Novation X-Station

Easy to use. Nice presets, same sound engine as in k-station. There are tons of good patches on the web. You can load it with K, KS, V station and Xiosynth patches.

Polyphony is 8, good for a VA synth. It is monotimbral. Built-in effcts are nice and you can run audio thruogh them. I love keyboard action, it's much better then Nord Lead2 and Korg z1. It is also a good controller, has presets and templates to control a bunch of popular software. Comes with software librarian/template editor that is very handy and easy to use. It also has built-in usb audio interface with phantom power.

This is virtual analog, works great for electonic music.
Good effects, easily tweaked.
Reacts to velocity and aftertouch very well and can be adjusted.

I replaced nord lead2 with x-station, much cheaper, has effects and much better keyboard action, it's excellent way to control softsynths.

Getting something out of it isnt hard, but to take full advantage its not that easy because of the not so smart layout with no direct access to all lfos and other important features as such....

the filters suck and sometimes midi doesnt seem to be fast enough...

the sound is terrible. Its either very thin or just plain bad...
I have several synths and soft synths and this is the worse by far. If it wasnt for the great deal i got and the good keyboard to work as a controler and i would have asked for my money back...

it looks cheap and fragile...

dunno

either than the good keyboard i dont see why someone would spend the money....save your bucks and get a decent synth... a virus...a nord...

Well. As ease of use X-station is well designed but I have seen better devices. The controller and audio interface controls are quite easy, but the synth controls are not open enough. You can't have total information about the sound you create. For example if I tweak an oscillator and move on to the others, I have to memorize the setting I've made, because there arent separate controls for each oscillator. The display is small but enough and it looks sexy with that blue backlit too. Some controls cannot be used if you use X-station as a standalone device. You will see transport buttons on the panel, but it may be annoying to discover that you cant record midi tracks (it doesnt have a built in sequencer) and you only have a single filter. In general its an easy to use device.

8 voice is quite enough. It has built in effects and they sound good. The synth can be expanded if you use it with a computer and VST synths. As I said before it hasnt got a sequencer and the arpegiator is so simple and not flexible. But all these can be remedied if you use it with a computer. Plus you will get a nice audio interface, superb midi controller and decent sounding synth for that price. So my rating is 10 for features.

The synth sounds pretty decent. You can have devastating leads, distorts, basses as well as calming pads and brilliant electric pianos.
The engine is not too flexible, it has only one filter and no modulation matrix so you cant create very complex sounds to use in electronic music. Its not a synth to learn synthesis theory, but its quite powerful and well fit for dance, techno, trance etc. The effects are not the best but they are satisfying. As you can imagine reverb is not a pro one. But if you want reverb go buy a T.C. electronics machine.

I had no problems so far and it looks reliable. The knobs and buttons are solid, but the sliders sont seem so and keep in mind that pouring some liquid on them would be a bad idea. The keys feel good, solid and reliable, maybe the joystick and x-y pad can make some problems. But I didnt have any and I bought the unit one month ago.

I didnt have to deal with them and I bought the unit only one month ago.

A good one for the beginning arranger and studioguy. It has all the features to make your laptop a compact studio environment. A nice controller - audio interface and decent synth in one place. Go buy it! You wont be sorry for that. Compared to alesis ion its synthesis engine is not that flexible but dont forget that this is a device in another class. A perfect buy.

Easy. I have it hooked up to Windows XP using Novation USB driver 1.1.0, released in Feb. 2007, I think. But I think everything worked before I even installed the driver.
Patch editing is easy with all these knobs and sliders.

