Published 5/7/06
New portable synth from Novation
Novation have announced the Xiosynth, a compact synth with built-in audio interface. It features 200 patches, 60 of which were programmed by the likes of Ferry Corsten, Roots Manuva and Shimon, and has an on-board 32-step sequencer (called X-Gator), an arpeggiator and a range of effects, which can all sync to incoming MIDI clock.
Real-time sound-manipulation fun is provided by a touchpad next to the 25 semi-weighted keys, and there’s a joystick for control of pitch and modulation.
The Xiosynth’s two-in, two-out USB audio interface has a mic preamp featuring phantom power, and instrument and line inputs. Any one of the inputs plus a mono synth sound can be transmitted simultaneously to the host computer via USB.
The device is class-compliant with Windows XP and Mac OS X, meaning that no drivers are required, although some are included for greater stability and lower latency in certain circumstances. The synth can run on six AA batteries.
The Xiosynth costs £229, but if you prefer a bigger keyboard, a 49-key version is planned for late Summer, costing £299.
Focusrite +44 (0)1494 462246
www.focusrite.com
www.novationmusic.com
Real-time sound-manipulation fun is provided by a touchpad next to the 25 semi-weighted keys, and there’s a joystick for control of pitch and modulation.
The Xiosynth’s two-in, two-out USB audio interface has a mic preamp featuring phantom power, and instrument and line inputs. Any one of the inputs plus a mono synth sound can be transmitted simultaneously to the host computer via USB.
The device is class-compliant with Windows XP and Mac OS X, meaning that no drivers are required, although some are included for greater stability and lower latency in certain circumstances. The synth can run on six AA batteries.
The Xiosynth costs £229, but if you prefer a bigger keyboard, a 49-key version is planned for late Summer, costing £299.
Focusrite +44 (0)1494 462246
www.focusrite.com
www.novationmusic.com
