Novation MiniNova Compact Keyboard Synthesizer, 37-Key

Create huge sounds on the MiniNova -- a tiny synth with the UltraNova's analog-modeling engine -- and run your voice through the built-in microphone/vocoder.

Tweak to no end on the Novation MiniNova. With 256 preset sounds on board, sweet synth effects, a vocoder, and a host of tactile controls, this compact 37-key synthesizer is bound to be your go-to sound and FX station on stage and in the studio. And not only is the MiniNova powerful and easy to carry, it's also one of the most affordable virtual-analog synthesizers around!

Hear the sounds the MiniNova can make in this video from Novation:


Sounds Macro for Something So Micro

Like the UltraNova, the MiniNova's older sibling in Novation's Supernova series of synths, the MiniNova boasts a powerful analog-modeling engine plus super synth effects designed to push soaring leads, phat bass, lush pads, and old-school synth sounds to the forefront of your tunes. Think of the MiniNova as the same synth powerhouse as the UltraNova, but significantly smaller in scale and with 37 mini-keys. When connected to a laptop via USB or to another keyboard or sound module, this little synth serves double duty as a MIDI controller.

The Sound Engine of the UltraNova in a Tiny Package

The MiniNova gives you 14 conventional waveforms (square, sine, sawtooth, pulse, triangle, and combinations), 36 wavetables, and 20 digital waveforms to choose from. On each of the three oscillators (per voice), you have density/detune for fattening up sounds, virtual sync, and a signature "hardness" lowpass filter of sorts. Shape your sound even further with 14 filter types, 6 envelope generators, 3 LFOs, and read more 20 modulation slots for stringing synth engine modules together. Add up to five effects to each sound, for a truly custom, multi-dimensional feel.

Fun FX -- Including a Built-in Vocoder and VocalTune

The MiniNova's built-in vocoder allows you to become your favorite Beastie Boy, while VocalTune lets you manipulate your vocals even more. Speak into the microphone, and on the mini keys, tap out the line that you want your voice to follow. VocalTune will do the rest, aligning your voice with that of the melody you just played, making sure you're in tune in the most (un)naturally pleasing way. You can also send your vocals through the MiniNova's effects -- reverb, distortion, chorus/phase, Novation's gator compression, or EQ -- and using the instrument input, do the same for a guitar, bass, or other instrument.

Sounds to Suit Any Style

Perform right out of the box with 18 massive voices and 256 presets, then jam away and save another 128 of your own. Free Patch Librarian software enables you to store as many sounds as you want on your computer, and access to downloadable sound packs lets you expand your collection for free.

Still not the sounds you really want? Edit them with the included MiniNova Editor software, which works as a plug-in within your DAW or music software. The MiniNova also comes with Ableton Live Lite, Novation Bass Station, and a 1 GB Loopmasters sample pack.

Real-Time Performance Controls at Your Fingertips

Your hands will find their place on 37 velocity-sensitive mini-keys, backlit buttons, LED-lit pitch wheel and mod wheel, smooth pots, and control encoders. In Animate mode, you can trigger unique performance functions by hitting one of the eight backlit buttons while playing the keyboard. And when in Arpeggiator mode, you can perform with as many as 33 arpeggiator rhythms in real time, using the MiniNova's array of eight buttons as an arpeggiator step sequencer.

Download MoroderNova Patches for Free!

MiniNova customers can now access 30 Giorgio Moroder inspired synth patches upon registration. These patches, initially exclusive to Novation's limited edition MoroderNova, are downloadable absolutely for free.

Features:

- Compact keyboard synthesizer/USB MIDI controller
- 37 velocity-sensitive mini keys
- Powerful UltraNova sound engine delivers massive sounds and effects
- Vocoder, VocalTune processing, and gooseneck mic let you add classic effects to your voice or plugged in instruments
- Manipulate your sounds in real time with 14 filter types, 6 envelope generators, 3 LFOs, and more
- Up to 18-note polyphony
- Play 256 presets and store up to 128 of your own sounds
- Layer up to 5 effects per voice
- MIDI I/O makes it a fully functional 37-key controller keyboard
- Connects to computers via USB (USB cable included)
- Includes MiniNova Editor software, Patch Librarian software Ableton Live Lite, Novation Bass Station, and Loopmasters sample pack
- Get regular free software downloads and generous discounts on high-end plug-ins from Novation's Sound Collective
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.
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In the Box:
- USB cable
- Power supply
- User manual

Included Software:
- MiniNova Software Editor
- iniNova Patch Librarian
- Ableton Live Lite
- Novation Bass Station softsynth
- Loopmasters sample pack (1GB)

Synth engine:
- Up to 18 note polyphony (dynamic voicing)
- Mono-Timbral

Per patch:
- 3x oscillators
- 1x noise generator
- 2x ring modulators
- Waveforms include:
- Square, sine, tri, sawtooth, pulse, 9x saw:pulse combinations.
- 20x digital waveforms
- 36x wavetables

