49 Key Model The Xio features a mono-timbral Novation synth engine with 10-voice polyphony, with 3 oscillators (17 waveforms each), 1 Filter (varying types), 2 LFOs (32 waveforms each), an arpeggiator and a multi-effects board.

The Xio features 200 hard-hitting onboard patches, utilising a new optional filter distortion to produce an even greater range of sounds than on previous synths; from the distinctive clean British sound to the filthiest and grittiest of sonic characters. Furthermore, 60 of the onboard sounds come from internationally acclaimed artists and producers from a variety of musical genres, namely James Zabiela, Ferry Corsten, Rennie Pilgrem, Roots Manuva, Shimon and Skeewiff. As such, every one of the patches on the Xio is eminently and instantly usable for creating synthesized music of any kind.

An ultra-low latency 2 In/2 Out audio interface for high quality recording and playback is also included. This allows you to record a microphone with phantom power, as well as simultaneously stream the onboard synth audio directly to the sequencer via the USB cable. Equally though, a guitar can be plugged straight into the Jack input for DI recording, as well as simultaneously mic'd, and recorded with outstanding results. Check the demo Xio guitar track in the Novation online player to be blown away by the quality.

If wanting a compact controller keyboard for studio or live use, the Xio is the most flexible and powerful tool on the market. In addition to synthesizing and audio/MIDI interfacing, the keyboard is also a comprehensive control surface with 11 knobs and buttons (doubled to 22 by a Group A/B switch), plus the freely assignable Xpression pad and stick. All of these controls are pre-programmed in 16 onboard Templates, so that the Xio can instantly control many software applications straight out the box. Add to this many more Templates online, a free Template Editor software application and hybrid modes for simultaneous synthesizing and MIDI controlling, and you have an extremely versatile package for producing or performing.

Simply connecting the keyboard over USB is all that's required to start recording, synthesizing and MIDI controlling. As the device is class compliant, no drivers are required for Windows XP or Mac OSX (although some are provided to improve latency and stability in some apps). Furthermore, if wanting to excape the confines of the studio for a while, the USB cable can be unplugged and the Xio can be powered by batteries, functioning as a standalone synth completely separately from the computer.

X-Gator Patch Programmer
Xio is the only Novation synthesiser to feature the X-Gator patch programmer. The X-Gator can be made to gate each patch to create unique 16-32 step rhythmic patterns for every onboard sound, all automatically synchronised to MIDI clock from a sequencer; just press and hold one key to groove along to a track with style. A display shows clearly the position and volume of each and every step

Novation-class Synthesizer
10-voice mono-timbral engine with multi-effects processor and 200 massive sounds.
High Profile User Patches
60 cool sounds from internationally-renowned artists and producers across a variety of musical genres
24-bit Audio Interface
Ultra-low latency 2 In/2 Out audio interface for high quality recording and playback; includes 1 XLR input with phantom power
MIDI Controller
Unrivalled MIDI controller with a host of assignable controls, 16 onboard Templates and hybrid modes for simultaneous synthesizing/controlling.
2-D Controls
Fantastic ‘Xpression’ pad and pitch/mod joystick, both freely assignable in MIDI Controlling mode; allow 6 parameters to be tweaked at once!
USB/Battery Power
USB bus-powering is available, as well as optional battery (AA)/PSU operation, making the keyboard highly portable

Xcite+ Pack
Novation likes to set the standards, and their latest bundled software collection is no exception.

'Xcite+' comes on a DVD-ROM filled to the brim with royalty-free loops and samples alongside a host of powerful applications ideal for getting the new user started, or to expand the experienced user’s creative toolbox.

The bundle includes:

Ableton Live Lite 6
Novation Bass Station
Waldorf PPG Wave Lite classic synth
Arturia Analog Factory SE plug-in
Waldorf's D-Pole Lite FX classic filter plug-in
FXpansion's powerful 'BFD Ultra lite' acoustic drum plug-in and a demo version of the 'Guru' sample player with library
Waldorf's 'Attack Lite' analogue drum module plug-in
'Mike the Drummer' A collection of 572 inspiring and original live drum loops
Free 3 months membership for 'i-dance'- Global XS Artist