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From: bloodySunday77
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  • Hey man, my Dad's friend gave this to us as he no longer wanted it along with a Behringer B-5 microphone. Could you possibly explain to me how to make my microphone simply work.

    I plug it into the Input 1 slot and even turn the input 1 level up a bit, but the green light doesn't light up and I can't hear any noise.

    The synth works fine though.

  • @KrisAdamatzky I believe the pdf manual is available on the web page of Novation... I can't remember how to do that. I don't own one, I've only tried it, but I own a Novation X Station instead.

  • @bloodySunday77 Hi I am looking for a compact synth to use just for basses. Do you recommend this? thanks.

  • @trunks2861 Yes, certainly, although you can also find a cheap 2nd hand Microkorg for that.

  • Is it possible to process an input signal through the LFOs etc.?

  • @AdamSewell No, I don't think so.

  • thx for the review.

    xiosynth has no midi in? huh?

    can you control the synth from a computer sequencer through usb?

  • @evilsnakes1 Yes, you can control it through USB. The PC recognizes it as an interface, and the mic ins work through that as well.

  • would you recommend the xiosynth or the microkorg to a beginner?

  • @cjsinister6 Both, but the Microkorg is more appealing as it is a newer model. The Xiosynth is very good but the interface is a bit complicated (too many functions and too few knobs). You would need to sit down and study on how to make it work, but by doing so you will learn more things about basic sound synthesis than you would with the Microkorg.

  • @bloodySunday77 To enjoy real time tweaking of all the options of the Xiosynth, you would need an interface like the one of the X Station (which I have).

  • @bloodySunday77 sorry but I change my mind a lot, my final question is Xiosynth or X-station? (found X-station very cheap so I have to ask)

  • @cjsinister6 The X Station! But make sure you have the manual as well. I think you can also find it as a pdf on the Novation site. The engine of both synths is almost identical, with the Xio having an extra arpeggiator and two more voices of polyphony. But the layout of the X Station is truly excellent, as well as the feel of the keys that include both aftertouch and velocity sensitivity (the Xio doesn't have aftertouch). If you don't know what these terms are, you will appreciate them later...

  • @bloodySunday77 appreciate it, and yes I am familiar with the terms.

  • I thought this synth would be crap for 140 quid but it isn't that bad. Okay my band bought it before I told them I had a Korg Radias but when playing live it's not as if people notice. Yes the layout is bad and at certain angles you can't even read the labels but the keys are 'real' semi-weighted, unlike M-Audio's idea of semi-weighted which is tosh.

  • Please help me - I've read lot a lot of comments on this synth and one thing I still cant get:

    is it possible to SIMULTANEOUSLY use it as sound card ( by sending to speakers something from sequencer - beat, etc.) AND as a synth for playing separate melody, bass line, etc. ?? I need that kind of functioanality for gigs and key word is SIMULTANEOUSLY. Thanx in advance!

  • @roflmaotzetung Sorry, just saw your question now... I don't believe so. I think you can only use it as one of these. I don't have it now, but I can try doing that on my Novation X Station which has almost the same engine...

  • video really does show how much you can do with the xiosynth (a lot!)

    some constructive criticism: perhaps show some changing of the parameters and perhaps even explain how, given how confusing the synth is.

  • @Badunkawank13 Ι don't own one... I own an X Station though, and they have almost 100% the same engine, with the X Station being more configurable.

  • Cool sounds,I used to have the XioSynth but now I have the the X-25 Synth/Controller,how do I connect my X-25 to Cubase to record my own Tunes,I have Cubase and can't get the sounds from my Synth through Cubase I'm Stuck,any help Appreciated and could someone explain simply for my slow processing brain lol=))))

  • im interested in buying the 25 or 49, which 1 should i get and can i use the preset sounds while plugged into an amp without the need of a computer?

  • @522PsYcHoScReAm114 Please go through the older comments, all of these have been discussed already many times. Yes, you can. The 25 is more compact, the 49 is sometimes easier to play without switching octaves.

  • @bloodySunday77 this synth have a MASTERBLASTER effect sound???? Sorry for my english

  • @Lamantino89 I don't know what a Masterblaster effect is, sorry...