This is an absurd keyboard. It is too versatile. First of all, you can switch the keyboard between two primary modes: controller and synth mode. However, it still works as a controller in synth mode. In controller mode the program select rotary switches to a software preset selector, meaning you select among Generic, Ableton, Reason (separate presets for Mixer, Redrum, Maelstrom, and Subtractor), Absynth, Cubase, Logic, etc. 40 control presets in total.
Now throughout all of this activity, the keyboard will also function as an audio interface. It can perform simultaneously as a synth, controller, and 2 In/2 Out ASIO interface. That means you can hook it up to a computer with one USB cable, then record the digital output of the built in synth with your computer. This is kind of astonishing in how handy it can be. The latency on the audio interface is below perceptible levels (about 5ms output, or 10ms sum of input and output). The coolest knob on this keyboard is the one labeled "MONITOR" that fades between "input" and "output." It lets you fade between your ASIO computer source and the built-in synth.
It also has spdif out and can act as an effect processor for mic and line inputs.. i need a rest.
For a bedroom musician or hobbyist, this keyboard acts as 5 pieces of gear: midi controller, basic synthesizer, audio interface, xlr mic preamp, basic effects processor.

This is the most expressive piece of electronics I have ever laid my hands on. velocity, aftertouch, pitch/mod joystick, plus xy trackpad, plus shove an expression pedal into the back, and you have 7 dimensions of live expression. It makes the instrument fun to play.

I will devote this section to a word about the software side of things, because i dont gig with it. the Novation drivers are solid and you can tell they have some talented developers.

If it were lost or stolen I would buy a new one.

I'm using the latest OS (3.0.0.3) + the 1.0 USB Drivers (no problems on Windows, though OSX users really need to download the 1.3 driver upgrade for their platform).

I upgraded all this as soon as I bought it basically (guy I got it from hadn't bothered upgrading from the 1.0.3 OS he obviously got it with), and have had ZERO driver / software problems since then, contrary to the various issues you see posted around the 'net stemming from older versions of the OS.

It comes with a *decent* (though not the world's greatest) manual, which includes a fairly comprehensive section on subtractive synth basics for newbies (applicable to any synth, not just the X-Station).

Editing patches is a breeze - either onboard with the various tweakable knobs & sliders, or on the PC using the free 'X-Station Template Editor' app (oddly named, since it's a patch librarian as well), which you can download from the Novation site.

8 Voice polyphony (you can layer as many of these as you want in unison mode as well, for extra phatness) beats my Alpha Juno by two voices, so I'm happy :)

Effects section is great, and can be applied to the audio inputs as well. Full midi capability, and it can act as a controller also, with customisation of the latter on par with Novation's ReMOTE range (for those who don't know, the X-Station actually started out as the ReMOTE Audio, before it was re-badged as a separate product).

Basically this means you can use it to control all your DAW software, VST's AND more importantly (since it has a REAL midi out port, not just USB midi, unlike it's smaller sibling the Xiosynth) your legacy hardware synths as well. I've set up a template to control my Juno with it - no need to fork out extra cash to track down the increasingly rare PG-300 controller. Setting it up as a controller is also relatively pain-free, with a lot of DAW / softsynth templates included straight out of the box (although of course legacy hardware like my Juno requires programming your own template).

Audio I/O, you can use it as an audio + midi interface with your laptop ... what more could you ask for really ?

Oh mama, does this thing wrrrrawk :) It's got velocity, it's got aftertouch (even in my humble 25-key version), it ships with a decent array of presets, plus the ability to use sounds from pretty much all of Novation's range (with the exception of the Novas).

There are sounds to download on the Novation home page, and lots to be found on various user groups. You can ALSO use patches from Novation's 'newer' offering, the Xiosynth. That's right - all those much hyped presets by Ferry Corsten, Roots Manuva, Renny Pilgrim etc. will work on the X-Station (I know - I've tried it).

Don't expect 'realistic' instrument sounds (it's a synth), but it does a VERY good job of emulating 'classic' analogue synths like Moogs & Prophets, plus generating lovely 'modern' sounds, almost on par with a Virus.

From what I've heard from guys that have one for a few years, it's rugged as all hell. Build quality is great for such a small and lightweight piece of kit. That being said, I don't know if I WOULD gig with it without SOME kind of backup ... but that's probably me playing it alltogether 'too safe'.

Never dealt with them directly, but their site offers a good support base, updates etc.

If some bast* nicked it, I'd definitely buy one again. Oh, and try to track him down to rip off his testicles too ! I compared this versus the Xiosynth for months on end, ended up choosing the X-Station because of the extra I/O options, more front panel controls (knobs beat sub-menus any day !), and the presence of REAL midi out.

