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Novation Launches X-Station 25

May 08, 2004

X-Station 25
(Click for a close-up)

The new X-Station 25 integrates a Novation synthesizer, an audio interfacr, MIDI controller, MIDI interface and a multi-effects processor, complete with USB or battery power for extended total mobility.

X-Station is designed with live performance in mind, offering semi-weighted keys and aftertouch. What's more, the extensive remote control surface provides a massive 150 virtual controls per template. X-Station offers a total of 55 assignable physical controls, including 3 Encoders, 16 pots, 9 sliders and 22 buttons. A joystick controller and an assignable X/Y touch pad controller complete the picture.

The on-board DSP processor is another feature, delivering 2 multi-effects processors and a hardware synthesizer. The 3-oscillator virtual analog synthesizer model is based on the Novation KS-series and is 8-voice polyphonic. The control interface provides instant access to most parameters, making sound creation fast and intuitive. The synthesizer is totally integrated with computer recording setups: the stereo audio output is sent straight through the USB cable and into any ASIO-compatible application running on Mac OS X or Windows XP.

An audio interface turns X-Station into a recording environment as well: Two phantom-powered preamps, 24-bit converters, two Neutrik combined XLR and jack sockets, digital S/PDIF out, and more. Dedicated headphone and monitoring connections with separate controls even enable the user to work without a mixer.

The onboard DSP effects processor delivers zero-latency multi-effects for monitoring or recording. Each audio or synth channel has its own effects chain with up to six effects simultaneously. The available effects include Chorus, Delay, Reverb Distortion, EQ and a Compressor. Effects can be routed for recording but also for monitoring only (e.g. giving the singer Reverb while recording).

On top of that, X-Station has an on-board MIDI Interface for the integration of external MIDI Gear. X-Station includes a Power Supply, but can be run off batteries or with USB power. Suitable batteries may even be recharged automatically via the USB connection.

The X-Station 25 carries an MSRP of US $ 799 / EURO 749 (inc. VAT) / UK 499 (inc. VAT). Novation will also introduces 49- and 61-key versions later this spring.

Feature Summary:

  • Virtual analog hardware synthesizer based on Novation KS-engine with 200 presets.
  • Multi-effects processor with up to 6 simultaneous effects on each channel: Reverb / Chorus or Phaser / Delay / Compressor / Distortion and EQ.
  • MIDI remote control surface, all controls assignable. Each template can control up to 150 virtual controls. Program storage for 40 templates. Factory presets for packages including Reason, Native Instruments Plug-Ins, Cubase, Logic, Sonar, Live 2 etc.
  • Keyboard with 25 semi-weighted, full-size keys (49 and 61 versions available soon) and aftertouch.
  • 24-bit simultaneous 2 channel audio I/O (44.1 / 48 Khz).
  • Dual low noise, high bandwidth audio pre-amps ( >70 dB headroom) with phantom power.
  • Separate controls for Line Levels and Headphones, zero latency headphone monitoring and SPDIF digital out
  • USB MIDI Interface with 1 In and 2 Outs
  • Can be powered via Batteries, USB or supplied PSU
  • Recharges suitable batteries via USB
  • Phantom Power also delivered via USB or batteries

For more information, visit their web site at http://www.novationmusic.com/.

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