Introduction; In The Package; Product Registration; Using This Manual - Novation X-Station User Manual

Using This Manual - Main Features - Conventions Used
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 production
workstation with hardware synthesizer, audio & MIDI interface,
control surface and effects processor – all in one package with
USB, PSU or battery power!
When used with a computer running a MIDI / Audio sequencer package
it 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 a
USB connection or a standard MIDI interface. In addition to the control
features it contains two audio pre-amplifiers together with a twin multi-
effects processor that allows the recording and replay of mono or
stereo audio signals to and from a computer.
The front panel provides a wealth of programmable controls arranged in
the format of a traditional synthesizer, each of which can be configured
to suit the needs of the instrument to be controlled. Each control can be
stored 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 controller
keyboard and recording device. Its comprehensive range of controls
may be used to dynamically alter any sound parameters precisely and
in real time whilst simultaneously recording and replaying stereo audio
data.

In the package

The 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-ROM
When opening the package, please make sure all of the items above
are present, if not then please contact your local dealer.
www.novationmusic.com - Product Registration
Please take the time to register your new Novation X-Station. Point
your browser to www.novationmusic.com and complete the registra-
tion form. We advise that you visit www.novationmusic.com from time
to time to check for feature upgrades along with the appropriate docu-
mentation.

Using This Manual

This manual consists of seven sections; Introduction, Quick Start
Guide, MIDI Tutorial, Detailed Operation, Advanced Features,
Synthesis Tutorial and The KS Synthesizer. For easy reference, the
section name is printed at the top of each page. An Appendix is also
provided containing reference data.
It is assumed that the reader already has a basic knowledge of MIDI in
order to configure user Templates. Those with limited MIDI experience
may find the MIDI Tutorial useful. Although very little MIDI knowledge is
required to use the the X-Station with the factory programmed
Templates.
I t is recommended that this manual is read in sequence chapter by
chapter.
The main features of both its MIDI controller capability and Audio oper-
ation are listed below.

MIDI Controller Section Main Features

X-Station features a superb two, four or five octave semi-weighted
velocity-sensitive keyboard with combined Pitch bend and Modulation
joystick. The keyboard is transposable up or down across the entire
MIDI 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. A
MIDI OUT port, a MIDI IN Port, a Foot pedal input socket and a
Footswitch 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, 16
pots, 3 encoders and 9 sliders are assignable to each template. There
is no need for template labels for control of most synthesizers
Any front panel control may be configured to transmit on any MIDI
channel, to any destination utilising the comprehensive MIDI specifica-
tion. Available options include Controller numbers, NRPNs, RPNS,
Bank Change, Program Change and definable System Exclusive
Strings. System Exclusive strings may be up to 20 bytes long. Control
data may be inserted anywhere within the System Exclusive message.
40 Template editable memories are available. Each Template contains
definitions for all front panel controls. Templates may be individually
named for easy reference and saved to/from an external sequencer via
MIDI Sysex bulk dumps

Audio Section Main Features

Two 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 single
USB connection a computer.
High power independent headphone output with separate stereo con-
verter for zero latency monitoring of input signal with or without effects
44.1 / 48 Khz 24 bit simultaneous 2 channel Audio input and output
operation
Driver software included to run on Windows XP or MAC OSX.

Synthesizer Features

The X-Station includes a 3-oscillator virtual analog synthesizer model
based 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 is
sent 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 easily
imported and exported into a sysex librarian.
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INTRODUCTION