X-Station manual V1.0.qxd

59 Pages·2004·1.49 MB·English

X-Station manual V1.0.qxd 12/05/04 16:14 Page 1
CONTENTS
Contents
Introduction........................................................... 2 Using The Transport Buttons....................................... 25
Using This Manual........................................................ 2 The Global Mode Menu.............................................. 25
MIDIController Section Main Features......................... 2 Saving The Global Settings To Memory....................... 27
Audio Section Main Features........................................ 2 Upgrading The Operating System From MIDI............. 27
Conventions used in this Manual................................... 2
Synthesis Tutorial............................................... 28
Quick Start Guide.................................................. 3 Elements Of A Sound.................................................. 28
Connecting Up To equipment........................................ 3 The Oscillators And Mixer............................................ 29
Stand Alone Operation................................................... 3 The Filter....................................................................... 30
USBDriver Installation................................................... 4 Envelopes And Amplifier.............................................. 31
Windows XPUSBDriver Installation............................. 4 LFOs............................................................................. 33
Selecting The X-Station Within Music Applcaions......... 4 Memories...................................................................... 33
Controlling A Synthesizer............................................... 4 Summary...................................................................... 33
Factory Supplied Templates........................................... 5
Using The Programmable Template Controls................ 5 The KS Synthesizer............................................. 34
Sending A Snapshot Of The Controls............................ 6 Introduction................................................................... 34
Selecting A Sound On External MIDIDevices............... 6 Selecting KS Synth Patches........................................ 34
Changing The Action Of The Pitch / Modulation Editing A Synth Patch (Sound)..................................... 35
Joystick........................................................................... 6 Saving A Synth Patch................................................... 35
Audio Connection And Setup......................................... 6 Using Menus................................................................ 36
The Windows Sound System......................................... 7 The Oscillator / Mixer Section..................................... 36
About ASIO..................................................................... 7 The Filter Section......................................................... 38
The X-Station Control Panel........................................... 7 The LFOs Section........................................................ 39
About Latency................................................................. 7 The Envelopes Section................................................ 40
Setting Up The Microphone Or Instrument Inputs......... 7 The Arpeggiator Section............................................... 41
Monitoring....................................................................... 8 The Effects Section...................................................... 42
Recording And Listening................................................ 8 The Oscillator Menu..................................................... 42
Recording And Listening With Effects............................ 9 The Mixer Menu........................................................... 44
The Filter Menu............................................................ 45
MIDI Tutorial......................................................... 10 The LFOMenu............................................................. 45
Introduction................................................................... 10 The Arpeggiator Menu.................................................. 47
How MIDIPorts Are Used............................................ 10 The Sync Menu............................................................ 48
MIDIMessages............................................................. 10 The Wheels Menu........................................................ 49
The Aftertouch And Breath Menu................................. 50
Detailed Operation.............................................. 13 The Pan Menu.............................................................. 51
Front Panel Layout....................................................... 13 The KSSynth Mode Global Menu................................ 52
Modes And Menus....................................................... 14 Routing MIDITo And From The KSSynthesizer.......... 52
Using Menus................................................................ 14 The KSSynth General Settings................................... 53
Entering Text................................................................ 14 Saving The KSSynth General Settings....................... 53
The Template Common Menu...................................... 15
Template Edit Mode (Editing A Template).................... 16 Appendix.............................................................. 54
The Template Edit ‘CC’ Pages..................................... 16 Troubleshooting............................................................ 54
The Template Edit ‘NRPN’ & ‘RPN’ Pages.................. 17 Using The X-Station With Reason............................... 55
The Template Edit ‘MMC’ Pages.................................. 17 Known Anomalies With Reason.................................. 55
The Template Edit ‘Note On/Off’ Pages....................... 18 The KSSynth Patch Preset Listings............................ 56
The Template Edit ‘SYSEXMESSAGE’ Pages............ 18 MIDIImplementation Chart........................................... 58
The Template Edit ‘Program Change’ Pages............... 19 Safety CENotices And Approvals................................ 59
Using The X / Y Touchpad........................................... 19
Using The Footswitch Or Pedal................................... 20
Saving A Template To Memory..................................... 20
The Dual Multi Effects Processor................................. 21
The Delay Effect........................................................... 21
The Reverb Effect......................................................... 22
The Chorus Effect......................................................... 22
The Compressor........................................................... 23
The Distortion Effect..................................................... 24
The EQ Processor........................................................ 24
Advanced Features............................................. 25
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X-Station manual V1.0.qxd 12/05/04 16:14 Page 2
INTRODUCTION
Using This Manual - Main Features - Conventions Used
Thank you for purchasing the X-Station controller keyboard and synthe- 40 Template editable memories are available. Each Template contains
sier. The X-Station is a state of the art product - it combines a powerful definitions for all front panel controls. Templates may be individually
MIDI input device with a virtual analog synthesiser and a high quality named for easy reference and saved to/from an external sequencer via
audio interface with built in effects processors. MIDI Sysex bulk dumps
When used with a computer running a MIDI / Audio sequencer package
it will provide a superb, compact recording setup.
Audio Section Main Features
It may be used to control sequencers, popular software virtual instru-
ments on a computer or traditional hardware instruments via either a
USBconnection or a standard MIDIinterface. In addition to the control
Two Novation high precision, low noise high bandwidth audio pre-ampli-
features it contains two audio pre-amplifiers together with a twin multi-
fiers with phantom power and over 70 dB headroom deliver a warm,
effects processor that allows the recording and replay of mono or
clear signal typical of Novation's commitment to sonic excellence.
stereo audio signals to and from a computer.
