OXI Instruments META: Mastering the Mix with Performance Effects

The OXI META is introduced as a versatile effects processor, immediately challenging the notion that it’s strictly for Eurorack users. The presenter sets the record straight: META is equally at home with any electronic instrument, whether it’s a groovebox, drum machine, or synth. This universality is underscored by the demo setup, which routes a sequence from the OXI One MKII into an Elektron Digitakt, with META processing the entire master output.

By placing META on the master, every effect is applied to the full mix, making it a central tool for shaping the overall sound. The workflow is direct—no convoluted patching or menu diving required to get creative. OXI’s design philosophy of fast, hands-on control is evident from the outset, promising a device that can adapt to a wide range of setups without friction.

The walkthrough begins with Space, META’s reverb effect, which offers both a classic long-tail reverb and a more experimental algorithm capable of shimmering or black hole-like textures. The presenter demonstrates how Space can be used to create atmospheric breakdowns, widen the mix, or completely wash out the track for dramatic contrast. Tone and filter controls allow for nuanced shaping, making it suitable for both dubby and high-energy contexts.

Next up is Riser, a dual-mode effect for building tension before drops. One mode uses a noise-based buildup, while the other employs a Shepard tone for that infinite rising sensation. The hands-on controls allow for real-time pitch and filter manipulation, making transitions feel immediate and performative. The Filter effect follows, offering DJ-style low-pass and high-pass sweeps with resonance—ideal for both subtle movement and bold, structural cuts.

Looper, Delay, and Gater round out the palette. The Looper captures and repeats slices of the track, with loop length adjustments enabling everything from tight stutters to glitchy breakdowns. Delay is equipped with reverb wash and filter options, morphing from subtle echoes to dub-style washes. Gater introduces rhythmic chops and snare rolls, each with time division and filter controls, perfect for injecting movement or building energy in real time.

Throughout the video, each effect is shown not just as a static processor, but as a tool for live transformation of the entire mix. The presenter demonstrates how Space can create dramatic breakdowns, Riser can build anticipation, and Gater can inject sudden bursts of rhythmic energy. These effects aren’t just for subtle coloration—they’re designed for bold, performative gestures that can reset or elevate the mood of a set.

The immediacy of META’s controls encourages experimentation, allowing users to push effects to extremes and then snap back to the dry signal for maximum impact. This real-time manipulation is central to META’s appeal, making it a compelling choice for artists who want to shape their sound on the fly without menu-diving or complex routing.

The walkthrough concludes by emphasizing that the real magic of META emerges when effects are combined. While each effect offers distinct sound-shaping possibilities, layering them unlocks complex transitions and textures that go beyond the sum of their parts. The presenter hints at creative workflows where Space, Riser, and Gater interact to produce dynamic, evolving performances.

This combinatorial approach encourages users to experiment and find their own signature sound. OXI leaves us with a teaser for a more technical breakdown in the future, but even in this quick jam, it’s clear that META is designed for artists who value immediacy, flexibility, and the ability to radically transform their music in real time.