Novation AMS-Novation ULTRANOVA Ultranova Nova Series Analog-Modeling Synthesizer

I have been searching for an affordable portable analog modelling synthesizer and was deciding between the MiniNova, Microkorg, and Roland JDXi which are about the same price (except that the JDXi which costs $100 more). My key criteria are the portability, has 37 keys (for live performance), availability of free patches. and features to allow the creation of my own sound. All of these synthesizers apparently fit the bill so it has been a tough rather difficult decision.However, after I tried out the MiniNova at a local music store, my mind was made up right away that it was the right choice. The mini keyboard was so playable and sensitive that it got me sold as I play solo leads for my performance band. The layout of the control knobs and buttons are also very intuitive. What also surprised me was the availability of many high quality free patches (by going to the Novation site, Google and Youtube searches). Managing these patches was very easy by using the free MiniNova Librarian (a stand-alone app). We could create folders within the software for each set of patches. What also nice is that we can try out the sound by simply selecting it in the librarian and play it on the keyboard (there is no need to load the patch to the keyboard). I was able to try out hundreds of the free patches this way and create a special folder to store the ones I liked. Then all I needed to do is to load the sound files from this folder to the MiniNova for off line playing.Another nice thing with the MiniNova is that it can been powered by a portable USB battery pack which is very convenient for using it where AC power is not available. It also has an editor plug-in which I loaded to Ableton Live. With the plug in , we can modify and / or create our own sound. The possibility is endless with the wealth of controls (oscillators, modulators, mixer) available within this plug-in. Another great way to use this synth is to select a sample you like and launch the Minova Editor to dissect the settings being used to produce the sound / effects.

First off: never buy a mini keyboard if you’re trying to learn to play piano, or don’t already have a full-sized set of keys for general recording. The keys are half the size. Know what you’re buying or you’re going to be disappointed. I have seen too many reviews start out this way.That said, this thing has impossibly good sound for the money, and the vocoder is the rich, cream cheese icing on the cake. Portability for sketching out tunes and noodling is a breeze. It sits comfortably on your lap. The keys are responsive. The knobs may need a little breaking in, as they seem scratchy at first. Tons of port options in the back. Patching jacks, headphone, usb, midi in and out, and option 9v adaptor when not plugged in to a computer. Lots of base patches and so many variations in real time with the knobs. I immediately fell in love.The lights are a bit bright for my taste. There may be a way to dim them, I haven’t looked. There’s definitely going to be some learning curve. But everything sounds so wonderful that I’m in no hurry to drill in to specifics, and am willing to take the time to organically find my sweet spots. The display isn’t anything to look at at, but it’s clear and easy to read, and shows a good dashboard set of info.I just purchased a MOOG Sirin, which I also love, but it doesn’t have the mini keys to make it as portable as the miniNOVA. I think the two will compliment each other extremely well.

I've played with my Korg Volcas for a while now, and I wanted something a bit...….more.I don't write many reviews, but this thing is SPECTACULAR so far, and I've only had it about 12 hours. I started out playing with the arpeggiator and presets, which were fun - not exactly my taste, but definitely good for getting a sense of what the machine can do.After that, I loaded the software, updated the firmware, and used the VST plugin in LMMS 1.1.3, which seemed to work fine. I use a tiny little Acer Spin 111-33 without much oomph to do simple things like arpeggiate my Volcas and sync midi devices, and the VST seems to work perfectly fine in LMMS on my machine so far. The Mininova came with a license for Ableton Live Lite 10, but judging from the size of the download, I figured it might be a bit too heavyweight for my little Acer travel laptop. There were also some patch libraries that were bundled, but I haven't tested them yet.I was able to make a nice, light-sounding patch that I made a simple lullaby out of - perhaps a bit of a departure from the hard-driving bass and dubstep patches the thing seems mostly loaded with, but it definitely confirmed my hopes of the configurability of the machine.I almost went with a microKorg due to my positive experience with other Korg products, but as of now, I'm glad I got adventurous and went with this machine. The configurability via the VST seems to be amazing - I can't wait to play with it more.I do think it would be frustrating to try and take full advantage of this machine without the VST - the menus on the machine are a bit much for the tiny display and handful of control buttons. That said, I think that for someone (like me) willing to dig into the controls via VST, there is a lot of exploration to be done on this machine.The single complaint I have so far is that the menu/data dial had come off during the shipping, but all I did was put it back on the post with a gentle push, and it seems solidly in place now. Judging from a few dings on the box, I imagine that the machine was given a little rough love during the shipping process - the device seems relatively well manufactured. A little more play in the mini keys than I like, but they don't feel delicate.I don't own a lot of synths, but I definitely suspect it would be hard to find this much functionality in a similarly-priced package.

Would have been 5 stars but like so many other reviewers mine came without uk power supply. Had to pay out a further 13 quid and still waiting for PSU to arrive. Have used a USB adaptor but its noisy with a high pitched hum. The actual sound is gr8 but Novation should really address this issue. Im not the first person to flag it up

Excellent synth . Sounds good . Navigating through patches is a bit awkward . And could do with having the same controls layout as the bass station ii and it would be perfect. Also delivery was swift came 3 days early

Very easy and fun to work with, and to use in live set. Very Thick and bolsy sound generators and great vocoder

Fantastic keyboardSo much music power for the price.

Love this synth