Novation Supernova II Platinum

The Platinum is a limited edition of Supernova II Pro X (see specifications below) in a gray color. The only unfortunate thing is the visual appearance of plastic that gives a sense of entry, while the opposite is true. Features: * Keyboard: 61 keys, ATM, semi-weighted. * Synthesis Type: Analog virtual. * Polyphony: 48 voices. * Multitimbral: 8 votes. * LFO: 2, late. * Envelopes: ADSR 1 + 2 D (elay) ADSR. * Filters: 1 PB / PH / Bandpass (12, 18 or 24 dB / Oct). * Sons: 1024 prog. * Combis: 512 prog. * Split: Yes. * Display: (20 X 2 char.). * Effects: 56 (Distortion, EQ, reverb, chorus / flanger / phaser / ensemble, delay and pan). * Audio Outputs: 8. * Sequencer: Arpeggiator (384 Preset Polyphonic, Preset Monophonic and a user polyphonic and monophonic patterns). 8 arpeggiator available simultaneously in Performance mode. * Weight: 10 kg. * Dimensions: 102 x 33 x 11 (WxDxH in cm). Other Features: * pitch bend and modulation. * 2 ring modulators. * Noise generator. * 8 FM algorithms. * Modulation Matrix (more than 130 routing capabilities). * Vocoder 42 bands. * 2 audio inputs. * 43 knobs, 8 sliders and 135 switches.

UTILIZATION

The handling of the keyboard is relatively easy for those who knows about subtractive synthesis, and a little FM synthesis. If you really want to fully exploit the possibilities of the machine, reading the manual is a plus. Some complain about the textbook, but personal, I find it a damn bit better than my former Access Virus C Editing sounds is a snap. All main blocks are arranged between them from left to right. VCO-modulation filter-modulation filter envelopes effects Underneath there is the apégiateur and global settings and up to the units for multi-timbral mode. In some sections, one can find a menu activated by a button that allows access to deeper features of each block.

SOUNDS

Sounds can fit almost any style of music which were found in synthesizers. The realism of the sounds in the context of analog subtractive synthesis is very realistic. The supernova is not as immediate a Virus, Nord Lead or a JP-80x0. (They give a convincing result much faster). A small digression on the Osc section is very thorough! Although deeper than we think. Already, those who say that only 2 waveforms have missed the Hardness was therefore also the sine. Skew parameter can change the width of the square wave, and it therefore has a PWM waveform. You can activate or deactivate the reset cycle wave to each note played. So having the behavior of an analog oscilloscope or the behavior of a digital oscilloscope. You can combine these parameters LFO, envelopes, and have suddenly sounds more analos typed. (The VCO drift is too cyclical and mechanical and not enough by itself to sound old). With the double saw, saw each wave has its own stage which may be independent of each other. So imagine if you put in or not keysinc with an LFO, even more possibilities. Not to mention the ring mod and desalgos fm (very simplistic compared to Yam &#39 but there is plenty to do. So for those who think that always returns to the same sounds: READ THAT FUCKING MANUAL! Another feature of the supernova is in the filter design. Indeed, after analyzing several analog synths, they noticed that particular color filters was a distortion in which they had. And it is precisely this parameter that Novation has been added to the filters. You can change the distortion parameters of the filter, which will help to make it sound more or less fat, give it some color. If this feature is not taken into account when programming a sound, there is very little chance to make it sound so nice Supernova. (And I sincerely believe that those who did not like the sound of Supernova missed that). Note also, unusually for a virtual analog, filter resonance into self-oscillation when cranked. Once the filter section mastered, everything else is essentially limited only by your imagination. basses, pads, leads, FX, sweeps, bells, electric pianos, electric organs, all allow a well-designed analog is possible. The modulation matrix is ​​very complete, and allows to bring much life to your sounds, and the parties to the various controllers assignable aftertouch or when to allow them an insane expression. LFO frequencies can range from very fast to the slow and evolutionary. Side effects, if the delays and chorus are not evils, I'm pretty disappointed with the quality of 80% of reverbs. The D / A converters of Supernova are excellent and we get a pure sound insane. Bandwidth and equalizing the output has generally seems he was thought so that the supernova fits perfectly in a mix. On this point, it's even better than the virus, which however had already bluffed at this level. Apart reverbs that are average, the sound of Supernova is a marvel. I'll answer the question that I often wonder what that is best between a Supernova II and a virus (I had a C Virus): The Virus has a bandwidth over this medium in the lower and more limited in the top gives an impression of bold enough now, and one side "dark" very recognizable. The Supernova has a low medium and medium plus contained a little present with a roundness and softness greater. Highs are not as attenuated the virus. The supernova does sound a bit more ethereal. In terms of synthesis, in 10 minutes, there was a sound that we like with the virus, where they will spend 1 hour with a Supernova. Supernova is more "demanding". I would advise more a virus to a beginner in a subtractive Supernova. Conclusion: Neither is better than the other, they are just different, and I would say even further.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had it three weeks and spent sleepless nights over it so much I absorbed. I love its interface is very clear and complete, these gigantic possibilities of synthesis. I was looking for a new VA after having a Virus KC who had failed to seduce me. I could test a North lead, very different. The NL is tailored to the live sounds with ready to use, but I can not find their synthesis very great, and the grain infuriated me. I also have a jp-8080 that do not play in the same league in terms of synthesis. Some of the leads jp are impossible to reproduce in a virus, a Supernova, a NL ... I just wish the visual appearance of plastic Novation reverbs and deserved more attention. The value for money (given the price at which I was able to acquire used) is simply excellent! It's a choice I would do rather than 2 times.