Xtyles is a loop-based virtual instrument that lets rhythmic and melodic loops follow your chord progressions and key, with real-time improvisation, randomization, and scene recall for dynamic music production.
Purpose and Core Concept
Xtyles by Audiofier is designed to solve the problem of static loops in music production. Traditional loops can be time-stretched and pitch-shifted, but they rarely adapt to the harmonic direction of a track. Xtyles addresses this by providing loops prepared in major and minor versions, mapped to pitch so they can follow the key of your composition.
This approach lets the music lead the loops, not the other way around. You can change the key and mode of each loop on the fly, even within subdivisions of a bar, making the loops respond to your song’s structure and chord changes. The instrument turns loop manipulation into a live, interactive performance tool.
Key Capabilities
The instrument includes 640 loops across 20 categories, each available in major and minor versions. These loops are mapped according to pitch, so they can follow any key you are playing in. You can stack up to 8 layers of loops per scene, each with independent pitch control, randomisation at the slice level, and step-based volume and filter engines.
Colour-coded keyswitches are provided to trigger individual loops and to switch key and mode. You can command an improvisation with a single key press, or completely change the scene with new loop combinations. This makes it easy to create evolving arrangements in real time.
Workflow and Real-Time Control
Xtyles is built around real-time performance. You can store up to 8 recallable scenes per patch, each containing loop combinations and sound choices. These scenes can be triggered via keyswitches, allowing you to build a full song structure with different sections. Eight pre-defined ‘Xtyles’ generate loop combinations, and you can also save up to 4 of your own user Xtyles.
The step sequencer allows manual recording and step editing, with full re-ordering of slices. You can randomise slices and use host, half-time, and double-time syncing to match your project tempo. This workflow supports both hands-on live performance and more detailed arrangement work.
Effects and Practical Applications
Sound shaping is handled by a per-layer effects chain that includes a transient designer, bass and treble enhancers, a chorus, and a convolver. The master section adds a delay, plus algorithmic and convolution reverbs to place the loops in a spatial context. Thirty snapshot presets provide instant starting points for your own sounds.
Practical applications include generating fresh rhythmic ideas, creating evolving backing tracks for songs, or adding spontaneous variation to live sets. The ability to switch between major and minor modes means Xtyles can follow chord changes in a composition, making it useful for genres like pop, hip-hop, and electronic music where harmonic movement matters.
Key features
- 640 loops in 20 categories, in major and minor versions
- Loops mapped to pitch to follow any key
- Up to 8 layers per scene and 8 recallable scenes via keyswitch
- 8 predefined and 4 user Xtyles for generating loop combinations
- Per-layer transient designer, bass/treble enhance, chorus, convolver
- Master delay, algorithmic and convolution reverb
- Step volume and filter engines with slice randomisation
Best for
Best for music producers and composers who need flexible rhythmic and melodic loops that can adapt to their chord progressions and key. It is especially useful for live performance, song arrangement, and generating creative variation in genres such as pop, hip-hop, electronic, and cinematic music.