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Description

Dive into the world of sound creation with the Novation X-station 61, a comprehensive music-making powerhouse that seamlessly integrates a 3-oscillator virtual analog synthesizer with a multi-functional MIDI controller. Designed for musicians who crave portability without compromising on features, the X-station 61 is your all-in-one studio with a keyboard that offers 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch for a truly expressive performance.

Whether you're an on-the-go producer or a studio stalwart, the X-station 61 caters to all your needs with its versatile USB connectivity that handles power, MIDI, and audio. No need for a tangle of cables—just plug in and play. The built-in audio interface, equipped with high-quality mic preamps and dual outputs, ensures you capture pristine sound, while the two-channel multi-effects processor lets you experiment with an array of effects like reverb and delay on the fly.

The control surface is a dream for any digital music producer, featuring 55 assignable physical controls and a programmable X/Y touch pad. This makes it a breeze to command your virtual instruments, DAW, or external MIDI gear with precision and ease. Whether you're crafting intricate sequences or jamming live, the X-station 61 empowers your creative flow with effortless control and dynamic sound shaping capabilities.

Key Features:

  • 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch
  • 3-oscillator virtual analog synthesizer
  • 55 assignable controls including encoders, pots, sliders, and buttons
  • Built-in audio interface with dual Neutrik XLR/jack sockets
  • Integrated multi-effects processor with simultaneous effects
  • Single USB cable for power, MIDI, and audio
  • Programmable X/Y touch pad
  • 8-voice polyphony with Novation's renowned KS-series sound engine
  • Portable design powered via USB or batteries

Product specs

Brand Novation
Model X-Station 61-Key 8-Voice Synthesizer with USB Interface
Finish Silver
Year 2004
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Semi-Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Polyphony 8 Voices

FAQs

Is the Novation X-station 61 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Novation X-station 61 is well-suited for live performances with its 61 full-size semi-weighted keys and robust MIDI controller capabilities, providing flexibility and control during gigs.

How does the Novation X-station 61 integrate with a DAW?

The Novation X-station 61 integrates seamlessly with most DAWs via USB MIDI, offering easy control over virtual instruments and DAW parameters through its assignable knobs and sliders.

What type of synthesis does the Novation X-station 61 offer?

The Novation X-station 61 features an 8-voice virtual analog synthesizer, allowing for rich and diverse sound creation suitable for various musical styles.

Does the Novation X-station 61 require an external power supply?

The Novation X-station 61 can be powered via USB, making it convenient for both studio and mobile setups without the need for an external power supply.

Can the Novation X-station 61 be used as an audio interface?

Yes, the Novation X-station 61 functions as an audio interface, allowing you to record and playback audio directly through the unit, enhancing its versatility in a studio environment.

AudioPilz

AudioPilz

Bad Gear - Novation X-Station - All in one Home Studio???

Video thumbnail for Bad Gear - Novation X-Station - All in one Home Studio??? by AudioPilz

Bad Gear - Novation X-Station - All in one Home Studio???

AudioPilz

AudioPilz

Video thumbnail for Novation X-Station synth demo: Verstatile sounds, great arpeggiator. by Gearfacts

Novation X-Station synth demo: Verstatile sounds, great arpeggiator.

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Video thumbnail for Synth Stuff Ep. 39 - Novation X-Station by tritonrecordings

Synth Stuff Ep. 39 - Novation X-Station

tritonrecordings

tritonrecordings

Video thumbnail for Novation X-Station: Deep and profound by Gearfacts

Novation X-Station: Deep and profound

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Video thumbnail for NOVATION X STATION by Damiano Della Torre by Damiano Della Torre

NOVATION X STATION by Damiano Della Torre

Damiano Della Torre

Damiano Della Torre

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Novation X-station 61.

Features and functionality

  • The X-Station uniquely integrates a polyphonic synthesizer with aftertouch, an XY pad, and a 2-in/2-out interface with mic preamps and SPDIF.

