Novation XioSynth 25 Synthesizer - The XioSynth 25 synthesizer from Novation should definately be on your shortlist if you're considering a synth for your studio set-up. With a built-in audio interface, onboard sounds from internationally acclaimed artists and the ability to use it as a stand alone synth, the XioSynth 25 from Novation is an absolute must. We love the XioSynth 25 here at Inta Audio and we are sure you'll feel the same.

Features

The Xio features a mono-timbral Novation synth engine with 10-voice polyphony, with 3 oscillators (17 waveforms each), 1 Filter (varying types), 2 LFOs (32 waveforms each), an arpeggiator and a multi-effects board.

The Xio 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 Xio is eminently and instantly usable for creating synthesized music of any kind.

An ultra-low latency 2 In/2 Out audio interface for high quality recording and playback is also included. 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 Xio guitar track in the Novation online player to be blown away by the quality.

If wanting a compact controller keyboard for studio or live use, the Xio 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 the freely assignable Xpression pad and stick. All of these controls are pre-programmed in 16 onboard Templates, so that the Xio 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.

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 Xio can be powered by batteries, functioning as a standalone synth completely separately from the computer.

Synthesizer
One part, 10-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 or 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 requirements
Operating system: Mac OSX 10.2.4 or greater or Windows XP (32- and 64- bit Vista compatible)
Computer spec: Apple G3/400 GHz or Pentium 600 MHz or better
Interfacing: USB 1.1 compatible USB connector

Templates (16 preset onboard, more available on Novation website)
1. Apple – Logic 7
2. Steinberg – Cubase SX3
3. Ableton – Live 5
4. Cakewalk – Sonar
5. Native Instruments - Absynth 3
6. Native Instruments - B4
7. Native Instruments - FM7
8. Native Instruments - Pro53
9. Gmedia - Oddity
10. Novation V-Station
11. Novation Bass Station
12. reFX – Vanguard
13. Linplug – Albino 2
14. Gmedia - Minimonsta
15. Spectrasonics - Atmosphere & Trilogy
16. User Template