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

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Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about the Novation X-Station controller keyboard and synthesizer. Can this zero years All in one Home Studio still hold up?

[@anthonyrothercom]

3L3C7RO DYSTOPIA 💙

[@AudioPilz]

Hey Anthony, it means a lot to me to hear that from you!!!

[@anthonyrothercom]

@@AudioPilz 🙏

[@anthonyrothercom]

@@AudioPilz I am enjoying your videos so much. Thank you for all the love you put into it.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

You did it, Audio Pilz! You summoned the real Anthony Rother in the wilds :P Makes you wonder who also watches you but as a lurker.

[@bourgeoiscaesar]

The more I watch this show, the more I think bad gear doesn't actually exist, some instruments just take more work to make them shine

[@AudioPilz]

True that!

[@ActionlessLoveless]

> to make them mine gas-mode fix

[@t0xcn253]

If your gear's bad this man will surely find a way to shine it.

[@-Deena.]

I think my Roland System 1 is pretty damn bad! 😁🧡

[@inthefade]

Of course. Good gear is just easier to work with and find good sounds.

[@TheOrphicCreative]

My X-Station has been my gig controller for more than 15 years. Apart from a couple of dodgy faders it still works perfectly. One of my best ever purchases

[@AudioPilz]

Nice to hear that!

[@mrdayvidjon]

Yeah same here my x25 was a good 150 spent that fatar with that oval shape keys feels so nice

[@docklandsroad]

My X-61 still going fine since I bought it. Although I had to replace the joystick twice, it’s still the centre piece of my gigging setup. Used every week.

[@RockyMountainSounds]

@@docklandsroad yup, just got mine back and remembered how I enjoyed the keybed.

[@paulpsilas294]

@@RockyMountainSounds The keybed's great on the X!

[@cl1xor]

90s - rompers, cheap samplers 00s - daw, vst(I) 10s - controllers, analogue revival 20s - Behringer

[@AudioPilz]

30s - AI will make the music for us 40s - AI will also listen to its own music so we don't have to

[@Synthshop]

@@AudioPilz 2029 AI will scan all synth youtube channels to date and learn from them.

[@PJXay]

This is unfortunately true. My main midi controller is a Behringer, my mic is behringer, I have an RD-9 for Christ’s sake.

[@RodBeauvex]

@@AudioPilz Holy shit, I'm dying.

[@bibirmengkeroet6717]

@@AudioPilz 80s - AI will make another AI that makes music

[@birdie17uk]

I want a dancing Florian robot for Christmas!

[@AudioPilz]

Now with 20% less risk of trying to take over the world

[@TheEvral]

I laughed out loud (

[@secretelitemusic]

@@TheEvral Skynet Merchandising Inc. approves of your message. We may have to design one for the consumer market, without the death lasers. The Florianator 3000. The robot you can take to a party, without breaching the Geneva Convention.

[@ShitStaindGod]

“Emphasize the flaws”. As an industrial/noise musician I can relate to that.

[@AudioPilz]

Admittedly, it works in almost every application, even outside music. If you can't hide it...

[@ShitStaindGod]

@@AudioPilz if it worked for Einstürzende Neubauten, Swans and Throbbing Gristle then it’s good enough for an art-after-work schlub like me.

[@t0xcn253]

Let's collaborate! I never expected to find a fellow noisician on this channel.

[@mister2628]

@@ShitStaindGod Combichrist toured with one of these and a laptop.

[@NunyaB1s]

My setup isn't ready yet for another month or so, but I'm totally willing to try some collaborations. I quit in the late naughties though, so I can't pretend my aesthetic has updated ROFL

[@mc2engineeringprof]

You've outdone yourself, Florian. This is your official masterpiece. The robot dance alone is award - worthy. FWIW, a 61 key X Station is my defacto DAW controller. It has controller templates for more than a dozen of my HW synths and a bunch of my standard VSTs. I love the thing and even use the very capable synthesizer in my tracks on a regular basis. The X Station is great, but this video blows even it away!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@DjangoFlaherty]

The Xiosynth video is still my personal favourite. I've introduced quite a few people to this channel with it.