Now I'm so glad I did, especially since I can use the Xiosynth presets on it as well. It doesn't have the X-Gator obviously, but who cares - I can always gate externally. As for the supposed "harder" character of the Xiosynth's filter - let me tell you, I've rattled windows with the sounds coming out of this baby - you don't NEED 'harder' than the X-Station !

The X Station 25 has a good, if sometimes confusing 85 page manual. As a synth, it is close in sound to the K and V Station, with Novation's warm sound. It's not terribly complex, but has everything you need to make professional sounds.

The preset synth configurations are out of date for the most part, but are easy to program using Novation's software editor. Be ready to get your hardware and software synth manuals out. Thankfully, the editor is very good.

Synth voices are 8 notes with monopolyphony, meaning you can't use more than one channel for the X Station's synth. The effects are basic and of good quality, with a very nice chorus, reverb, delay, compressor, EQ and distortion.

These effects are available for the audio outs and sound good in a mix though I'd rather add effects post-recording.

The faders, knobs and buttons are plentiful and of good quality. Most are pots with a few encoders for segments such as Oscillator waveforms, which are plentiful and make the synth section very useful, as do the generous FM settings.

As a controller, the X Station works well, and in the event you use synths by Native Instruments, you'll find the midi learn feature on the N.I. synths to be a godsend - particularly if you work quickly.

While weighing 10 lbs, the 25 key version is stable and comfortable to play. It is especially nice to use the excellent keys, particularly with aftertouch.

The K-Station based engine sounds wonderful. If you like the Novation sound, this is one of the better buys, particularly with all the controllers; especially the Joystick, typically used for modulation and pitch. You can change the controls to other functions such as filter and introduction of FM or reduction of sound within a patch.

Also of great use is the x/y touchpad which can be assigned multiple duties. If you have a Korg Wavestation or plugin, you'll be in vector heaven.

This is really a controller first, in my estimation, then a synth, then two audio inputs with flexible controls and excellent hardware conectors.

too early to tell, but this is a well designed, nicely put together master keyboard.

Considering this and a laptop is all you need for a gig and/or studio, it is quite considerably priced. If used as an audio setup, I'd prefer a backup for live situations.

Too many folks I've worked with had technical problems with computers, though I'd feel much more relaxed with the X Station 25's build quality.

not needed to date

This is an excellent solution for DJs, synthesists and other musicians that need an audio controller and sound card.

The synth portion is wonderful for what it is. It won't replace your Nova II or Supernova, but it has the Novation sound which is somewhat polite (unless you wish to make it grittier) and super-warm with a touch of digital due the FM capabilities when used. Overall, the sound is refreshingly pretty and fits wonderfully with my Korg Radias and Q-Rack.

I use many virtual synths, which the X Station 25 controls well. I like it a great deal because it does what it's supposed to and doesn't get in my way.

There was a learning curve which at times was frustrating. Still, I consider the X Station 25 an essential part of my recording rig and am seriously considering gigging again because of the X Stations capabilities.

If stolen I'd replace it, possibly with a 49 key version.

There are some complexities as you are using up to three different devices. I'm happy with my current Audio I/O card and break out box, but it doesn't hurt to have an extra Audio interface, especially on in the synth/controller I'm using.

As a synth, it's pretty much a V-Station grafted to a very nice controller - with aftertouch! - and with 19 knobs, 20 some buttons and 8 faders. The (A/K/V) Station is a modest priced synth with decent use. Compared to an Alesis micron, it is underpowered; for that matter, compared to a Nova II it's modest. Still, it is a professional synth that sounds at par to the V-Station on my computer. Unlike the reviewer below, I have not had a noise floor problem and would take serious issue about working around noise. Compressors and gates are in every software sequencer and cost $140 or so for a decent hardware unit.

The audio interface is reasonable but somewhat tricky to use. As I've only had it a short time with an entirely new hardware setup (replacing multiple synths with a Radias, Q-Rack and X25 meant to use as a controller first, then synth and Audio interface.)

