Description

Novation PEAK is an 8-voice polyphonic desktop synth with digital sound generation and analog processing. The 3 oscillators per voice are wavetable-based (60 +10 user). These can be transformed into a linear FM source using analog NCOs or digital wavetables, to allow cross-modulation. The synthesizer is equipped with a resonant multi-mode analog filter for each voice and three distortion points for each voice: pre and post filter, global. PEAK can receive polyphonic aftertouch. We also find 42 potentiometers, 8 x 35mm faders, 16 delay modes, 3 chorus modes, and 3 reverb types, 3 ADSR envelopes, 2 LFOs per voice.

The 3 New Oxford Oscillators of the Peak are numerically controlled (NCO – Numerically Controlled Oscillators) and allow for the generation of waveforms that are often indistinguishable from those produced by analog oscillators, virtually free from aliasing and other typical digital artifacts. 

Modulation in Peak

The modulation system includes a matrix with 16 slots and 16 direct assignments in the main controls, intelligently arranged to allow intuitive patch design and sound editing. Three ADSR envelopes and two LFOs are available for each voice, while more elaborate movements and secondary assignments can be achieved by pressing just a few menu buttons. In addition, two Animate buttons allow live users to instantly transform patches with a single touch by recalling a parameter macro on the fly.

Peak Connections

Peak can be connected to modular systems via the CV input and has 5-pin DIN MIDI In and Out ports for connecting to other MIDI equipment. It can connect to a Mac or PC via USB and manage an unlimited number of patches with the Components software. 

Components Software 

Components is a management hub for Novation products, you can access new sound packs, manage sound content, customize your device and stay up to date with the latest firmware.

Wavetable Editor

The Wavetable Editor within the Components software fully utilizes 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 function allows you to use personal audio as oscillator waveforms. Additionally, a curated selection of space-themed audio from NASA's sound library is included, along with exclusive content from renowned producers Noisia. 

Firmware Update 2.0

Brings essential improvements and a multitude of features in stereo controls, modulation, unpredictability, and effects, useful for shaping your sound.

Included with the NOVATION Peak synthesizer

    
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  12V DC power supply (PSU), 1 A

      
    
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  USB cable, Type A to Type B, 1.5 m

      
    
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  Safety instruction sheet 

      
    
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  Quick start guide, which also provides online access to Ableton Live Lite

      

Technical Specifications of the NOVATION Peak synthesizer

Connections 

    
• MIDI Connections: USB B 2.0 port (MIDI communication only), MIDI In/Out/Thru, 
    
• Audio Inputs: 2 x 1/4" jack inputs for continuous or switched pedals, 1/8” mini-jack CV input for integration with modular systems, 
    
• Audio Outputs: L/R 1/4" jack output, 1/4" jack headphone input, Kensington Lock, I/O Switch,
    
• Power: IEC power connector
    
• Dimensions and weight: 233x464x70.5 mm; 4.9 kg

NOVATION Peak Sound Synthesis

    
• Sound Synthesis: 8 polyphonic voices, Mono timbral, 5 voice modes: Mono, Mono LG, Mono2, Poly, Poly2
    
• Per voice: 3 oscillators, noise generator, Ring modulator, 2 LFOs, amp envelope and 2 mod envelopes, filter
    
• Waveforms: Sine, tri, sawtooth, square/pulse plus 60 wavetables
    
• Filter: OTA state-variable filter per voice, 12/24 dB slope, Low-pass/band-pass/high-pass, pre-filter overdrive, post-filter distortion

Modulations in NOVATION Peak

    
• Modulation: 16 modulation slots per patch, each slot has 2 sources and 1 destination
    
• Mod Sources: Direct (depth), modulation wheel, aftertouch (polyphonic and channel AT), expression pedal 1, expression pedal 2, keyboard with velocity, LFO 1 positive, LFO 1 bi-polar, LFO 2 positive, LFO 2 bi-polar, amp envelope, mod envelope 1, mod envelope 2, Animate 1, Animate 2, CV mod input bi-polar
    
• Mod Destinations: Oscillator 1-3 frequency, v-sync level, shape amount and level, noise source level, ring modulator output level, filter drive, distortion, cut-off frequency and resonance, LFO 1 and 2 frequency, amp env/ mod env 1 / mod env 2 attack, decay and release, osc 3 – filter cutoff frequency, Noise – filter cutoff frequency
    
• Physical Controls: 42 potentiometers, 8 x 45mm faders, volume potentiometer, 2 data potentiometers, 30 function buttons, 2 Animate buttons, OLED Display 

NOVATION Peak Effects

    
• Effects: analog distortion, 3 chorus, delay with 16 delay sync types, LP and HP damping, slew and stereo, 3 reverbs 
    
• Misc: Arpeggiator w/key latch – 33 patterns, up to 512 patches in memory (256 factory), glide, All knobs, all potentiometers (excl. volume), faders and most buttons transmit and receive MIDI cc commands for mapping and external controllers