ESI Xjam 4x4 Pad Midi Controller

The Xjam is a small, full-fledged plug-and-play MIDI controller. Due to its solid aluminum chassis, the Xjam is wonderfully portable and ideal for use outside of the studio on mobile devices.

With a 4×4 pad matrix, the 6 endless encoders and the 16 smooth pads, it provides a pleasant and expressive playing experience. In addition, the Xjam offers 48 configurations instead of the usual 16 scenes to save.

Its smooth and ultra-sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch are as versatile as the Xjam is in general. The 16 RGB pads also send MIDI CC, MIDI Program Change or MMC messages. There are also 6 high-quality endless encoders on board, which can be used in a variety of ways. In addition to controlling MIDI CC messages, the encoders can be assigned to send pitch, MIDI program change messages or even aftertouch messages. The Xjam comes with a powerful editor software for perfect adaption to your needs. There is also a TRS-MIDI Out socket to send signals to external sound generators.

Key Features

• versatile and flexible with a slim design
• 16 ultra sensitive pads with polyphonic aftertouch
• 3-color pad indicators for velocity and edit/setup operation
• 6 endless rotary encoders
• 48 user-programmable scene presets, which can be recalled instantly
• bus-powered: requires no batteries or power supply when connected via USB-C
• supports all major DAWs
• TRS 3.5mm MIDI out
• standalone operation possible without computer and only USB power
• USB-C to USB-A cable included
• 1/4″ thread to fix it to a stand
• free editor software for Mac, PC and iPadOS
• includes Bitwig Studio 8-Track, Cubasis LE, Wavelab LE

Connectors & Functions

1. CTRL BANK let you control up to 18 independent parameters

2. 360° ENCODER knobs to send continuous controller messages to your software or external MIDI device

3. SCENE BANK let you access up to 48 different scenes

4. PAD BANK let you access up to 48 different pads

5. PADS polyphonic aftertouch and velocity

6. USB-C port connects to the computer or mobile device and used to send and receive MIDI data

7. MIDI OUT for connection and transmission of MIDI data to an external device

8. FOOT SWITCH input for sustain pedal

9. EDIT each pad and encoder can be edited independently

10. SETUP adjust the global settings and the repeat parameters

11. TYPE allows to choose from different types (MIDI CC, PITCH, PROGRAM, AFTERTOUCH)

12. REPEAT with two different modes avaiblable, temporary and static

Xjam Editor

The editor can be downloaded from the ESI site, and gives you control over individual pads, knob assignments and banks

Bundled Software

In order to get you started right out of the box, Xjam ships with a powerful software package for professional recording, creation of your own songs, mixing of any audio content and much more. The following applications are currently included:

Bitwig Studio 8-Track – the trim and effective DAW to start producing, performing, and designing sounds like a pro for use on up to eight tracks of audio / MIDI, incl. the Bitwig Essentials Package, a versatile selection of handpicked presets and sounds. Record instruments, create your arrangements, design new sounds, or just jam – every feature has been developed by musicians, for musicians!

Cubasis LE is the compact version of Steinberg‘s mobile multitouch sequencer, providing the same look and feel of its bigger brother Cubasis. Specially designed for quick and easy operation, Cubasis LE makes recording, editing and mixing a breeze, no matter where you are, right there on an iPhone or iPad when connecting Xjam.

Whether you are a hobby musician, home studio owner, freelancer or podcaster – WaveLab LE helps you to bring your music, voice and sound recordings to a more professional level. This easy-to-use mastering and audio editing software from Steinberg turns your computer with Xjam into an audio analysing, editing and publishing studio.