It seems like everybody these days is having a crack at packing as many features as possible into as small a synthesizer as possible for somewhere between the $500-$1000 mark. This week's pick is Novation's Analog Modelling Synthesizer/Midi Controller combination, the Novation XIO25.
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 onboard patches and filter distortion that can be applied to any of these presets. 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.
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.
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.
Interesting to note is that the Synthesizers will operate on 6AA batteries, making it possibly the only analogue modelling synthesizers on the market that operates without an external power supply.
Thanks.
Matt. Spank!
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