Complete multi-effects processors are available per input channel fea-
The front panel provides a wealth of programmable controls arranged in
turing simultaneous Reverb / Chorus-Phaser / Delay / Compressor /
the format of a traditional synthesizer, each of which can be configured
Distortion and EQ.
to suit the needs of the instrument to be controlled. Each control can be
stored within a Template memory for instant recall at a later time. Integrated USB low latency Audio and MIDI - Requires just a single
USB connection a computer.
The X-Station is equally at home in a live performance or studio situa-
tion where it can be used as a stand-alone synthesiser, MIDIcontroller
High power independent headphone output with separate stereo con-
keyboard and recording device. Its comprehensive range of controls
verter for zero latency monitoring of input signal with or without effects
may be used to dynamically alter any sound parameters precisely and
in real time whilst simultaneously recording and replaying stereo audio
44.1 / 48 Khz 24 bit simultaneous 2 channel Audio input and output
data.
operation
Driver software included to run on Windows XP or MAC OSX.
Using This Manual
Synthesiser Section
This manual consists of seven sections; Introduction, Quick Start
Guide, MIDITutorial, Detailed Operation, Advanced Features,
The X-Station includes a 3-oscillator virtual analog synthesizer model
Synthesis Tutorial andThe KSSynthesizer. For easy reference, the
based on the renowned Novation KS-series and is 8-voice polyphonic.
section name is printed at the top of each page. An Appendixis also
provided containing reference data.
The extensive control interface provides instant access to most param-
It is assumed that the reader already has a basic knowledge of MIDIin eters, making sound creation fast and intuitive. The synthesizer is total-
order to configure user Templates. Those with limited MIDIexperience ly integrated with computer recording setups: The stereo audio output is
may find the MIDITutorialuseful. Although very little MIDIknowledge is sent straight through the USB cable onto the track into any ASIO-com-
required to use the the X-Station with the factory programmed patible sequencer.
Templates.
There are 200 excellent factory sound programs which have been care-
It is recommended that this manual is read in sequence chapter by
fully crafted to cover most styles of music and programs can be easily
chapter.
imported and exported into a sysex librarian.
The main features of both its MIDI controller capability and Audio oper-
ation are listed below.
Conventions Used In This Manual
MIDIController Section Main Features
The word ‘Template’ refers to a collection of knobs, encoders and but-
ton settings and the function of the footswitch, pedal and X-Y touchpad.
X-Station features a superb two, four or five octave semi-weighted Each Template is numbered from 1 to 40 and can be saved in the X-
velocity-sensitive keyboard with combined Pitch bend and Modulation Station’s non-volatile memory.
joystick. The keyboard is transposable up or down across the entire
The word ‘Template Label’ refers to a coloured or blank ‘overlay’ which
MIDInote range and can transmit Channel Aftertouch.
sits neatly in the synthesizer control panel area.
A programmable X/Y touch pad surface for simultaneous control of mul-
tiple parameters is provided. The word ‘Preset’ refers to a Template configured at the factory to
showcase some of the powerful control possibilities. Preset Templates
MIDIor USB operation. USBand MIDImay be used simultaneously. A
may be over-written by new settings.
MIDI OUTport, a MIDI IN Port, a Foot pedal input socket and a
Footswitch input socket are available. The word ‘Control’ refers to any of the front panel knobs, assignable
buttons, encoders, footswitch, foot pedal, joystick or the X-Y touchpad.
Power can be supplied by the USBport, Batteries or a 9V DCadapter.
Within a single Template. Each control may be individually configured
to transmit various types of MIDI information addressed on any combi-
A virtual synthesizer control panel layout comprising 28 buttons, 16
nation of the MIDIOUT / USBports.
pots, 3 encoders and 9 sliders are assignable to each template. There i
s no need for template labels for control of most synthesizers The word ‘Setting’ refers to any parameter which is edited from within a
menu.
Any front panel control may be configured to transmit on any MIDI
channel, to any destination utilising the comprehensive MIDIspecifica- The word ‘Synth Patch’ refers to a synthesizer memory which is
tion. Available options include Controller numbers, NRPNs, RPNS, accessed while the X-Station is operating in the synthesiser mode.
Bank Change, Program Change and definable System Exclusive
Text in CAPITALSrefers to a front panel Control or legend (even
Strings. System Exclusive strings may be up to 20 bytes long. Control
though the name of the Control may actually be in lower case on the
data may be inserted anywhere within the System Exclusive message.
front panel). It could be a knob, button, slider or rotary encoder.
• 2•
X-Station manual V1.0.qxd 12/05/04 16:14 Page 3
CONNECTIONS AND SOFTWARE INSTALL
Connecting Equipment - Stand Alone Operation
Connecting Up To Equipment Stand Alone Operation
The X-Station may be used as a stand alone synthesiser, MIDI con-
In order to record or replay Audio or MIDI data it will be necessary to
troller and/or a stand alone 2 channel Audio Mixer / Pre-amp with
connect the X-Station to a desktop or laptop computer with the appro-
effects processors. In this case it is not necessary to connect to a com-
priate MIDI and Audio recoding software installed.
puter system.
When connected to a computer, power will be supplied directly from the
USB cable connection and it will not usually be necessary to fit batter-
ies or plug into an external PSU. N Poovwaetiro Sn uPpSpUly 6 Powered Monitor Loudspeakers Guitar Microphone
Laptop Operation
When using a USB connection to power the X-Station from a Laptop
computer, the X-Station may not power up successfully. This is due to
the X-Station not being able to draw enough power from the Laptop -P9oVw eDr C+in USB SpuesdtaalinExppreedsaslion out 2 oMutID 1I in SPDiff out HeadphonesOXutpu-t 2SOuTtput A1TInIpOut 2N22Inpu55t 1
computer.
