Novation X-Station Synthesizer

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Features

ovation-class Synthesizer

Monotimbral, 8-voice virtual analogue synthesizer with a huge array of hardware controls for editing parameters

dvanced MIDI Controller

First-class remote control with 150 available controls and 40 onboard Templates for popular software/hardware, with many more available for free online

4-bit Audio Interface

Fully featured 24-bit audio interface with 2 XLR/Jack inputs, both with phantom power, and a coaxial digital out (S/PDIF)

ulti-effects Processor

A total of 6 effects per channel can be applied simultaneously to the onboard synthesizer and/or audio input(s)

High Quality Novation Keyboard

Superb semi-weighted, high-quality keyboard with velocity- and aftertouch- sensitivity

2-D Controls

Fantastic ‘Xpression’ pad and adjustably sprung pitch/mod joystick, both freely assignable in MIDI Controlling mode

Complete Portability

Various options such as USB- or battery- power, in addition to PSU, allow maximum portability. Batteries can even recharge via USB!

Overview

The X-Station features a host of controls, providing instant access to its powerful synth engine. Combined with a powerful multi-effects engine and a superb semi-weighted key-bed with after-touch, X-station has become the synth of choice for a number of today’s influential artists. X-station also features MIDI control and audio i/o, providing an all-in-one solution for the studio environment and laptop live performance.

The 3-oscillator virtual analog synthesizer is based on the renowned Novation KS-series and is 8-voice polyphonic. The extensive control interface provides instant access to all key parameters, making it ideal for live performances. And forget cables - the synthesizer is fully integrated: The stereo audio output is sent straight through the USB cable onto the track in your sequencer via ASIO.

The keyboard employs a premium-class mechanism with semi-weighted keys and aftertouch. Even if you're not a trained piano player you will instantly feel the difference! Aftertouch, a joystick and the assignable X/Y touch pad controller provide you with extra dimensions of expression for your performances. What's more, X-STATION comes in three sizes: 25, 49 and 61 keys - your choice of ultimately portable or plenty of keys! All models may be run off batteries, power supply or USB.

X-Station's audio interface with two phantom-powered, hi-quality converters, two Neutrik™ combined XLR and jack sockets, digital S/PDIF out, and much more. Dedicated headphone and monitoring connections with separate controls even allow you to work without a mixer. What's more, the onboard DSP effects processor provides instant, zero-latency multi-effects for monitoring or recording applications. Each audio channel has its own effects chain. You can even record audio with effects on one channel - and use the synthesizer on the second at the same time! On top of that, X-Station has a built in MIDI Interface on board, allowing you to integrate external MIDI Gear as well.

Two channels of onboard multi-effects are also available. Up to six effects may be used simultaneously on each channel. The palette includes Chorus, Delay, Reverb Distortion, EQ and a Compressor. The effects can be routed for monitoring only (like giving the singer some Reverb while recording) or for recording as well (e.g. recording a guitar with Chorus). Thanks to the unique design, synthesizer and effects for incoming audio can even be used at the same time!

For controlling your virtual instrument and effect plug-ins, X-Station offers a total of 55 assignable physical controls, including 3 Encoders, 16 pots, 9 sliders and 22 buttons. And that doesn't include the dedicated controls in the Audio section. A template can have up to 150 virtual controls in total using the shift functions.

Specifications

Keyboard Mechanism

Keys: 25, 49 or 61
Type: Semi-weighted
Aftertouch: Yes

Pitch and Mod Wheel Mechanism

Pitch wheel lever: Rubberised - spring loaded, centre return left to right motion
Mod/control lever: Rubberised - spring loaded, front to back motion or free running forward and backwards

X/Y Touchpad

Touchpad: Pressure sensitive
Parameters: 2 assignable in X direction; 2 assignable in Y direction

LCD Display

LCD: 2 x 16 character silver. Blue LED backlit

Audio

Audio inputs: 2 x combined 1/4” jack / XLR sockets
Phantom power: On/Off 48 Volts
Gain control: -10dB to +60dB signal range
A to D converters: 2 x 24 bit Delta Sigma
Audio outputs: 2 x 1/4” jack sockets, 1 x stereo headphones 1/4" jack
Digital output: S/PDIF - phono

