As it’s class compliant, I use it as an interface for my iPad Pro via the camera connection kit, and the audio ins can be used for effects apps, the midi ins mean you can use iOS synth apps in a useful way too and the built in controllers on the x station can give you hands on control of any app via midi learn too.... plus with the computer/synth knob you can layer the two sound sources, I love mine!
I swear novation should make a follow up to this thing! A bit more compact, less weighty, a more responsive touch pad (or no touchpad at all in favour of portability), class compliant interface and allow it to use internal FX for audio input... The perfect modern portable synth... Oh yeah and ofc make the device look like an actual synth instead of a midi keyboard 😂
SPDIF (no one uses that anymore) well... you should.... its a godsend ! that spdif out you can connect to your digi interface in to your daw or if you have a digi desk this will give you clear as a bell digi audio with no loss to record with, so if you was using the analog out to record with the digi sound is being converted to analog to get out of the x station the analog into your desk is again being converted back to digi by the desk again, so you will get loss there right away, sod all that, just use the digi to digi in, perfect,
Touch pad & joystick were what made Novation outstanding; just pitch & modulation wheels nowadays. Gone backwards, a pity they're now followers making gear for followers. Great demo, even Jexus couldn't manage to make one, well done. Thumb-upper.
Great vid and keyboard! I have a Mininova getting old in the box. I love this much better but I suppose it rather extensive and I am afraid it would passion most of its life in the box too ... life plays with us while we pretend to play. Greetings.
I had it back in the day and I found the 25 keys too limiting, a 49 keys would be a lot more useful. I am surprised that after all the hate it received, it still sells for the same money as I have paid some 14 years ago (if you can find it)
@@gearfacts I found one today in excellent condition for only $375 U.S. with free shipping. If it wasn't so close to Christmas I'd pull the trigger. Buying gifts for 13 grandchildren is quite the yearly investment.
There are few things not so great. The touchpad was very inaccurate and simply bad quality, synth engine kinda rough sounding and most preprogrammed patches were useless (simply bad sounding), usb interface was “hit and miss” at best, knobs and sliders were toy quality… I could go on but don’t have that much time 😜 It was a true Jack of all trades, master of none.
I've had one since they came out... a 'Remote 25 Audio' before the x-station rename, but same OS/features... I use it for everything other than the sounds unfortunately. However, just recently, using one of it's nice features of audio over the USB cable, I put a heap of VST effects over it, and sounds good then :)
One of my first synths as well, and in fact just bought another one off eBay! I figure now there are pedals that can change this 90’s sound powerhouse into something more modern! Am I right? We’ll see, but I am surprised you didn’t make that part of your argument, because today’s effects pedals are a game changer! Wonder what this would sound like through the new Strymon Nightsky pedal!
Good point. I've made a couple of vids about pumping old keyboard through multi-effects systems. Not quite the same thing, I know, but it's always fun and interesting.
I plan to use it with a Zoom ms-70CDR, where I can make a bunch of custom patches that might help boost the eq and other aspects to liven it up a bit! Great channel, thanks!
Nice review. I find the 25key more practical than the 49 key. The 25 key can play most parts for the music it suits, and is almost basically a desktop module. For me when something is easier to get to and more accessible, it is more likely to get used. Very important when you have a collection of gear!
I see you revisited this synth? I wish I had this synth period. But I do have the KS4(rebuilt in a wooden case with computer brain and wood organ keys) and 2 Ultranovas which are headed for the same rebuild. But still.. and X-station 61 would be nice.
Certainly sounds more fun than the average Casio/Yamaha toys. If it had a mic/vocoder you'd be good to go! Recharges batteries?! Insane! 90s sounding yes but interesting. I recently tried the keybed of the 61 version - not too shabby at all 👍
Relly? The KS5 has the added vocoder and multi timbrel features. Now the X station has USB audio and midi like the XIOSYNTH but again, no vokopocalyptis synth(oral symphonizer), and no 4 part multitimbrel midi feature so you can assign a different synth voice to at least 4 different midi channels in a pure midi sequence. The X-station has more modern features and more sound presets. I would say having BOTH like you do, is the best option lol! I guess it is personal preference indeed. I like the old school midi din and pro features of the KS5 not to mention I can change the plastic fatar keybed with a WOODEN fatar Organ keybed which I did, and oooh boy! Pure love!
pianokeyjoe I have the mini nova also so use that if I do vocoder. I’m also a bit or a preset hound for risers and pads and I feel this is a better option for those sounds. I try and use all my equipment for different things possible set in my ways lol!
