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Average Price: $304

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$500

$1501+

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High-end

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Description

Designed for both the studio and the stage, the Novation K-Station 25 is a compact yet powerful synthesizer that caters to musicians looking for versatility and quality in a portable package. This 25-key synth is equipped with a variety of sound-shaping tools and effects, making it an ideal choice for electronic music producers and performers alike. With its three oscillators per voice, the K-Station offers a broad palette of sounds, from punchy basslines to soaring leads.

The K-Station is not just about its sound engine; it also features an intuitive interface that makes it easy to tweak parameters on the fly. Its built-in effects, including reverb, chorus, and distortion, give you the tools to sculpt your sound exactly as you envision. The synth also includes a powerful arpeggiator and a comprehensive modulation matrix, providing endless creative possibilities. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the Novation K-Station 25 delivers a robust and flexible performance.

Key Features:

  • 25 velocity-sensitive keys for expressive playing
  • Three oscillators per voice for rich, complex sounds
  • Built-in effects including reverb, chorus, and distortion
  • Intuitive interface for easy parameter adjustments
  • Powerful arpeggiator for dynamic performances
  • Comprehensive modulation matrix for creative sound design
  • Portable design suitable for both studio and live environments

Product specs

Brand Novation
Model K Station 25-Key 8-Voice Synthesizer
Finish Silver
Year 2001
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys 25 Keys
Polyphony 8 Voices

FAQs

Is the Novation K-Station 25 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Novation K-Station 25 is suitable for live performances due to its compact size and full-size keys, making it portable and easy to integrate into a live setup.

What type of synthesis does the Novation K-Station 25 use?

The Novation K-Station 25 is a digital synthesizer that uses virtual analog synthesis to emulate the sound of analog synths with digital precision.

How many voices of polyphony does the Novation K-Station 25 offer?

The Novation K-Station 25 offers 8 voices of polyphony, allowing you to play up to 8 notes simultaneously.

Does the Novation K-Station 25 have MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Novation K-Station 25 features MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, enabling it to connect with other MIDI-compatible gear.

What are the key features of the Novation K-Station 25's sound engine?

The Novation K-Station 25's sound engine includes virtual analog synthesis, 8-voice polyphony, and a variety of modulation options, providing a wide range of sound design possibilities.

HarriL

HarriL

Novation K-station testing

Video thumbnail for Novation K-station testing by HarriL

Novation K-station testing

HarriL

HarriL

Video thumbnail for The cool little Novation K-Station - still useful in 2020?! by Chris Mick Studentsmusic

The cool little Novation K-Station - still useful in 2020?!

Chris Mick Studentsmusic

Chris Mick Studentsmusic

Video thumbnail for novation k-station (droney demo) by dholl synth music

novation k-station (droney demo)

dholl synth music

dholl synth music

Video thumbnail for Novation K Station Factory Sound Demo 1 by alexnova85

Novation K Station Factory Sound Demo 1

alexnova85

alexnova85

Video thumbnail for Novation K Station Factory Sound Demo 2 by alexnova85

Novation K Station Factory Sound Demo 2

alexnova85

alexnova85

Video thumbnail for Novation K-Station polyphonic Synthesizer Superteclados.com by Superteclados

Novation K-Station polyphonic Synthesizer Superteclados.com

Superteclados

Superteclados

Reviews

PROS

  • Super easy to program, enhancing user experience

  • Covers 90% of "synth" sounds with 8 voices of polyphony

  • Analog sound quality, hard to distinguish from digital

  • Versatile 3 oscillator, 8 voice polyphonic with FM engine

  • Programmable 400 patch memory for extensive sound creation

  • Includes 7 effects like delay, reverb, and distortion, usable simultaneously

  • Effective as a controller for V-station plug-in, offering hands-on control

  • Features like noise, ringmod, and external input add to sound variety

  • Two syncable LFOs and envelopes plus an arpeggiator for complex modulation

CONS

  • Not very deep, may lack some advanced synthesis features

  • Some may require menu diving for deeper sound design

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Novation K-Station 25.

Features and functionality

  • The KS4 and KS5 offer 16 voices and 4-part multitimbrality compared to the K-Station's 8 voices and monotimbrality.

    Source
  • The Xiosynth 25 has a built-in class compliant audio interface, allowing direct connection to an iPad via a camera connection kit.

    Source
  • The K-Station offers an intuitive, nearly knob-per-function interface, enhancing its usability for beginners learning subtractive synthesis.

    Source

Comparisons

  • KS series provides additional digital oscillator waveforms and drum kits over the K-Station.

    Source
  • The Ultranova lacks FM capabilities and is mono-timbral, while KS4 has a warmer, deeper sound with more immediate control.

    Source
  • The Xiosynth shares the same sound engine as the X Station with slight upgrades but involves more menu diving.

    Source
  • The K-Station is noted for its distinct digital sound, likened to a "sweeter sounding Sylenth1," and is preferred for electronic music over modern analog emulations.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Patches from K-Station and V-Station can load into KS4/KS5, but not vice versa.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The K-Station, part of the late 90s EDM/Trance big three, remains versatile for modern sound design.

