Overview
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.
X-Gator Patch Programmer
Xio is the only Novation synthesiser to feature 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. A display shows clearly the position and volume of each and every step
Specifications
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
Reviews
Music Tech review quotes
December 2006
“The Xio is a combination of the ideas implemented in other Novation keyboards, and aims to fulfil multiple performing and recording needs with a minimum of cabling and fuss.”
“If the interface and control features of the Xio are its brain, then the synth is its soul. Novation is renowned for authentic, gritty electronic sounds, and there’s no shortage of them here.”
“The Xio is an excellent synth in its own right, powerful and gritty enough to hold its own on stage, and crisp enough to stand out in the studio.”
“For power and true portability at a reasonable price, the Xio is hard to beat.”
Xcite+ Pack
Novation likes to set the standards, and their latest bundled software collection is no exception.
'Xcite+' comes on a DVD-ROM filled to the brim with royalty-free loops and samples alongside a host of powerful applications ideal for getting the new user started, or to expand the experienced user’s creative toolbox.
The bundle includes:
Ableton Live Lite 6
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Novation Bass Station
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Waldorf PPG Wave Lite classic synth
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Arturia Analog Factory SE plug-in
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Waldorf's D-Pole Lite FX classic filter plug-in
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FXpansion's powerful demo versions of the BFD acoustic drum plug-in
and 'Guru' sample player with library.
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Waldorf's 'Attack Lite' analogue drum module plug-in
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'Mike the Drummer' A collection of 572 inspiring and original live drum loops
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Free 3 months membership for 'i-dance'- Global XS Artist
Find Out More **