Gearfacts yeh it’s decent. I actually bought it from a producer who worked for Codemasters so all the music from the game micro machines on the SNES and mega drive/genesis is on there as patches lol. Big synth for atmos and soundscapes
im really tempted with an x station. so many old house records / belgian nu beat sounds etc. you can pick em up for cheeeeap now. its a bit of a clunker though.
The X-Station and the XioSynth are 100% compatible and can receive presets from all the other similar Novation synths. V-Station can only accept presets from the K-Station though. Those two synths have less features.
Here's a link to the official Novation site that has a helpful compatibility chart. The other link is straight to the picture, which is showing in a larger size. support.novationmusic.com/hc/en-gb/articles/206865169-A-Station-K-Station-V-Station-X-Station-Xio-and-KS-Series-patch-compatibility resource.novationmusic.com/sites/default/files/novationmusic/novationmusic/A%20K%20KS%20V%20X%20Station%20%26%20Xio%20sound%20compatibilty.jpg
I just bought one and I'm loving it but I'm having a problem with it. The screen goes crazy sometimes when I move the sliders and either it gets stuck (doesn't show current info) or it will display the wrong % or numbers of where the slider actually is (for example the slider is all the way up to max, or what should be 127 in numbers but it shows 3 or somewhere around there. Wondering if anyone has this problem.
I got mine used, and have had it about 3 years now. In that time I've noticed that some of the knobs while being turned skip numbers. I've thought about using some de-oxit on all the potentiometers, and fader pots. I've had the synth apart before to clean it. It's easy enough to take apart, and put back together. I don't know if I want to try and clean those pots with them being digital, though. I'm afraid of messing something up, but I really don't think it would do any harm. Anyway, I think cleaning those potentiometers would fix both of our problems. Also, try reinstalling the firmware or updating the firmware; if you haven't already.
@@toastangler Thanks for the reply. I don't know but I'm noticing less of the problem now. Or maybe it's not even there as I haven't seen it do it lately. Maybe when I was cleaning the synth (with a damp sponge) a little bit of wetness got into it and caused that problem but I was very careful while cleaning it. I usually like opening things up and fixing them but I haven't decided on this one. I think it might need firmware update though, but I haven't looked into how to do it.
I love my X-Station but the encoders and sliders are a bit garbage. I have replaced almost all of them and will crack it open again to replace the remaining ones. I learned how to solder just so I could fix mine. If you get the parts from Mouser they are less than $1 a piece, as opposed to the $10 that some people sell them for on eBay.
As it’s class compliant, I use it as an interface for my iPad Pro via the camera connection kit, and the audio ins can be used for effects apps, the midi ins mean you can use iOS synth apps in a useful way too and the built in controllers on the x station can give you hands on control of any app via midi learn too.... plus with the computer/synth knob you can layer the two sound sources, I love mine!
Yeah the versatility is amazing.
the nova engine is pretty impressive. i had a xiosynth and that was a mini monster
Yeah I've reviewed both versions of the Xio. Amazing for its size.
I swear novation should make a follow up to this thing! A bit more compact, less weighty, a more responsive touch pad (or no touchpad at all in favour of portability), class compliant interface and allow it to use internal FX for audio input... The perfect modern portable synth...
Oh yeah and ofc make the device look like an actual synth instead of a midi keyboard 😂
Yeah it's appearance is the first thing I'd be modifying!
SPDIF (no one uses that anymore) well... you should.... its a godsend ! that spdif out you can connect to your digi interface in to your daw or if you have a digi desk this will give you clear as a bell digi audio with no loss to record with, so if you was using the analog out to record with the digi sound is being converted to analog to get out of the x station the analog into your desk is again being converted back to digi by the desk again, so you will get loss there right away, sod all that, just use the digi to digi in, perfect,
Love it :)
I would happy to have one of those.
