Novation ReMote Audio Xtreme Audio/MIDI Interface
No longer available at zZounds
zZounds Gear Experts Say...
Bursting with the kind of high quality features, flexibility and real control you?ve come to expect from Novation.
Overview
2-Octave MIDI Controller with Semi-Weighted and Aftertouch responsive Keyboard, 2-Channel Audio and 2x Digital Multi-FX
Here it is, the most highly spec'd-out 2-octave USB MIDI controller keyboard with integrated audio and effects that you can get your hands on. Ideal for use with your laptop or studio set-up, the new ReMOTE 25 Audio is bursting with the kind of high quality features, flexibility and real control you've come to expect from Novation. Team it with your MIDI/Audio sequencer and your favourite plug-ins and you've got the ultimate on-the-move music solution, or use it as a great quality two channel mixer with effects processor.
Features
Controller Section
Virtual synthesizer control panel layout - all controls assignable
Pitch bend, programmable mod wheel joystick
Portable - can be powered via Batteries, USB or PSU Batteries auto
Program storage for over 50 electronic templates factory preset for packages including Reason, Native Instruments
Plug-Ins, Cubase, Logic, Sonar, Live 2 etc.
Two octave semi-weighted high quality aftertouch responsive Keyboard
Programmable X/Y touch pad surface
Audio Section
Zero latency headphone monitoring
44.1 / 48 Khz 24 bit simultaneous 2 channel Audio I/O
Dual low noise, high bandwidth audio pre-amps with phantom power & >70 dB headroom
Multi-FX processor per input with simultaneous Reverb / Chorus-Phaser / Delay / Compressor / Distortion and EQ
Integrated USB low latency Audio and MIDI
A semi-weighted two octave keyboard… read more action with aftertouch.
At the heart of the ReMOTE 25 Audio is a superb action semi-weighted with aftertouch keyboard. Unlike many controllers on the market you can play your favourite software/hardware synth or sampler with the care and precise control that can make a huge difference to the final performance.
X/Y Touchpad for Total Expression
A touch sensitive pad is conveniently located next to the keyboard and may be programmed to control multiple parameters in the X and Y direction. Imagine for example, setting a distortion amount and a pan position on the left to right movement and an LFO speed and filter cut-off on the top to bottom movement - Total creative control.
Ergonomic Programmable Pitch and Modulation Mechanism
A slick and beautifully designed pitch and modulation control mechanism allows for realtime performance. A switch on the base of the keyboard allows for the modulation (front to back) travel to be static or spring loaded for individual preference. The hand grip is rubberised for maximum ergonomic feel.
Dedicated Transport Controls
For your favourite sequencer control, be it Reason, Digital Performer, Cubase, Logic or Sonar, the dedicated transport controls make the repetitive process of stop, start and record a breeze. If a specific sequencer template is called up, other buttons perform alternative common tasks such as locator marks and track creation.
Backlit Two Line LCD
A bright backlit two line silver and blue display feeds back all the important control information whether it be the name of the template selected or the name and values of any controls.
Synthesizer Layout Grouping of Controls
No need to place template labels over controls when tweaking your favourite hardware or software Synthesizer. The main control panel comprising 28 buttons, 16 pots, 3 encoders and 9 sliders is ergonomically designed such that every parameter may be quickly and easily edited. All controls can be named and memorised as a collection and given a group template name. They can then be saved in any one of the template memories. - See right for the complete front panel.
Massive Set of Templates Containing Over 150 Parameters
To get up and running fast, the ReMOTE 25 Audio is shipped with dozens of electronic templates preset to control popular hardware and software products. Templates may be personalised for a specific way of working by combining any data from any preset to create an entirely new templates which of course can be named and saved. The complete list is shown in the following table. New tables will be available for download as they become available from the Novation web site.