[@mc2engineeringprof]

@@DjangoFlaherty It's another good one...and the two synths are almost siblings.

[@bisheejom]

Gotta wonder how long it took to edit the dance with his head moving around...

[@photo_n_art]

@@bisheejom less than 5 minutes, it’s called object tracking… duh 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@mastercylinder1939]

One man’s bad gear is another man’s treasure.

[@AudioPilz]

Truer words have never been spoken;)

[@thelabby9998]

One brand's bad gear is Behringer inspiration. :V

[@McN4styFilth]

SHHHH! The novation x station (25) is my semi access virus knock-off somewhat secret weapon that barely ever sounds just right but manages to fit into mixes somehow everytime once in a blue moon.

[@AudioPilz]

You really have to hunt for them sweet spots;)

[@tristancaver4836]

LMAO!

[@electrock]

X station's arp is the most possibly versatile one I ever heard of! You got 30+ arp patterns×few directions×all time signatures in a tempo! + you got the "octave skip" trick on latch mode...that's like hundreds of arp options on same notes and tempo... crazy.

[@retrigger_]

I've been working so much and without any routine that these videos are the only proof time is passing by

[@AudioPilz]

I can relate to that;)

[@PolaroidsofthePyramids]

It's so impressive how you can consistently deliver such well produced, insightful and entertaining content every week!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@CUPUK61]

Switzerland v Spain, or new Bad Gear? FOOTBALL CAN WAIT!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@strelokknoize]

Actually it's Switzerland vs. Spain but I don't care either. :D

[@studiospiraluniverse]

22 millionaires in underwear against one single ball can‘t win over Florian Pilz playing with one single bad gear…..

[@CUPUK61]

@@strelokknoize Edited for accuracy. But, yeah.

[@uly1981]

i blame you and audiopilz for the terrible half time result

[@paulpsilas294]

You forgot to mention that the X also has a friggin built-in battery charger! If you put in re-chargables, this thing will charge them for you. Amazingly versatile is this one.

[@tc-netherlands5331]

X-station is a great synthesizer. I work daily with this machine and I used it in almost all my songs. Good sounds, nice tweak-knobs and after 12 years everything is still working fine.

[@poldidak]

If you're considering buying an X-station and having shipped, know that the keybed is very vulnerable to damage. The plastic posts molded into the case to which the keybed is anchored are easily cracked by rough handling. And you'll often see one or more keys that have popped up above the rest, which unfortunately is not a simple matter of replacing the key itself, but is usually damage to a little plastic stop-mechanism that gets broken off when the keys bounce up and down during transport. The X-station originally shipped with a piece of foam beneath the front edge of the keys, but likely people toss that out after they open the unit. Along with having it wrapped in massive amounts of bubble wrap, make sure the shipper inserts bits of styrofoam or such beneath the entire length of the keyboard, or you almost certainly will have one or more un-repairable keys when it arrives. I speak from experience!

[@nachshonrorick]

Good to know - as I’ve been on the search for one and will require shipping abroad. 👍

[@AudioPilz]

Good to know, thanks!

[@djobnoxious6407]

I love my baby because my baby loves me, and you have just shown me how to care for it better. Thanks for the key (pun intended) advice.

[@tnamenamebnamename8718]

I broke the keyboard posts myself just from moving the xstn around while unassembled. I used some double sided foam mounting tape to secure the keyboard. Works ok.. I also use a external keyboard controller. I have the 25 and still kick myself for not picking up a 49 for $120 cad from. local seller. My little buddy has many health issues, but even if it were in mint condition, I will never sell. It's my Millennium Falcon synth

[@synchro505]

So glad I found this channel. Outstanding work on this video, @AudioPilz!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@testube]

At the time it was released, the x-station was everything i needed and im still using it regularly today.

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, total music production one stop shop of the zero years!

[@foilmajestic1168]

The dance routine at around 7:40 is superb! Bravo!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@johnnydekock]

Great video Florian. You really have a great talent and manage to bring out the best out of any instrument. Wow. Well done!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!