MIDI and Audio Interfacing

MIDI ports: 1 x MIDI In; 2 x MIDI Out
USB: 1x combined MIDI (1 x 1) and audio I/O (stereo I/O)

Effects Processors

Effects: 2 x multi-effects processors
Type: Delay/Reverb/Chorus-Phaser/Compressor/Distortion/EQ (Bass-Mid-Treble)

Controls

Rotary potentiometers: 20 - rotation 0 to 270 degrees
Rotary encoders: 4 - rotation 360 degrees continuous
Sliders: 9 - 30mm length
Transport controls: Rewind/Fast Forward/Stop/Start/Record
General Operation: Play/Template Common/Template Edit/Write/Global/Snapshot/Panic
Cursor/page control: Bank - page up/down; Program - cursor up/down; Inst Channel - cursor left/right
Keyboard control: Octave up/down

Synth Architecture

Voices: 8
Modes: Program (monotimbral)
Memories: 200 memory locations programmed with the KS factory presets

Synth Oscillators 1, 2 and 3

Waveforms: Square/Saw/Variable Pulse/Tri/Sine/Double Saw/Double Tri/Double Sine/9 complex cycle waveforms
Noise Sources: White/Crack/Metal 1/Metal 2
Octave Range: Shift -1/0/+1/+2
Mod Env Depth: -64 to +63
LFO1 Depth: -64 to +63
PWM Source: Mod Env/Manual/LFO2
Ring Mod: 1 * 2
FM: 2 * 3
2 * 3 FM Level: 0-127
2 * 3 FM Mod Level: 0-127
FM Env Attack Rate: 250uS-20S
FM Env Decay Rate: 1mS-20S
Comprehensive aftertouch, breath and pitch/mod wheel control of both static pitch and modulation of pitch

Synth Mixer

Osc 1 Static Level: 0-127
Osc 1 Mod Level/LFO1: -64 to +63
Osc 1 Mod Level/LFO2: -64 to +63
Osc 2 Static Level: 0-127
Osc 2 Mod Level/LFO2: -64 to +63
Osc 3 Static Level: 0-127
Osc 3 Mod Level/AD Env: -64 to +63
Noise Static Level: 0-127
Noise Mod Level/LFO1: -64 to +63
FM Static Level: 0-127
FM Mod Level/AD Env: -64 to +63

Synth Filters

Frequency: 0-127
Slope: 12dB/24dB
Modes: Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass
Resonance: 0 to self-oscillation (24dB mode)
Mod Env Depth: -64 to +63
LFO 2 Depth: -64 to +63
Keyboard Tracking: 0-127
Velocity: 0-127
Overdrive: 0-127
Q normalise: 0-127
Comprehensive aftertouch, breath and pitch/mod wheel control of both static filter freq and modulation of filter freq

Synth Amplifier & Modulation Envelopes

Velocity: -64 to +63
Attack: 250uS-20S
Decay: 1mS-20S
Sustain: 0-127
Release: 1mS-20S
Delay (Mod Env): 1mS-20S

Synth LFO1 - LFO2

Modes: Cyclic/One-shot
Waveforms: Sine/Tri/Saw/Squ/Sample & Hold/Sample & Hold/Quantize/Random 24 Intricate Wavetables
Speed: 0 Hz-1kHz
Delay Fade In: 0-5S

Synth Effects

Reverb: Level/Echo Chamber, Small Room, Large Room, Small Hall, Large Hall, Grand hall/Decay/Wheel Level
Chorus - Phaser: Level/Rate/Type/Feedback/Mod Depth/Centre/Initial Position/Wheel Level
Distortion: Drive/Compensation/Wheel Level
Panning: Position/Mod Depth/Speed/Initial Position
Delay: Depth/Time/Feedback/Stereo Width/Ratio/Wheel Level

General

Battery operation: 6 x standard ‘C’ size 1.5 Volt dry cells or rechargeable cells
External power supply: Standard ‘centre positive’ 9V DC 600mA (supplied)
Size: Width = 468mm; height = 68mm; depth = 278mm (25-key version)
Size: Width = 798mm; height = 68mm; depth = 278mm (49-key version)
Size: Width = 963mm; height = 68mm; depth = 278mm (61-key version)
Weight: 2.5Kg (25-key version)

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

Links

Manufacturer