
Key Details:
- Formats: VST2, VST3, AU, CLAP, LV2 (macOS, Windows, Linux).
- Price: Free (donation-supported).
- Status: Beta (as of August 2024).
The Magic Behind the Emulation: DSP56300 Chip
Xenia’s authenticity stems from its unconventional approach: emulating the Motorola DSP56300 chip, the original hardware’s core. This method allows Xenia to run the Microwave XT’s firmware, ensuring near-identical sound generation.
Why It Matters:
- Accuracy: By replicating the chip’s behavior, Xenia preserves the XT’s aliasing, filter quirks, and modulation nuances.
- Flexibility: Future updates could support other synths using the same chip (e.g., Access Virus, Nord Lead).
However, this approach requires users to supply the Microwave XT firmware—a legal gray area, as Waldorf hasn’t officially released it. More on this later.
Features & Sound: Capturing the XT’s Essence
Xenia’s interface mirrors the XT’s orange-and-black aesthetic, divided into five sections: Main, Mod, Arp/FX, Multi, and Browser. Let’s break down its sound-shaping tools:
- Oscillators & Wave Modules:
- Two oscillators with 64 wavetables, from gritty basses to ethereal pads.
- A wave mixer blends noise, ring modulation, and oscillator outputs for complex textures.
- Digital Filters:
- Dual resonant filters (LP, HP, BP) with overdrive, delivering the XT’s signature bite.
- Modulation & Effects:
- Two LFOs, three envelope generators, and an arpeggiator for motion.
- Built-in delay and reverb (in the Arp/FX section) add depth.
Sound Verdict:
Xenia’s presets—rumbling basslines, sync-swept leads, and haunting pads—ooze ’90s nostalgia. Demos reveal a plugin that’s both aggressive and nuanced, capable of piercing mixes or subtle atmospheres. The digital filters excel at metallic, icy tones, while the wavetables offer endless exploration.
Installation Guide: Navigating the Beta
Xenia’s installation isn’t plug-and-play, but here’s a streamlined guide:
- Download:
- Join The Usual Suspects’ Discord for beta access or download it on their website
- Grab the plugin (VST/AU/CLAP) and the Microwave XT firmware from authorized sources.
- Setup:
- Install the plugin into your DAW’s folder.
- Place the firmware ROM in the designated directory (details in the manual).
- Troubleshooting:
- No Sound? Ensure the firmware is correctly placed.
- Crashes? Beta instability is common; report issues on Discord.
Ethical Considerations: The Firmware Dilemma
Xenia’s requirement for Waldorf’s firmware sparks debate. While the plugin itself is legal, distributing copyrighted firmware isn’t. Users must source it ethically—ideally from their own Microwave XT or Waldorf’s official channels (if available).
The Usual Suspects emphasize they don’t supply the firmware, shifting responsibility to users. Proceed with caution to respect intellectual property.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Authentic Sound: Nails the XT’s digital character.
- Free & Cross-Platform: Accessible to all producers.
- Active Development: Beta phase promises future refinements.
Cons:
- Beta Bugs: Occasional crashes or GUI glitches.
- Firmware Hurdle: Legal ambiguity may deter some.
Conclusion: Is Xenia Worth It?
For producers seeking the Waldorf Microwave XT’s unrivaled texture without hunting vintage gear, Xenia is a treasure. Its chip-level emulation offers unparalleled realism, though the firmware hurdle and beta status demand patience. If you’re ready to navigate these quirks, Xenia delivers a slice of synth history—one gritty wavetable at a time.
Final Tip: Pair Xenia with analog-style effects (tape saturation, analog delays) to warm up its digital edge. The ’90s never sounded so fresh.
If you want to find out more about the Walforf Microwave XT please read my article in the other section