Helptips
You can hover over any button or control in XO and see an explanation of what it does at the bottom of the interface. This is a good way to learn about XO’s features in more detail as you are using it.
Space
XO is a sample explorer. It identifies one-shot drum samples and organizes them by similarity in the XO Space. Seamlessly sweep through all your drum sounds, regardless of where they are stored on your computer.
Similarity List
When you hear a sound you like, check the Similarity List. These samples are the most similar sounding in the XO Space and provide instant options for the sound you’re looking for. Navigate the list by clicking the arrows to the left or use the left/right keys on your keyboard. Hold [Shift] while stepping to jump 5 steps. You can also simply click a dot to select a sample.
Click “Refresh Similarity List” (macOS: [Cmd]+[Arrow Left] / Win: [Ctrl]+[Arrow Left]) to generate a new list based on the current filter settings (the currently selected sample will be moved to the first position)
History, Favorites, Open in Finder/Explorer
If you’re browsing through space and suddenly go “hey what was that nice sound I heard 3 samples ago?” you can use the History buttons (or the up/down keys on your keyboard) to go back through previously played samples..
Mark any sample as a Favorite using the Heart icon. You can then filter out all favorites in the Filter Panel.
If the selected sample is a user sample, you can open Finder/Explorer with that sample selected by clicking on the Folder icon.
The 8 Slots
XO offers 8 Sample Slots. Each Slot can load one sample. These slots and the basic controls (volume, mute, solo, prev/next similar sample and “lock sample”) are visible from most views for easy access. You can even use them in the Preset Browser to change volume of or mute/solo slots as you browse for a pattern to suit your project.
Loading samples — from Space
When a sample is selected in Space, the Space Load Buttons appear. Simply click to load the currently selected sample into one of the 8 slots.
Loading samples — the Hot Swap Sample Browser
Click the sample dot to open the browser. Now the sample will be immediately swapped out when clicking in space or in the Similarity List. This lets you hear it in context if you have a beat going. Great for auditioning similar samples using the computer keyboard arrow keys to switch between them.
When you’re done you can either OK, or Cancel any changes made since entering.
Search & Filter Panel
Use the filters to narrow down your search when browsing the XO Space or auditioning similar samples. Any filter change will update the XO Space and all Similarity Lists.
Kit Similarity
Go left or right in all Similarity Lists at once (hold [Shift] to jump 5 steps), changing the entire kit to similar sounds. A great way to just freshen up a preset with some new sounds!
Use it combined with filtering — like Length: “Nice kit but give me similar sounds that are really short.” Or do a text search for “808” and force your kit to change into an 808 kit by going one step to the right!
Edit — Sound Settings
Tweak your sounds with some essential effects and creative modifiers.
Sample Display
Click to edit sample start/end, fade in/out, stereo mode, phase.
Pan
Place the sound in the stereo field. The two “Haas” buttons delay the Left or Right side for additional stereo width.
Envelope
Adjust Transient, Hold and Decay time.
Pitch
Adjust the pitch of the sound up or down one octave.The Pitch Spread buttons add a stereo pitch offset for additional stereo width.
Tone & Cut
Tone is a smooth “tilt” style filter, Cut is a sharper filter to remove unwanted frequencies.
VelSens
Control how velocity affects volume and sample start.
Playback
Playback settings: Monophonic or Polyphonic, Forward or Reverse, part of a Mute Group or not. Control the output routing.
FX Sends
Add reverb/delay to your sound from XO’s two send FX units.
Edit — Beat Settings
Create and tweak your beat in a playful way.
Accents Enable
Turn on/off the Accentuator for this lane
Sequencer lane
Click to add or remove notes, drag up/down to adjust velocity. Drag sideways to “paint” (or erase) multiple notes
Rolls
Click to add or remove rolls, drag up/down to adjust roll speed. Drag sideways to “paint” (or erase) multiple rolls
Groove Mode
Choose to use “Global” or “Individual” Groove settings for this lane
Groove Settings
Choose Groove type and Groove Amount
Nudge
Move the lane in time, half a step (16th note) in either direction
Pattern settings
XO has two patterns, A and B. They can be linked into an “AB” or “AAAB” pattern chain.
Accentuator
Accentuate the beat at different intervals using the Sliders, or hit Random for fun variations.