lengthy awaited and an awful lot expected, Novation's digitally‑modelled analogue synth module is the company's most bold offering yet.
however they dependent themselves as suppliers of price range analogue bass monosynths with the BassStation series, Novation have, to this point, lacked an instrument to place them in the synthesizer big League alongside heavyweights Korg, Roland and Yamaha and fellow European upstarts entry and Clavia. while all these manufacturers have brought out polyphonic digital synths utilising physically modelled analogue synthesis, Novation's simplest foray into sound modelling has been their DrumStation rackmount drum module. Now, however, Novation are launching the Supernova, and for all those people who've been waiting and ready, yes, it's eventually out — first fashions all started transport across the middle of June.
in keeping with the custom Analogue Sound Modelling digital technology Novation first developed for the DrumStation, this synth module represents a big soar when it comes to pricing, technology and functionality. as well as being Novation's first synth to spoil during the £one thousand expense barrier, it be additionally their first polyphonic, multitimbral digital synthesizer. Yet at heart it embodies the same enthusiasm for analogue synthesis know-how that has always characterised Novation. So will the Supernova light up your sky at nighttime, or is it destined to be eclipsed through larger stars?
The Supernova is a 3U 19‑inch rackmount module which packs in a traditional waveform‑based mostly subtractive analogue synthesis architecture, modelled digitally in utility, eight‑half multitimbrality, an eight‑half arpeggiator, and 7 outcomes for each part in multitimbral mode! It is available in two versions, providing 16‑ and 32‑voice polyphony respectively, with the sixteen‑voice mannequin being upgradable to 32 voices. The 32‑voice mannequin additionally has twice the 512 application and 256 efficiency memories of its 16‑voice cousin, notwithstanding the polyphony upgrade for the latter model additionally contains the further recollections.
Novation's new module has two play/edit modes: software and performance.
With the module in program mode that you would be able to play a single application at a time, on the person‑selectable global MIDI channel. every software has seven consequences, including reverb, refrain and distortion, and might be assigned a preset or consumer‑programmed arpeggio drawn from a standard reminiscence pool. to use the Supernova MIDI‑multitimbrally, you must opt for performance mode; this gives you eight components, each and every of that may play a single application complete with all its results. which you can assign each half to both the international MIDI channel, Omni (ie. all), or one in every of channels 1‑16. As that you could also set a key latitude for each and every half, this means that you would be able to create the rest from a single‑channel break up/layer texture of up to eight courses via to an eight‑channel MIDI multitimbral configuration with one program per channel.
In performance mode which you could also use up to eight arpeggios directly — one assigned to each and every of the eight components, triggering a single program with associated part‑certain results processing. particular person components, complete with any outcomes processing, will also be routed to anybody of four pairs of audio outs on the module's rear panel; that you can use any of these eight outputs as individual outs with the aid of panning one or extra components challenging left or appropriate.
recollections of the BassStation's lower than sturdy building and its somewhat toy‑like look have not finished Novation any favours in subsequent years. besides the fact that children, the Supernova is determined to lay those memories to rest. the new module is solidly expert in both appearance and building, and at the equal time sleekly and distinctively stylish, because of its metal blue casing, deep‑blue fluorescent liquid crystal display (á la Lexicon) and plethora of purple pinpoint LEDs and custom‑designed knobs and buttons. each the response and contours of the knobs and buttons are reassuringly company, yet smooth and comfortable, helping to supply the Supernova a luxurious feel.
Novation have additionally managed to pull off their normal trick of balancing a beneficiant controller‑rich entrance panel on the one hand, and a evidently organised and obtainable design on the different, with knob and button positioning it's just on the right side of cramped. The person interface has been thoughtfully designed to make parameters as attainable as viable, by means of a mix of knobs and buttons and lcd menus; lcd‑based parameter enhancing is straightfoward and fast, because of a mix of web page up/down buttons and a fast information knob plus a pair of increment/decrement Nudge buttons for each and every of the two liquid crystal display rows.
the brand new module is solidly expert in each appearance and building, and at the equal time sleekly and distinctively classy.
