Novation X-Station User Manual

Also see for X-Station: Supplementary guide Specifications

Contents

Novation X-Station User Manual Manual pdf 2 page image

Thank you for purchasing the X-Station controller keyboard and synthe-sizer. The X-Station is a state of the art product, it turns any com-puter into a complete, professional music & audio productionworkstation with hardware synthesizer, audio & MIDI interface,control surface and effects processor – all in one package withUSB, PSU or battery power!When used with a computer running a MIDI / Audio sequencer packageit will provide a superb, compact recording setup.It may be used to control sequencers, popular software virtual instru-ments on a computer or traditional hardware instruments via either aUSB connection or a standard MIDI interface. In addition to the controlfeatures it contains two audio pre-amplifiers together with a twin multi-effects processor that allows the recording and replay of mono orstereo audio signals to and from a computer.The front panel provides a wealth of programmable controls arranged inthe format of a traditional synthesizer, each of which can be configuredto suit the needs of the instrument to be controlled. Each control can bestored within a Template memory for instant recall at a later time.The X-Station is equally at home in a live performance or studio situa-tion where it can be used as a stand-alone synthesizer, MIDI controllerkeyboard and recording device. Its comprehensive range of controlsmay be used to dynamically alter any sound parameters precisely andin real time whilst simultaneously recording and replaying stereo audiodata.In the packageThe X-Station package contains the following list of items.• Main Keyboard X-Station Unit• Power Supply• User Manual• USB Cable• Set of Template Overlays• X-Station Driver and Resources CD-ROMWhen opening the package, please make sure all of the items aboveare present, if not then please contact your local dealer.www.novationmusic.com - Product RegistrationPlease take the time to register your new Novation X-Station. Pointyour browser to www.novationmusic.com and complete the registra-tion form. We advise that you visit www.novationmusic.com from timeto time to check for feature upgrades along with the appropriate docu-mentation.Using This ManualThis manual consists of seven sections; Introduction, Quick StartGuide, MIDI Tutorial, Detailed Operation, Advanced Features,Synthesis Tutorial and The KS Synthesizer. For easy reference, thesection name is printed at the top of each page. An Appendix is alsoprovided containing reference data.It is assumed that the reader already has a basic knowledge of MIDI inorder to configure user Templates. Those with limited MIDI experiencemay find the MIDI Tutorial useful. Although very little MIDI knowledge isrequired to use the the X-Station with the factory programmedTemplates.It is recommended that this manual is read in sequence chapter bychapter.The main features of both its MIDI controller capability and Audio oper-ation are listed below.MIDI Controller Section Main FeaturesX-Station features a superb two, four or five octave semi-weightedvelocity-sensitive keyboard with combined Pitch bend and Modulationjoystick. The keyboard is transposable up or down across the entireMIDI note range and can transmit Channel Aftertouch.A programmable X/Y touch pad surface for simultaneous control of mul-tiple parameters is provided.MIDI or USB operation. USB and MIDI may be used simultaneously. AMIDI OUT port, a MIDI IN Port, a Foot pedal input socket and aFootswitch input socket are available.Power can be supplied by the USB port, Batteries or a 9V DC adapter.A virtual synthesizer control panel layout comprising 28 buttons, 16pots, 3 encoders and 9 sliders are assignable to each template. Thereis no need for template labels for control of most synthesizersAny front panel control may be configured to transmit on any MIDIchannel, to any destination utilising the comprehensive MIDI specifica-tion. Available options include Controller numbers, NRPNs, RPNS,Bank Change, Program Change and definable System ExclusiveStrings. System Exclusive strings may be up to 20 bytes long. Controldata may be inserted anywhere within the System Exclusive message.40 Template editable memories are available. Each Template containsdefinitions for all front panel controls. Templates may be individuallynamed for easy reference and saved to/from an external sequencer viaMIDI Sysex bulk dumpsAudio Section Main FeaturesTwo Novation high precision, low noise high bandwidth audio pre-ampli-fiers with phantom power and over 70 dB headroom deliver a warm,clear signal typical of Novation's commitment to sonic excellence.Complete multi-effects processors are available per input channel fea-turing simultaneous Reverb / Chorus-Phaser / Delay / Compressor /Distortion and EQ.Integrated USB low latency Audio and MIDI - Requires just a singleUSB connection a computer.High power independent headphone output with separate stereo con-verter for zero latency monitoring of input signal with or without effects44.1 / 48 Khz 24 bit simultaneous 2 channel Audio input and outputoperationDriver software included to run on Windows XP or MAC OSX.Synthesizer FeaturesThe X-Station includes a 3-oscillator virtual analog synthesizer modelbased on the renowned Novation KS-series and is 8-voice polyphonic.The extensive control interface provides instant access to most param-eters, making sound creation fast and intuitive. The synthesizer is total-ly integrated with computer recording setups: The stereo audio output issent straight through the USB cable onto the track into any ASIO-com-patible sequencer.There are 200 excellent factory sound programs which have been care-fully crafted to cover most styles of music and programs can be easilyimported and exported into a sysex librarian.INTRODUCTIONUsing This Manual - Main Features - Conventions Used• 2 •