    Source
  • The X-Station keyboard includes both release velocity and aftertouch, enhancing playability and making it a valued tool even as users progress to more advanced synths.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The X-Station can be powered by USB bus power, batteries, or a wall adapter, offering flexible setup options for different environments.

    Source
  • A common issue for new owners is the LOCAL on/off setting, which disconnects the keybed from the onboard synth, leading to confusion about the synth's functionality.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the X-Station's 32 arpeggiator modes, which add versatility to music production and performance.

    Source
  • Using a sustain pedal enhances playability by allowing notes to sustain without holding the keys, freeing hands for sound manipulation.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Some users report that the X-Station may not fully support NRPNs due to ignoring the LSB, affecting control over external gear.

    Source
  • The X-Station's drivers haven't been updated since 2014, potentially affecting compatibility with newer Windows/MacOS versions, particularly for USB audio and MIDI functions.

    Source
  • As a class-compliant device, it typically doesn't require drivers on Mac systems, offering straightforward integration with many setups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The X-Station's built-in audio interface makes it a convenient option for live performances, especially when paired with lightweight setups like Apple Silicon and Ableton Live.

    Source
  • The headphone output's potential as outputs 3/4 is under consideration for those seeking versatile configurations in live setups with Apple Silicon and Ableton Live.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Early VA synths like the X-Station are noted for their unique character due to digital artifacts and less transparent DACs, offering a distinctive tone compared to modern digital synths.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

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inaki_arrizabalaga_alunda

The Novation X-Station a good alternative Clavia Nord Lead

The Novation x-station synth is a very versatile and flexible synthesizer for its money. The whole package includes a virtual analog synth, a midi controller, a 2 in / 2 out audio interface and an effect processor. It comes in both 25, 49 and 61 semi-weighted keys. This makes it sort of an all in one unit. The only things missing to really make it an all in one unit (e.g workstation) is a sampler, sequencer, and multitimbrality. The synth section is monotimbral, but hey must every synthesizer out where have multitimbrality? No, I would say. In this case, it’s one of the synths charms not to be able to do multitimbrality.

The synth engine includes 3 oscillators with 17 waves each and an independent noise source, a ring modulator, oscillator 1-2 sync and FM (2 operator FM synthesis). In the oscillator section, you find the standard analog waves like sinus, square/pulse, saw and triangle. Plus some noise sources and some really interesting digital waves that are sort of like wavetables or preset sounds. Making just the oscillator section alone very massive and huge when it comes to possibilities and making some interesting sound palettes. The filter onboard is a 12 dB / 24 dB multimode filter including low, band and highpass filtering. The section also includes a very interesting drive circuit. There is also two very interesting LFO’s with 32 waves each, two ADSR envelopes and an AD envelope for the FM synthesis with velocity.

Other things found in this synth include a portamento section (glide in some synths), unison, a very groovy and somewhat funky arpeggiator. An effect processor that’s makes anything sound big and large, a very addictive X/Y pad that in its default setting controls an filter of some sort (not sure what it is but it sounds awesome!).

Preferred Settings + Usage:

bass, pads, piano sounds, organs, FM sounds, cross x-fade mod sounds.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Manfred Mann uses Novation X-station 61

Manfred Mann

Keyboardist

Manfred Mann's Earth Band

...
Verified via Musiciansnews

"Manfred has replaced his MiniMoog with the X-Station and loves it as a solo instrument." says his keyboard tech, Steve Honest.

Genre Usage

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

1 alternative for Novation X-station 61, curated by the Equipboard community.

Clavia Nord Lead 2 Synthesizer

$649.00

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound

Polifonía extra: viene con 20 voces de polifonía. Memoria extra: incluye 4 x 99 programas de usuario, 100 performances de usuario y 4 x 10 kits percusivos de usuario, además de 6 x 99 programas de fábrica y 3 x 100 performances de fábrica. Alta resolución: el sonido del Nord Lead 2 ha sido refinado con DACs de 16-bit/48 Khz.

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