    Source
  • The Alesis Micron, though smaller, is recommended for those who don’t mind menu diving, offering a similar sound engine to the Miniak.

    Source
  • The K-Station is favored for quick jams, owing to its hands-on control and ability to produce a wide range of digital VA sounds.

    Source

User experience

  • Users find the K-Station a reliable choice with quick sound dialing, though a larger keyboard may be preferable for live settings.

    Source
  • The Mininova is described as having similar sounding oscillators to the K-Station but offers less hands-on control.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the K-Station's unique digital filter, described as having a "magical bubbly nature," particularly suitable for trance and techno sounds.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Xiosynth's build quality is noted as inferior compared to the K-Station and X Station, with users perceiving it as less robust.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The X Station 25 often commands higher second-hand prices due to its built-in audio interface.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Novation K-Station

soundonsound.com

The Novation K-Station 25 impresses with its compact design and rich sound capabilities, packing the features of the A-Station into a portable form. While the interface improvements and sleek aesthetics are commendable, the absence of aftertouch and battery power options limit its potential for expressive play and portability. Despite these drawbacks, its affordability and solid performance make it a worthy addition for musicians seeking a versatile, self-contained synth.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
groovizm

Great little synth

It may be Virtual Analog but I think it sounds really good. The filter is nice and it's fun to program. It has 3 oscillators per voice, but also noise, ringmod and external input as separate signals in the mixer. There are 2 syncable LFO's and 2 Envelopes and an Arpeggiator.

It has 7 effects that also can be used simultaneously. They are delay, reverb, chorus/flanger/phaser, distortion, a single band EQ, panning and vocoder. The delay and modulation effects can be synced to midi or the arpeggiator.

It's also a great controller for the V-station plug-in. I simply do not understand this combination never got more attention. I personally can't hear any difference between the K-station and the V-station, so the V-station gives me multiple instances, while the K-station gives me the hands on control I like!

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tycho uses Novation K-Station 25

Tycho

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tycho

...
Verified via Photo

In a post on Instagram by Tycho (tychomusic), a Novation K-Station 25 synthesizer is humorously shown being played by a dog, suggesting its presence in Tycho's studio setup.

See how Howard Jones uses Novation K-Station 25

Howard Jones

Singer, Keyboardist

The Conspirators

...
Verified via YouTube

Howard Jones performing Live with his VA rig next to his classic analog setup

J

Johan Van Roy

Music Producer

Suicide Commando

...
Verified via Suicidecommando

Suicide Commando / Johan lists his equipment on his official website - see link.

See how Marcos Valle uses Novation K-Station 25

Marcos Valle

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Marcos Valle - 'On Line'" by clubbossanova, Marcos Valle is seen using the Novation K-Station 25 during a live performance.

See how Paul Frick uses Novation K-Station 25

Paul Frick

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Facebook

can be seen in this post from July 13, 2018

See how Volkoder uses Novation K-Station 25

Volkoder

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

Volkoder is seen using the Novation K-Station 25 synthesizer in a photo on his Instagram account.

See how Greg Lindstrom uses Novation K-Station 25

Greg Lindstrom

Guitarist, Bassist

Cirith Ungol

...
Verified via Cirithungol

Cirith Ungol's official website mentions Greg uses a Novation K-Station synth in a list of the band members' equipment.

See how Babydaddy uses Novation K-Station 25

Babydaddy

Guitarist, Bassist

38 Special

...
Verified via Soundonsound

According to Babydaddy, the equipment at Discoball Jazzfest consists of a G5 Mac running Logic Pro 7 with assorted plug-ins including the Native Instruments Komplete package, Korg's Legacy Collection, Arturia's CS80V and Gforce's Minimonsta. Hardware includes the Access Virus Indigo and Virus Polar, Roland XV5050, Studiologic SL880 master keyboard, Roland Juno 106 and Novation K-station synths. The band's main microphone is a Neumann M149, which went through the studio's HHB Radius 50, Avalon VT737, or Universal Audio 6176 preamps, and then into their MOTU 828 MkII, with monitoring taken care of by Mackie HR824s.

See how Adi Lukovac uses Novation K-Station 25

Adi Lukovac

Music Producer

...
Verified via Vimeo

In this video at 0:12, the K-Station is shown as part of the group's on stage setup.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Novation K-Station 25, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Rickenbacker 4000 Electric Basses
1
Elektron Digitakt
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1
Alesis RA100
Alesis RA100 Power Amplifiers
1
Yamaha KX5
Yamaha KX5 MIDI Keyboard Controllers
1
A/DA Flanger
A/DA Flanger Flanger Effects Pedals
1
Gibson Les Paul Junior
Gibson Les Paul Junior Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

Community setups

Show yours
groovizm

groovizm

Gear IQ 533

1 alternative for Novation K-Station 25, curated by the Equipboard community.

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