Erica Synths Xenodrive, a 3-in-1 distortion desktop FX unit in collaboration with 112dB

Erica Synths Xenodrive is a new 3-in-1 distortion desktop FX unit made in collaboration with the plugin developer 112dB.

Over the past two years, Erica Synths has collaborated extensively with software developer 112dB. Among other things, the Steampipe physical modeling Synthesizer and the desktop FX units Echolocator and Nightverb have resulted from this collaboration.

Just before the end of the year, Xenodrive, the third desktop FX unit from Erica Synths and 112dB collaboration, is now being released. 

Erica Synths Xenodrive

Xenodrive is a new stereo distortion desktop FX developed in close collaboration between Erica Synths and 112dB. Like in the other releases, Erica Synths was primarily responsible for the hardware, and 112dB for the software/algorithm component.

After delay and reverb in the Echolocator and Nightverb, they now explore the world of distortion. This is a sound effect that pairs very well with Erica Synths products.

Xenodrive is a 3-in-1 stereo distortion unit that bundles three distinct distortions into one piece of hardware: a Germanium diode distortion and overdrive emulation, and a unique waveshaper.

Like the other desktop Erica Synths FX units, this one is very hands-on and has 12 parameters that let you manipulate sounds directly.

The signal path starts with an input gain that ranges from guitar to line level. From here, it goes into a Germanium diode overdrive emulation with a dedicated “pre-drive” parameter. With the tone control, you can adjust the tone (bandpass filter) of the pre-drive.

Wavetable-Based Waveshaper/Distortion

Then it goes into the newly developed two-axis wavetable-based waveshaper algorithm, tweakable with five parameters. X Wave sets the waveshaper wave on the X axis, while the Y wave sets it for the Y axis.

With the rotate knob, you can shift the phase of the current waveshaper wave. The big center shaper gain knob sets the waveshaper’s intensity and adds extra wavefolding. The higher the settings, the wilder and more distorted the sound.

The shaper mix parameter controls the mix between the shaped signal. Part of the waveshaper is a low- and high-EQ that boosts or damps the low- and high-frequency components of the signal.

You can also shift the equalizer’s center frequency to achieve different results. Press the scream button, and it infuses extra resonance to the equalizer (EQ) cutoff frequency. 

Additionally, Erica Synths has built in a compressor that is also controllable with a hardware knob. For more dynamic results, it also hosts an envelope follower on the X Wave control. 

Erica Synths and 112dB promise that the pedal can be used for nuanced harmonic enhancement to total sonic destruction of your sounds/tracks.

Connectivity 

Favorite settings can be saved as presets in the hardware. Plus, you get full MIDI support over all parameters, allowing you to automate them from your hardware gear or DAW.

On the backside, you have a power supply input with a dedicated ON/OFF switch, stereo in/out connectivity on two 3.5mm mono sockets each, a footswitch pedal input for expressive control, 5-pin MIDI in/out, and a USB port.

Erica Synths Xenodrive First Impression

Since the second desktop FX device, the Echolocator, it’s clear that this is an FX platform where more such devices can be expected.

I find it interesting that they opted for a digital emulation here, even though an analog version would also be possible, especially with Erica Synths’ knowledge. An exciting pedal that will particularly appeal to industrial and noise musicians, as it can beautifuly mangle and destroy sounds.

Erica Synths Xenodrive is available now for pre-order for 490€ + VAT + shipping. It starts shipping on December 15, 2025, so just before Christmas.

More information here: Erica Synths 

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