Image: Novation,_Rhodes,_B3.jpg: Tyler Love from San Francisco, United States derivative work: Shoulder-synth (talk), CC BY-SA 2.0 — via Wikimedia Commons
Novation X-Station
| Category | Electronic (virtual analog synthesizer / controller) |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | UK |
| Classification | synthesizer |
| Wikipedia | en.wikipedia.org |
| Wikidata | Q8041526 |
Overview
The Novation X-Station is a 2004 virtual analog synthesizer that combines a polyphonic synth engine with a MIDI control surface and a USB audio interface. It was offered in 25-, 49-, and 61-key versions, all sharing the same eight-voice synth, multi-mode filter, vocoder, and effects section. The combination of synthesizer, USB-powered controller, and recording interface in one unit was unusual at the time and was aimed at producers working with a laptop on the road.
Origin & History
Novation released the X-Station as part of a strategy of building hybrid keyboards aimed at the laptop-studio market, which was expanding rapidly in the early 2000s as recording moved fully into software. The synth engine was derived from the K-Station and KS-series and ultimately from the Supernova heritage. The X-Station was eventually replaced by the Nova and SL-series controllers as Novation refined the controller and synth roles into separate product lines.
How It’s Played
The performer plays from the keyboard or programs the synth and effects from front-panel knobs and buttons that double as MIDI controls. The USB connection carries audio in both directions and MIDI in and out, so the unit can record audio into a DAW while sending control data and producing its own internal sounds.
Cultural Significance
The X-Station was used by touring electronic and pop musicians who valued a single piece of equipment that could fly with carry-on luggage and still cover synth, controller, and audio I/O duties. It is still in occasional use today as a compact studio centrepiece.
Related Instruments
- Novation Supernova – the company’s flagship VA predecessor
- Korg Radias – contemporary VA workstation
- Access Virus – the era’s reference VA synth
- Korg Wavestation – earlier multi-timbral digital synth
- Korg Kronos – modern multi-engine workstation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the X-Station an audio interface?
Yes — it carries audio over USB in addition to its synth and controller roles.
How many voices does the synth offer?
Eight voices of polyphony.
What sizes were made?
25, 49, and 61 keys.