The X-station requires approx 350mA of power to operate dependent
on various conditions. Switching on the phantom power, turning up the STAND ALONE AUDIO SETUP
monitor volume in the headphones and charging the batteries will add
to the power consumption. Although the USB specification dictates that If powered loudspeakers are not available then the outputs must be
all computers should be able to supply 500mA of current which is connected to an amplifier which in turn will power non active loudspeak-
ample, some Laptops are not able to supply as much as this. ers. If batteries are fitted -See previous page,then it is not necessary
to use the external power supply.
The solution is to either :
1) Power the X-Station from a suitable AC:DC power adapter (such
Novation PSU 6 Sound Modules
as the Novation PSU6) or; Power Supply
2) Insert Dry or rechargable batteries (recommended) .
3) Connect the X-Station to a powered USB Hub.
The X-Station will run on all types of ‘C’ size dry or re-chargeable cells. -P9oVw eDr C+in USB SpuesdtaalinExppreedsaslion out 2 oMutID 1I in SPDiff out HeadphonesOXutpu-t 2SOuTtput A1TInIpOut 2N22Inpu55t 1
Nicad batteries are rechargable and will last approx 6 hours.
Alkaline batteries are normal high power dry cells. They are not rechar- STAND ALONE MIDI SETUP
gable and will last approx 12 hours. External sound modules may be directly connected to the MIDI output
sockets. If batteries are fitted, then it is not necessary to use the exter-
Duracell batteries are extra high power, long life dry cells. They are not nal power supply.
rechargable and will last approx 24 hours.
The X-Station will automatically sense the battery type and calculate
charging rate depending on the condition of the battery.
Fitting Batteries
Turn the X-Station upside down and unclip the battery compartment
using two fingers to push on the clips. Observe the connection diagram
imprinted on the plastic casing for 6 x ‘C’ cells to the right of the battery
cover. Fit the cells as shown in the diagram.
Power Operation
The X-Station may be configured to charge or not charge the batteries
(if rechargeable's have been fitted) from either the USBport, the exter-
nal power supply or both. - See page 26 in the Global Menu Section for
details.
• 3•
X-Station manual V1.0.qxd 12/05/04 16:14 Page 4
QUICK START GUIDE
Driver Installation - Selecting The X-Station Within Applications - Synth Control
Click the 'Open' button.
USBDriver Software Installation
The 'Install From Disk' window will now show 'Copy manufacturer's files
from: D:\USB MIDI Drivers where D: is the letter of the CD Rom drive.
In order to use all of the features of the X-Station it must be connected Click the 'OK' button.
to a computer system using the supplied USB cable. The USB connec-
From the 'Found New Hardware Wizard' click 'Next'. The MIDI driver
tor is located on the rear panel. Before it can communicate with the
will start to be installed. A warning will appear that this driver has not
computer’s USBconnection port, a special piece of software known as
passed windows logo testing. Click the 'Continue Anyway' button.
a ‘USB driver’ must be installed.
The USBdriver software converts information arriving at the computer’s The MIDI driver will now be installed in full. When the "Found New
USBport into the correct format for use by the software Audio and MIDI Hardware Wizard' prompts 'The wizard has finished installing the soft-
interface used by the computers operating system. Most music applica- ware for : ‘X-Station' click the ’Finish’ button. Reboot the computer
tion software (Cubase, Logic, Cakewalk, Sonar, Digital Performer etc) before using the X-Station.
use this software Audio and MIDI interface to communicate with exter-
(if the X-Station or computer behaves erratically it may be neces-
nal hardware devices such as the X-Station or other keyboards and
sary to power it from an external PSU or batteries - See page 3)
sound modules.
The USB driver software is located on the supplied driver and resource
CD ROMand must be used with the Windows XP Operating System. If Selecting The X-Station Within Music Applications
using a PC with a different operating systems such as Linux, Windows
95, 98SE or 2000 USB support will not be available.
It is most likely that the X-Station will be used with a Music Software
sequencer package such as Steinberg Cubase VST or SX, Emagic
Windows XPUSBDriver Software Installation Logic, Cakewalk Sonar or MOTU Digital Performer. The USB driver
software will allow the X-Station to be seen by the computer as a MIDI
and Audio device.
With the X-Station disconnected from the computer insert the X-Station
Before any MIDIinformation from the X-Station will be recognised by
driver and resource disc. If the computer does not automatically show
the sequencer or software package (such as a key press or knob move-
an icon on the desktop for the CD, double click the 'my computer' icon.
ment) the correct MIDIport must be selected in the application.
The X-Station driver disc is labeled as ‘X-Station’. Double click this icon
to show the contents of the disc. Consult the documentation supplied with the software package on how
to do this. In general there will be a dialogue box titled ‘MIDI Setup’ or
Find and double click the directory 'USB ASIO Drivers'. Double click the
‘MIDI devices’. Within this box the device ‘X-Station’ must be selected.
icon 'Setup.exe' for the setup application. The ASIO driver installation
will begin. Once selected (and as long as the power is on) pressing a key on the
X-Station will result in incoming MIDI activity.
From the 'X-Station ASIO driver setup' dialogue box click the icon
‘install the driver’. After a few seconds the installation will prompt
A similar method should be used to assign the X-Station as the audio
'Please connect your X-Station to the computer and switch on.
interface.
Detection will take a few seconds.' Connect the X-Station to the com-
puter via USB using the supplied USB cable and turn the X-station on.