[@DmitryPuffin]

X STATION was my first hardware synth. Still have it, still use it, still love it. Actually, its quite deep and you can do a lot with that. It has quite unique LFO shapes besides classic ones. From sound perspective modern VSTs sound better, that's for sure. But this one is not really bad gear tbh 😅 I still have video with patches for it on this YT acc.

[@AudioPilz]

Subbed!

[@O8532732]

I echo this almost exactly. 🙂

[@Imetalman2000]

You posted this 30 mins ago and it already has 60 comments. You are gonna crush the algorithm.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks but the algo has been a bit cruel recently (not only towards me)

[@mechatomb2921]

“The filter is the weakest point.” Proceeds to make a deep acid bass.

[@DaneXbsinthe]

Weakest is relative.

[@AudioPilz]

Not the worst of its era;)

[@rockhead11]

I’ve had my X Station for 15 years and still love it. even as a stand-alone synth it is just plain fun.

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, big fan of digital Novation synths here!

[@ChumpyDumps]

Dancing Robot AudioPilz is the spinoff series I didn't realize I needed.

[@AudioPilz]

Bad Gear - The Musical

[@BlasphemousButler]

I love my X Station. I bought it new in 2004 and it's been a workhorse ever since. It has some jumpy encoders now but it's still a great synth and controller. I stack it with my JP-8080 and it's awesome.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice combination!

[@barilochebarracuda846]

XStation 25 was my first synth, despite its flaws it was a great synth to learn and have fun. The keybed is fantastic! I still use it and absolutely love it!

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed! Great keybed (especially compared to the XIO;)

[@midimoog]

You've made it sound so distinctive with its digital goofiness. Veeery Nice! I also like it, from the context of the show, that it ticks ALL my most hated feature list: PC interfaces that refuse to work on a newer OS; Dry battery cells that always leak and destroy the device; Rubbery buttons that don't return and eventually lose the contact; Plastic housing that crack or become yellow over time. Wow.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! It's quite a foxtickler;)

[@kkell27]

Hell yes! Glad you decided to pull the trigger on reviewing the x-station. It’s different enough from the XIO and surprised me when I got to set one up last year ;) excellent demo tracks too

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@Sartorious420]

I love my X-Station. A Few things: the driver works perfectly on all versions of Windows including 10, there is a large library of patches for the synth online from community and even Jamiroquai that are far superior to the stock patches, the X-Station 25 is perfect for mobile use and has saved my ass a few times as a backup sound interface. My only gripe is not being able to use midi-mapped control while also using the synth function at the same time. And maybe I was lucky, but I found mine used for $125 and it came with a nice gig bag for transport. If anything, this video highlighted the weak drums from the Arturia ;)

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks for the clarification!

[@oggyogg586]

Oh wow, didn't know about Nick Batt's band DNA :) Thanks for another great episode.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! DNA = legend!

[@sampsahult3752]

In case your stellar production and witty cutscenes don't have enough attention, here's my virtual hats up to you. Keep it going!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!

[@System.10]

Awesome video! That thing sounds surprisingly good, actually, and I like the amount of settings that are tweakable on the unit itself! Also, those dancing Pilzes made me laugh at the end :D

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@santiagojuanmarino7483]

Not the zoroder meme! Aaaah, a true master of his art.

[@AudioPilz]

XANGEEEEEEELIX!!!!

[@bytesabre]

@@AudioPilz WENDOOOOSSS!

[@chadpescod-realtor3308]

Hahahaha! I just watched that again today.

[@fohdeesha]

@@chadpescod-realtor3308 what's it from?

[@chadpescod-realtor3308]

@@fohdeesha Lords of The Synth I think. On adult swim on youtube.

[@Pablo668]

Great vid, laughed out loud a lot at the references. You could well be the Werner Herzog of synth reviews. (surely that x-station isn't the only synth leaning on a wall at your place?)

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! That's the best compliment I've ever heard. "What would an ocean be without a monster lurking in the dark?"

[@Pablo668]

@@AudioPilz lol!

[@electrock]

I plugged mine to do first recording test..ended up with a beautiful new track! Nice machine!!!!

[@skyemac8]

It’s my only VA synth now and I’m keeping it! Thanks for the jam!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@WingHouseCup]

Eggs Station sounds fine. I have it's sibling the Ultra Nova, which inherited many of the futures of the Eggs Station...but there's MORE. Now I want some Eggs.

