Novation

Description

In this stylish, compact and highly affordable format, the XioSynth 49 offers a staggering amount of classic and cutting edge sounds, many from internationally acclaimed artists, along with it's X-Gator patch programmer and optional filter distortion. Furthermore, the XioSynth provides everything required for producing on the move through its audio interfacing and MIDI controlling capabilities.

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 wanting 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 49
Novation XioSynth 49

Features

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: 49
  • 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 TS Jack
  • Outputs: 2 TS Jack (L/R)
  • 1 stereo Headphones Jack
Other interfacing
  • Data ports: 1 x USB 1.1
  • Sustain pedal: 1 x 1/4" Jack Input
Controls
  • Rotary potentiometers: 11, 0-270 rotation
  • Rotary encoders: 1, 360 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 (Novation PSU6)
  • Size (25): 468 x 68 x 190 (mm) w x h x d
  • Size (49): 798 x 68 x 190 (mm) w x h x d
  • Weight (25/49): 1.4/1.6kg
System requirementsOperating system: Mac OSX 10.2.4 or greater or Windows XPComputer spec: Apple G3/400 GHz or Pentium 600 MHz or betterInterfacing: USB 1.1 compatible USB connector

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