  • @bloodySunday77 it's a DANCE MUSIC riff effect

  • @Lamantino89 I have played a bit of dance on it, especially with its arpeggiators, but I don't know that, sorry.

  • Have one of these synths here, there surprisingly powerful but you didn't really show the oscillators in action!

    Also, do you know what Bloody Sunday actually means over there or where it originated?

  • @ChemicalConfusion Yes! And I take it that you do as well, especially if you are Irish...

  • I love my Xio, sometimes my keys pop out when played to hard. Patch #150 is the best, too bad it was skipped over so quick

  • thanks a lot :) I wish there was a synth for dummies, but I've taught myself how to play guitar and piano and i've already downloaded so much research on it (but have yet to read all of it). my friend and i are starting an electronic rock band and i have so many tunes played out in my head, and the synth is a great way to play them out for everyone to hear.

  • do you take lessons? or teach yourself? as i said waaaay beginner but i've always wanted to play a synth.

  • @TheJOKERevealed It's not that hard, believe me. I've never taken lessons for the synth (although I've been playing music for 23 years, but it's really not that important if you have a bit of talent yourself).

  • is it polyophonic?

  • @FireatWill35 Yes, 10 voices (I think, or 8).

  • can u tweak a sound and save it? so then u can go strait to it on the fly

  • @FireatWill35 Yes, it has 200 presets, and you cah change them all, and restore them if you like.

  • is this specific synth easier to play than some others? I'm a beginner at this, but I have an 80s keyboard that has like 2 sounds. I would love to get a synth, and this one is so far my favorite i've seen.

  • @TheJOKERevealed Ι wouldn't say it's very easy to play - it has presets, but you need to go deep into sound synthesis theory to make it work as it should, and the layout is a bit too cramped, unlike the X Station which I love. However, you can always tweak the presets by playing randomly with the knobs. If you want more impressive presets, I would go for one of the Korgs.

  • @TheJOKERevealed From my experience i would say to get a synth with everything laid out on the from instead of a bunch of folders and and crap to flip through . it is a lot easier to learn by tweeking knobs and sliders than through an lcd screen . Just my opinion .

  • hey um, does this thing play out loud without a computer?

  • @AlysonElectronicore Yes, through headphones or an amplifier (or any powered speakers). Connections are on the back, and they are standard like any other synth.

  • @bloodySunday77 thank you so much :)

  • @AlysonElectronicore You're very welcome!

  • I want this.

  • should i get the Xiosynth 25 or the Korg microkorg?

  • @ledzep250 It depends... take a look at the comments, it has been discussed before. But my impression is based on the older Microkorg - I think there's a new one out now. Generally speaking, the Xio has more gentle sounds, a bit more analog-ish, and the Microkorg can deliver more "grrrrrr", but it doesn't go as deep into subtractive sound synthesis as the Xio. You may like that if you don't really care to see how this synthesis works...

  • @bloodySunday77 OK, thankyou. Im looking for sythn that can handle low bass, im planning on making dubstep and drum n bass.

  • @ledzep250 I think both can do that well, although I haven't put them side by side to see how they handle low bass. The Xio can easily give more distorted sounds if necessary, but I have a feeling that the Microkorg might be what you are after.

  • @bloodySunday77 I'll look into it then. I've got a while to decide. Thanks for the info!

  • @ledzep250 You're welcome! But try to get your hands on both. The Korg will be easy to find, but I don't know about the Novation.

  • @bloodySunday77 Im on a bit of a tight budget so i'll have to see if i can pluck the money out of somewhere! If i can get the money though i might just buy i better range and bigger synthesizer.

  • @ledzep250 Yeah, I understand what you mean, but you can actually see the Microkorg used on stage by many artists. All those little compact synths can do wonders nowadays.

  • @bloodySunday77 OK then, thanks for your time! :)

  • cool! looks awesome. Has it got a drum machine?

  • @V19torrent No, it hasn't... when I need one, I just use my X Station as a midi keyboard and choose one from my PC (from Reason, Cubase, Sonar etc).

