The Novation MiniNova is a compact yet powerful synthesizer designed for both studio and live performances. With its 37 mini keys, it offers an incredible sound engine that is derived from its larger counterpart, the UltraNova. This synth is not just a tool; it is a gateway to creativity, enabling you to create deep, gritty bass, soaring leads, lush pads, and vintage sounds with ease.

Equipped with 256 onboard sounds and the ability to save an additional 128 of your own creations, the MiniNova allows you to explore a vast sonic landscape. You can quickly search for sounds based on musical genres or sound types, making it easy to find the perfect tone for your project. The MiniNova features five powerful effects per voice, enhancing your sound design possibilities.

Designed by the legendary British synth pioneer Chris Huggett, the MiniNova combines five decades of expertise and passion. This synth engine is engineered to deliver unmatched sound quality and versatility. You can gently tweak your sounds using the knobs or instantly warp them with the eight backlit ‘Animate’ buttons, providing dynamic control over your audio creations.

One of the standout features of the MiniNova is its onboard VocalTune effect. This innovative function allows you to talk or sing into the microphone and have your voice automatically tuned to the notes you play on the keyboard. This feature is particularly useful for creating unique vocal effects that are perfect for hip hop, urban, and electronic music genres.

In addition to the VocalTune, the MiniNova also includes a classic vocoder, enabling you to recreate iconic vocal sounds. You can run your voice through the synth’s effects engine, adding reverb, distortion, and other effects, or plug in a guitar or other instrument to give it the same treatment. The creative possibilities are virtually limitless.

The MiniNova’s sound engine is robust, featuring 14 conventional waveforms, 36 wavetables, and 20 digital waveforms. Each of the three oscillators per voice can be manipulated with density/detune options, virtual sync capabilities, and a unique ‘hardness’ function that acts as an additional lowpass filter. With 14 filter types, six envelope generators, and three LFOs, you have the tools necessary to shape your sounds precisely as you envision them.

Editing sounds is made easier with the included MiniNova Editor software, which provides a visual interface for accessing the synth engine. This software can be used as a plug-in within your DAW, allowing for seamless integration into your music production workflow. The visual aspect helps you manage your sound editing with greater clarity and efficiency.

For live performances, the ‘Perform’ section of the MiniNova offers instant access to sound-bending parameters. You can switch between six positions to assign four knobs, giving you direct control over 24 different parameters. This feature allows for spontaneous creativity during live gigs, making it an excellent choice for performers.

The MiniNova is not just a synthesizer; it’s a compact desktop keyboard for triggering software instruments. With MIDI I/O capabilities, you can connect it to your laptop or other devices, making it a versatile addition to your setup. The oversized pitch and modulation wheels, along with the dedicated filter knob, provide further opportunities for real-time sound manipulation.

In summary, the Novation MiniNova is a remarkable synthesizer that packs a powerful punch in a compact form. Whether you’re looking to create new sounds, perform live, or enhance your studio setup, the MiniNova is designed to meet your needs with style and efficiency. Its rich feature set and intuitive controls make it an essential tool for musicians and producers alike.