Once the computer has detected the X-Station and installed the USB Controlling A Synthesizer
drivers the installation will prompt 'Please disconnect your X-Station,
then reconnect it to your computer'. Disconnect the X-Station by either
setting the power switch on the X-Station to the off position or by The Synthesizer control panel is arranged in the format of a typical ana-
removing the USB lead from the X-Station. logue subtractive synth design and Templates in the form of electronic
Wlonhgeenr tchoen innesctatellda titoon t hhea sc odmetpeuctteerd t hthea itn tshtea llXa-tSiotna twioinll pisr onmopt OSCS - MIXER OOOsssccc 123 FILTERS 1 2 LFOS 123
'Please connect your X-Station to the computer and switch on. WAVEFORM SEMITONE DETUNE LEVEL PWPMosition NX omisoedFREQUENCY RESONANCE KEY TRACK SLOPE SPEED
Detection will take a few seconds.' Follow this prompt and OCTAVE LEfnov mod TYPE WAVEFORM
more USB drivers will be installed. PORTAMENTO UNISON ENV DEPmToHdulatLioFnO DEPTH PW SELECT SYNC ENV DEPTH LFO DEPTH OVERDRIVE HPF ON /ADMEOLUANYT DEST
AMP ENV MOD ENV / ENV 3 ARP EFFECTS
ModEnv 3
A 'Found New Hardware Wizard' will appear stating that 'This
MONO / POLY GATE HOLD ON / OFF DEST GATE F1 F2 F3
wizard helps you to install software for: X-Station'. At the AMEnmovdp 3 TEMPO LEVEL
same time that this wizard appears the X-Station ASIO driver
setup will finish and show 'The Installation completed suc- ON SELECT
cessfully. It is not necessary to reboot.' Click the button TRIGGER
LATCH
labeled 'exit' in the X-Station ASIO driver setup box. ATTACK DECAY SUSTAIN RELEASE ATTACK DECAY SUSTAIN RELEASE VELOCITY REPEAT CONTROL
Click the round button 'Install from a list or specific location' inside the memories that contain the specific control information for each synthe-
'Found New Hardware Wizard' and click the 'Next' button. Click the sizer are preset in the X-Station.
'Don't search. I will choose the driver to install' round button and then
click 'Next'. The next page of the Found New Hardware Wizard will ask
Numerous software or hardware synthesizers may be played directly
to 'select the device driver you want to install for this hardware. Simply
from the X-Station without the need for fitting a physical template
click the 'Have Disk' button.
overlay. For clarity, a few software synthesizers or real instrument
A new page will open titled 'Install From Disk'. Use the drop down arrow emulations will benefit by placing one of the supplied labels over the
to select the CD Rom drive letter (usually D:) Then click the 'Browse front panel synthesizer area.
button.
A list of the factory supplied template labels is presented on the next
page.
From the 'locate file' dialogue box ensure that the 'look in' is set to the
X-Station driver disk. Double click the USB MIDI driver folder. The File
name shown at the bottom of the Locate file window is 'Xstation.inf'
• 4•
X-Station manual V1.0.qxd 12/05/04 16:14 Page 5
QUICK START GUIDE
Factory Supplied Templates - Using Template Controls
The display will appear similar to illustration below and the filter fre-
Factory Supplied Templates quency knob of the software instrument will rotate on the computer-
screen along with the corresponding change in sound.
Manufacturer Insturment Template Name
Filter Frequency
Propellerheads Reason - Malstrom Malstrom
Propellerheads Reason - ReDRUM Drum 87 CC74 1 U12
Propellerheads Reason - Mixer Mixer
Native Instruments FM7 FM7
Native Instruments B4 B4
In addition to the 5 preprinted labels there are a further 3 blanks which
may be customised for any specific instrument. To fit a template label,
Using The Programmable Template Controls
simply place over the synthesizer control panel area.
Every Template contains definitions of the type of MIDIinformation to
be transmitted when any of the assignable encoders, knobs, sliders,
buttons or X-Y touchpad are used. It is not mandatory that every control
has to transmit MIDIinformation, so it is possible that controls in a
Template may be defined as ‘No Control’.
OSCS - MIXER FILTERS LFOS
OBAL PLAY WAVEFORM OSCETMAVITEONE DETUNE LEVEL PELWnPfvooM smitoiodn XN OmOosOissocsce dc 3 21FREQUENCYRESONANCEKEY TRACKTYSPLOE1PE2 SPEED.WAVEFORM321 Dplaatya. Wtrahnesnm ait tceodn btryo la i sc omnotrvoel dis, iitn wdiicll abtee do noen othf et hbeo tftoollmow liinneg o:f the dis-
DI PORTReMOTEAPaOuMRdTPioA M EtEeNNmVTpOlateU:N bISlOaNnk ENV DEmPoTdHulatiLoFnO DEPTHMOPWD SEENLEVCT / ENSVYN 3C ENV DEPTHLFO DEPTHOVERDMRoIVdEEnvH 3PF ONARP/AMDEOLUANYTEFFDEECSTTS Continuous Controller
MONO / POLYGATE HOLD ON / OFF DEST GATE F1 F2 F3
EMnAvom d3p TEMPO LEVEL This is indicated by CCfollowed by the controller number.
/VALUE ON SELECT
TRIGGER
ATTACK DECAY SUSTAIN RELEASE ATTACK DECAY SUSTAIN RELEASE VELOCITY REPEAT LATCH CONTROL Non-Registered Parameter (NRPN)
X STATION2255
This is indicated by NRPN. There is no controller number displayed.
Check the front panel display area to see that PLAYmode is selected
(the LED above the button will be lit when in PLAY mode). Registered Parameter (RPN)
This is indicated by RPN. There is no controller number displayed.
