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Novation XioSynth 25 Mono Synth and USB InterfaceThe Novation XioSynth has made synthesis more accessible then ever!
Packed with a staggering amount of classic and cutting edge sounds, the XioSynth is a stylish, compact and very affordable. The XioSynth features internal preset patches programmed by many internationally acclaimed artists and a new X-Gator patch programmer so you can create your own sounds. The Novation XioSynth is the perfect companion when your on the move with its audio and midi computer interfacing capabilities. This synth also works great as a controller for all of your soft synths. NOVATION-CLASS SYNTHESIZER WITH NEW FEATURES
The XioSynth features a mono-timbral Novation synth engine with 8-voice polyphony. In addition to 3 oscillators (17 waveforms each), 1 Filter (varying types), 2 LFOs (32 waveforms each), an arpeggiator and multi-effects board, this subtractive synth also boasts some brand new facilities such as the X-Gator patch programmer. The X-Gator can be made to gate each patch to create unique 16-32 step rhythmic patterns for every onboard sound, all automatically synchronised to MIDI clock from a sequencer; just press and hold one key to groove along to a track with style.
NOVATION SOUND OLD AND NEW - HIGH PROFILE USER PATCHES
The XioSynth features 200 hard-hitting onboard patches, utilising a new optional filter distortion to produce an even greater range of sounds than on previous synths; from the distinctive clean British sound to the filthiest and grittiest of sonic characters. Furthermore, 60 of the onboard sounds come from internationally acclaimed artists and producers from a variety of musical genres, namely James Zabiela, Ferry Corsten, Rennie Pilgrem, Roots Manuva, Shimon and Skeewiff. As such, every one of the patches on the XioSynth is eminently and instantly usable for creating synthesized music of any kind.
HIGH QUALITY AUDIO INTERFACE
The XioSynth includes an ultra-low latency 2 In/2 Out audio interface for high quality recording and playback. This allows you to record a microphone with phantom power, as well as simultaneously stream the onboard synth audio directly to the sequencer via the USB cable. Equally though, a guitar can be plugged straight into the Jack input for DI recording, as well as simultaneously mic'd, and recorded with outstanding results. Check the demo XioSynth guitar track in the Novation online player to be blown away by the quality.
FLEXIBLE MIDI CONTROLLER - OF SOFTWARE OR HARDWARE
If you want a compact controller keyboard for studio or live use, the XioSynth is the most flexible and powerful tool on the market. In addition to synthesizing and audio/MIDI interfacing, the keyboard is also a comprehensive control surface with 11 knobs and buttons (doubled to 22 by a Group A/B switch), plus a freely assignable Touchpad and joystick. All of these controls are pre-programmed in 16 onboard Templates, so that the XioSynth can instantly control many software applications straight out the box. Add to this many more Templates online, a free Template Editor software application and hybrid modes for simultaneous synthesizing and MIDI controlling, and you have an extremely versatile package for producing or performing.
HIGHLY PORTABLE
Simply connecting the keyboard over USB is all that's required to start recording, synthesizing and MIDI controlling. As the device is class compliant, no drivers are required for Windows XP or Mac OSX (although some are provided to improve latency and stability in some apps). Furthermore, if wanting to excape the confines of the studio for a while, the USB cable can be unplugged and the XioSynth can be powered by batteries, functioning as a standalone synth completely separately from the computer.
Novation XioSynth 25 Specifications
Synthesizer
- One part, 8-voice polyphonic
- 3 Oscillators, 17 Waveforms
- 2 LFOs, 32 Waveforms
- Multimode resonant filter section with various filter options
- Extensive modulation capabilities
- Arpeggiator with latch
- X-GATOR with latch
- Direct streaming of synth into computer via USB
Keyboard
- Keys: 25
- Type: Semi-weighted
- Velocity curves: 7
Pitch and mod wheel mechanism
- Pitch wheel lever: Rubberised - centre return spring loaded left to right motion
- Mod/control lever: Rubberised - spring loaded front to back motion
X/Y touchpad
- Touchpad: 1 x touch sensitive 45x60mm
- Parameters: 2 assignable in X direction
- 2 assignable in Y direction
LCD display
- LCD: 2 x 16 character silver
- Blue LED backlit
MIDI interfacing
- MIDI: 1 MIDI Out
- USB MIDI: 1 In/1 Out
Audio Interfacing
- Inputs: 1 XLR (with phantom power)
- 1 Quarter Inch TS Jack
- Outputs: 2 Quarter Inch TS Jacks (L/R)
- 1 stereo Headphones Jack
Other interfacing
- Data ports: 1 x USB 1.1
- Sustain pedal: 1 x 1/4 Inch Jack Input
Controls
- Rotary potentiometers: 11, 0-270 degree rotation
- Rotary encoders: 1, 360 degree continuous DATA wheel
- Buttons: 11 function switches
- Group B switch
- General operation: 4 Mode and Menu select buttons
- Keyboard Octave Up and Down buttons
- Synth Menus/Audio mode select button
- Effect Select buttons (Synth Mode)
- Template/Bank/Page Up/Down buttons
- Line/Phones Volume pots
General
- Battery operation: 6 x standard 'AA' Size
- External power supply: Standard 'centre positive' 9V DC 600mA
- Size: 18.42 x 2.67 x 7.48 inches w x h x d
- Weight: 3.08 lbs.
