Description

Novation MiniNova is an 18-voice polyphonic synthesizer with a 37-mini-key keyboard, based on a synthesis engine composed of three oscillators and a noise generator. Each of the three oscillators draws from 14 analog waveforms, 20 digital waveforms, and 36 wavetables. The MININOVA integrates a 12-band vocoder with VocalTune, 6 envelope generators, 3 LFOs, and 20 modulation assignment slots.

Controls such as density/detune and virtual sync will respectively enrich the sound and give more incisiveness to the attack; "hardness" is an additional low-pass filter. Each patch can use two filters, with a selection of 14 low-pass, high-pass, or band-pass filter types with a selectable roll-off slope from 6 to 24 dB/octave. Additionally, up to five effects can be applied simultaneously, including distortion, reverb, chorus/phaser, delay, compressor, EQ, and Novation's exclusive Gator effect.

Sound synthesis in Novation Mininova

Each of the three oscillators (per voice) utilizes 14 analog waveforms, 20 digital waveforms, and 36 wavetables. Each patch includes two filters that allow selection from 14 low-pass/high-pass/band-pass filter types with roll-off slopes from 6 to 24 dB/octave. Up to five effects can also be applied simultaneously, including distortion, reverb, chorus/phase, delay, compressor, EQ, and Novation's exclusive Gator effect.

Wide choice of available sounds

MiniNova includes 256 sounds, with space to store an additional 128, and offers an easy-to-use patch library for saving and loading an unlimited number of patches to and from the computer. Sounds can be filtered by style and type, simplifying the search. Novation regularly releases new free soundpacks for MiniNova, developed in collaboration with renowned artists and sound designers including Daniel Fisher, Chuckie, and Dino Soldo.

VocalTune and Vocoder

Equipped with a microphone and a high-quality built-in vocoder, in VocalTune mode the Novation mininova automatically fixes the voice to the notes played on the keyboard. It is possible to pass the sound through the powerful effects engine, which includes reverb, distortion, chorus/phaser, Gator, compressor, and EQ, allowing for complete vocal line shaping. These features apply not only to the microphone but also to any connected external instrument.

Animate keys and arpeggiator

When using MiniNova in Animate mode, pressing one or more of its eight backlit purple buttons triggers sound variations, thereby expanding the sound spectrum of each patch and allowing for a series of instant transformations perfect for live performances. Each button adjusts various parameters in real-time, essentially a macro of multiple parameters, which adds value to your performance by allowing you to animate chord progressions, basslines, and melodies. Switching to arpeggiator mode, the same eight buttons can be used to program patterns and create rhythms directly within the MiniNova patches.

Software Components

Components is a hub for Novation product management. You can access new sound packs, manage sound content, customize your device, and stay updated with the latest firmware.

Wavetable Editor for mininova

The Wavetable Editor within the Components software fully leverages the power of the oscillators, offering drawing tools. Live Edit mode allows you to create custom waveforms and visualize them in real-time. The audio import feature allows you to use personal audio as oscillator waveforms. Additionally, a carefully curated selection of space-themed audio from NASA's sound library is included, along with exclusive content from renowned producers Noisia.

Included with NOVATION – Mininova synthesizer

    
• 9V DC, 500 mA power supply (PSU)
    
• USB cable
    
• Registration code

Software included with Mininova:

    
• 4 GB of Loopmaster samples
    
• Free Melodics lessons

Technical specifications of the NOVATION Mininova synth

Connections

    
• MIDI Connections: USB 2.0 port for MIDI and power, MIDI In and Out ports
    
• Audio Outputs: 2 x 1/4" jack outputs, 1/4" jack headphone output
    
• Audio Inputs: XLR input for dynamic microphone
    
• 1/4" jack input for sustain pedal
    
• Power Supply: 12V DC power input
    
• Dimensions and weight (packaged): 560x250x75 mm; 4.7KG

Sound synthesis of NOVATION - Mininova

    
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  Sound Synthesis: Up to 18 voices of polyphony, Mono-timbral

      
    
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  Per patch: 3 oscillators, noise generator, 2 ring modulators

      
    
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  Waveforms: Square, sine, tri, sawtooth, pulse, 9 x saw: pulse combination, 20 digital waveforms, 36 wavetables

      

The Filters in NOVATION Mininova

    
• Filters: 2 filters per patch, low pass no resonance 6 dB per octave, low pass 12 dB, low pass 18 dB, Low pass 24 dB, band pass 6:6, band pass 12:6, band pass 6:18, band pass 18:6, band pass 12:12, high pass no resonance 6 dB per octave, high pass 12 dB, high pass 18 dB, high pass 24 dB

The Modulations in Mininova

    
• Mod sources: 20 modulations per patch, 6 envelope generators, 3 LFOs, aftertouch, velocity, Mod wheel, expression pedal
    
• Total of 66 destinations including: Oscillator pitch, pulse width, wavetable index, level and sync, Filter cutoff, resonance, envelope settings, Effects parameters and send levels, recursive modulation
    
• Physical controls: 37-mini-key velocity-sensitive keyboard, pitch and modulation wheel, 16-character LCD display, Volume potentiometer, patch selection potentiometer, 5 navigation buttons, 2 patch navigation buttons, filter potentiometer, 6-position selector, 6 LED indicators for parameters, 8 backlit 3-color tactile buttons, 2 LED indicators for Animate/arpeggiator buttons, tactile HOLD button, Joystick for Animate/arpeggiator/favorite patches, favorite patch selection button, arpeggiator tempo potentiometer, LED indicator for arpeggiator tempo, arpeggiator control potentiometers, 2 tactile octave selection buttons

Mininova Effects

    
• 5 effects per patch: Distortion, compressor, chorus/phase, delay, reverb, Gator, EQ
    
• Misc: Vocal tune, 12-band vocoder, arpeggiator – 33 patterns, editing functions for real-time arp rhythms, chord function, up to 384 patches in memory (256 factory)