The Supernova Oscillator section presents Waveform, Tune and Modulation controls.A Supernova software's sound sources include three leading oscillators and a purple noise supply. in addition, each of the main oscillators has its own 'digital' slave oscillator for growing sync outcomes, and there are additionally two ring modulators which take their inputs from oscillators 1 + 3 and a couple of + three respectively. For each of the three leading oscillators you could select a rectangular or sawtooth waveform, and set pulse width for the previous; Novation plan so as to add further waveforms in a future update, making them accessible by the use of the particular button in the Oscillators section. you could regulate the octave (+/‑2), semitone (+/‑12) and satisfactory pitch (0‑127) amounts for every of the three main oscillators, but not for the noise source, which is a disgrace. by the way, OS updates are uploadable into the Supernova via MIDI from a sequencer as MIDI data; an uploaded file will be loaded into brief RAM, checksummed for load mistakes, then copied into Flash ROM if good enough. internet clien ts can be able to download updates at no cost from Novation's net website.
The outputs from the (sync'ed) main oscillators, the noise source and both ring modulators are routed through a mixer section, where every source's stage may also be set independently. every stage can even be modulated with the aid of any combination of five sources, with a separate modulation amount being specifiable for each and every supply. The 5 sources — LFO1, LFO2, envelope 2, envelope three, and mod wheel — form one facet of a 5x5 modulation matrix, with stage, pitch, pulse width, sync, and 'soften' (extra on this in a second) forming the destination parameters. best the degree parameter applies to all four sound sources and both ring modulators.
The usual oscillator sync impact is obtainable for every of the three leading oscillators via the sync stage parameter within the modulation matrix, with a mod degree parameter additionally purchasable for each and every of the 5 mod sources. despite the fact, the Supernova also goes past common oscillator syncing capabilities with three further parameters, no longer a part of the modulation matrix and so now not dynamically controllable: sync skew amount (‑64/+sixty three), formant width (0‑127), and sync key comply with quantity (0‑127). collectively these three parameters — once more, settable in my opinion for each of the main oscillators — further raise the timbral amendment probabilities obtainable on the Supernova ahead of the filter stage. In essence, the soften parameter rounds off the 'sharp edges' of a waveform, which has the impact of reducing the waveform's harmonic content and creating a 'softer' sound; for instance, a rectangular wave will also be reduced all the approach down to a sine wave. Soften can also be applied independently no longer most effective to every of the three main oscillators but also to the noise supply. additionally, for each and every one of the most three leading oscillators that you would be able to set the pitch wheel range and course (+/‑ 12) and the degree of mod wheel and aftertouch handle of LFO 1 modulation quantity (‑ 64/+63 in every case).
The filter section.The output of the mixer section is, of direction passed on to a filter section, which contains a single resonant filter, capable of being pushed into self‑oscillation. which you could make a choice from low‑flow, band‑pass and high‑circulate filter varieties and 12, 18 or 24db/octave roll‑off. currently the filter does not have a notch filter category, but Novation plan so as to add this in a future OS update. other filter section parameters are resonance and overdrive, the latter being a saturation impact which can also be used to create a fuller, hotter sound, and there is additionally a 2x5 modulation matrix, with filter cutoff factor and resonance quantity as the destinations, and LFOs 1 and a couple of, envelopes 2 and three, and the mod wheel as sources (as in the oscillator area). additionally, that you may specify separate aftertouch modulation quantities for frequency and resonance, and the degree to which aftertouch and mod wheel individually will affect LFO2 modulation of frequency and resonance. that you may additionally set a filter tracking amount and a Q norm quantity; the latter determines to what extent, if any, bigger degrees of resonance will produce a louder output signal from the filter.
The Supernova has three ADSR envelope generators and two LFOs.The Supernova has three ADSR envelopes — one assigned to amplitude, the other two assignable. The attack, decay and liberate tiers each have maximum inte rvals of 20 seconds. you could specify the diploma of manage that assault pace has over each and every envelope's modulation depth (controlling the quantity of the program within the case of envelope 1), the amount of extend for envelopes 2 and three, and the amounts of mod wheel and aftertouch handle over envelopes (once again, controlling application volume).
each and every envelope will also be set to single or multi triggering (single prevents legato notes from retriggering the envelopes). There are also a few parameters, as follows, usual to all three envelopes:
regarding the latter parameter, autoglide is used for TB303‑class glides, with out a portamento on non‑legato notes, while the pre‑glides supply preliminary up or down pitch glides, with a choice of two‑,five‑, seven‑ or 12‑semitone degrees, and duration decided through a portamento time parameter.