Yep it's old but it's still cool
Touch pad & joystick were what made Novation outstanding; just pitch & modulation wheels nowadays. Gone backwards, a pity they're now followers making gear for followers. Great demo, even Jexus couldn't manage to make one, well done. Thumb-upper.
Thanks BG
Love it!!!! 😍
I have garbage novation remote 25... I'm sad I couldn't find X when I was looking for keyboard 😅
Remote 25 can be upgraded to X-Station via firmware at the cost of some preset slots.
Great vid and keyboard! I have a Mininova getting old in the box. I love this much better but I suppose it rather extensive and I am afraid it would passion most of its life in the box too ... life plays with us while we pretend to play. Greetings.
Expensive and pass (hate the corrector).
Glad you liked it!
I had it back in the day and I found the 25 keys too limiting, a 49 keys would be a lot more useful. I am surprised that after all the hate it received, it still sells for the same money as I have paid some 14 years ago (if you can find it)
Yeah these days I think 49 is absolute minimum.
My first synth, still love it
Yep. I sold it, regretted it, now I'm watching another one on ebay. I really want the 49 key version though
@@gearfacts I found one today in excellent condition for only $375 U.S. with free shipping. If it wasn't so close to Christmas I'd pull the trigger. Buying gifts for 13 grandchildren is quite the yearly investment.
@@ReneeNme ooohhh well yeah it’s good, but I’m not sure it’s worth quite that much. Good idea to hold off I think :)
@@gearfacts Yeah, I only paid $160 for my Xio 25. I'm going to keep shopping around to see if I can find an X-Station cheaper.
Love my x Station. 💯
Decent synth and controller in one small package what’s not to like 👍👍👍
Totally :)
There are few things not so great. The touchpad was very inaccurate and simply bad quality, synth engine kinda rough sounding and most preprogrammed patches were useless (simply bad sounding), usb interface was “hit and miss” at best, knobs and sliders were toy quality… I could go on but don’t have that much time 😜
It was a true Jack of all trades, master of none.
I've had one since they came out... a 'Remote 25 Audio' before the x-station rename, but same OS/features... I use it for everything other than the sounds unfortunately. However, just recently, using one of it's nice features of audio over the USB cable, I put a heap of VST effects over it, and sounds good then :)
Yep it's a versatile machine
Now THAT is what I liiiike! :P
One of my first synths as well, and in fact just bought another one off eBay! I figure now there are pedals that can change this 90’s sound powerhouse into something more modern! Am I right? We’ll see, but I am surprised you didn’t make that part of your argument, because today’s effects pedals are a game changer! Wonder what this would sound like through the new Strymon Nightsky pedal!
Good point. I've made a couple of vids about pumping old keyboard through multi-effects systems. Not quite the same thing, I know, but it's always fun and interesting.
@@gearfacts I want more. And please do this with M Audio Venom. ;)
@@montazownianr1 New M-Audio Venom demo 50% filmed, will release it as soon as possible :)
@@montazownianr1 it is interesting how bad gear always makes its way to Poland 🤓😂 and earns popularity there 🤷🏻♂️
I plan to use it with a Zoom ms-70CDR, where I can make a bunch of custom patches that might help boost the eq and other aspects to liven it up a bit! Great channel, thanks!
Sounds great! Thanks for watching :)
Nice review.
I find the 25key more practical than the 49 key.
The 25 key can play most parts for the music it suits, and is almost basically a desktop module. For me when something is easier to get to and more accessible, it is more likely to get used. Very important when you have a collection of gear!
I see you revisited this synth? I wish I had this synth period. But I do have the KS4(rebuilt in a wooden case with computer brain and wood organ keys) and 2 Ultranovas which are headed for the same rebuild. But still.. and X-station 61 would be nice.
Yes I'd love to try the 61 key version to have a bit more freedom to move.
Certainly sounds more fun than the average Casio/Yamaha toys. If it had a mic/vocoder you'd be good to go! Recharges batteries?! Insane! 90s sounding yes but interesting. I recently tried the keybed of the 61 version - not too shabby at all 👍
Totally!
