OVERVIEW
Novation's XioSynth combines a high quality USB audio interface with MIDI and high-end stand-alone synthesizer capabilities. The combination of these features in a highly affordable keyboard makes it a unique all-in-one production tool as well as an amazing bargain. In addition, XioSynth's compact design and USB compatibilty or battery powered function makes it an excellent choice for producers on the move.

FEATURES
Synthesizer
The XioSynth features a mono-timbral Novation synth engine with 8-voice polyphony. In addition to 3 oscillators (17 waveforms each), 1 Filter (varying types), 2 LFOs (32 waveforms each), an arpeggiator and multi-effects board, this subtractive synth also boasts some brand new facilities such as the X-Gator patch programmer. The X-Gator can be made to gate each patch to create unique 16-32 step rhythmic patterns for every onboard sound, all automatically synchronised to MIDI clock from a sequencer; just press and hold one key to groove along to a track with style. The XioSynth also comes with 200 onboard patches which you can tweak and distort using the optional filter distortion to create an even greater range of sounds; from clean and sparkly to grimey and gritty. In addition, 60 of the patches were created by acclaimed artists and producers such as Roots Manuva, Skeewiff, Shimon and James Zabiela.

Interface
The XioSynth's included USB powered interface features 2 Audio Ins / 2 Outs for high quality recording and playback as well as 1 MIDI out and 1USB MIDI in/out. An onboard interface like this is rare to find on a keyboard and allows you to record from the inputs, as well as simultaneously stream the onboard synth audio directly to the sequencer via the USB cable.

MIDI Controller
In addition to synthesizing and audio interfacing, the keyboard is also a comprehensive MIDI keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys, a control surface with 11 knobs and buttons (doubled to 22 by a Group A/B switch), plus a freely assignable Touchpad and joystick. All of these controls are pre-programmed in 16 onboard Templates, so that the XioSynth 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.

Additional features include rubberized pitch and mod wheels, backlit LCD display, sustain pedal input, USB, 9V DC, or 6x AA battery powered, and MAC or PC compatiblity.

- USB MIDI controller, synthesizer, and audio interface in one
- 49 semi weighted keys
- synthesizer features 8-voice polyphonic, 3 oscillators, 17 waveforms, 2 LFOs, 32 waveforms, 200 onboard patches
- multimode resonant filter section with various filter options
- extensive modulation capabilities
- arpeggiator with latch
- X-GATOR with latch
- direct streaming of synth into computer via USB
- rubberized pitch and mod wheel lever
- assignable X/Y touchpad
- 11 assignable function switches, group B switch, octave up/down buttons
- blue LED backlit LCD display
- interface features 1 MIDI Out, USB MIDI: 1 In/1 Out, Audio In 1 XLR (with phantom power)/1 TS Jack, Audio Out 2 TS Jack (L/R)
- 1 stereo headphones jack
- 1 sustain pedal input
- powered by USB, 6 x AA battery or optional 9V DC power supply
- compatible with MAC and PC

reviewed by snackmaster