NEW PRODUCT: NOVATION XIOSYNTH 49
Oct 17, 2006 2:58 PM Asher Fulero (Writer)
Novation keeps releasing new lines of quality synths and MIDI controllers lately, with all sorts of subtle differences designed to give options to studio heads. Its newest, the XioSynth 49 ($599), offers a complete synthesizer, MIDI controller and audio interface in one nicely priced package.
The audio-interface section takes a simple 2-in/2-out approach: one phantom-powered XLR mic pre and one 1/4-inch guitar jack for high-quality audio conversion, recording and playback using class-compliant USB (no drivers needed). The XioSynth also acts as a MIDI controller for software with 22 knobs (doubled to 44 using the A/B switch), an assignable touchpad and an assignable joystick for thorough control and programming options. There are 16 onboard templates, 12 of which come pre-assigned with Novation's well-respected layouts, and the included Template Editor software can create templates to be uploaded to the unit. As a superpowered bonus, the XioSynth also operates as an 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer featuring a 32-step X-Gator sequencer for adding rhythmic gate effects to any synth patch. It comes prepared with 200 patches; producers such as James Zabiela, Roots Manuva, Rennie Pilgrem and others programmed 60 of them. All 22 knobs and the touchpad/joystick have internal synth functions for a load of tweaking possibilities, and the synth signal can be routed through the USB connection to record directly into a computer. However, don't overlook the XioSynth's ability to run off batteries in stand-alone mode for wire-free synthesis away from the studio.
Novation; www.novationmusic.com
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