MIDIMachine Control
The screen shows MMC. There is no controller number displayed.
Rotate the encoder knob below the display to see the list of the elec- The screen display when a control moved is slightly different for buttons
tronic templates available. With each ‘click’ a new instrument electronic using MMC :
template will be selected. Continue to rotate until the desired instrument
is selected.
Stop
1 MMC 1 U12
This is similar to the normal display shown when other types of MIDI
information are transmitted, except that the top line displays the type of
MMC command defined, while the bottom line at the left is the MMC
number of the command defined for the button.
Only buttons can be assigned to send MMC. When MMCis used, there
Rotate the filter frequency control as shown in the illustration below
is no Control name used or displayed.
notice how the real-time values of the controls are displayed.
Note ON / Note OFF
The screen shows NOTE. There is no controller number displayed.
System Exclusive
The screen shows SYSEX. There is no controller number displayed.
Program Change
The screen shows PROGC. There is no controller number displayed.
Pitch Bend
The screen shows PBEND. There is no controller number displayed.
• 5•
X-Station manual V1.0.qxd 12/05/04 16:14 Page 6
QUICK START GUIDE
Sending Snapshots - Selecting External Sounds - Joystick - Audio Connection
Sending A Snapshot Of The Controls Changing The Action Of The Pitch / Modulation Joystick
It is possible to send a snapshot of current values to a connected MIDI To suit different playing styles, the travel of the front to back movement
device by pressing the SNAPSHOT button while in Play Mode. of the modulation Joystick may be set to ‘Sprung’ or ‘Static’.
The data values sent are the ones stored for each control in the When shipped form the factory it is set to ‘Sprung’. Moving the joystick
Template data, (except for where a control has been moved) since the forward will always result in the stick returning to the forward position,
Template has been loaded. If a control has been moved, the new value therefore setting any data assigned to it back to an original value.
represented by the position of the altered control is sent instead of the
For example, if it is set to control the vibrato depth on a voice or oscilla-
stored value.
tor, then letting go of the stick will remove any of the vibrato effect.
Be aware that, when a snapshot is sent, the current position of a
To set the stick to ‘Static’, turn the X-Station upside down. Push down
control might not bear any relation to the data value sent in the
on the plastic slider below the joystick assembly, and move the plastic
snapshot if that control has not been touched since the Template
switch to the opposite end of the cavity. To return to ‘Sprung’ mode,
was selected.
repeat the procedure in the opposite direction.
For each control, the snapshot data is sent to the USB/ MIDIport as Setting to static allows the stick to be left in a position where modula-
assigned to the control in the within the template data. Any MMC func- tion is applied without having to keep a finger pressed on the stick. This
tions assigned to buttons are not sentin a snapshot. It is possible for can be useful when the mod wheel is assigned to control the speed
any Template to be set to automatically send a snapshot as soon as the switch of an organ rotary speaker.
X-Station is placed into Play Mode. See page 15 for details.
Audio Connection And Setup
Selecting A Sound On External MIDIDevices
At this stage it is assumed that the X-Station is connected to a comput-
In Play Mode, it is possible to select sounds on external MIDIdevices er and both the computer and the X-Station are switched on.
directly by using the PROGRAMUP / DOWNbuttons. When a
PROGRAM UP / DOWN button is pressed, the display shows : After the software drivers have been successfully installed, connect the
N Poovwaetiro Sn uPpSpUly 6 Powered Monitor Loudspeakers Guitar Microphone
MIDI Prog Chang:
104
and a Program Change message is immediately sent. If either PRO- -P9oVw eDr C+in USB SpuesdtaalinExppreedsaslion out 2 oMutID 1I in SPDiff out HeadphonesOXutpu-t 2SOuTtput A1TInIpOut 2N22Inpu55t 1
GRAM UP / DOWN button is held down for about one second, the
action auto-repeats, automatically incrementing or decrementing the
value sent. Once the button is released, the display reverts back to
X-Station to the other system devices. These could typically be as
showing the current Template’s name after about half a second.
shown in the illustration below.
Use the BANK UP / DOWN buttons to transmit a MIDIBank Select
message to a MIDIdevice. When pressed, the display shows : This is a basic Audio connection. It will allow the recording of external
signal sources such a those from a microphone or guitar and also allow
the replay of Audio data from a sequencer to a pair of loudspeakers
MIDI Prog Bank: and headphones. (MIDI notes played from the keyboard and knob
movements will also be sent to the sequencer).
05
If batteries are not fitted then an external power supply (Novation
PSU6) may need to be connected - See page5. If this is the case, shut
and a Bank Select message is immediately sent. After about half a sec- down the computer, turn off the X-Station and fit the batteries. Ensure
ond the display reverts back to showing the current Template’s name. the X-Station is still connected to the computer via the USB cable and
switch both the X-Station and the computer on at the same time.
Note that the X-Station always sends Bank Select messages using
CC32. This is used by most MIDIequipment, but some equipment may Connect any other devices such as sustain and expression pedals (if
use CC0 messages. If this option appears not to change the Program required) to the rear panel jacks. Finally, switch on the power to any
bank on the MIDIdevice, it may be necessary to define another tem- other powered devices such as the loudspeakers.
plate control to transmit CC0 values. See pages 16-17 for details on
assigning controller numbers to controls. Each of the two Audio Inputs provided can except a wide range of
audio signals - from a low output level condenser microphone all the
way up to a line level CD player. The line output jacks deliver an unbal-
anced audio signal which will directly drive an audio mixer, an audio
power amplifier or powered loudspeakers.