  • can i make it sound like a bass guitar

  • @goirishnd0905 A bit, yes.

  • ha ha ha like that simpsons episode. star wipe, and star wipe, and another star wipe

  • One of these just showed up in the pawn shop down the street,thanks for this helpful vid.

  • @rentasheep You're welcome. It should be very cheap!

  • Hey, i was wondering, would one be able to record into a daw using the synth as an external device through the usb connection? I know it has an interface built in, so that would be possible i think, i use other external gear and have to run through an interface to record, and if i could use this as a synth and not a controller and record via usb that would be amazing as i dont have a mixer and my interface only has two inputs and i dont like always having to disconect equipment, Stay up man...

  • @Surealproductions147 Sorry, but can you please rephrase by using commas, full stops, sentences and very specific questions? I didn't understand almost anything... Yes, you can record it any way you like, either with it acting as an interface or by connecting its stereo outs to whatever else you have.

  • Do i need to plug this into a computer in order to play, or can it simply be plugged into headphones or an amp?

  • @dudewheresmylespaul You can do both, or even use it as a MIDI keyboard.

  • @bloodySunday77 Ah, Thanks alot :)

  • @dudewheresmylespaul You're welcome!

  • Thanx , ... but I think it sounds the same like novation V synth (VST). what do you think?

  • @orientalflux Unfortunately I haven't tried it, and there is a very good chance it will, but delivering the sound of a VSTi means that you have to use AD/DA stages, amplification etc that are different than the synth in hardware itself. That can introduce differences whether or not you have a decent sound card interface or not...Besides, it's more practical than this because it also has the mic preamps, the use of it as a USB interface, as a MIDI keyboard, as something you can take to a gig etc.

  • @bloodySunday77 yeah I agree.... I still prefer hardware than virtual...as long it is affordable for me.

  • Thank you bloody

  • @Sinfonia2010 It's just too long to write here, and I don't remember the instructions by heart, but it's all there. You will also need a software that sends patches via MIDI like MIDI OX.

  • Hi,please help me!! With which software i can open the patches of xio dowloaded by internet??

    Thnak you

  • @Sinfonia2010 With the editor... the instructions are all in the manual and in the zip files of the patches available on the official site.

  • I'm a bass player, but i love synthesizers and im kinda new to that world. I'm looking for a synth that emulates the sound of a Mellotron (or anything related to vintage sounds)

    Would you recommend this one?

    FYI: bands like Porcupine Tree, Opeth and Muse always use those kind of synths, i need more info about that please HELP!

  • @mortifago The sound of Mellotrons is quite difficult to reproduce, and I don't think this one is good at it. Vintage sounds, it can be quite decent, but I don't know if I would recommend it to a beginner. Maybe to someone that wants to learn how to create sounds by learning what an oscillator is, what is an LFO, what is ADSR etc. If you don't want to go that deep, try one that specializes in samples and that has lots of presets, like the Korg Micro X (cheap as 2nd hand).

  • I wouldnt trade a Micron for one of these....Remember the A Station or the K Station? Its all in all really not different....Find a K Station used for a couple hundred bucks and you'd be a lot happier

  • @fatpandatouge Why would they be a lot happier? I would prefer the X Station myself (I own it instead of the Xio) but both have exactly the same engine, with a few options reduced such as no audio in (vocoder) and no drum maps. However, the Xio and the X Station do things the K Station doesn't, and if you find them used they will have half the price of the K Station.

  • is a korg r3 good for a beginner or to complicated

  • Can anyone tell me which is better between this and the microkorg if I'm not interested in presets I only want my own sounds. I have a roland SH201 so I have a decent understanding of making sounds but I don't really know the differences between these synths.

  • @gangplank88 Read the comments, it must be the 15th time someone's asking this question.

  • @gangplank88 Microkorg isn't very good for getting in and making your own presets. The engine is definately stronger, but the Novation allows for much better contol both in editing sounds and making your performance expressive. Plus the tiny little keys on the microkorg are terrible! Novation has full size keys and aftertouch which you can assign to anything ( filter, pitch, mod, FX etc )

  • I like the unique sounds that the xiosynth and the micron can make it. If i wanna have a very versatile and unique sounds, which do u think is better? Also, do you get used to the fact that the xiosynth doesnt have that many inputs?)

