I just recieved my Novation 49 key XioSynth 2 hours ago,& I had a hell of a time prying myself away from it,to pause,& post of review of this wonderful multi-tasking synth!
My inital impressions....
Amazingly compact,yet surprisingly solid,as it has a velvety smooth tactile aspect at this price point!
![Shocked](https://www.kara-moon.com/forum/Smileys/default/shocked.gif)
Despite the drastically reduced amount of manual controls,in contrast to the X-Station-THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM,as the knobs & buttons are multi-functional & are laid out nicely,for such a tiny keyboard...it's an incredible space saver.
The synth's strengths are single note performances,as it's mono-timbral,but nonetheless,the sounds are warm,punchy & bright & alot of fun can be had with arpeggios & sound shaping.
Some of the pads played as chords are nice though,especially when you customize the the oscillators,lfo's & such.
The joystick & the enormously sized ribbon controller is a very beautiful thing,as you have instant gratification with sound mangling-instantly as your playing.
As a stand alone synth-that in of itself,is worth the $400 and obviously,I have yet to tinker with the midi controller,audio interface,analog inputs for outside sources-such as GUITARS
![Grin](https://www.kara-moon.com/forum/Smileys/default/grin.gif)
and the ability to download new sounds.
![wOO](https://www.kara-moon.com/forum/Smileys/default/3.gif)
Be warned though,there are no additional user patches for new downloads,so you'll have to decide which programs you want to over-write!
Also,just like the X-Station,the XioSynth can used as an effects processor-which is of decent quality for the unit's price.