The manual is acceptable for those knowledgeable in synthesis and DAWs. If not, it may take a bit of learning. I'll say this: it took less time to fire this up and install drivers than it did to assemble my Korg Radias.

I'm using OS version 2.3.03 on an X-Station 49. The presets are sweet and powerful, but not as powerful as a real analog synth. Editing is pretty easy because of all of the knobs, but it's not as easy to modify existing sounds because it's hard to tell at a glance how the parameters are set. You have to fiddle with the knob to see what it's set at. The manual is pretty good, but a bit dry.

The keyboard action is excellent. My background is classical piano, but I have found that fully-weighted keys are not appropriate for drum work. The X-Station keyboard is a good compromise. Effects are easy to use and the ability to use all of them at the same time is really nice. They sound great too.

The great thing about the X-Station is that together with a laptop amd a DAW, you have an entire studio with two line or mic ins, two audio outs, mixing, and MIDI control. Or you can use the built-in synth. That's a lot of power in a single device.

I'd say that the sounds and synthesis method are aimed more at Dance/Trance/Electronica than other types of music. So realism is not really a strong suit. However, the sounds are very satisfying, although the X-Station will never be mistaken for a true analog synth. The control is really great -- the touch pad is a powerful modulation source and is usually set up change the filter Q and cutoff for some dramatic modifications to the sound.

I have never had a problem with the unit (owned it for 1.5 years). I would definitely trust it in a gig.

Never dealt with the comapny. The forum on yahoo groups seems to be pretty good.

Yeah, I'd buy another one, but I'd probably get the 25-key version. Oh, maybe I'll buy a 25-key version anyway ... Right now, my studio consists of the X-Station, a PowerBook and Logic Pro. That's a lot of power for not very much money. I wish it had the Romote SL automapping feature. If they come out with an X-Station SL 25, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. I don't think there's anything else that has all of the features this has except the Access Virus Ti. But the Virus was not a realistic option because of its price.

The X-Station itself doesn't get in the way of making music, but I'm not convinced DAWs (or perhaps it's only Logic Pro) are good for creative inspiration compared to dedicated songwriting synth like my old Ensoniq MR-76 or a Kurzweil 2600. So if you're into dance and electronic stuff, I'd say the X-Station with a DAW is awesome. If you're into straight songwriting or orchestration, maybe you might want to look elsewhere.

OS 2.3. Presets run from magical to the dental work. The presets all sound very 'professional'; some of the best are in the first ten, which makes sense. The electric organs are quite nice (I like to start from "Je T'Aime" and use the xy pad to evolve the sound) and there are some D7 things ["Fine Tines"] that sound lovely and serve as an intro to FM. It does not attempt to sound like any acoustic instruments beyond the usual synth brass, so don't waste any time looking for piano or guitar.

Here's an ease of use story I'd like to see more often:

I've found myself drawn to organ sounds since getting the x-station. Then I found the Garage Band organs and they were a huge improvement; not so much the sound, but their authenticity as I imagine they were sampled and the sustain pedal triggered a very good Leslie. Then I discovered Native Instruments B4 II. This is an astounding Hammond emulation that I am just in love with. And here's the great part: the x-station has a template for B4 and it comes with a cardboard overlay precisely for the B4 with the x-station's sliders marked as the Hammond's drawbars. The x-station was clearly designed with B4 in mind and everything just fits; just like it does for the on-board synth and maybe for a bunch of programs I haven't tried.

I won't describe the synth engine, you can read about it elsewhere. I quite like it but it's the only one I've ever used.

The keyboard action is quite acceptable. When I'm using it, the keyboard feels like it's contributing positively to the performance. It's certainly the best action I've used on an electric keyboard in a very long time.

Of course, the real point of the x-station is as a controller. I've used it for GarageBand (which lacks MIDI, so most of the x-station's talents are wasted on it) and for B4 where it is just great. But that's the great thing about the x-station is that it is infinitely expandable. You start with a worthy synth; then you add a computer; then you add anything; anything at all. It's kind of a musical Swiss Army Knife.