  • @7ofakind I am not really sure what you mean by "not many inputs"... it actually has more inputs that you would find normally, as it can also function as a sound card with mic preamps. As for which one is more versatile, I would say the Novation, although as I've said before in comments I wouldn't recommend the Xiosynth as much as the X Station (I own the X Station and not the Xio).

  • so what is the best synth i can get for under 500 bucks with the most features

  • @Metal758 It depends on whether you want to go deep into making your own sounds, or relying more on presets... check out the Korg Micro X, the Microkorg, this Novation, the Alesis Micron... although I wouldn't recommend the Alesis to a beginner.

  • I'm totally ready to trade my Micron in for one of these babies.

  • @woodswalker I wish there was a big forum and community for Novation, in order to hear any rumors about maybe a new synth... preferably a big analog modelling one like the X Station... (that way you wouldn't have to trade your Micron for this, but wait for a new one instead). Slim chance anyway - Novation seems too occupied with producing new midi controllers.

  • I have a question can can use this as a midi controller with protools?

  • @robwss14 I haven't used it myself but I can't see any reason why not. You could email the company for an answer... in the manual I think it explains how to make it work with a number of software DAWs and plugins, and it comes with lots and lots of templates.

  • random question but im look for a nice beginner synth is the alesis micron a good one or a microkorg?

  • @Metal758 It depends... I would recommend the Microkorg for a beginner.

  • I like it,

    good,

    how can I do new tipe of sounds in novation? I'm thinking to buy one,

  • @digaoyorke Just tweak the knobs and save your presets. It's all in the manual. But it's not as easy as it seems - you need some basic knowledge of subtractive sound synthesis. Again, there is an intro on that in the X Station's manual.

  • Can you play stuff like Depeche Mode, Tangerine Dream or Vangelis with this?

  • Yes, although it's not "Depeche Mode in a box" or whatever. All synths, including this one, need tweaking.

  • @bloodySunday77

    Yeah, sure;)

    Thanks man

  • You're welcome! You might find that other budget synths like the Korg Micro X have better presets...

  • Actually, I was also thinking about that one. I never had a synth so I don't know which one is better for a beginner like me... This xiosynth sounds more like an analog, like the old stuff but I don't know... Micro X is better?

  • There are lots of comments about it in this video, check them out. The Xiosynth and the X Station sound sweet and analog-like, but they require tweaking of the presets. The manual helps, but it might be too much for someone who doesn't have experience in sound synthesis. The Micro X has lots of presets and is ideal for a beginner. Plus, its presets are a lot and it sounds impressive right out of the box...

  • @bloodySunday77

    Hey, thanks a lot:)

    I'll have to think about that Micro X

  • I want to use this with my Riffworks software, the sounds are incredible, can you get some real good Organ sounds and sounds for bands like Pink Floyd from it?

  • Its organ sounds are not great. You might have some luck, but you will need to experiment with it by learning how sound synthesis works. Its strong points are analog-ish sounds and more modern electronic ones, but its presets are not all great, plus the user community and extra soundbanks for it are non-existent.

  • Thanks for this video. One question does this device allow you to save your own sounds without overwriting the basic sounds??

  • Yes, of course! It comes with 200 presets, and you can overwrite them all, and restore them if you want to with the editor software that comes with it.

  • That's great to hear. Thank you.

  • just picked one up for 150 british pound from ebay to go with my nord wave. As the wave doesnt have an arpegiator the xiosynth will control the wave and be split to produce its own sounds. Hopefully it will be a match made in hell!!!!

  • Good luck and if you like it, drop a line over here!

  • (and if you don't, too...)

  • can a simple keyed midi controller play just like a synth live (with a connected comp of course). Looking cause they are cheaper plz help

  • I don't understand what you mean at all.

