Omnisphere 3 Hardware Guide

Novation X-Station

The Novation X-Station is a very flexible synth from the early 2000s. Unfortunately, it suffered from trying to do too much: it also served as an audio interface with a dedicated effects section (which doesn’t send MIDI, unfortunately) and DAW controller. This resulted in a cluttered panel that is not as fun and intuitive to use as the K-Station. As an Omnisphere controller, you can adjust the four layers, two envelopes, two LFOs, and multiple filter types. If you have one around, make sure you give it a try!

Novation X-Station Strengths:

  • Flexible Synth Engine
  • Audio Interface

Novation X-Station Details:

Used Price Around $250 ~ $400
Number of Keys 25, 49 and 61
Keyboard Type Full
Size of Controls Medium
Special Features Audio Interface
Dimensions 25-key: 18.5” × 11” × 2.75”, 49-key: 31.4” × 10.9” × 2.7”, 61-key: 37.9” x 10.9” x 2.7”
Weight 25-key: 5.5 lbs, 49 key: 9.3 lbs, 61-key: 12.3 lbs
USB Powered Yes, or via Batteries
Pitch Bender Programmable Joystick
Mod Wheel Programmable Mod Wheel
Sends Aftertouch Yes
Sustain Pedal Input Yes
Expression Pedal Input Yes
Ribbon No
Non-Functional Controls AUDIO IN Section
EFFECTS Section
LINE OUT LEVEL
MONITOR
PHONES VOL
TEMPLATE COMMON
TEMPLATE EDIT
WRITE
GLOBAL
PLAY
BANK/PAGE
PROGRAM
INST CHANNEL/CURSOR
SNAPSHOT
PANIC
DATA/VALUE
TRANSPORT CONTROLS
HPF ON
ENVELOPE SWITCHES
Arpeggiator Yes
Sequencer No
MIDI Messages CC, NRPN

Omnisphere Sections Controlled by the Novation X-Station:

Independent Layer Control No
Number of Oscillators 4
Number of Wavetables 5
Number of Envelopes 2
Number of LFOs 2
Filter Types Classic LPF 2-pole
Classic LPF 4-pole
OB BPF 2-pole
OB BPF 4-pole
Jupiter HPF 2-pole
Jupiter HPF 4-pole
FX Units None
Soundsources No
Mod Matrix No
FM No
Ring Mod Yes
Waveshaper No
Unison No
Harmonia No
Granular No
ORB No
Arpeggiator Yes

Ratings

Control of Omnisphere
Panel Layout
Ease of Use
Keyboard Feel
Build Quality