The LFO area incorporates two LFOs, each with velocity and extend settings and a choice of rectangular, saw, triangle and sample‑and‑cling waveforms. The Supernova's LFOs can function at audio frequency rates, a function which means that you can create sounds not feasible with the normal LFO speed range. For comfort, an LFO range parameter permits you to set no matter if the speed knob will function over sluggish (reasonable), ordinary (average synth) or quick (full) tiers. that you can then again sync one or other or each LFOs to interior or MIDI clock, counting on the global sync surroundings, and choose a 'observe period' for each LFO, ranging from a thirty second‑observe triplet as much as 12 bars; for internal sync, the fee is decided by way of the Supernova's arpeggio speed, and for MIDI sync via the exterior sequencer's tempo. during this manner you can use the LFOs to create rhythmic effects sync'ed to a MIDI sequence.
other parameters purchasable per LFO are offset quantity, envelope three LFO speed mod volume, aftertouch and mod wheel LFO speed mod amounts, single or multi prolong trigger, and keysync or freewheel LFO triggering (ie. whether or not the LFOs are in section and reset with every new note performed). lots of the modulation volume parameters mentioned above have a +/‑ value latitude, so that you can verify not only the quantity however additionally the course of modulation — so, as an instance, more aftertouch decreases the amount of modulation.
A front‑panel part labelled 'outcomes' offers an adjustable handle knob and a menu button for every of the seven impact‑varieties.
each and every software can draw on as much as seven results modules: distortion, stereo reverb, stereo refrain/flanger/phaser, stereo extend, comb filter, EQ, and stereo panner. At existing they may be organised in a single configuration, with distortion, EQ, comb filter and panner organised in sequence, whereas reverb, refrain/flanger/phaser and extend results function as particular person ship/return consequences (with ship amounts settable individually) after the comb filter and earlier than/after the panner. despite the fact, Novation are planning to add dissimilar configurations in a future OS upgrade.
For the distortion effect that you can easily set drive quantity (0‑127) and mod wheel quantity (‑64/+sixty three), while for the EQ which you can set treble and bass boost amounts (‑sixty four/+sixty three), and for the comb filter, the filter frequency (0‑127) and comb increase (‑64/+sixty three). The ship/return consequences present greater programmability. in the case of the extend, as an example, you could set extend time, feedback volume, stereo width, left/appropriate prolong ratio, extend sign high‑frequency damp, mod wheel handle quantity, and sync. like the LFO expense, the delay time can however be synced to inner or MIDI clock, with a notice length starting from 32nd‑notice triplet to 12 bars. With the panner that you would be able to, of direction, set a fixed pan position (L63‑R63), but on the other hand you can specify a pan type (autopan, tremolo, L‑R, R‑L), pan pace, pan depth, and dry level (controlling the volume of source sign that receives through).
usual, the consequences are in a position ample, and basically a worthwhile addition to the instrument — all of the extra so for being half‑particular in efficiency mode. while they're now not all the time the richest or smoothest outcomes you could hope for (the reverb, as an instance, has a ringy, warbling best when it's laid on thick), they integrate with and augment the analogue fine of the instrument to respectable impact.
As I said prior, a efficiency consists of up to eight programs, which might be assigned to eight elements. MIDI channel reception and (for the arpeggios) transmission for all eight components defaults to the global channel, as defined in global mode, but that you may assign every part to a distinct MIDI channel in case you want, for MIDI multitimbral use. There are six settings buttons in efficiency mode:
for those who choose a component, the usage of the important half Edit button, all the synthesis and results settings for the part's application are made attainable via the important front‑panel knobs and sliders. which you could completely edit the application in efficiency mode inside the context of the other classes assigned to the components. Then, if you come to retailer the efficiency, after you've gotten chosen a destination reminiscence and entered a performance name you are asked no matter if or no longer you need to update the classes. The default cost is not any, however on the other hand that you would be able to select yes or every. in case you opt for yes, any edited classes are instantly written to the imperative software memories. besides the fact that children, in case you opt for each that you could move through every program one at a time and judge even if or now not you want to replace it in reminiscence. At this factor you could select a different applicatio n memory to put in writing into; additionally, the examine button means that you can hearken to the application kept in the vacation spot memory — an exceptionally beneficial function.
As with the software Banks, all performance Banks are writable, and Novation have left bank B empty in the sixteen‑voice model, and Banks B‑D empty in the 32‑voice model, so there is numerous free memories for storing your personal patches and edits.
