An editable beat and sample expansion for XO, featuring techno and electro sounds curated by Peder Mannerfelt, with 118 presets and 169 one-shot samples from modular synths and analog gear.
Purpose and Content
Ultra Bionic is an XOpak for XO, designed for techno and electro producers seeking unconventional, noise-driven beats. It contains 118 curated presets and 169 one-shot samples, all organized by experimental techno artist Peder Mannerfelt. The sounds derive from his personal collection of vintage modular synthesizers, patch cables, and effect pedals, offering a palette of clicks, crackles, and glitches.
The expansion includes kicks made from a recorded car door processed through effects, booming bass from bespoke 90s synthesizers, and snares from a Korg PS 3200. Mannerfelt also sampled a late 60s EMS SYNTHI modular synth, which has gained unpredictable character from years of use at abandoned factory raves. These raw materials are meant to be built upon using XO’s editing and arrangement tools.
Key Capabilities
As an editable expansion, Ultra Bionic integrates directly into XO’s workflow. You can browse the curated beats and samples within XO’s visual interface, then manipulate them to fit your own grooves. The presets are organized by Mannerfelt into mini masterpieces, but you are free to rearrange, layer, or process each component to create unique patterns.
The one-shot samples are designed for flexible use, allowing you to trigger them individually or combine them with your own sounds. The expansion emphasizes artful noises, from 8-bit SynthStation clicks to modular glitchery, giving you raw material for breakbeat electro, hardcore rave, or experimental IDM. The samples serve as building blocks, not finished tracks, inviting creative exploration.
Workflow Integration
To use Ultra Bionic, you must have XO installed, as the expansion is not a standalone instrument. In XO, you load the XOpak to access its presets and samples. The plugin’s sample-browsing environment lets you visually explore the 118 presets and 169 one-shot samples, grouping them by similarity or your own criteria.
Once loaded, you can drag samples into XO’s grid to build patterns, apply velocity and timing edits, and use XO’s effects to further shape the sounds. The curated beats provide starting points, but you can replace individual hits with your own samples or the expansion’s one-shots. The workflow emphasizes real-time experimentation, turning sample browsing into a creative part of beat-making.
Practical Applications
Ultra Bionic suits producers working in techno, electro, IDM, and experimental electronic music. Use it to add textural noise layers, glitchy percussion, or unique kicks and snares to your tracks. The modular synth sounds can serve as atmospheric elements or rhythmic accents, while the one-shots work well for custom drum kits or sound design.
The expansion shines for creating beats with a raw, industrial edge, such as those inspired by rave culture or modular experimentation. You can incorporate the presets into full arrangements or extract individual samples for use in your own kits. Since all elements are editable, it adapts to both songwriting and abstract sound construction, making it a versatile tool for studio sessions.
Key features
- 118 editable presets curated by Peder Mannerfelt
- 169 one-shot samples from modular synths and analog gear
- Sounds include kicks, snares, bass, and noise effects
- Based on vintage EMS SYNTHI and Korg PS 3200 recordings
- Designed for techno, electro, and experimental genres
- Requires XO to use
Best for
Best for electronic music producers seeking experimental, noise-infused beats and samples. Ideal for techno, electro, and IDM projects that benefit from modular synth textures, glitchy percussion, and unconventional drum sounds. Works within XO’s editing environment to craft unique grooves.