• 6•
X-Station manual V1.0.qxd 12/05/04 16:14 Page 7
QUICK START GUIDE
The Windows Sound System - Control Panel - ASIO - Latency - Using Inputs
Application Priority
The Windows Sound System
This will be set to ‘High’. It will tell the Audio system to take priority over
any other processes active in the PC. At ‘High’ priority it will allow an
It is strongly recommended that the ASIO drivers (included on the driver uninterrupted stream of audio to flow from the sequencer. Setting this to
and resource CD) are used to obtain low latency audio recording and a lower priority will speed up other applications running on the comput-
replay. - See below for more information on ‘ASIO’. er but may cause clicks and glitches to occur in the audio stream
If the ASIO drivers are not installed, the X-Station can still be selected Use Dithering
as the default audio output device for the Windows system. Consult the
Windows documentation on how to do this. Sound quality can be improved by adding a amount of ‘dither’. Leave
this set to ‘checked’
About ASIO About Latency
The X-Station is shipped with a special piece of software known as an Latency is the amount of time it takes for the Audio Input Analogue sig-
‘ASIO’ driver. (the installation of this software was referred to earlier on nal to be converted to a digital signal, sent along the USB system,
page 4). This ASIO (Audio Stream Input Output)driver allows for very processed by the sequencer, then sent back along the USB system and
fast direct communication between the X-Station and the music converted back to a Analogue output signal. A latency time of anything
sequencer/audio recorder (such as Cubase, LOGIC, Sonar, etc.) and more than approx 12mS will start to be noticeable.
keeps audio delays down to a minimum.
The amount of latency can be set by changing ‘System Performance’
drop down box options. The higher the specification (speed of CPU and
The X-Station Control Panel RAM memory) of the computer being used, the lower the latency may
be set. The choices are : Highspeed, Rapid, Fast, Normal and Relaxed.
The default setting is ‘Medium’ however for the best performance the
After the ASIO drivers are installed (see page 4) and as long as the X- ‘Highspeed ‘ option should be selected.
Station is connected, a control panel will be available where certain
Audio settings may be changed. IT ISNOT NORMALLY NECESSARY After setting this option experiment with recording and replaying audio -
TO CHANGE ANY OF THE DEFAULT OPTIONS !!This panel is avail- see next few pages. If there are click and ‘pops’ appearing in the audio
able within the audio system settings for the sequencer in use. (Consult signal then try setting the performance to the next lowest setting.
the documentation for the audio sequencer)
In Cubase SX for example, the Control Panel is by selecting ‘Devices’
and then ‘VST Multitrack’. In the dialogue box there will be a button
Setting Up The Microphone Or Instrument Inputs
titled ‘Control Panel’. When this button is clicked the Control Panel will
appear similar to the illustration below.
Both of the audio inputs allow either 1/4” jack plugs or XLR type con-
nectors to be plugged in and the input sensitivity of the high quality pre-
amplifiers can be adjusted to accomodate different signal levels.
ASIO Resolution Adjusting the Input Gain
use dithering
16 bit
24 bit Device X-Station
32 bit Application Priority High Select Input Channel 1 by pressing the INPUT button. With a micro-
phone plugged into Channel 1, turn the GAIN knob until the GREEN
LED next to the GAIN knob is fully lit when speaking or singing into the
Sytem Performance Sample Rate Microphone and the RED LED occasionally flashes.
Rapid 44.1 kHz
Output Latency : 446 samples / 9mS 48 kHz This will set the gain of the preamplifier to
Input Latency : 223 samples / 4mS the correct level for the Microphone such
that it will not distort or be too quiet when
Close recording.
Check that the Audio level that is being
Devices sent from the X-Station to the recording
software is not too low or too high. To do
The X-Station will be selected as the default device. No other device
this, look at the input meters within the
will be selectable.
recording software.
Sample Rate
This will be set to 48kHz and cannot be altered. It confirms that the
speed of data flowing backwards and forwards through the USB cable
is 48kHz. This is not to be confused with Audio recording rates of 44.1
Adjust the LINE OUTLEVEL knob to
kHz and 48kHz.
ensure that the level on the input
meters does not go too high (consult
Resolution
the recording software documentation
for more information on this).
This will be set to 24bits and cannot be altered. It confirms that the size
of data flowing backwards and forwards through the USB cable is up to
24bits. This is not to be confused with the Audio recording bit depth set-
tings of 16bit or 24 bits.
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X-Station manual V1.0.qxd 12/05/04 16:14 Page 8
QUICK START GUIDE
Monitoring - Recording And Listening
Using Phantom Power
Recording And Listening
If the Microphone being used is a ‘condenser’ type it will need to have a
DC voltage (normally 48V) sent to it before if will generate any audio
output signal. Some microphones have their own power supply to do Listening
this but if not, the X-Station can supply the necessary voltage.
Check that the Microphone(s),
With the appropriate input channel selected (LED lit) press the Headphones and Loudspeakers are
PHANTOM button and the LED to the left of the button will light plugged in and setup as described on
indicating that phantom power is being sent to the microphone on the the previous page. If the session is
selected channel. purely for listening then turn up the
LINEOUT knob and press the PLAY button on the software music
WARNING: Some Ribbon, Dynamic and Electret type Microphones
sequencer. Any audio information that has been previously recorded
should NOThave phantom power delivered to them and if so may be
should be heard in the loudspeakers. Notice that the headphones level
damaged! - Check with the documentation supplied with the
may also be individually controlled by the PHONES VOL knob.
Microphone so see if it requires phantom power.
Mono Recording
Monitoring
If the Microphone and Loudspeakers are in the same room turn the
LINEOUTknob fully anti-clockwise to ensure no previously recorded
audio information is being sent to the loudspeakers.