[@AudioPilz]

Mmmmmmh, eggs...

[@voltijuice8576]

It's fried egg, fried egg! Gotta chow down on fried egg! Everybody's looking forward to the weekend, weekend

[@snoballuk]

There's a field near where I work that looks exactly like the Windows XP default background wallpaper.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice! Do you work in Tuscany?

[@MrStuntman00]

Love how creative the jam videos are getting

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@moogdome2562]

Another excellent demo. I have a KS 4. Keep up the good work.

[@AudioPilz]

❤️❤️❤️

[@dykodesigns]

It has the design aesthetics Magix Music Maker circa the Y2K years. It teleports me back into the matrix.

[@AudioPilz]

Let's see how far the rabbit hole goes;)

[@brettreynolds1929]

love these videos ... thank you

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrBeen992]

I remember when a friend lent me his X-Station for a day. Although I found oUt a little thin sounding I loved stacking pads over pads with it and the handS on controls. Always loved to have one.

[@AudioPilz]

Pads on this are great!

[@franciscojaviergomez4807]

You should release a BAD GEAR album on bandcamp featuring all this awesome jams ! ... Dancing Florian robot is FIRE bro !! keep it up !

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Still searching for the right medium for this album

[@mossgraber]

The X-Station bad gear? NO WAY!!!! When I first read about it I sounded to good to be true (as you correctly comment in the video) but it fully held up to the expectations! I was playing it live for many years when I started to use a laptop as the only sound source. The X-Station was light weight, had already a sound card with MIDI and could be powered from the laptop. Up to this day, you cannot buy ANY controller keyboard with integrated audio! WHY? Nowadays, I enjoy the weirder areas of the sound engine a lot! Try the E-Piano sound with the distortion! Ah, you should have mentioned that you can have 6(!) effects at once!

[@AudioPilz]

You certainly made good use of that one!

[@mossgraber]

@@AudioPilz Thanks! But I fully agree about the XioSynth, had that as well, yikes ;-)

[@superjubs]

The production value of your videos is insane

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@verdielg]

highly entertaining and insightful content 😊

[@gamma_noize]

Very nice video again! :) I must say, i just love the Novation Sound. I had an UltraNova, on which the encoders sadly died from frequent use. I still have a KS-Rack and a Peak. Does the X-Station have the same distortion effect as the KS range? This distortion is still keeping me from selling my KS-Rack and the Peak to get a Summit, cause it has a really unique sound to it. The Summit might be a worth entry for "Rad Gear" someday. Novation took the best of their analog and digital tech and put together a breathtaking synth! It still has this special Novation character but in 8k resolution instead of the KS' 720p. :D

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Summit seems to be a very impressive instrument

[@old_romans]

Boss: ok, the JP8000 is no longer being made, now's our chance, but make it cheaper. engineers: Cheaper how? Boss: Yes

[@AudioPilz]

Lol

[@WAT1995]

Your videos are the best on KZbin thanks for making these

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks for watching!

[@RockyMountainSounds]

Just got back my old X61 from my brothers who kept it clearly under a bud. Such a joy cleaning it off and turning it back on to hear sounds I forgot. It's actually a great 5 octave synth considering the trackpad and modwheel that can be unlocked from the spring. I played this baby for years as my main controller for church and I would still recommend it as a midi controller (with space for a separate midi controller on top of it like a NanoKontroller). When the computer crashes, it at least has some nice plucks and useable pads for a solid backup sound source (and battery powered means you won't go down if someone kicks the power -which I have had happen). If you see it cheap on the used market- just grab it for the 3 osc VA synth - likely will be worth so much more in 20 years.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice find!

