Description

Novation Summit is a 16-voice, two-part multi-timbral polyphonic synthesizer: the top of the English brand's catalog. The sound generation uses 3 numerically controlled oscillators based on FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) technology. The instrument features a 61-key premium, semi-weighted keyboard sensitive to velocity and aftertouch, 50 potentiometers, and 8 45mm faders. The processing path is analog, with a 12/24 dB multimode filter per voice, an arpeggiator, high-quality effects (distortion, delay, chorus, and reverb) and two LFOs.

Two Peaks in one

Peak's architecture taken to a higher level, with 16 voices, expanded front panel controls, new filter options, a five-octave semi-weighted keyboard with velocity sensitivity and aftertouch.

Bi-timbral synthesis

Multi-timbral engine for splitting, layering, and varying between two simultaneous patches. This combination of two sounds elevates the sound experience, allowing numerous parameters to be modified to achieve the desired sound. Each control on the panel and menu function can affect the relevant parameter in one or both, depending on the mode in use.

Hybrid analog and digital synthesizer

The oscillator section is the core of the synthesizer; in SUMMIT, there are 3 identical, FPGA-generated oscillators for analog-style synthesis, each with its own set of controls. Novation uses the New Oxford Oscillators, which employ two waveform generation techniques: numerically controlled (NCO) and wavetables. For each oscillator, in addition to the classic waveforms (sine, triangle, sawtooth, and pulse), there are 60 wavetables, plus 10 user-configurable ones. The analog part is found in the dual filter, the VCA, and the three stages of distortion per voice. The two filters are LP/BP/HP with resonance, overdrive, modulation, and variable slope. Two types of filters can be used simultaneously.

Effects and arpeggios

Sound processing with reverb, chorus, and delay effects. Ability to create riffs and melodic lines with a wide range of modes such as arpeggiator, adjustable gate time, and preset patterns. Summit's arpeggiator allows real-time playing and manipulation of arpeggios of varying complexity and rhythm.

The Novation Summit synth's dashboard

Summit offers a set of additional front panel controls for convenient management of FM, effects, LFOs, and more. It also features dual filters with six LP/HP/BP combinations, an audio input for processing external sources with built-in effects, and auxiliary audio outputs.

Software Components

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

Wavetable Editor

The internal Wavetable Editor in 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.

Included with the NOVATION Summit synthesizer

    
• Power cable
    
• USB cable, type A to type B, 1.5m

Technical specifications of the NOVATION Summit synthesizer

Connections

    
• MIDI Connections: USB port (MIDI communication only), MIDI In/Out/Thru, 
    
• Audio Inputs: 2 x 1/4" jack inputs for continuous or switched pedals, 1/8” minijack CV input for integration with modular systems, 2 x 1/4" L/R jack inputs, 1/4" headphone jack input
    
• Audio Outputs: 2 x 1/4" L/R jack outputs, 2 x 1/4" L/R AUX jack outputs,
    
• Power: IEC power connector
    
• Dimensions and weight: 998.5x92x303.5 mm; 11 kg
    
• Metal chassis with American walnut side panels, Magnetic metal inserts

Sound Synthesis in the NOVATION Summit:   

    
• Sound synthesis: 16 notes of polyphony (depends on voices used per note), 2 timbral parts, Layered, Split, Dual Bi-Timbral mode, 5 Voices - Mono, Mono LG, Mono2, Poly, Poly2
    
• Per voice: 3 oscillators, noise generator with HP filter control, ring modulator, 2 LFOs, amp envelope and 2 mod envelopes (ADHSR + looping), filter 
    
• Waveforms: Sine, tri, sawtooth, square / pulse, + 60 wavetables 
    
• Filters: OTA variable state filter per voice, 12/24dB slope, Low-pass / band-pass / high-pass / dual filter (12dB separation of each filter), dual filter: LP > HP, LP > BP, HP > BP, LP + HP, LP + BP, HP + BP, LP + LP, BP + BP, and HP + HP, Pre-filter overdrive, Post-filter distortion  

Modulations

    
• Modulations: 16 modulation slots per patch, 2 sources per destination per slot 
    
• Mod Sources: Direct (depth), modulation wheel, aftertouch (polyphonic and channel AT), expression pedal 1, expression pedal 2, keyboard velocity, LFO1 positive, LFO1 bi-polar, LFO2 positive, LFO2 bi-polar, amp envelope, mod envelope 1, mod envelope 2, Animate 1, Animate 2, CV mod input bi-polar, bend Up, bend Down    
    
• Mod Destinations: Oscillator frequencies 1-3, v-sync level, shape amount and level, Noise source level, Ring modulator output level, Overall synth 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, FM Osc 1 -> osc 2, osc 2 -> osc 3, osc 3 -> osc 1 and noise -> osc 1, Osc 3 -> filter cutoff frequency, Noise -> filter cutoff frequency  
    
• Physical Controls of NOVATION - Summit: 50 potentiometers, 8 x 45mm faders, volume potentiometer, data potentiometer, 55 function buttons, 2 Animate buttons, OLED display

The effects of NOVATION - Summit

    
• Effects: FX per part, analog distortion, 3 chorus, delay with 16 types of sync delay, LP and HP damping, slew and stereo, 3 reverb          
    
• FX Mod Matrix Sources: Direct (depth), mod wheel, aftertouch, expression pedal 1, expression/breath pedal 2, velocity, keyboard, LFO 1 +/-, LFO 2 +/-, LFO 3 +/-, LFO 4 +/-, amp envelope, mod envelope 1 & 2, Animate 1 & 2, CV +/-, bendwheel +/-, bend up, bend down
    
• FX Mod Matrix Destinations: Distortion level, chorus level, chorus rate, chorus depth, chorus feedback, delay level, delay time, delay feedback, reverb level, reverb time, reverb low pass, reverb high pass      
    
• Misc: FM controls on front panel, global LFO 3 & 4, arpeggiator with key latch – 33 patterns, up to 512 patches in memory (256 factory), glide control, all potentiometers (excl. volume), faders and most buttons transmit and receive MIDI cc commands for mappings and external controllers, microtuning with Scala table import and table tuning creation, manual mode, multi pot mode: relative, pot pick-up, snap