  • Yeah....as long as its being run into some kinda of soft-synth like Reason, etc. Then yes.....only difference really between soft-synths and hardware synths is the sound "quality". I've used soft-synths for a LONGGG time and after playing would with a few hardware keyboards I can already hear the difference in terms of sound quality.

  • Ι disagree... soft synths nowadays are so many and so advanced in terms of design and sound quality that are easily in the same league with hardware.

  • if i dont get this, i will seriously kill everyone. this is exactly what i need for my band, omg i swear i jizzed on most of these sounds

  • This synth can do much more then you can imagine, not only leads and such simple sounds.

  • GOD I NEED THIS SYNTH!!!

    cant get a job...tried for ever!!! need money!! wanted one since freshman year!?!?!?!?!?

  • Good luck! Don't go crazy about it though, try some other ones that have a similar price as well... If you still want it and you can't afford it, try Ebay, there must be some laying around...

  • i have a question, please. i know the synth has 49 keys and thats a fair amount; but can you some how make the keyboard go an octave higher. i like playing those high notes when i play piano stuff. if my question need clarification let me know. thankks

  • Yes, as far as I can remember it has a button that switches the whole keyboard an octave up or an octave down (like most keyboards). But I can't remember how many octaves it can go down or up... 2 or 3, I think. The info should be in the manual, available from the Novation site for free...

  • awesome thanks for the quick reply.

  • Υοu're welcome!

  • @bloodySunday77 Hey bro...Does the XioSynth have its own contained sounds? I have this keyboard and I know you can mic through it and other shit but can I use it by itself as a synthesizer? I have a MPC and Im trying to plug this in via midi to the MPC and play keys

  • Yes, it has 200 presets, and you can tweak them as much as you like.

  • Reminds me of the microKORG. Then again this doesn't have a vocoder does it? Also does it

    come with its own computer software?

  • Do you can cut this background Effekts (Flanger or Echo) ??

  • Ιf we can disable its effects such as reverb, delay, chorus, phaser etc.? Of course we can! You activate only the ones you like, with the parameters you like, or none at all.

  • Just rotate the effect level knob :-)

  • Is there any way to hook this to an amp? If so, can I use a regular 1/4" inch cable?

  • Υes.

  • can you give me a link to a page i could buy this at? do i need a computer for this? or can i hook it up to an amp? please tell me and not just giv eme an info link

  • 1. It's all over Google and in almost every major webstore. Try Thomann for Europe and Musician's Friend for the US.

    2. No, you don't necessarily need to hook it up to an amp or a pc. It also works through headphones or powered speakers.

  • The xiosynth and the v-station are based on the same technology, right? They're basically the same thing except the V-station has more functionality, correct? The only reason I'm asking is because I'm wondering whether I should get the xiosynth right now or wait and save up to get the V-station.

  • I haven't worked with the V Station... it might have some extra capabilities. I know for sure that it has multitimbrality that the X Station doesn't. But they belong in very different categories since one is hardware and the other software, with the advantages and disadvantages of each individual fromat.

  • Sorry, I meant Xiosynth and not X Station. The Xio has

  • ... 10 voices instead of the 8 of the V Station, but the V Station, like I said, is multitimbral by calling up multiple instances.

  • Hey, thanks bloody very much for your insights! It definitely helps.

  • Happy to know that! Try to find them in stores and spend a bit of time on them...

  • To be honest, the best, most simple and direct layout that I've ever seen is the one on Minimoog and the new Little Phatty, but it's beyond what you're looking for since it's monophonic, much more expensive and analog.

  • Do you have a video of the x station you can put up? =D

  • Unfortunately, no... but I think some exist around here in YouTube... plus some noce reviews from magazines.

  • *nice

  • p.s. if the feel of the build of the x station is the biggest advantage, i can probably live without that for a couple hundred dollars less!

  • Due to a YouTube comments bug, I put an answer at the end of the (loooong) video description.

  • Would you have any preference over the k station vs the x station or vice versa? can you run vocals through a k station for effects?

  • Sorry, something happened and my other comments got lost. It won't let me post them again!