Pristine Quality Audio Preamps and Effects Section
Whether making music on the move or in the studio, the addition of two high quality mic / line preamps and two multi-effects processors completes the package. Just plug into the laptop or the desktop computer and begin recording using your favourite sequencer! The two warm, ultra low noise, high bandwidth audio preamplifiers with phantom power add that special something to the input signal be it a microphone or instrument. Signals as high as +10dBm. (7 Volts Peak to Peak) and as low as -60dBm (2.2 millivolts) are effortlessly handled before being fed to the digital world through the onboard twin 24 bit A/D converters.
Simultaneous Multi Effects
Two multi-effect processors provide simultaneous Reverb,Chorus-Phaser,Delay, Compression, Distortion and EQ following the audio input preamp. Effects may listened to and recorded by the sequencer or listened to and recorded 'dry'. Using the effects processor, an artist may record for example with reverb and delay in the headphone mix without using any of the sequencers effects or an additional outboard effects unit.
Independent Headphone Control
In a typical project studio setup recording often takes place in a single room. During a 'take' headphones are used and then the results of listened to by the 'in room' monitor loudspeakers. Independent rotary control over loudspeaker and headphone levels makes the process of record and listen to playback effortless. - Powered monitor loudspeakers may be connected directly to the audio outputs along with a pair of headphones - no need for any additional hardware mixer. And as the ReMOTE 25 Audio has dual built-in multi-FX processor you can monitor vocal recording 'live' with FX such as reverb even when recording the vocals 'dry' - no need for external mixers and effects processors! - see below.
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 the whatever is plugged into the audio input(s).
An outstanding feature of the ReMOTE 25 Audio is the ability to record and /or monitor complete with effects such as Reverb without the need for an external hardware effects box. This is particulary useful when recording vocals since the artist will normal prefer an amount of reverb in the headphones during a performance. It usually will help him/her to envisage a live situationwith 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 headphones 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 & 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 appearing 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 considered 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.
MIDI, Audio and Power in Just One Cable!
Finely tuned software drivers that link the integrated USB Audio and MIDI make for very low latency recording and playback. Press a key on the ReMOTE and instantly hear the selected Plug-In - No non-musical latency delays. No more hassle with multiple connection leads and wall wart power cables - just plug in the USB cable and go.
Plenty of Re-chargeable Portable Power
The ReMOTE 25 may be powered by 6 C size batteries and if re-chargeable types are fitted they will be charged when the unit is plugged into the USB port or when used with an external PSU. Battery operation allows for true 'on the move' use. Playing time can be over 12 hours when using alkaline type batteries or when fully charged.
Built In USB / MIDI Interface
No need to purchase a separate MIDI interface. The ReMOTE 25 provides two MIDI Out ports and one MIDI In port. Information originating from the ReMOTE keyboard or its controls can be sent directly to the USB port and / or any of the MIDI out ports. The MIDI ports can be used to integrate the rest of your MIDI gear into your computer system.
Runs on Windows XP
For ease of use combined ASIO low latency audio and MIDI software drivers are included for PC's running Windows XP. (MAC OS X drivers are due for release in December 2003). read less
Here it is, the most highly spec'd-out 2-octave USB MIDI controller keyboard with integrated audio and effects that you can get your hands on. Ideal for use with your laptop or studio set-up, the new ReMOTE 25 Audio is bursting with the kind of high quality features, flexibility and real control you've come to expect from Novation. Team it with your MIDI/Audio sequencer and your favourite plug-ins and you've got the ultimate on-the-move music solution, or use it as a great quality two channel mixer with effects processor.
Features
Controller Section
Virtual synthesizer control panel layout - all controls assignable
Pitch bend, programmable mod wheel joystick
Portable - can be powered via Batteries, USB or PSU Batteries auto
Program storage for over 50 electronic templates factory preset for packages including Reason, Native Instruments
Plug-Ins, Cubase, Logic, Sonar, Live 2 etc.