The process whereby audio material already recorded into the audio
sequencer is listened to by the artist or recording engineer while blend- Rotate the MONITORknob fully anti-clockwise to listen to the
ed with any new material such as a voice or an instrument is known as Microphone input signal only. Put on the Headphones and talk into the
Monitoring. Microphone. It should now be possible to hear the microphone in the
Headphones.
In order that a Microphone used for recording a vocal does not pick up
any of the already recorded sound tracks of, for example drums and
If not, check that the monitor button is pressed on the software music
bass back into the vocal track, headphones are usually used by the
sequencer’s track (consult the music software documentation on how to
vocalist. A ‘mix’ is sent to the Headphones of the live Microphone
do this) When recording a new track, in this example a vocal, press the
sound with the previously recorded material.
record and play button (consult the music software documentation on
In a typical setup a separate audio mixer would be required to mix the how to do this) on the sequencer and begin to talk or sing into the
signal from the live Microphone with the one already recorded. Since microphone.
the X-Station provides independent headphone level and monitor knobs
The balance between the previously recorded tracks and the new live
an external audio mixer is not required.
vocal may be adjusted to suit by rotating the MONITOR input to output
knob.
Zero latency monitoring
Using Channel 1 and with the BALANCE knob set fully anti-clockwise,
the live vocal will be sent to the left output of the Headphones or
The input signal from either microphone or instrument is converted to a
Loudspeakers. Rotate the BALANCE knob to position it anywhere in the
digital signal and is sent to the computer via a USB connection. It then
stereo field. Once the recording is complete, the finished, updated
goes into the music software application and is sent back for listening.
recording can be played back and listened in either the Headphones or
Using the ASIO driver software installed earlier, the time delays this
Loudspeakers or both by adjusting the LINE OUTLEVELand
process causes are kept to a minimum. It may however be annoying to
PHONES VOL knobs.
the artist when making a new recording since this slight delay is per-
ceived as an ‘out of time’ feel, or as an echo if this delay time is long.
Dual Mono Recording
The X-Station has a zero latency monitoring feature whereby a knob is
provided to balance the previously recorded material with the live sound If it is desired to record two different inputs
to be recorded. simultaneously - for example a guitar and a
vocal, repeat the setup process and set the
There is also a knob ‘LINEOUT LEVEL’ to control the level of the sig- input gain for both the microphone and the
nal going to powered Loudspeakers. With control over the output level guitar independantly. Use the INPUTbutton
to the Loudspeakers, it is very quick to switch between listening back to to switch between each input to set the sig-
a new recording (for example a new vocal take has been added) to nal level using the LED’s Begin recording
reverting to a Headphones only monitoring situation for recording a fur- and use the BALANCE knob to move the
ther vocal. left to right position of either of the two
inputs. Within the sequencer set one track
to Input Channel 1 and the other track to
Input Channel 2.
Stereo Recording
Plug in a Stereo source (such as a CD player) and press the STEREO
button. Both input LED’s will light. Use the GAIN knob as previously
described to set the appropriate input level.
The BALANCE knob behaves in a different way when recording a
Stereo device. Rotating it fully anti-clockwise will result in the signal
being summed into a MONO signal. Rotating it fuilly clockwise will
result in a WIDE Stereo signal As in the previous examples the bal-
ance between the previously recorded tracks and the new live stereo
input may be adjusted to suit by rotating the MONITOR input to output
knob.
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X-Station manual V1.0.qxd 12/05/04 16:14 Page 9
QUICK START GUIDE
Recording And Listening With Effects
Recording And Listening With Effects
Most modern software audio sequencers allow the input signal to be
monitored with low latency but this is only a copy of whatever is
plugged into the audio input(s).
An outstanding feature of the X-Station is the ability to record and / or
monitor complete with effects, such as Reverb, without the need for an
external hardware effects box or without the need to engage additional
effects processors within the recording software.
This is particularly useful when recording vocals since the artist will nor-
mally prefer some amount of reverb in the headphones during a per-
formance. It usually will help him/her to envisage a live situation with
some ambience in the room.
There are three options with regard to monitoring and recording the
effects:
1. Bypass
This option will disable the effects section and the computer system will
record any audio data 'dry' - that is, an amplified version of the signal
appearing at the audio inputs. Any monitoring of the signal by head-
phones or on the main left and right outputs will also be 'dry'
2. Listen - Record
This option will enable the effects section and the computer system will
record any audio data 'wet' - that is, an amplified version of the signal
appearing at the audio inputs together with any of the audio effects
(such as reverb). Any monitoring of the signal by headphones or on the
main left and right outputs will also be 'wet'
3. Listen - No Record (Listen wet and Record Dry)
This option will enable the effects section BUT the computer will record
any audio data 'dry' - that is, an amplified version of the signal appear-
ing at the audio inputs. Any monitoring of the signal by headphones or
on the main left and right outputs will be 'wet'. This would be consid-
ered as a very useful option when, for example, recording a voice the
signal can be recorded 'dry' but the artist will be able to listen (monitor)
his or her performance with effects applied.
Adding Reverb
In the effects section press the UP/DOWN buttons to select the Reverb
effect - the corresponding LED will light. Adjust the LEVEL knob for the
desired amount of Reverb effect. The effects processors are powerful
multi effects type whereby one of each different effect may be applied
simultaneously if desired
See section ‘ Detailed Operation - The Dual Effects Processor’ on page
21 for more information on audio control and using the effects proces-
sor on recordings.