[@SianaGearz]

2014 last driver update... wow that's quite a support cycle. I am inclined to commend them for that. Mhm normally it's possible to install older drivers on WIndows with some contortion, as long as the drivers are from Vista era or newer, though 7 or 8 era drivers are usually much less crashy, because... well, Vista was a hard time for hardware companies who are famously bad at software, when they had to change everything to account for all the new system infrastructure. Luckily, not much fundamentally changed since and to this day, so the drivers had time to solidify by the Windows 7 era. But still, there are oddball exceptions. Even when the driver is technically compatible, it may be necessary to set the installer into compatibility mode to pretend to it like it's an older version of Windows, or catch the files mid-flight as they're being unpacked into a temporary directory and force install them later. Though i guess you had this problem specifically with Novation before, and were already unable to resolve it, if memory serves... By the way, they say the driver is from 2014 on the website, and i was wondering whether 2014 is the date they changed the website or something, the driver could be much older, but i peeked into the installer, and the opposite appears to be the case, the driver installer was packaged in 2016... interesting. Maybe worth getting in touch with them, it's a possibility that they packaged up the wrong driver altogether and nobody told them! Maybe an even older driver out of all things would help, except they don't offer those. I wonder if it would really make it "better gear" though... i mean it's just an audio endpoint driver, and if nobody has asked for a solution, maybe it was never so vital. Would be kinda odd not to have a working interface laying in some corner of the bedroom somewhere. Sometimes, the lengths to which Microsoft goes to support old abandoned oddball hardware surprise me. My graphics pen tablet that i got back in 2004 and which was last updated in the Windows 7 era, was no longer compatible with very recent Windows software just a few months ago, because it supports the classic Wacom WinTab API in the driver, but not the new Windows Ink API. So while i could use it on Windows 10, i had to use older software or GIMP to get the tablet functionality. Well the driver hasn't changed, but Microsoft changed something, maybe implemented an emulation layer of some sort, and now Ink API works! And of course 25 years of some degree of software compatibility and counting is not to be scoffed at either. OS X with abandoned hardware is just extremely rough though. The synth engine sounds... simple enough fundamentally, and with distinct aliasing, just with a lot of controls broken out. I wonder if a single Motorola 56000 will be found inside doing the duty. Absolutely love the TerminatorPilz animation :D Guess it's fitting that it continues to be portrayed by an Austrian. Word on the street is, Terminator is quite a musician, can be seen playing instruments in Mortal Kombat 11. Huh it occurs i have been watching for a bit over a year at this point... how time flies!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Aim ay Maschin, aim hier too proteckt yu

[@ManCalledMif]

Robot dance was epic. 🙌🏼

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@davidmegarrysdungeon6046]

Every time you review a piece of Bad Gear, I add something else to my wish list of odd toys. Thanks Griff!

[@AudioPilz]

Bad Gear G.A.S. is a thing!!!

[@23jackleeder]

Cool episode, always amusing and also insightful & informative. Would love to see an episode on the Yamaha RY9 - 'Big Jam' or an RY8

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Great input!

[@Damien-og6sk]

I sincerly hope that brands will keep making shitty gear so that your channel will never end! Love from Paris France

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! There's certainly no shortage in Bad Gear and there most probably never will;)

[@michaelmoore1697]

Wow, just spent all morning searching for a midi controller with aftertouch and you post this...Synchronicity, lol. Maybe the motorized faders on the Behringer Motor 61 would be an interesting thing to review.

[@AudioPilz]

The keybed is really OK

[@raistaparta]

I had a X-Station a few years ago and I remember the keybed being rather nice. It was my first synth with aftertouch and since then I tend to frown upon any synth/MIDI controller that doesn’t offer it - I mean, if Novation put an AT keybed on a cheap VA 15 years ago, why can't everybody now? And the action and feel of the keyboard was way better than anything Roland or Korg offered in that price range. On the other hand, as a controller, I don't think you'll like the ergonomics. The knobs are crammed together, the layout is a bit confusing and the faders aren't very smooth. Also, I frequently had MIDI notes freeze when controlling plugins via USB (using a period correct Macbook Pro and Logic Pro 9). If you don't need the synth and audio interface, you're better off with something from Arturia, for instance. Especially considering the prices X-Stations go for these days...

[@michaelmoore1697]

As far as keybed goes, my Korg X3 works well as a midi controller with AT (I'm allergic to programming it so its a large paperweight to me). But I would love something that sends CC and integrates with DAW, but also only cost $100.