Two octave semi-weighted high quality aftertouch responsive Keyboard
Programmable X/Y touch pad surface
Audio Section
Zero latency headphone monitoring
44.1 / 48 Khz 24 bit simultaneous 2 channel Audio I/O
Dual low noise, high bandwidth audio pre-amps with phantom power & >70 dB headroom
Multi-FX processor per input with simultaneous Reverb / Chorus-Phaser / Delay / Compressor / Distortion and EQ
Integrated USB low latency Audio and MIDI
A semi-weighted two octave keyboard… read more action with aftertouch.
At the heart of the ReMOTE 25 Audio is a superb action semi-weighted with aftertouch keyboard. Unlike many controllers on the market you can play your favourite software/hardware synth or sampler with the care and precise control that can make a huge difference to the final performance.
X/Y Touchpad for Total Expression
A touch sensitive pad is conveniently located next to the keyboard and may be programmed to control multiple parameters in the X and Y direction. Imagine for example, setting a distortion amount and a pan position on the left to right movement and an LFO speed and filter cut-off on the top to bottom movement - Total creative control.
Ergonomic Programmable Pitch and Modulation Mechanism
A slick and beautifully designed pitch and modulation control mechanism allows for realtime performance. A switch on the base of the keyboard allows for the modulation (front to back) travel to be static or spring loaded for individual preference. The hand grip is rubberised for maximum ergonomic feel.
Dedicated Transport Controls
For your favourite sequencer control, be it Reason, Digital Performer, Cubase, Logic or Sonar, the dedicated transport controls make the repetitive process of stop, start and record a breeze. If a specific sequencer template is called up, other buttons perform alternative common tasks such as locator marks and track creation.
Backlit Two Line LCD
A bright backlit two line silver and blue display feeds back all the important control information whether it be the name of the template selected or the name and values of any controls.
Synthesizer Layout Grouping of Controls
No need to place template labels over controls when tweaking your favourite hardware or software Synthesizer. The main control panel comprising 28 buttons, 16 pots, 3 encoders and 9 sliders is ergonomically designed such that every parameter may be quickly and easily edited. All controls can be named and memorised as a collection and given a group template name. They can then be saved in any one of the template memories. - See right for the complete front panel.
Massive Set of Templates Containing Over 150 Parameters
To get up and running fast, the ReMOTE 25 Audio is shipped with dozens of electronic templates preset to control popular hardware and software products. Templates may be personalised for a specific way of working by combining any data from any preset to create an entirely new templates which of course can be named and saved. The complete list is shown in the following table. New tables will be available for download as they become available from the Novation web site.
Pristine Quality Audio Preamps and Effects Section
Whether making music on the move or in the studio, the addition of two high quality mic / line preamps and two multi-effects processors completes the package. Just plug into the laptop or the desktop computer and begin recording using your favourite sequencer! The two warm, ultra low noise, high bandwidth audio preamplifiers with phantom power add that special something to the input signal be it a microphone or instrument. Signals as high as +10dBm. (7 Volts Peak to Peak) and as low as -60dBm (2.2 millivolts) are effortlessly handled before being fed to the digital world through the onboard twin 24 bit A/D converters.
Simultaneous Multi Effects
Two multi-effect processors provide simultaneous Reverb,Chorus-Phaser,Delay, Compression, Distortion and EQ following the audio input preamp. Effects may listened to and recorded by the sequencer or listened to and recorded 'dry'. Using the effects processor, an artist may record for example with reverb and delay in the headphone mix without using any of the sequencers effects or an additional outboard effects unit.
Independent Headphone Control
In a typical project studio setup recording often takes place in a single room. During a 'take' headphones are used and then the results of listened to by the 'in room' monitor loudspeakers. Independent rotary control over loudspeaker and headphone levels makes the process of record and listen to playback effortless. - Powered monitor loudspeakers may be connected directly to the audio outputs along with a pair of headphones - no need for any additional hardware mixer. And as the ReMOTE 25 Audio has dual built-in multi-FX processor you can monitor vocal recording 'live' with FX such as reverb even when recording the vocals 'dry' - no need for external mixers and effects processors! - see below.