Filter types:
- 2x filters per patch
- low pass no resonance 6dB per octave
- low pass 12dB
- low pass 18dB
- low pass 24dB
- band pass 6:6
- band pass 6:12
- band pass 12:6
- band pass 6:18
- band pass 18:6
- band pass 12:12
- high pass no resonance 6dB per octave
- high pass 12dB
- high pass 18dB
- high pass 24dB

Modulation sources:
- 20 modulation slots per patch
- 6x envelope generators
- 3x LFOs
- Aftertouch
- Velocity
- Key scaling/track
- Mod wheel
- Expression pedal

Total of 66 Destinations including:
- Oscillator pitch, pulse width, wavetable index, level and sync
- Filter cutoff, resonance, envelope settings
- Effects parameters and send levels
- Recursive modulation (modulating modulation sources themselves)

5 effects slots per patch:
- Distortion - up to 2 instances
- Compressor - up to 2 instances
- Chorus/Phase - up to 4 instances
- Delay - up to 2 instances
- Reverb - up to 2 instances
- Gator
- EQ

Miscellaneous:
- VocalTune
- 12 band vocoder
- Arpeggiator - 33 patterns
- Realtime Arp rhythm editing function
- Chord function - lock up to 10 notes
- Patch storage - up to 384 on hardware (ships with 256 factory patches)

Utility, display and patch select controls:
- 16 character custom LCD
- 1x large detented patch select encoder
- 1x patch sort switch
- 1x volume dial
- 1x detented data encoder
- 5x navigation/utility buttons
- 2x patch navigation buttons

Keyboard/performance controls:
- Pitch wheel (LED lit)
- Modulation wheel (LED lit)
- 37 note keyboard with velocity
- 4x smooth edit/performance pots
- 1x large smooth filter pot
- 1x six position parameter selector switch
- 6x parameter indicator LEDs
- 8x three-colour, back-lit animate/arpeggiator/favourite patch-select buttons
- 2x animate/arpeggiate LED indicators
- 1x back-lit 'hold' button
- 1x animate/arpeggiator/favourite patch toggle switch
- 1x 'favourite' patch select button
- 1x arpeggiator tempo control pot
- 1x arpeggiator tempo indicator LED
- 2x back-lit arpeggiator control encoders
- 2x back-lit octave select buttons

Inputs, Outputs, rear panel:
- XLR dynamic mic input
- 1x 1/4" jack inputs
- 2x 1/4" jack outputs
- 1x 1/4" jack headphone output
- Sustain pedal on 1/4" jack input
- MIDI in/out
- 12 volt power input
- USB/DC/off power switch
- USB port (MiniNova can be powered via USB)
- Kensington Lock port

Dimensions:
- Length: 560 mm
- Height: 75 mm
- Depth: 250 mm
- Length: 22.04"
- Height: 2.95"
- Depth: 9.84"

Weight:
- 2.52kg
- 5.55lb
Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item
Shipping Weight: 9 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 25 x 14 x 5 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): AMS-MININOVA
Blemished
Shipping Weight: 9 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 25 x 14 x 5 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): AMS-MININOVA

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-431-2609

Novation MiniNova Compact Keyboard Synth

The Novation MiniNova is a compact, studio and live synth with the same sound engine as its big brother; UltraNova. It comes with 256 incredible onboard sounds that you can tweak with five knobs, or totally warp with eight 'animate' buttons. It has up to 18 voices with as many as five synth effects on each sound. MiniNova also has an onboard VocalTune effect as well as a classic vocoder so you can recreate iconic vocal sounds from hip hop, urban and electronic music.

Small synth, big sounds

Don't let its size fool you. MiniNova joins Novation's 'nova' range of synths dating back to the legendary Supernova series. It has the same incredibly powerful sound engine and synth effects as the Novation UltraNova which means it is capable of creating dirty-fat bass synth sounds, soaring leads, lush pads and vintage synth sounds. All this in a 37 mini-key form with a USB port and MIDI i/o so you can hook it up to your laptop and control your music software or connect it to another keyboard or sound module.

Classic and contemporary vocal effects

MiniNova takes vocal effects one step further. As well as a vocoder, it has VocalTune. This means you can talk into the mic and play the tune you want your voice to follow on the keyboard recreating those classic hip hop / urban vocal effects. You can also run your voice through MiniNova's effects engine, adding reverb, distortion, chorus/phase, gator compression or EQ. This doesn't need to be limited to your voice; there is an input into which you can plug a guitar or any other instrument and give it the same treatment; effects or vocoder.

Choose your sound - and get more for free

MiniNova has 256 onboard sounds and space to save another 128 of your own sounds. You can quickly search for sounds by selecting the style of music you're making, or the type of sound you're after whether it's bass synth, lead - hip hop or techno. MiniNova comes with a free software Patch Librarian so you can store as many sounds as you want on your computer. If 256 is not enough, there are numerous soundpacks for MiniNova assembled by renowned artists and sound designers. These include plenty of vintage synth sounds.

