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fredziak
Published on 06/26/10 at 11:04
It is a very complete machine, with the summary: analog modeling synthesis, 3 oscillators + noise FM and 3 operators, opportunities for many modulations, 2 LFOs ranging from very low to very high frequencies, a beautiful range of filters (12 , 18 and 24dB over a wide range of filters coupled), an effects section very rich, an 8 part multitimbral (effects included, which means independent effects per game), a polyphony of 24 voices (or on earlier called "pro"), a powerful arpeggiator, programmable as desired, a memory of 1024 programs and 512 performances, a collection of percussion sounds, a vocoder, the input signal processing and so on ...
We can blame the Supernova II to offer only 3 waveforms (saw, square and doublesaw) but this limit is relative to the existence of a specific parameter that can alter the basic wave (a "pre-filter" of sorts). It may not be equivalent to other forms of waves but this possibility can reach very specific subtleties.
The keyboard features semi-weighted keys and large enough. On this point, it is hard to beat: the touch is very pleasant and efficient, probably the best compromise between the heavy touch piano-style keys and small plastoc many synths. In return, the lack aftertouch can be a little flexible.
The set is beautiful and sturdy with a metal case covered in blue. There are some details that are poor, including the determination of the card that carries the connections: it is easy to move just by touching the jack plugs for example. Moreover, the quality potentiometers disappoints me a little for a machine of this range. These points deserve particular care but the rest is solid.
UTILIZATION
The ergonomics of the instrument is a true pleasure. Besides the quality of the keyboard, access to parameters is straightforward because 90% of them are represented as buttons, as in the days of pure analog and hard. The layout is well thought out, complete with an LCD screen that is simple and effective.
Documentation, meanwhile, is not exemplary, but once you understand the intricacies of some machine, you no longer need. Another point to note: the excellent MIDI implementation that allows to control all parameters. The arpeggiator also sends MIDI signals.
SOUNDS
The sounds of factory show the extent of the sonic palette, but too often forcing effects. Anyway, you can always season your sound to your taste and cut the effects if they bother you. Of course, Supernova does not have an analog sound reproduction authentic but is generally satisfactory and the opportunities are large enough to evoke the mythical old machines, the Minimoog to the D50 through the Prophet, Jupiter, OBX, DX7 and others. .. In short, it is possible to get out hard-hitting bass as deep as tablecloths and subtle, to mention only these two families.
Obviously, not everything is perfect but the overall quality is very good and the presence of some rare settings allow you to get sounds that you will hardly occur without Supernova. Its range extends into the digital synthesis, which is an additional interest. Some compare it to elsewhere in JD-800 even if he misses even when the samples that come with it!
The sound is very good, although I regret a slight hiss in the treble that can charm but is sometimes undesirable. That said, this synth provides a wide tonal palette and rich while providing its own nature: what more?!
To illustrate this, I created a show based on a series of sounds that I concocted. While not entirely representative of the extent of its ability, it gives a glimpse of the character of this instrument: Supernova II demo ( http://www.arts21.net/index.php/studio/69-supernova-synth )
OVERALL OPINION
I am very happy with this instrument which is at the heart of my equipment and encourages my creativity. It gives me a good master keyboard, the possibilities of sound research and extensive facilities to cope. Finally, the only real criticism that he can do is not to be a true analog synth ... But very few analog synthesizers are able to provide the same opportunities, even by putting the price.
We can blame the Supernova II to offer only 3 waveforms (saw, square and doublesaw) but this limit is relative to the existence of a specific parameter that can alter the basic wave (a "pre-filter" of sorts). It may not be equivalent to other forms of waves but this possibility can reach very specific subtleties.
The keyboard features semi-weighted keys and large enough. On this point, it is hard to beat: the touch is very pleasant and efficient, probably the best compromise between the heavy touch piano-style keys and small plastoc many synths. In return, the lack aftertouch can be a little flexible.
The set is beautiful and sturdy with a metal case covered in blue. There are some details that are poor, including the determination of the card that carries the connections: it is easy to move just by touching the jack plugs for example. Moreover, the quality potentiometers disappoints me a little for a machine of this range. These points deserve particular care but the rest is solid.
UTILIZATION
The ergonomics of the instrument is a true pleasure. Besides the quality of the keyboard, access to parameters is straightforward because 90% of them are represented as buttons, as in the days of pure analog and hard. The layout is well thought out, complete with an LCD screen that is simple and effective.
Documentation, meanwhile, is not exemplary, but once you understand the intricacies of some machine, you no longer need. Another point to note: the excellent MIDI implementation that allows to control all parameters. The arpeggiator also sends MIDI signals.
SOUNDS
The sounds of factory show the extent of the sonic palette, but too often forcing effects. Anyway, you can always season your sound to your taste and cut the effects if they bother you. Of course, Supernova does not have an analog sound reproduction authentic but is generally satisfactory and the opportunities are large enough to evoke the mythical old machines, the Minimoog to the D50 through the Prophet, Jupiter, OBX, DX7 and others. .. In short, it is possible to get out hard-hitting bass as deep as tablecloths and subtle, to mention only these two families.
Obviously, not everything is perfect but the overall quality is very good and the presence of some rare settings allow you to get sounds that you will hardly occur without Supernova. Its range extends into the digital synthesis, which is an additional interest. Some compare it to elsewhere in JD-800 even if he misses even when the samples that come with it!
The sound is very good, although I regret a slight hiss in the treble that can charm but is sometimes undesirable. That said, this synth provides a wide tonal palette and rich while providing its own nature: what more?!
To illustrate this, I created a show based on a series of sounds that I concocted. While not entirely representative of the extent of its ability, it gives a glimpse of the character of this instrument: Supernova II demo ( http://www.arts21.net/index.php/studio/69-supernova-synth )
OVERALL OPINION
I am very happy with this instrument which is at the heart of my equipment and encourages my creativity. It gives me a good master keyboard, the possibilities of sound research and extensive facilities to cope. Finally, the only real criticism that he can do is not to be a true analog synth ... But very few analog synthesizers are able to provide the same opportunities, even by putting the price.