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 the whatever is plugged into the audio input(s).
An outstanding feature of the ReMOTE 25 Audio is the ability to record and /or monitor complete with effects such as Reverb without the need for an external hardware effects box. This is particulary useful when recording vocals since the artist will normal prefer an amount of reverb in the headphones during a performance. It usually will help him/her to envisage a live situationwith 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 headphones 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 & 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 appearing 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 considered 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.
MIDI, Audio and Power in Just One Cable!
Finely tuned software drivers that link the integrated USB Audio and MIDI make for very low latency recording and playback. Press a key on the ReMOTE and instantly hear the selected Plug-In - No non-musical latency delays. No more hassle with multiple connection leads and wall wart power cables - just plug in the USB cable and go.
Plenty of Re-chargeable Portable Power
The ReMOTE 25 may be powered by 6 C size batteries and if re-chargeable types are fitted they will be charged when the unit is plugged into the USB port or when used with an external PSU. Battery operation allows for true 'on the move' use. Playing time can be over 12 hours when using alkaline type batteries or when fully charged.
Built In USB / MIDI Interface
No need to purchase a separate MIDI interface. The ReMOTE 25 provides two MIDI Out ports and one MIDI In port. Information originating from the ReMOTE keyboard or its controls can be sent directly to the USB port and / or any of the MIDI out ports. The MIDI ports can be used to integrate the rest of your MIDI gear into your computer system.
Runs on Windows XP
For ease of use combined ASIO low latency audio and MIDI software drivers are included for PC's running Windows XP. (MAC OS X drivers are due for release in December 2003). read less
Specs
Specifications
Keyboard Mechanism Keys: 25
Type: Semi-Weighted
Aftertouch: Yes; Pitch and Mod Wheel Mechanism
Pitch Wheel Lever: Rubberized - Spring loaded, center return left to right motion
Mod/Control Lever: Rubberized Spring loaded front to back motion or free running forward and backwards
X / Y Touchpad Touchpad: Pressure sensitive
Parameters:
- 2 Assignable in X direction
- 2 Assignable in Y direction
LCD Display LCD: 2 x 16 character silver. Blue LED backlit
Audio
Audio Inputs: 2 x Combined 1/4 in. Jack / XLR sockets
Phantom Power: On/Off 48 Volts
Gain Control: -60dB - + 10dB Signal Range
A to D Converters: 2 x 24 bit Delta Sigma
Audio Outputs: 2 x 1/4 in. Jack sockets
Digital Output: SP/DIF - Phono Jack
MIDI and Audio Interfacing
MIDI Ports: 1 x MIDI In 2 x MIDI Out
USB: 1x Combined MIDI and Audio I/O
Effects Processors
Effects: 2 x Multi-Effects Processors
Type: Delay / Reverb / Chorus-Phaser / Compressor / Distortion EQ (Bass-Mid-Treble)
Controls
Rotary Potentiometers: 20 - Rotation 0 to 270 Degrees
Rotary Encoders: 4 - Rotation 360 Degrees Cont
Sliders: Nine, 30mm Length
Transport Controls: Rewind / Fast Forward / Stop / Start / Record
General Operation: Play / Template Common / Template Edit / Write buttons Global / Snapshot / Panic
Cursor/Page Control: Bank - Page / Up / Down : Program(Cursor) Up / Down : Inst Channel (Cursor) left / Right
Keyboard Control: Octave up / Octave Down
General
Battery Operation: 6 x Standard 'C' Size 1.5 Volt dry cells or re-chargeable cells
