hi
waiting to buy a synth like the microkorg (the first one, with more analog sound) i was looking at this
i don't know if the 2 are comaparable but the fact it can be used also as a midi controller or fx box too is not a bad thing, isn't it?
it has also a cool xy pad...
here those two machines got - used - almost the same price.

A)could some of you can tell me about its sounds?how they are compare to the microkorg? i know there are many patches for free to download in the Novation site too...
B)is it easy to program?

http://www.novationmusic.com/products/hardware_synths/xio


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlUT5-YzjIY

pretty simple
has more knobs than the microkorg so very easy to program..

microkorg advantage = has more keys
xio advantage = novation has pretty good effects sections in their synths

pretty much the same in terms of sound, microkorg is a little on the raw side, novation is a little on the liquid smooth side, but both are close enough really.

I plan on getting the xiosynth, because it's got full size keys and is extremely small

many thanx cartesia for this rapid and quick review!
i looked also at the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BInnj5BBirU&feature=related
really funny...

and, as you said, the fact the Xio got 25 keys is for my desk space a cool thing...
i think, as the microkorg, it works also with batteries...

yes! Both are battery powered

As I owned both a MicroKorg and Novation KS4 (same engine as XioSynth), just my two cents:

1) Sound
The MicroKorg sounds a bit more "beefy" and warm, where the Novation engine is a bit more brilliant and shiny. No big differences, but subtle tendencies. The Xio has a slightly better base-spec of the synth engine (3 oscillators instead of 2 on the Korg), which makes it more versatile and better suited for those typical trance-hooklines and phat pad/string sounds. In return the Korg has the better modulation matrix -> better for crazy fx type of stuff.

2) Build Quality
Let's face it, the keyboard on the Korg plain sucks. Not only are they mini keys, but they feel like a toy. Xio wins with full-size keys at least. Only upside of the Korg is an additional octave.

3) Connectivity
The Korg has MIDI in/out, audio in/out, done.
Xio doubles as USB MIDI/Audio interface with all comfort, plus it's more versatile at controlling other gear through MIDI.

4) Verdict
Both are funky in their own way. If you want a plain little synth with some keys and already have a midi and audio interface for your pc, MicroKorg should be the right thing for you.
If you're lacking those plus want full-size keys, you could get the Xio and save the money.

thanx for your review

i took the xio25
it was cheaper (used), but also, with this machine you can write/exchange patches of your own and, for the midi in you can do it via usb (with pc or gear), there are tricks on the manual...

i was afraid it sounded not very warmy, but if you tweak it you can have some good fat sounds...http://sp-forums.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6981