AWESOME DEMO man!!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great synth have this and the ks5 and prefer this
Relly? The KS5 has the added vocoder and multi timbrel features. Now the X station has USB audio and midi like the XIOSYNTH but again, no vokopocalyptis synth(oral symphonizer), and no 4 part multitimbrel midi feature so you can assign a different synth voice to at least 4 different midi channels in a pure midi sequence. The X-station has more modern features and more sound presets. I would say having BOTH like you do, is the best option lol! I guess it is personal preference indeed. I like the old school midi din and pro features of the KS5 not to mention I can change the plastic fatar keybed with a WOODEN fatar Organ keybed which I did, and oooh boy! Pure love!
pianokeyjoe I have the mini nova also so use that if I do vocoder. I’m also a bit or a preset hound for risers and pads and I feel this is a better option for those sounds. I try and use all my equipment for different things possible set in my ways lol!
I missed a chance to review a KS5 recently... dang it... Seems like an excellent soundscape maker.
Gearfacts yeh it’s decent. I actually bought it from a producer who worked for Codemasters so all the music from the game micro machines on the SNES and mega drive/genesis is on there as patches lol. Big synth for atmos and soundscapes
Back when it was micron microkorg or this I really should of went with this one.
I've just sold it, holding out for the 49 key version :)
Micron though
Massa
im really tempted with an x station. so many old house records / belgian nu beat sounds etc. you can pick em up for cheeeeap now. its a bit of a clunker though.
'Clunker' is good word for it. I recently got a Mininova and the sounds really seem to be a step above this one. Review to come (naturally)
Got this 8 yrs ago £140 quid, bargain !!!
Very bargain!
Is it possible to import the presets from my xio synth into this one? And can the xstation import it's presets into the Vstation software??
They sound verrrry similar so I think it's likely that you could.
The X-Station and the XioSynth are 100% compatible and can receive presets from all the other similar Novation synths. V-Station can only accept presets from the K-Station though. Those two synths have less features.
Here's a link to the official Novation site that has a helpful compatibility chart. The other link is straight to the picture, which is showing in a larger size.
support.novationmusic.com/hc/en-gb/articles/206865169-A-Station-K-Station-V-Station-X-Station-Xio-and-KS-Series-patch-compatibility
resource.novationmusic.com/sites/default/files/novationmusic/novationmusic/A%20K%20KS%20V%20X%20Station%20%26%20Xio%20sound%20compatibilty.jpg
@@Vimana shit... So no way to back up these sounds into the software then...
I just bought one and I'm loving it but I'm having a problem with it. The screen goes crazy sometimes when I move the sliders and either it gets stuck (doesn't show current info) or it will display the wrong % or numbers of where the slider actually is (for example the slider is all the way up to max, or what should be 127 in numbers but it shows 3 or somewhere around there. Wondering if anyone has this problem.
I got mine used, and have had it about 3 years now. In that time I've noticed that some of the knobs while being turned skip numbers. I've thought about using some de-oxit on all the potentiometers, and fader pots. I've had the synth apart before to clean it. It's easy enough to take apart, and put back together. I don't know if I want to try and clean those pots with them being digital, though. I'm afraid of messing something up, but I really don't think it would do any harm. Anyway, I think cleaning those potentiometers would fix both of our problems. Also, try reinstalling the firmware or updating the firmware; if you haven't already.
@@toastangler Thanks for the reply. I don't know but I'm noticing less of the problem now. Or maybe it's not even there as I haven't seen it do it lately. Maybe when I was cleaning the synth (with a damp sponge) a little bit of wetness got into it and caused that problem but I was very careful while cleaning it. I usually like opening things up and fixing them but I haven't decided on this one. I think it might need firmware update though, but I haven't looked into how to do it.
@@toastangler You can use pure isopropyl alcohol to clean them. Has to be isopropyl, don't use ethyl. It will dry out in under 1 hour.
I love my X-Station but the encoders and sliders are a bit garbage. I have replaced almost all of them and will crack it open again to replace the remaining ones. I learned how to solder just so I could fix mine. If you get the parts from Mouser they are less than $1 a piece, as opposed to the $10 that some people sell them for on eBay.
@@shaneking5610 Thanks for the reply and the info. Yes. I love mine too. It's a beautiful little synth that does a lot of things for little money.
Gearfacts the sounds on the keyboard i don't like it at all sorry i don't like it
Very different to Yamaha isn't it!