Xena Hybrid Desktop Synthesizer (SVF)

Picture this: a faithful revival of the cult Mutable Instruments Ambika, but now fully machine-built with a cleaner layout and rock-solid power supply, bringing that gritty digital/analog magic to your desk without the DIY hassle.

At its heart, Xena packs six configurable voices—think full polyphony, layered setups, or six independent monos—each with dual digital oscillators drawing from 36 wavetables and algorithms, plus a sub-oscillator that doubles as a transient generator. This SVF version rocks a swappable 2-pole state-variable multimode analog filter, paired with pre-filter overdrive and bit-crushing for extra bite, all shaped by three ADSR envelopes, three per-patch LFOs, one voice-level LFO, and a deep 14-slot mod matrix with modifiers. Hands-on control comes via an intuitive LCD screen, endless encoders, and dedicated buttons; it's compact at desktop size with 5-pin MIDI I/O, seven audio outs (six individual plus mix), and microSD for endless patch storage.

Synth enthusiasts love its flexible voice routing for wild unison bass-leads or multi-timbral madness, plus the easy filter swaps—though some note the UI rewards time investment to unlock its full Ambika-era depth.