This is a machine for changing gestures into music and it's very well-designed for the task. It has a nice semi-weighted keyboard and aftertouch, joystick, xy pad, and knobs knobs knobs and a bank of sliders. It is very well organised for a variety of roles: synth and organ both fit like a glove. With the exception of the actual keyboard action, which is excellent, and knobs, which are nice and luby, the 'feel' of the controls (aftertouch, xy, joystick, sliders) is probably a 'B'. I imagine this is about cost--you can't build a Rolls for the price of a Chevy--and I'm okay with than until I'm significantly richer.

I don't abuse it but I can pound it pretty hard playing and no problems so far. I've had it for 6 months now and take it to jam with they guys most weeks. No physical problems so far. I'd certainly use it on a gig without a backup; no choice really since it's all I've got other than an old and very heavy upright.

Can't speak on repairs. The upgrades are easily available online and if I post a question to the yahoo x-station forum it is amost always promptly answered by an informed user or by a very informed Novation person.

If it were lost or stolen, I'd promptly replace my 49 with a 63.
It isn't perfect--it couldn't be:
I'd make the feel of the trackpad, aftertouch and joystick a little sweeter (less like plastic and more like sex). But then it would probably have to cost more money.
It goes 'thud' through it's outputs when you turn it on or off--I can't believe this is necessary
I'd like to know why one additional octave and absolutely nothing more adds about $170 to the cost--which is why I couldn't afford an x-station 63 in the first place. On a ReMote LE that identical octave costs about $50. So I'm dropping that rating to 8.
But it's still a great great deal.

There is a fairly steep learning curve for a DAW/synth noob like me, but if was too easy then it would not have the capabilities that it has so I am fine with this. Presets - great. Editing patches - great if you download the editor software. Manual - almost great, skewed a bit to the people already familiar with these things although it does include a synthesis tutorial aimed at noobs which is a nice touch and was my first synthesis lesson.

Features - if I could rate this category 100 then I would. No point going over the features - if you are reading this then you probably know what they are and if not, go to the Novation website. I originally purchased this because of all of the features - for a mifi controller. I was too green to realize the implications of the fact that it was also a standalone synthesizer and a damn good one at that. In fact, as I started progressing with my soft synth playing I started wanting to get a standalone hw synth and started pricing them - then one night while lying in bed the light bulb went on and I realized that I already had one! And I haven't looked back since. You will never find anything with this amount of features in this price range. $499 is not a lot of money at all for something like this - if anything it is underpriced.

The keyboard here is, as you probably already know, in a word fantastic. And the aftertouch - wow. It's hard to believe that there is so much expression available in that tiny fraction of a millimeter. I have a huge ability to express myself through this aftertouch - and then when you combine the X-Y touchpad and the joystick, which are located close enough to the keyboard to enable you to use both the touchpad and joystick while still playing the keyboard with both hands. So I can get extremely expressive with the X-Station.

I have not had as single problem with the X-Station or the drivers in the year that I have owned it. What else can I rate it at besides 10?

Nonexistent. I have not had any problems with my X-Station so I can live with this. I had a couple of occasions to e-mail support though, and I may as well have just written them on a piece of paper and flushed them down the toilet - the end result would have been the same and at least with the toilet scenario I wouldn't actually be expecting an answer. I had written first because I tried to register my X-Station and the submit kept failing, and then I wrote to ask some general use questions and advice because this is my first synth and my first midi controller. But I never received an answer to either inquiry.

Overall I have only praise and no compaints. Believe me - if there was a problem I would mention it. I'm the king of critical reviews. But my X-Station is an excellent piece of equipment and does everything that I want it to do (and more) brilliantly. As far as the Harmony Central question - if it were ost or stolen, yes I would buy another one. I've been playing music for 25 years but am new to DAW and synthesis. I compared it to other products and chose it for the amount of features for the price. Things that I wish it had - small built-in speakers for off the cuff outdoor jams but I doubt that anything in this class would have those. And a Hi-Z guitar dedicated guitar input. Does it help me make music - hell yeah!