  • The K Station has a built in vocoder that can process external audio signals like vocals, but the X Station doesn't. It has mic and line inputs, but they are only there for its application as a sound card. If I had a synth with this advantage, but with the layout of the X Station, I would be a happy man... in any case, I don't miss it that much - I can still do it via software on PC.

  • more along the lines of muse, action action.. adding to rock. Whatcha think? Hope you don't mind the novel, you just seem like you may know a bit about all this. Really appreciate it. -Lisa

  • Alright, so i read all the comments, and Im assuming you would choose your x station over the xiosynth? What about the alesis ion (if i can find one) or the k station (also if i can find one). Basically what i want is this : (and keep in mind i've never owned a synth before, BUT im a quick learner, have a good ear and can read a dang manual) awesome arppegiator options, fat bass sounds, able to plug in a mic and get delay/effects, and polyphonic keys. Im not interested in making techno music,

  • which is better xio synth or x station?

  • Read all the comments, lots on this topic.

  • really great for the price. even the 49 key version is pretty affordable. thanks for the demo...i've heard great things about novation synths.

  • They are very good, and as a company they have produced some true classics. However, it's been a while since they made a new synth (i think the Xio is the most recent one). They are focusing on midi controllers, and with excellent results, I might add.

  • can you record loops on this? I'm wanting to start a techno/hardcore band like Attack Attack and asking alexandria, would this be good for live performances? please reply!

  • No, it doesn't. I think we've discussed this in previous comments in this video. It has a latch button but it only works for the arpeggiator, and it loops the arpeggiator phrase endlessly until you press a new note.

  • Comment removed

  • ive got a xiosynth but dunno how to record stuff on my computer via the usb.. or do i need a midicable? The sounds arent mindblowing but they can be awesome, you just gotta know how to tweak them

  • You need the proper software. The Xio might already have it in its bundle. Read the instructions carefully, it's all there.

  • Enough with the star wipes, Mr. Lucas. ;-)

  • thanx for the demo

    i found it while someone sells it second hand and i need to find some references..

    if i'm not mistaken, this xio's sounds can be changed by transferring the sounds from PC (is it right??)

    well, i really need the grand piano sound from it to play live and thinking to stuff piano sound to this unit..

    can it be done??

    looking forward for ur response.

    thanx

  • Hi! If I understood correctly, you need to restore a preset that sounds like a piano, one that was a factory-installed one, right?

    You can go to the official Novation site (google it), and then to Xiosynth --> Support and downloads. The original list of all patches is available for free as a .zip download. It also has instructions to help you restore the original patches. The manual also helps, and it's also available for free over there, too.

  • i'm sorry for my bad english.hehe..

    i mean, can i change the original patches with costum presets downloaded from the internet..??

    coz i'm planning to look (download) for grand piano patches to be transferred to this xio..

    where can i find grand piano patches for xio..??

    can u help?

    thanx very much..

  • You can change any patch you want with ones that are downloaded from the internet, but unfortunately I don't know of any fan-based forum or user community that makes and exchanges those. Besides, I've tried myself to improve the basic piano sounds and tweak them, but they still sound a bit poor...

  • oh, i see..

    thank u for ur response..

  • To me it sounds like a gameboy, very digital and hars

  • Riiiiiight...

  • It really sounds harsh and cheap and it looks that too. Maybe is the poor quality of the demo's audio? I have a funny feeling though...

  • It has a pretty thin sound, yeah

    It sounds more commercial than a Micron and more polished than a Microkorg.... take that how you will

  • Have you heard it and played with it yourself, or are you deciding from a YouTube video?

  • I'm a beginner looking for a synth with a normal keyboard/piano sound to it. Does this have a normal keyboard/piano sound to it? And if it doesn't, do you know any brands that offer cheap ones like that?

  • No, it doesn't. Well, it has, but you can't really work with it because it sounds poor. Its power lies in creating new sounds through subtractive synthesis. A cheap one that works like that is the Korg Micro X, but it has a small keyboard...

    In any case, you can hook this up to your PC and use a VST plugin. I am using Reason, which has an AMAZING piano sound...

  • Thanks for the demo, dude!

  • thanks very helpful vid :)

    just wondering if u knw whether this is the cheaper decent synth on the market?