Novation launches MiniNova compact hardware synth with 'VocalTune' (video)
Phones, tablets and huge TVs not your thing? Then thank the stars it's not just the gadget-mega-brands releasing products today. Maker of fine music gear, Novation, has just revealed its latest offering too -- the MiniNova. The more astute among you might have worked out from the nomenclature that this is a compact synth, but we're assured it has full-size features. There's 37 ivories (ok, plastics) for you to tickle, while the sound and effects engine has the same DNA as the maker's flagship UltraNova. You may have noticed that goose-neck microphone up top, and that'll come in handy with the new "VocalTune" and vocoder features. It'll land in your studio with 256 preset sounds, but there's space for another 128 of your own creations. Sound like something you can get down with? Then if you sing a song to the tune of £300 ($629 MSRP / $400 at dealers), you'll be able to call one your own from October. Excitement-stirring demo video after the break.
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Novation Launches MiniNova The fully featured mini-keys synth
Novation has announced MiniNova, an amazingly powerful but compact synthesizer that packs never-seen-before features, including push-button Animate controls and Novation's brand new voice effect: VocalTuneTM.
MiniNova
Key Features:
37-note mini-keys synth with custom-designed Novation keybed.
Extremely powerful sound and effects engines from Novation's flagship UltraNova synth.
New VocalTune feature with feature-packed vocoder and included gooseneck mic.
Arpeggiator with real-time rhythm performance editing.
Animate function lets you warp your sounds while you play.
256 amazing factory patches included, with space for a further 128 user patches.
With over 15 years of family heritage and decades of design experience, MiniNova is built around the same synth engine as Novation's flagship, UltraNova. Featuring three versatile oscillators, up to five effects, two filters, six envelopes, three LFOs, and 36 different wavetables, it's capable of creating a vast range of jaw-dropping sounds, suitable for every genre. Simple patch browsing comes courtesy of a large genre-select knob and an easy-to-use scroll wheel, bringing instant search and recall of the 256 factory and 128 user patches. MiniNova is perfect for synth players who want to find sounds quickly: simply choose the type of sound you want, then sculpt the patch to match your track. A powerful parameter matrix puts 24 powerful sound-shaping tools under your fingertips on four large, tactile knobs. The dedicated filter cutoff knob allows you to always give your sound the 'wow' factor.
MiniNova introduces VocalTune, an amazing effect that can tune your voice to the note being played on the synth in real time. It also features a powerful new vocoder engine, which can be fed by either the included gooseneck mic or the external input. Novation's unique 'Animate' buttons let you apply up to eight deeply expressive modulations, with a hold button that latches any or all of the animations. Arpeggiate mode lets you easily play and program your rhythmic synth parts on the fly. What's more, MiniNova connects to your computer via USB, where free plug-in software can be used for patch library management.
MiniNova has two quarter-inch mono jack outputs, a stereo headphones output, full-size XLR and jack inputs for routing sounds through the vocoder and on-board effects, as well as a five-pin MIDI input and output and an input for a sustain pedal. Power can be supplied via USB or a 9V DC power supply (included).
Availability: worldwide in October 2012.
Pricing information: MSRP $624.99 / $499.99 at dealers