System requirements
- Operating system: Mac OSX 10.2.4 or greater or Windows XP
- Computer spec: Apple G3/400 GHz or Pentium 600 MHz or better
- Interfacing: USB 1.1 compatible USB connector
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Rate and Review this Product:
 4 people rated this item  | GearJunky from Fort Mohave, AZ | | Overall Ranking: | | Quality:
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| | | Subject: | Good for the money | | Quality:
| Actually kind of heavy for a plastic case, so there must be some metal in the chassis. | | Features:
| Again, I can't get into the MIDI world just yet. (still waiting on a half way decent 2 monitor graphics card for my computer)
A good piano preset (as others have stated) would have been nice, but according to Novation: "We can't get a piano sound because it is a subtractive synth." What a P-Poor Excuse! From what I can tell, the subtractive process does not take place to presets until you fiddle with them; hence the subtraction?????
Over all, this is a very nice unit, and well worth the price if you are looking for a subtractive MIDI SYNTH. If not get a compact digital keyboard that is available for around $90.00. | | Ease of Use:
| Ok, I am no expert on subtract technology, and it will take me some time to learn most of what this little unit can do Via MIDI, usb/computer mode, so my comments are directed at the onboard 200 preset samples and the out of the box feel for the unit.
I have no problems with the keys as other have stated (I have a very expensive fully weighted key Yamaha synth. that is not much better)
The Rub: Unlike the Yamaha, the documentation on the unit STINKS!!!
As with most folks, I like a paper manual that you can open up and read as you fiddle with the new toy. Novation sends a one sheet (get started)offering with two mostly useless (except for computer software) disks.
This unit is very easy to use and like all synths I have known, you will have to figure out the preset sounds yourself, as most are beyond boring, but thanks to the toggle and touch pad you can futs with every one of them. | | Sound:
| I have it hooked up to a couple of Eagle ET-AR302-BK 2.0 speakers that do a very good job (considering they only cost $19.00) in my bedroom and the sound is very good. I believe the tone and overall sound quality is directly tied to your amplified speaker set, or headset. The delivered tone seems to be constant from the Synth. | | Action:
| I found the key action to be very good and have no complaints as others have. This unit comes very close to a very expensive 81 full weighted key Yamaha synth. I have. | | Value:
| For the money, this is probably as good as you will get for a full on subtractive MIDI synth.
If you don't need the MIDI usb/computer part, don't spend the money as you can get a good compact digital keyboard for around $90.00. | | Do you own this product?:
| Yes | | Date submitted:
| 12/02/09 | |
| | Squeak_D from United States | | Overall Ranking: | | Quality:
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| | | Subject: | Great Bang For Your Buck Synth! | | Quality:
| Quality isn't top notch on this little synth. However, you cannot place your expectations beyond reason without first taking into account how much this synth costs. It's made fairly well. The knobs aren't as solid as they could be, but are more than acceptable. Little bit of play in the joystick, and the physical pressure it takes to depress a button varies on a few of them. Again.., you MUST take into consideration how affordable this little synth is. You cannot reasonably expect the build quality of a Moog for under $300. I would say it's dependable if you take care with it. It's not going to hold up to heavy abuse. | | Features:
| Loaded with features..., just way too darn many to list honestly. You get a 10 voice 3 osc synth engine.., with MANY editing options that go beyond what you see listed on the panel. You'll find the most commonly used controls on the panel, but my goodness this synth is a bit of a shape-shifter. On the surface it looks sweet and gentle, but go into the menus and you find editing options that turn this synth into a FREAKIN SONIC BEAST! The options within the menus are unreal. For example, being able to not only modulate the patch with the stick, but the ability to set the mod stick to control modulation, filt. freq, effects levels, and much more ALL at the same time is amazing. I have custom patches where the modulation stick is controlling 5 things at the same time and EACH of those parameters can have different max points. Just an amazing synth engine! I would add an additional midi jack as the unit only has midi out and not midi in. | | Ease of Use:
| I think it's very easy to use. However, I think it's easy because I've been playing for nearly 30 years and have owned many synths over the years. To the newbie.., I'm not sure how this synth would do. It has a lot of editing options. The manual really isn't written for the novice either. One "could" use this as a first synth to learn the basics. I will say that given all the editing options.., it will keep the novice VERY busy as it will teach you a lot about synths (if you're willing to explore these editing options though). | | Sound:
| BIG SOUND! That's all I can say. The synth physically leaves a small foot-print..., but the moment you start tweekin it you'll soon realize that "size really does not matter.., well at least in the synth world that is". | | Action:
| I've got a mixed bag of emotions with the action really. It's semi-weighted, but I'm not sure if it's a TRUE semi-weighted keybed. At this point I'm not willing to void my warranty and pull the synth apart to see if there are weights under those keys. The action is different. I've never played a semi-weighted bed quite like this one. It does feel nice, but different. Some keys rattle a little, but again consider the price range it sells within. | | Value:
| GREAT VALUE! No other hardware synth offers this much for under $300! The Xio is in its own class (when you compare cost to features). | | Do you own this product?:
| YES! | | Date submitted:
| April 19th 2009 |
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