[@LeadingMotive]

The smaller two-octave one is a perfect mobile laptop companion: The driver still works on Win10, it's USB powered (no power brick needed!), has microphone connections with phantom power, the keyboard is good and has aftertouch, and it's very portable.

[@Gainn]

The Motor 61 is fucking terrible. The faders twitch around like they're having a fit at the worst times, fail to budge till you reset a parameter or cycle the power. Sometimes they just stop working entirely. and you have to dismantle the whole damn thing to clean them properly. The keybed is also shit, and it weighs more than some small countries. good doorstop tho.

[@barneyfinch8267]

My X-Station Audio In / Out and MIDI working fine on my 2020 MacBook Air with Monterey. I love this synth

[@AudioPilz]

Nice, good to know!

[@SynthAddict]

at first I was sad to see one of my favorite recent synths on this list, but you did a good job covering it and the jams were great as usual I like pretty much anything Novation, but after buying the MicroKorg when it was new I saw the X-Station 25 and fell in love with the idea immediately - nice 3 osc VA synth, FX, audio input and interface, nice control set, and other cool things like templates - I even got the great backpack for it which fits a laptop so you have a truly mobile studio - eventually I got a second 25 and eventually a 49 (and the xiosynth) and as I dug though the rich history of compatible patches from K-Station and A-Station I had a really cool super patch set, as well as soem of my own tweaks - some of the sounds (pads, ambient FX, techno stuff) are incredible (I will have to do a video about them one day, way overdue) I dig the XY pad, like on my Korg padKONTROL very expressive and with one hand you can manipulate the stick and the pad - lots of control possibilities while the right hand goes nuts on keys - the semiweighted keys feel nice with a nice easy aftertouch, probably a Fatar keybed the stick allows you to undo the return spring switch on the modulation axis (Y axis) for some cool controls that persist, a lot of people miss that feature but in general I always preferred sticks to separate wheels, and the Roland stick often sucked a bit until the later versions with more of a mod range (JP8000, V-Synth, etc) the included overlay (cutout) templates were cool for making custom templates (and had some canned useful ones) and swapping out the overlays - the one you had probably lost the templates long ago - but the only thing missing was a vocoder and a simple sequencer like an SH-101 having the battery option was really great - not so common these days and you need to use powerbanks on most things - less elegant but could possible last longer on a charge the screen was a weak point since it dimmed early in life on some models - the Novation Remote units which are nice controllers only often had dim screens when sold used but they opened up some great control surface for software synth jockeys the Nova engine stuff in general is great and I got a MiniNova and the Circuit stuff as well anyway, thanks again :-)

[@AudioPilz]

Pleasure!

[@globeflicker9216]

I’m speechless. But mom always said if I couldn’t say anything nice …. Go for the throat. 😹

[@AudioPilz]

Mom's always right;)

[@danieklerr]

I had a brief moment with the X-Station, with high hopes of using the synth and interface simultaneously, as an on-stage mediator between Ableton Live and my hardware. Sadly, it was not to be. :( I've considered trying the Alesis Fusion for the same purpose, but ended up going back to hardware-only live shows instead. Great video!

[@AudioPilz]

Same here! It's a real bummer

[@FrequencySummoner]

But you can use the synth and audio interface simultaneously? There's a balance knob between computer output and synth output when you're in synth mode. (Same one for monitoring inputs)

[@FrequencySummoner]

I've played loads of gigs with the X-station playing a backing track from laptop via USB interface, MIDI out to other gear from laptop, and jamming on the keys/synth at the same time

[@itchardhen]

devil's in the details. IIRC the internal audio interface outputs work whether in synth or controller template mode, but in synth mode the preamp inputs are internally switched to synth L&R. you can't sample external audio, say for ITB effects or looping, while using the synth engine, but you can play the synth live while the DAW is playing back thru the outputs. used x25 as the centerpiece of a clock-synced live rig, mostly as aud interface & controller for Ableton. Synth/controller workflow are not well integrated, and the audio and effects routing limits the utility somewhat but still a capable portable piece with a cool synth engine.