External Power Supply: Standard "Center Positive" 9V D.C. 600mA
Power Supply: Not Supplied
Dimensions: approx. 18.44 x 2.7 x 11 in. (468 x 68 x 278 mm)
Weight: approx 5.5 lbs. (2.5Kg)
Keyboard Mechanism Keys: 25
Type: Semi-Weighted
Aftertouch: Yes; Pitch and Mod Wheel Mechanism
Pitch Wheel Lever: Rubberized - Spring loaded, center return left to right motion
Mod/Control Lever: Rubberized Spring loaded front to back motion or free running forward and backwards
X / Y Touchpad Touchpad: Pressure sensitive
Parameters:
- 2 Assignable in X direction
- 2 Assignable in Y direction
LCD Display LCD: 2 x 16 character silver. Blue LED backlit
Audio
Audio Inputs: 2 x Combined 1/4 in. Jack / XLR sockets
Phantom Power: On/Off 48 Volts
Gain Control: -60dB - + 10dB Signal Range
A to D Converters: 2 x 24 bit Delta Sigma
Audio Outputs: 2 x 1/4 in. Jack sockets
Digital Output: SP/DIF - Phono Jack
MIDI and Audio Interfacing
MIDI Ports: 1 x MIDI In 2 x MIDI Out
USB: 1x Combined MIDI and Audio I/O
Effects Processors
Effects: 2 x Multi-Effects Processors
Type: Delay / Reverb / Chorus-Phaser / Compressor / Distortion EQ (Bass-Mid-Treble)
Controls
Rotary Potentiometers: 20 - Rotation 0 to 270 Degrees
Rotary Encoders: 4 - Rotation 360 Degrees Cont
Sliders: Nine, 30mm Length
Transport Controls: Rewind / Fast Forward / Stop / Start / Record
General Operation: Play / Template Common / Template Edit / Write buttons Global / Snapshot / Panic
Cursor/Page Control: Bank - Page / Up / Down : Program(Cursor) Up / Down : Inst Channel (Cursor) left / Right
Keyboard Control: Octave up / Octave Down
General
Battery Operation: 6 x Standard 'C' Size 1.5 Volt dry cells or re-chargeable cells
External Power Supply: Standard "Center Positive" 9V D.C. 600mA
Power Supply: Not Supplied
Dimensions: approx. 18.44 x 2.7 x 11 in. (468 x 68 x 278 mm)
Weight: approx 5.5 lbs. (2.5Kg)
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
(12 ratings)
Submitted June 7, 2004 by a customer from mardigrasokc.com
"Novation Remote 25A Xtreme - the all-in-one solution for the laptop musician! It does it all!!!"
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I went through a few other setups before settling with this one including a slew of M-Audio products: the Ozone, Oxygen 8, Audiophile, Firewire 410, Firewire Audiophile...all great components, but not all-in-one like this! Nothing else on the market meets my goals better.
If it were lost I'd replace it...it's the absolutely essential to my portable studio setup and is permanently setup in my deejay booth for live remixes and recording. If it were stolen...I'd beat someone down with a vengeance.
Sound
It comes with V-Station. The sounds of this plug-in are perfect for some trance or melodic electronica. It's bass lines are something to be desired, but with a little tweakin' you can make something really phat come out. There are better soft synths out there...but it came bundled and I'm pretty pleased with what it can do. Here's a 7 for V-Station. With the X-Station upgrade...a 8 polyphonic trimmed version of the KS rack, you get Novation's famous liquid sounds. Good stuff. For what it is...this is excellent! Let's give this part a 7. It's effects are something to be desired, but for something just to play with...you've got it made. It's no T.C. Electronics unit...but what more can you ask for in an all-in-one? This part is just average...I'd say a 5. It's USB audio i/o? Great! An almost perfect 9! My recordings sound just as good a when I was running M-Audio's Firewire 410 and Audiophile!
