Hi Muse,
The XP is the only synth I've ever owned. I'm really a guitar and bass player who bought a synth for my home studio. All my recording gear is Rolan (VS1680 and VS880) plus as Roland drum machine and lots of other things. So I thought I'd stick with the devil I know.
What I soon realised is that the XP60 (maybe like all synths) is designed for people who already have quite a lot of synthesizer knowledge. If you don't already understand midi channels, parts, performances etc etc it's bloody difficult!
I have to get the manual out just to remind myself how to change time signature from 4/4 to 3/4 - it's ludicrously convoluted!
That's why this site has been so helpful to me. There are some very experienced people on here who are generous with their time for newbies like me (thank goodness!).
Having said all the negatives, the sounds from the thing are fabulous. I have a number of expansion boards and really like them. Once you sort it out, it's a beauty. Just hard to use in my book.
If you want to hear anything I've done with it try
www.mp3.com/redbanner . Any synths you hear there will be the XP. On Not for The First Time I used drums sequenced on on the XP using the Bass and Drumm board.
Anyway, I hope one of the very nice experienced guys will pick up this thread and answer your question.
All the best,
Martin