[@Arehexes]

Another killer video that you just knocked out of the park.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@RamRevivo]

you always make every bad gear sound amazing

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@mycosys]

Emphasise the flaws is a kind of great way to put it, every instrument has character but if you are wanting it to sound like somethng else you will never find it characterful, only flawed. This thng kinda seems likt the anti-Skulpt - well laid out, easy to use but the filter and mod sound tiny. You managed to find some good sounds as (almost) always but..... i still wish it sounded like somethign else XD.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks, there's a lot of sweet spot hunting with the X

[@robgs]

I reckon your finger karate on that Novation keyboard will make a fine snare sample :-)

[@AudioPilz]

Already used it as a clap;)

[@onelio5660]

that second jam is pure gold!!! cheers from México c:

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@Rompler_Rocco]

I don't know what exactly, but those cyber-symphonic dancing robots DID something to my brain ⚡🧠⚡

[@AudioPilz]

Skynet;)

[@RegebroRepairs]

It might actually be useful as a controller for a Jupiter-8 emulation. And I would need that since Behringer clone seems to arrive never.

[@AudioPilz]

Yeah, supply chain is not up to pre COV standards yet

[@tweeeeeak228]

It seems that "back in the day" the emphasis was on putting in everything with every possible configuration. Nowadays we live in the cut corners era, or "user experience aka users just want this bit" era, which really annoys me...

[@metalore]

also known as the "you don't really need aftertouch" era

[@tweeeeeak228]

@@metalore lol that's right

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed!

[@weyoun6535]

Still use mine as my main PC midi controller, had quite a few different ones, but keep coming back to it. It’s versatile and it’s also class compliant and works with an iPad for midi and as sound card as long as you externally power it. The pots are the weak point, they need replacing every now and then, but last time I rang up Novation a few years ago they sent me some replacements for free within a couple of days. I don’t use the synth much these days, I have quite a few much better hardware synths, but occasionally it’s fun to mess around with and the effects are good. Not being able to use synth and controller at the same time & flimsy pots are the only letdown I can think of, once you accept that it’s great. You’d be hard pressed to find a controller with this many features that supports custom sysex assignments, and occasionally that’s really useful. It also supports zones.

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed! Great controller!

[@UliAfroman]

It's Friday 10pm, I came home from work, and now my dinner-side-activity starts again with bad gear 😍

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Happy to hear that!

[@robdela3632]

I have an emu-Morpheus, it’s a pain in the ass without the software. can you get your hands on one? Would love to see it here 😆

[@AudioPilz]

Great idea, thanks! I'll take a closer look!

[@strelokknoize]

I mean - dang - it even looks like a generic controller.

[@AudioPilz]

The original review in SoS has some nice stories about the Xs origins. Very interesting!

[@tonalaxis]

It was originally, the Remote 49 I believe. You could even upgrade that to become an X-Station I believe.

[@fisk0]

Yeah, it looks almost identical to the Edirol PCR-50 MIDI controller I had around the same time.

[@johnmax5652]

The Time That Comes to Planet this music electronic equip was years ahead . Also has Novation Sound , few had the simplicity of menus . Great Stuff.

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed, it's very convenient to use!

[@markgriffiths5122]

The robot dance sequence will give nightmares to generations to come. Serve them right.

[@AudioPilz]

I'll take this as a compliment;)

[@Nismology5]

Just want to point out that the Novation KS (multitimbral X-Station) is my personal favourite VA synth. I also own a Virus TI, Nord Lead 2X, AN1x, microKorg and have owned a JP8000 and System 8 in the past. If I had to sell everything and only keep one it would be the KS4.

[@MikeRenouf]

Love my KStation. If I had to keep only one piece of kit it would be that.

[@AudioPilz]

Nice!

[@ryancato5558]

i have a xstation and nord rack 2x. i agree, this does things the nord doesn't

[@Yuzuki1337]

I wouldn't have thought to see Novation on here :D

[@AudioPilz]

Already had the Bass Station and XIO on the show. Love the sound but these three have some issues with build quality (the X is the best of them, IMHO)

[@Yuzuki1337]

@@AudioPilz Wait, you're right! Thanks for clarifying, I completely forgot about the BassStation and didn't remember the XIO as a Novation product. :D

[@CurritmoRx]

"8 WOICE WIRTUAL ANALOG": these things & your humour are the cherry on top ;) . BTW: nice E-MU rack @ 8:09 ! The 90s were colourful but a great time. Double thumbs up for this episode (& at least one generally :) .