Novation have trounced the competitors by means of enabling classes to hold all their consequences and linked settings when assigned to constituents in performance mode. For each and every performance half that you can use the assigned software's results settings or create your own mainly for the performance. lamentably, youngsters, you cannot copy outcomes settings from a program into the efficiency reminiscence, so 'tweaking' turns into a laborious method. This shortcoming is whatever Novation plan to handle in a future OS replace.
which you could mute and unmute particular person elements live using the eight part Edit buttons (a feature which in fact comes into its personal with distinct arpeggios). just press the imperative button 1‑eight to choose the half, then every subsequent press switches the muted/unmuted repute. What isn't viable is muting or unmuting of more than one part at the same time, which is disappointing for are living mixing. despite the fact, the Supernova is curiously able to study assorted part buttons directly, and Novation are thinking of introducing distinct button‑press options to make distinctive half muting viable.
The Supernova offers 128 preset monophonic and 128 preset polyphonic arpeggios, and allows you to create an additional 128 arpeggios of your own (sixty four mono and sixty four poly). In software mode, each program will also be assigned an arpeggio from this regular pool; which you could additionally application the tempo (sixty four‑191bpm), whether or now not the arpeggiator is instantly enabled when the program is chosen, and whether or now not it's latched (continues to play in case you take your fingers off the keyboard). In efficiency mode, these settings are per half within a efficiency (aside from tempo, which is an identical for all parts), both adopted from the part's assigned software or else programmed inside the performance itself.
The arpeggiator has a total of 384 patterns.different application‑ and part‑selected arpeggiator parameters include number of playback octaves (1‑four), gate time (25, 50, seventy five or ninety nine%), arpeggio route (up, down, or as played), key reset on/off, mute on/off, latch category (repeating o r one‑shot), notice size (thirty second‑word triplet to 12 bars), and velocity response to set off notes. For monophonic arpeggios you could additionally set how the Supernova handles situtations where the variety of set off notes is superior than the number of distinct notes in the arpeggio sequence. yet another feature of the Supernova lets you transpose any part of a performed arpeggio in precise time, the use of notes despatched on a user‑programmable Arpeggio Transpose channel; this function may also be became on or off for individual materials in a efficiency. you could also select, for each application and part, whether arpeggio notes play internally, via MIDI, or both; in application mode, arpeggio notes are transmitted on the international MIDI channel, in performance mode on the channel of the primary part. individual arpeggios may also be dropped in and out in efficiency mode by means of muting and unmuting the imperative materials — notwithstanding, as mentioned past, disappointingly just one at a time.
If the arpeggiator is for use along side a MIDI sequencer, the Supernova should be set to external sync to be able to lock to the sequencer. With exterior sync enabled, the Supernova reads MIDI beginning, stop and proceed instructions, together with MIDI clock facts. The arpeggiator tempo is clocked to the sequencer's tempo (and for this reason to any sequenced tempo adjustments). however, that you could use the Arp Sync characteristic (purchasable per part in efficiency mode) to exchange the base be aware length of an arpeggio, in order that it be possible to have different arpeggios taking part in at distinctive rates and looping at distinctive times. In practice, the Supernova's arpeggiator begins, stops and syncs to a sequencer accurately, each in an extended linear play circumstance and if you have a sequence loop operating many times.
ultimate, however by no means least, consumer arpeggio programming is finished in global mode. here it be possible to select some of the 128 purchasable consumer arpeggio reminiscences, select a series size of 1‑sixty four steps, and assign a note quantity, pace quantity and gate time to every step. proposing that the arpeggio you're growing is assigned to the application in use, you can get instant comments to your step‑time modifying efforts without difficulty via playing set off chords on your keyboard or looping an arpeggio trigger observe or chord on your sequencer as you work.
The Supernova marks Novation's arrival in the large league.
The Supernova marks Novation's arrival in the large league. it be a versatile and feature‑packed analogue‑modelled synth that convinces sonically, functionally and visually. Eight‑half multitimbrality, an eight‑part arpeggiator, seven effects per half, and a maximum 32‑voice polyphony support to place the Supernova on the map as a significant challenger within the 'new model analogue' market. however what really mark it out as a classy synth are its seductively rich, heat, clean and natural analogue‑modelled sound, and the character, versatility and sheer playability of its courses and Performances.
mix all this with an available, controller‑laden entrance panel for easy editing, and a complicated MIDI implementation for helpful integration with brand new sequencer‑primarily based recording setups, and you have got a historically‑styled synth module for the late '90s and past, if you want to appeal to a big range of hello‑tech musicians and rather might be develop into a workhorse instrument in mission and knowledgeable studios alike. A cosmic supernova is a short‑lived phenomenon. This Supernova, nonetheless, appears destined be a vibrant famous person in the synthesizer firmament for some while to return.
