MiniNova is a compact synthesizer that features a new real-time vocal effect called VocalTuneTM. VocalTune uses the included microphone to pick up your voice and automatically tune it to the note being played on the synth—all in real time. MiniNova is a 37-note synth with smaller keys and the sound and effects from the UltraNova synth.
This live performance synth has an arpeggiator for real-time rhythm performance editing plus the Animate function to add up to eight dramatic modulations “on the fly” at any time the mood of the party tells you. It comes with 256 amazing factory patches and the space for 128 more user patches. MiniNova has three oscillators, 36 different wavetable sources, up to five effects, two filters, six envelopes, three LFOs, a large knob (you can’t miss it in the dark) and easy-to-use scroll wheels which are used for search and recall of any of the patches.
There is the parameter matrix with 24 sonic tools under the control of four large knobs in addition to the dedicated filter cutoff knob. For patch library management, MiniNova connects to your computer over an included USB cable and uses free software to store, modify and rename.
Lastly, I like that MiniNova is not a closed system—it has two 1/4-inch mono jack outputs, stereo headphones jack, and most importantly, XLR jacks for routing sounds through the vocoder and the unit’s on-board effects. This allows its effect engines to be used in your studio just like outboard gear. With full MIDI facilities, sustain pedal jack and 9V DC power supply, MiniNova sells for $624.99 MSRP. See http://us.novationmusic.com/hardware-synths/mininova.
By Barry Rudolph
miniBIO: Barry Rudolph is a recording engineer/mixer with over 30 gold and platinum RIAA awards to his credit. He has recorded and/or mixed: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hall & Oates, Pat Benatar, Rod Stewart, the Corrs and Robbie Nevil. Barry has his own futuristic music mixing facility and also teaches recording engineering at Musician’s Institute, Hollywood, CA. http://www.barryrudolph.com