Features… read more
With it's new X-Station upgrade, based on Novation's KS rack...it's a synth, controller, midi i/o, audio i/o, effects, all-in-one. Comes with Cubase, Live, and V-Station ($500 in software). Of course, we're looking are the most stripped down versions that Steinberg and Ableton could muster. I wish that this version of Live wasn't so stripped down...but hey, at least they give you a discount to upgrade to a full version. Cubase SE...great for a free DAW! Features? Almost perfect, except I would've like an additional two more audio i/o, would've been happy to pay an extra $100 just for that because everything else is such a bargain. But for the $900 I paid...I've gotten the deal of the century! Minus the software and synth aspects...I paid only $300 for a complete midi/audio USB controller. You really can't beat that... Semi-weighted keys! More sliders and knobs than any other controller I've seen. Modulation... Transport keys... More knobs to control everything! And versus the cheaper Ozone...this acutally has a midi thru. Extremely compact and portable unit! Laptop musicians/remixers/deejays...here's your calling card! Wish it came with a carrying case or offered a road case from Novation...
Quality
Still rockin' and rollin' after 3 months. Definately better quality than it's competitor: M-Audio Ozone. Knobs, sliders, keys, buttons...all pretty good quality. Roadworthy? Pack it well and I'd say yes. Like all quality gear, if you take good card of it, it could last forever (or at least 10 years).
Value
You really, really can't beat this without spending a lot more on individual components. Comparable to 1/2 Evolution UC-33e ($125) plus M-Audio Ozone ($250) and 1/2 KS Rack ($300) with Cubase SE ($100), 1/2 Ableton Live ($150), and V-Station ($250). So, $900 versus $1175...hell yeah! Am I happy with the $900 I've spent? Yes! Would I spend another $900 if it broke? Yes! If for some strange reason I'd have to pay more to replace it Yes! Of course, if I held out...I could've gotten the exact same thing in it's Novation X-Station skin without haveing to deal with all these downloads. Unfortunately, the X-Station doesn't come with Cubase, Live, or V-Station...so, if you don't have all this software, it's worth it.
Manufacturer Support
Website has some problems and you're going to need a newer computer to keep up. It took a long while to get the K-Station firmware upgrade...that turned into the KS Rack upgrade...to now the X-Station upgrade (which they've renamed the Remote 25A to). But overall, all my emails have been answered attentively so I can't complain.
The Wow Factor
Silver and a bunch of knobs! It doesn't get any more high-tech looking than this! And it's so compact! Perfect for my little deejay booth! Hell, I special ordered it as soon as it arrived in the States. The Novation Remote 25A X-treme retails at $870 and paid and extra $30 just to special order it. I'd say that's a definate "I want it"
Musical Style:
electronica - breakbeats and trance read less
Sound
It comes with V-Station. The sounds of this plug-in are perfect for some trance or melodic electronica. It's bass lines are something to be desired, but with a little tweakin' you can make something really phat come out. There are better soft synths out there...but it came bundled and I'm pretty pleased with what it can do. Here's a 7 for V-Station. With the X-Station upgrade...a 8 polyphonic trimmed version of the KS rack, you get Novation's famous liquid sounds. Good stuff. For what it is...this is excellent! Let's give this part a 7. It's effects are something to be desired, but for something just to play with...you've got it made. It's no T.C. Electronics unit...but what more can you ask for in an all-in-one? This part is just average...I'd say a 5. It's USB audio i/o? Great! An almost perfect 9! My recordings sound just as good a when I was running M-Audio's Firewire 410 and Audiophile!
Features… read more
With it's new X-Station upgrade, based on Novation's KS rack...it's a synth, controller, midi i/o, audio i/o, effects, all-in-one. Comes with Cubase, Live, and V-Station ($500 in software). Of course, we're looking are the most stripped down versions that Steinberg and Ableton could muster. I wish that this version of Live wasn't so stripped down...but hey, at least they give you a discount to upgrade to a full version. Cubase SE...great for a free DAW! Features? Almost perfect, except I would've like an additional two more audio i/o, would've been happy to pay an extra $100 just for that because everything else is such a bargain. But for the $900 I paid...I've gotten the deal of the century! Minus the software and synth aspects...I paid only $300 for a complete midi/audio USB controller. You really can't beat that... Semi-weighted keys! More sliders and knobs than any other controller I've seen. Modulation... Transport keys... More knobs to control everything! And versus the cheaper Ozone...this acutally has a midi thru. Extremely compact and portable unit! Laptop musicians/remixers/deejays...here's your calling card! Wish it came with a carrying case or offered a road case from Novation...