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X-Station manual V1.0.qxd 12/05/04 16:14 Page 10
MIDI TUTORIAL
Introduction - MIDI Ports - MIDI Messages
Keyboard Controllers such as the X-Station are used to generate MIDI
Introduction data for controlling other instruments. Examples of other common MIDI
controllers are drum percussion pads or footswitch controllers. Of
course, the X-Station is capable of much more than just controller key-
MIDI is an acronym for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. The MIDI board duties!
standard was devised in the early 80’s as a means for allowing musical
instruments to communicate with each other as well as with other
devices such as sequencers and computers. Before the advent of MIDI, MIDIMessages
it was often very difficult (if not impossible) for instruments to effectively
communicate with each other, especially if they had been made by dif-
ferent manufacturers. Nowadays, most types of electronic musical The X-Station is capable of transmitting various types of MIDI events.
equipment are equipped with a MIDI interface fitted as standard, includ- These are as follows :
ing synthesizers, drum machines, samplers, sequencers, computers
and even some effects units. Note Messages
The MIDI standard allows many different instruments to be controlled at
A note message is transmitted every time a key on the X-Station key-
once (say from a sequencer or a controller keyboard such as the X-
board is pressed down or released. When a keyboard note is pressed
Station) using the same network of MIDI cables. Each instrument in the
down, the MIDI message also includes velocity information. This repre-
MIDI chain is usually assigned its own unique MIDI channel and will
sents how hard the key was pressed down. This velocity value can be
only respond to information that it may receive on that particular chan-
used to add dynamics to the sound, depending on how hard the note
nel. The MIDI standard allows for sixteen different channels to be
was played.
assigned to the various instruments in a MIDI network. This means that
it is normally possible to have up to sixteen instruments playing simulta- It is also possible to configure buttons on the front panel to transmit
neously within a MIDI system. Note messages such that a Note On message is sent when the button
is pressed and the corresponding Note Off message sent when the but-
Some people may feel that being restricted to just sixteen MIDI chan-
ton is released. This is detailed on page18.
nels might be a little limiting, especially if they are composing very com-
plex pieces of music. However, most current sequencers, MIDI ports for
Control Change Messages
computers and master keyboards offer a neat way around this problem.
They can offer several different MIDI outputs, each of which is treated
These messages are commonly used to alter synthesizer parameters
as a separate MIDI system in its own right with its own set of sixteen
by MIDI. In many of the Preset Templates, it is actually Control Change
MIDI channels. The X-Station may use any combination of its MIDI
messages which are sent when the front panel controls are moved.
OUT & USB ports for this purpose.
The MIDI specification allows for 128 different types of controller mes-
sage. These are often referred to as Continuous Controllers (CC0 to
How MIDIPorts Are Used CC127).
The X-Station has three MIDI ports, one labeled ‘In’ and two ‘Outs’. Some controllers are rigidly defined by the MIDI standard for specific
Additionally, there is a USBport which acts in a manner similar to a functions. For example, CC1 is always used for the modulation wheel.
combined MIDIIN/ MIDI OUT. Each type of MIDIport has a specific Therefore, whenever the X-Stations modulation joystick is moved, it will
purpose : transmit MIDI control change information using CC1. All makes of syn-
thesizers will also use CC1 for modulation wheel data.
The Continuous Controller numbers rigidly defined include 0, 6, 32, 38,
MIDIINports
96. 97, 98, 99, 100, 101 & 120 - 127. These are used for specialised
specific purposes.
These are used by the X-Station to receive incoming MIDI information.
It is possible to configure the X-Station to immediately re-transmit this Many Control Change numbers have no set purpose within the MIDI
MIDIinformation to any of the X-Station MIDI Out ports or to the USB specification. For example, whenever a Novation KS series Filter FRE-
port. This is detailed on page 25. The X-Station can process incoming QUENCY knob is moved, it will transmit using CC105. There is no
MIDIfrom the MIDIIN port or the USBport simultaneously. guarantee however that other makes of synthesizer will use this control
change number for the same purpose.
MIDIOUTPorts
A CC MIDImessage can contain a data value anywhere in the range 0
These can transmit any MIDI information which might be generated by to 127.
the X-Station. For example, if a note was played on the X-Station key-
Use of Control Change messages is detailed on page 16 .
board or one of the controls were moved on the front panel. This MIDI
information is intelligently merged with any MIDIbeing re-transmitted
Non-Registered Parameter Messages
afterarriving at the MIDIIN/ USBports.
Some synthesizers (such as the Novation KS series) actually have
USBPort many more than 128 different parameters that can be transmitted by
MIDI, but because the number of different types of control change mes-
This port is used to connect the X-Station to a computer that features a sage is limited to just 128, a more complicated arrangement for trans-
USB port. It can be regarded as a special port that can send and mitting additional parameters is used. This arrangement is known as
receive MIDI information simultaneously. It is the most convenient way Non-Registered Parameter Numbers (NRPNs for short).
of connecting to a computer, avoiding the need to connect two sets of
standard MIDI cables between the X-Station and a separate MIDI inter- NRPNs actually consist of three MIDI control change messages
face. The information which flows through the USB connection con- grouped together, rather than a single MIDI control change message
forms to the same Message format as standard MIDI. which is normally used. The first two CC messages define the NRPN
number of the message. CC98 is used to specify the least significant
Since MIDI information flows in one direction only along a standard byte (LSB) of the NRPN number and CC99 is used to specify the most
MIDI cable,it is not possible to have a MIDI In socket connected to significant byte (MSB) of the NRPN number.
another MIDI In socket. If this were done the MIDI network would sim-
ply not work! In fact, the only two routings allowed are MIDI Out to MIDI
In or MIDI Thru to MIDI In.
• 10•