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@mooginmotion9934]

sehr cool, wie immer. deine tanzeinlagen: großartig..!

[@AudioPilz]

Besten Dank!

[@Andor.]

Honestly, old 90s gear interests me more than 80s gear because it's so odd and unfocused. it's also WAY cheaper, the 90s synth nostalgia has not hit as hard yet so i can get my mc 505 for 50 bucks!

[@AudioPilz]

MC505 for 50??? I'm in!!!

[@Andor.]

@@AudioPilz yeah a real steal! everything works perfect to exept that the lfo knob is broken!

[@dsandwhich00]

@@Andor. if the characters are wonky on the display you can replace said display pretty cheaply and easily. In different colors. Love my 505.

[@bukaglasna]

Great review! The semiweighted fatar keyboard with aftertouch is its best feature, still better than some Modern keyboards including their own Bass Station 2. Cheers

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@johnchongsing7745]

Great video! Amazing robot dancing skills, man!!!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@XHALE303]

Great editing ...as usual 😊

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@audiolego]

I had the KStation and it was sooo thin on bass BUT!!!! The arp is musical, great for leads, Poly, for scacatto sounds. But bass? Thin

[@AudioPilz]

I've yet to try the OG KStation

[@CALITRIXfitness]

This video was a reminder of how long I've wanted a k station for... i was unaware of the thin bass issue, mostly wanted it for bass and arpeggios

[@mattzr1550]

When is the circuit getting bullied

[@AudioPilz]

😏

[@soapiesteevee]

babe wake up, new bad gear episode!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks honey;)

[@user82938]

That last electro jam is pretty sweet, actually. I'd listen to the whole track.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! There's a full version on Patreon (no plug;)

[@0ne01]

But can it run DOOM?

[@AudioPilz]

Maybe Duke Nukem 3d;)

[@ActionlessLoveless]

instead of Soundblaster you mean?

[@ActionlessLoveless]

damn, after writing the comment ive realized how much i wanna rent access virus just to experiment with connecting it to doom as general midi (or mb look for some proper vst of the virus)

[@EBHawellsGames]

That 2nd jam was my all time favorite on the show! 😅

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@scottcupp8129]

I waited some time and waited for another Novation synth. I now have a Novation Mini Nova along with some other synths. My analog go to synth of mine is my Deep Mind 12. Love that synth.

[@AudioPilz]

B got a lot of things right with this one!

[@Old_Man_Jay]

Watching Your head attached to a dancing robot was the highlight of the video! 😂🤣😂

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@michaelkeefer4293]

Happy Friday! That robot dance had me crackin' up!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@MrRozzwell]

Excellent dance video at the end.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@mattb154]

Another Friday, another brilliant video. I'll keep saying it, the level of both creativity and professionalism on display here is staggering. Also, is it just me, or does the last jam borrow a bit from the space disco era? The sort of tunes you'd find on the Cosmic Machine compilation? Anyway, thanks for being the highlight of my day.

[@matthewgaines10]

Florian is a witty and talented dude. He probably clubs baby seals on the head on weekends to balance out his music and video production skills.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Sometimes I borrow ideas from stuff I don't know;) I'll take a listen

[@PgTrAxX]

Loved it 😁👍 Also, Quasimidi Rave-O-Lution 309 would be a worthy contender ✌

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Great idea, I'll take a closer look!

[@tomskley8864]

8:06 I've been staring at this picture for hours and I love it. Just missing the JP8000.

[@mikelonb]

I have my X-St 25 for 17 years already and I simply love it. It is from very first edition, it still says Remote 25 Audio. It's a great piece of machinery. More... I think it is very fair to say that just the keyboard itself worth the money.

[@AudioPilz]

Wow, one of the super early models!

[@Dickgoodbody]

Had this synth for years, still my go-to tool when looking for something twisted & bent to throw in your mix

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed, great for that!

[@nowavecharles]

That Ethereal Snake reference was well placed :)

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Great vids!