Novation NOVA
Added: 11-Sep-99 | Author: admin
|
New price: $1050 - $1200 US |
S/H price: Not listed
Company Link: Novation |
Novation NOVA
The New Novation 'NOVA' is basically a re-packaged and re-worked product variation of the SUPERNOVA modelling polysynth by the same company, but a clever re-working, cos it creates both a cheaper product line alternative from their top-end model... BUt also, a product totaly with strengths in it's own right.... so you can look at the NOVA in a couple of ways... It can be either a cheaper, lower-polyphony Supernova for those on a budget or for those for whom 20 note poly is more than they need.... or see the NOVA as an alternative to the supernova if external Audio-Inputs and the Vocoder are more important to you that the extra voices offered in the Supernova... whatever, as a product it sits right in there, competing very well with similar units.
For the record, after upgrading, the Supernova is 20 note poly, 16 voice & 8 part Multi-timbrel... whereas the new NOVA is 12 note Poly and 6 part multi-timbrel... Essentailly the sounds in either unit are the same, and the synth engine is the same, as are pretty much the FX... so there it is... The new NOVA comes in as a table-top type 'production/desktop synthesiser system'.... small, compact & bijou !!...
As i said, it's the same synth engine, so like the Supernova you get Novations 'Analogue Sound Modeling' (ASM) driving the sounds, which on my Supernova provides excellent modelling of a huge pallete of sounds with 3 completely independent oscillators, a variable noise source and 2 ring modulators per voice. This combines with the Nova's 12 voice poly to give you 36 Oscillators, 24 Ring Modulators and 12 Noise sources available at once with over 130 modulation routings.
Where the NOVA differs besides poly & multimode from the Supernova is in the 'EXTERNAL-AUDIO-INPUT' section.... There are two inputs available for filtering external sounds as well as a 40 band vocoder and of course you can treat any of the incoming audio sounds with the NOVA's 6 part FX section too.... versatile !!
As with the Supernova, real-time performance 'Hands-On' & controller use is the name of the game, and the Nova like the Supernova is bristling with controls.... 20 knobs and 90 switches in total all midi send/recieve so you have pretty much a dedicated midi-controller knob for everything on the synth ! - ... And you get the comprehensive arpeggiator.... The advertising blurb says: "The Arpeggiator is more like a Real Time Music Processor with 384 monophonic, polyphonic and user patterns available. Sounds can be layered in Performances allowing Arpeggiated and sustained sounds to be played at the same time."... well I aint tried these Arp's, but as I say, the ones in the Supernova are fine, loads of variation, and loads of programming parameters to create your own....and of course, you get an arpegiator for each part of your multi-timbrel sound performance !!... all independent!!!
All in all, i'd say the NOVA is an ideal central hub unit for a dance system.... it provides everything you need to get you going for synth-sounds regardless of style... cos although the Nova/Supernova are flogged on an 'Analog' tip, (and does it very well too), the Nova is also a lush pad machine and does FM synths and wicked detailed lush electric piano's that wouldn't sound out of place on any top ballad from an established mainstream artists... the sorta fat, detailed warm sounds you get from top-end synths like the JV and kurzwiel 'K' series etc..... dont just think this synth series does widdley and fat analog sounds... it IS very versatile.. and with the addition of the vocoder, i might be even tempted to trade off the extra poly on the Supernova i own to get my paws on the vocoder and audio-Inputs !!... a VERY tasty unit.. well worth checking... any users , comments please....
Roller8 says: For the size, this synth sounds BIG. Anyone with basic multitimbral midi knowledge will find the Nova a breeze to learn. One shouldn't underestimate the power of having a dedicated button for nearly every function on a synth. Sounds are definately on the analog tip so you shouldn't really expect to try simulating too many real instruments (that's what your sampler is for anyway) and with 3 oscillators, it's very fat (or phat). The leads are cutting and the bass digs deep.
What about the audio inputs and vocoder you ask? Just think, any sound that travels down a 1/4" TRS cable can be fed into this little beast whereupon it will be chewed up and spit back out in any of the twisted, malformed, evil ways you may desire. And vocoded too. And forget just the regular vocoder usage. Try using the same sound as both carrier and modulator, pass a vocal, pass a beat loop through, pass your whole track through, heck, pass a kidney stone through it. You will be a very happy little scientist, I promise you.
What's left to say? Need some analog sounds without all the real analog gear headaches? Full midi control? Realtime tweakability just like the days of yore? AND expand the flexibilty and creative potential of your studio with the audio ins and vocoder? Then get thee to a music store lad, and acquire the new Nova! Peace
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