Novation Xiosynth 25 Getting Started Guide

What is the Xio™?

The Xio is all you need with or without a computer to record, synthesize, MIDI control
and process effects for performing or studio use. In one mode, it’s a standalone synth
that works separately from the computer if desired (powering from batteries or an
external power supply) or powers over USB when connected, and in another mode it’s
a MIDI controller, where its knobs, buttons, Xpression pad and stick can all be used to
tweak software or additional hardware parameters. Furthermore, you can now utilise
the onboard synth whilst MIDI controlling.

In both modes, the keyboard also functions as a 2 In/2 Out USB audio interface,
for streaming audio from the computer directly to connected speakers or an amp,
or for recording a microphone or line signal plugged into the rear panel. Alternatively,
in standalone mode without a computer, the keyboard also works as a miniature mixer,
for amplifying and blending a mic and line signal for recording or playback.

Getting Connected and Powering Up

If working with a computer then the Xio will power over USB, so the only action
to take is to connect the keyboard to the computer using the supplied cable. However,
batteries may want to be inserted if carrying out a mobile session or trying to conserve
laptop power. If this is the case, insert 6 AA-size batteries after removing the panel on
the rear of the keyboard.

An external power supply is also supplied, for an alternative
means of powering the keyboard if not connected over USB.
If using the keyboard in standalone mode, batteries or the
external PSU can be used as a source of power.

When the unit is connected and plugged in, the switch on
the rear of the keyboard should be set into the appropriate
position, as follows:

Xio powering up options

FA0089-02

Running Installers

The Xio is class compliant, so no drivers are required for the keyboard to work with
PC or Mac. As such, the keyboard can simply be connected over USB for it to work as
an audio interface and MIDI controller for your sequencer, without having to run any
Installers. However, lower latency drivers are available for both PC and Mac if you wish
to improve the latency and make the keyboard more stable in some applications.

The lower latency drivers can be obtained by running the Installer found on the
accompanying Resources disc. If running the Installer on a PC, make sure that the Xio
is not connected to the computer before running the Installer; plug in when instructed
to do so during the Installation process.

Basic Modes of Operation

The Xio works in two modes, one for Synthesizing and one for MIDI Controlling.
In both modes, the keyboard also works as an audio interface/mixer. The two modes
are accessed by alternate presses of the PLAY button, with the screen display indicating
which mode is currently active by the display of Synth Prog (synthesizer program/patch)
for synth mode or Xio Template (MIDI Template) for controlling mode, as follows:

Alternate presses of the PLAY button activate Synth and MIDI Controlling modes.
Currently in MIDI Controlling mode as shown by XIO Template Name and Number on screen

The remaining Mode buttons have different purposes, depending on which of the two
modes the Xio is in:

Press and hold to
temporarily revert back
to saved sound (Compare)

Press to save the current synth patch settings;
press once to select the number, then press again
to rename, then a third time to confirm

Alternate presses activate
the Main and Synth Global
Menus. Use the Page Up/Down
buttons to scroll through the
pages of each

SYNTH
MODE

MIDI
CONTROLLING
MODE

Alternate presses activate the two
Edit Menus (Individual and Common).
The first Edit mode is for changing
the parameters assigned to
individual controls. The second Edit
mode (the LED will flash) is for
changing the settings across all
controls within one Template

Press to save the current Template
settings; press once to select the
number, then press again to rename,
then a third time to confirm

Press to activate the Main
Global Menu where the general
keyboard settings can be edited