Quality
Still rockin' and rollin' after 3 months. Definately better quality than it's competitor: M-Audio Ozone. Knobs, sliders, keys, buttons...all pretty good quality. Roadworthy? Pack it well and I'd say yes. Like all quality gear, if you take good card of it, it could last forever (or at least 10 years).
Value
You really, really can't beat this without spending a lot more on individual components. Comparable to 1/2 Evolution UC-33e ($125) plus M-Audio Ozone ($250) and 1/2 KS Rack ($300) with Cubase SE ($100), 1/2 Ableton Live ($150), and V-Station ($250). So, $900 versus $1175...hell yeah! Am I happy with the $900 I've spent? Yes! Would I spend another $900 if it broke? Yes! If for some strange reason I'd have to pay more to replace it Yes! Of course, if I held out...I could've gotten the exact same thing in it's Novation X-Station skin without haveing to deal with all these downloads. Unfortunately, the X-Station doesn't come with Cubase, Live, or V-Station...so, if you don't have all this software, it's worth it.
Manufacturer Support
Website has some problems and you're going to need a newer computer to keep up. It took a long while to get the K-Station firmware upgrade...that turned into the KS Rack upgrade...to now the X-Station upgrade (which they've renamed the Remote 25A to). But overall, all my emails have been answered attentively so I can't complain.
The Wow Factor
Silver and a bunch of knobs! It doesn't get any more high-tech looking than this! And it's so compact! Perfect for my little deejay booth! Hell, I special ordered it as soon as it arrived in the States. The Novation Remote 25A X-treme retails at $870 and paid and extra $30 just to special order it. I'd say that's a definate "I want it"
Musical Style:
electronica - breakbeats and trance read less
Did you find this review helpful?
Thanks for your opinion!
No longer available at zZounds
In most cases, a product is unavailable because it has been discontinued by the manufacturer
This is a carousel with product cards. Use the previous and next buttons to navigate.
People who bought this item also bought
Akai MPC One+ Standalone Music Production System
$699.00
- 12 x$58.25
- 8 x$87.38
- No Credit Check6 x$116.50
- No Credit Check4 x$174.75
Native Instruments Maschine MK3 Groove Production Studio
$499.00
- 8 x$62.38
- No Credit Check6 x$83.17
- No Credit Check4 x$124.75
Yamaha HS8 Active Studio Monitor
$398.99
- 8 x$49.87
- No Credit Check6 x$66.50
- No Credit Check4 x$99.75
Native Instruments Maschine Plus Production Workstation
$999.00
- 18 x
- 12 x$83.25
- 8 x$124.88
- No Credit Check6 x$166.50
- No Credit Check4 x$249.75
Roland SP-404MKII Sampling Workstation
$549.99
- 8 x$68.75
- No Credit Check6 x$91.66
- No Credit Check4 x$137.50
Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Duo Gen 2 Thunderbolt Audio Interface, Essentials+ Edition
$999.00
- 12 x$83.25
- 8 x$124.88
- No Credit Check6 x$166.50
- No Credit Check4 x$249.75
On-Stage WS7700 Large Studio Workstation
$698.95
- 12 x$58.25
- 8 x$87.37
- No Credit Check6 x$116.49
- No Credit Check4 x$174.74
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Gen 4 USB Audio Interface
$219.99
- No Credit Check6 x$36.66
- No Credit Check4 x$55.00