The Supernova is one of the most simple and pleasing analogue‑modelled synths to come back onto the market thus far. A bass end with both punch and fullness is one awesome aspect of the Supernova's sound, and the module's many and distinct bass sounds are one in every of its strengths. smooth, mellow, analogue‑style pads and strings are an additional citadelé, as are greater ethereal and steel pads, and the fullness of sound that the Supernova can achieve just in software mode is superb. The synth's sonic range goes from the charmingly gentle to the raucously brash, taking in every thing from tacky little analogue 'filler' sounds to warm, rounded analogue brass sounds. Analogue‑trend electric pianos are additionally dealt with well, as are synthesized kicks, snares and hi‑hats.
average, 'smooth' and 'mellow' are the descriptions which seem most characteristic of the synth's sound, although it's by no skill constrained to those features. And whereas it jogs my memory to an extent of Roland's JP8000 in character, the Supernova has its personal sound.
despite the fact this synth does not deserve to rely on its outcomes, they make a welcome addition, and 'fuse' neatly with the synthesized sounds. Novation have hit just concerning the right balance of accessibility and adaptability with the seven outcomes, while the module's means to preserve all application‑selected outcomes processing in multitimbral mode is a boon — in spite of the fact that it has to be handled with caution to avoid the results swamping the sound.
Novation first championed MIDI sound edits with the BassStation, albeit in a constrained way. With the Supernova they've in reality long gone to city, making extensive use of both MIDI controllers and Non‑Registered Parameter Numbers to transmit statistics from all of the module's 28 knobs and 98 buttons, plus all but considered one of its lcd menu‑based mostly parameters (the fix parameter in world mode). NRPNs had been devised as a method of extending the MIDI controller map of 128 controllers. MIDI controller numbers 98 and 99 are the NRPN LSB and MSB respectively, enabling for a complete of sixty five,536 controllers! MIDI controller quantity 6 (the records Entry controller) is then used to edit the price of the parameter indicated by the NRPN LSB/MSB quantity. Novation use simplest the LSB, giving 128 controllers, however they use the data values of some of those NRPN controllers to provide cost ranges for distinctive Supernova parameters. The total checklist of parameter s and values takes up seven A4 pages in the manual.
Of path, all this parameter statistics can be recorded into a sequencer by way of MIDI, for subsequent playback to the module, or it will also be used to edit a further Supernova by way of MIDI, whereas anyone who desires to improve a synth editor module or a sequencer mixer map may have an absolute box day with the chances on present (Novation themselves will be offering some mixer maps for free of charge download from their site).
SYNTHESIS components:
Analogue Sound Modelling
POLYPHONY:
sixteen voices (expandable to 32) or 32 voices
OSCS PER VOICE:
3 oscillators with digital sync, plus noise generator
MULTITIMBRALITY:
8 elements
FILTER:
12, 18, 24db/octave, resonant; low‑/excessive‑/band‑flow alternate options; overdrive handle
LFOs:
2 assignable LFOs in a position to operating at audio rates
software outcomes:
Distortion, Comb Filter, EQ, Reverb, refrain/Flanger/Phaser, lengthen, Panning
complete outcomes:
56 available concurrently in efficiency mode (eight ingredients x 7 effects each)
classes:
sixteen‑voice model: 512 (expandable to 1024); 32‑voice mannequin: 1024
PERFORMANCES:
sixteen‑voice model: 256 (expandable to 512); 32‑voice mannequin: 512
ARPEGGIATOR:
384 patterns (128 preset poly, 128 preset mono, 128 consumer); each part has its personal arpeggiator in efficiency mode
AUDIO OUTS:
8 assignable polyphonic outs, 24‑bit 128x oversampling delta‑sigma DAC each
MIDI CONNECTIONS:
In, Out, through
MIDI control:
All knobs, switches and parameters transmit MIDI controllers and NRPNs; arpeggiator can transmit by means of MIDI; arpeggiator price, LFO pace, and delay time can sync to MIDI clock
vigour deliver:
developed‑in, multi‑voltage, immediately switches for different voltages and currents
DIMENSIONS:
3U 19‑inch rackmount; 133mm x 222mm (including knobs) x 483mm (HxDxW)
WEIGHT
3.5kg
professionalsa extremely beautiful analogue‑modelled synth module combining classy look and obtainable modifying with a versatile however practically analogue sound.
suggestions16‑voice model £1299; 32‑voice model £1699; sixteen‑voice expansion card (for 16‑voice mannequin) £449. prices include VAT.
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