The 'Animate' performance mode

Switch to 'Animate' mode and press one of the 8 backlit buttons (whilst playing the keyboard) to trigger awesome performance functions

Jam with the Arpeggiator

Switch to 'Arpeggiator' mode to jam with arpeggiator rhythms in realtime. The 8 buttons act like an arpeggiator step sequencer so you can switch steps in and out!

Editing software included

Editing sounds in such a powerful synth can be overwhelming, so they've created a software application that gives you visual access to the synth engine. The MiniNova Editor works as a plug-in within your DAW or music software. You can fully edit MiniNova using the hardware; the software just makes it easier to see what you are doing.

The Synth Engine and effects

MiniNova has an enormously powerful sound engine and synth effects, unheard of in a micro synth. There are 14 conventional waveforms to choose from (square, sine, sawtooth, pulse, triangle and combinations), 36 wavetables and 20 digital waveforms. Each of the three oscillators (per voice) have density/detune for fattening up sounds, virtual sync and 'hardness' - which acts as an additional lowpass filter. There are 14 filter types (and you can run two simultaneously), six envelope generators, three LFOs and 20 modulation slots where you can link modules of the synth engine together to shape sound. MiniNova can add up to five effects to each sound including distortion, reverb, chorus/phase, delay, compressor, EQ and Novation's unique gator effect.

Instant editing and performance control

The 'Perform' section enables you to access the synth and effects engines by switching between six positions to assign four knobs, giving you instant access to 24 sound-bending parameters.

Hugely powerful micro synth with UltraNova's sound engine

MiniNova has Novation's signature Nova-series synth-engine onboard, capable of creating and editing massive sounds with up to 18 voices and powerful effects.

Current VocalTune and classic vocoder effects

The VocalTune function can recreate iconic urban and hip hop vocal sounds, as well as classic house and techno voice effects with the onboard vocoder.

Live synth: tweak and warp your sounds in Realtime

Eight animate buttons enable you to warp and twist sounds in realtime alongside a dedicated filter knob, four further editing knobs and oversized pitch and modulation wheels

256 awesome onboards sounds - instantly searchable

Instantly find the sound you need by type or musical genre, from bass to pad, hip hop to house. Save and store another 128 of your own sounds too.

Layer up to Five effects per voice

MiniNova can add up to five effects to each voice including distortion, reverb, chorus/phase, delay, compressor, EQ and Novation's own gator 'stutter' effect.

Comes with editing software and a software patch librarian

A free software editor allows full editing of the synth and effects, the Patch Librarian enables storage of as many of your own sounds - or the free soundpacks - as you want.

Run instruments through Vocoder

Run guitars and other instruments though the vocoder, VocalTune and effects. There is a line input into which you can plug a guitar, bass or any other instrument which can then be routed through the effects engine or the vocal effects.

Free soundpacks including vintage synth and bass synth sounds

Download free soundpacks for MiniNova and UltraNova which have been created by eminent artists and sound designers including Chuckie, Daniel Fisher and more...

37 key controller keyboard with MIDI I/O

MiniNova is also a great compact desktop keyboard for triggering software instruments. It has physical MIDI i/o ports for triggering other external sound modules - or connecting to a larger keyboard.

Download MoroderNova Patches for Free!

MiniNova customers can now access 30 Giorgio Moroder inspired synth patches upon registration. These patches, initially exclusive to Novation's limited-edition MoroderNova, are downloadable absolutely for free.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. (13 ratings)
Submitted July 29, 2014 by Noah M in Rockwood, MI

"Novation MiniNova"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
The MiniNova fits my musical desires very well. I play a lot of classic rock and prog rock, so most of the time I'm just playing a Hammond, Rhodes, or piano sound. Sometimes however I need a synth sound for a lead, or an occasional pad/string sound; this synth delivers! The only thing that I really don't like is the mini-keys, but I suppose if you want full size keys you could just buy the UltraNova, or use a full size midi keyboard to control the synth.
Sound
This synth sounds quite good for having just 3 oscillators. I also think that the built in DSP has something to do with it.
Ease of Use
I found it quite is to start modifying patches or even making them from scratch. I do find the keys a little bit too stiff, but that's probably because you have less leverage with mini-keys.
Quality
The keyboard feels pretty solid. Although I did manage to break one of my keys (possible due to the fact that I bought it as a returned product), but I was able to superglue the key back on and I have had no other issues beyond that. I would give this keyboard more than 3 stars in the quality department, but because of the one key that broke, I kind of have to mark it down.
Value
This product seems to be a great value for an entry level synth.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't had to deal with them yet.
The Wow Factor
I find this keyboard to be very good looking, and all of the lights just help it's cause.

Musical Background:

10 years on Keyboards, 4 year organist at church

Musical Style:

Rock, Prog Rock, Prog Metal, Christian.
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