Novation KS-4

I've reviewed this before, but I'd like to add a few opinions that I've formed since then. I'll not give any ratings, as I've already done this in mylast review, and Idon't want to knacker the overall ratings!

Right, this is where I need to eat some humble pie. I previously moaned about the inclusion of EPs and organs. Ok, I'm a dumbass. For rich EPs the KS4 is actually very useful. I played around with the sounds a bit, and they are very nice. They don't try to be accurate emulations of the original EPs (like on the Roland 60s and 70s expansion), they sound more like an analogue synth trying to recreate these sounds. As such, they are mighty fine, and I've recently been using them quite a lot.

Secondly, I'd like to moan again. This time, it's about something that has been mentioned before quite a bit - clicks! Goddamit, they are annoying. This synth could be sublime if it didn't click somuch. I noticed it on the synth I played in the store, but I assumed it was an early model with teething problems, and went on to buy second hand. The board I got is a lot better, but there are still issues. Luckily, I have Waves restoration bundle, so anything I record with this synth gets put through the declicker. I've even made a KS4 preset on the declicker specially for this synth! It works well, and means I can still use this little beasty. I've not used this board live, but it's possible that when mixed with other instruments you can get away without the clicks being noticed.

The end cheeks have a habit of coming loose/wobbly. Not a major problem, as it just takes a few screws being tightened to solve it, but still not too reassuring!

I still use this board a lot. I have recently got a Waldorf Q rack, expecting it to bury the KS4 in a deep hole in the garden, but having the Q highlights the good points of the KS4. They are both great units, but they are very different units, and the complement each other well. Hopefully, this OS upgrade will materialise soon, and the KS4 will be a great buy!

- Using OS 2.0
- Presets are decent. Not all to my liking but decently representative of what it can produce
- Editing it pretty simple though I wish they had stuck with either all sliders or all knobs instead of a combination. Haven't used the patch editor, if there even is one
- Manual is decent as well. I've had better, I've had worse
- If you know something about synth programming it's not that hard to start shaping sounds with it. Multiple use buttons can be bothersome at times, but no in a majoy way

- Polyphony is 16 notes and the keyboard action is good
- Effects are decent quality (I've heard better, I've heard worse), but the best aspect is that each part (in multi-timbral mode) retains it's own effects programming. No sharing the same effects parameters for all the different parts!
- Not sure of any expansion capability...
- Does have after-touch (channel I think), and all the knob/slider inputs transmit MIDI
- No on-board sequencer, but pretty decent arpeggiator and the ability to synch effects, arpeggiators, and lfos all with the touch of a button

- Being a VA synth, no reason to look for realistic acoustic sounds although it can do some basic electric piano and organ sounds
- THE SOUNDS are what I love about this synth. VERY smooth and organic for a synth. Reminds me a lot of my old Casio CZ, and the FM synths. Sharp attacks, and great sonic qualities. REALLY love it for this.
- As stated before, effects are decent, but nothing fabulous
- Keyboard action feels okay for a synth
- Velocity sensitivity isn't quite what I would want, but perhaps I haven't adjusted it exactly to my liking
- BUT... all that being said, there is a problem with certain sounds making clicking noises during the attack. Depending on the wave, and the attack envelope, it can be quite noticable. HOPEFULLY there will be a fix when (or if) the new OS is released. Forums and sites have a LOT of complaints posted about this topic and the lack of response from Novation. I would give it a 10+ were it not for the clicking problem.

- Had to return the first one I ordered because of "phantom parameter changing". Similar to what I've read about the Alesis Ion, certain parameters (LFO, envelope values) will just change themselves and the changing values will show up on the display. Unfortunately this second KS4 keyboard does it a lot less often than the first one, and it took weeks to notice it. It still seems to pop up in waves, being quite problematic, and then disappearing for a while
- The Novation home page is about a 3 on a scale of 1-10 for usefulness (10 being the good end of the scale, of course). FAQs that don't really answer much (pertaining to the KS4 anyway), and no direct way to contact them for support. They slough it off on their sellers
- No, I wouldn't use it in a gig period, until I get this "phantom parameter" problem fixed. As long as it's going through a stable period (few "phantom" changes) I can at least use it in my home recording setup.
- I'm WAY not impressed with Novation "the business"

- Wouldn't know how friendly the company is because they don't really have a easily accessible tech dept. My impression isn't good though

If I could get one of these that didn't click, and didn't have the "phantom parameter" problem, I'd buy another one in a minute. Very nice addition in the way of sounds to any set-up. Would also have paid almost twice as much, if the thing worked as advertised... so it goes
- Give it a 9 for the sounds, and 3 for the problems...

OS 2.0 though Novation have promised an update in March 2004 (see below).

The majority of presets are not to my liking. If you're into Trance, then maybe their good, I dunno. Other styles will require tweaking, preferably from scratch. Fortunately this is pretty easy, and once you've gone through the excellent manual it's a snip to dial up the sound you want.

Polyphony is adequate for me - 16 voices. The keyboard has a nice action, with aftertouch.

I like the way you can configure the filters, envelopes, LFO's, etc - this machine has a LOT of potential, despite it's relative simplicity.

MIDI implementation is good - this is also a very good controller keyboard. There's no sequencer, but I have it hooked up to the computer with no problems.

I love the sounds I can get get from this board - 'liquid analogue' is a good description. It's marketed for a trance sound, but it's a good all-rounder really. Especially at they price they go for now.

People say it sounds thin but I get perfectly good basses from it. You can coax 'FMish' bells 'n' stuff from it (my favs). Pianos are weak - use a sampler or soundfonts for those. The Brass? forget it! The four bank of drums are fantastic - every hit is tweakable, though effects can only be applied globally. Hey - find a workaround ;-)

The effects are few, but generally decent. The distortion I don't like - it seems too 'clinical' rather than gritty.

Ok, now here's the catch....

First, read this post: http://sound-on-sound2.infopop.net/2/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=215094572&f=884099644&m=8443099457&p=1

Now ask yourself why the price of the KS4 has plummetted. Yes, Novation are moving towards software an MIDI controllers. The V-station is supposed to sound just like th K-Station. I don't think it does personally - it lacks that certain something.

But more than that - there is a MAJOR defect with the product as it is. Clearly audible 'pops' and 'clicks' seem, at first, due to the use of too much filter overdrive or distortion or polyphony. However, after a period of use it becomes apparent that these clicks and pops are a feature - and an extremely irritating one at that. This makes the otherwise beautiful sounds of the KS4 unusable. Most amazingly, this defect is very evident in many presets, including the very first one! Try it and listen carefully. Just like Rice Crispies! Aaaaargh.

This problem is not limited to my machine - it is a problem with all KS series (KS4, KS5, KS rack). There is suspician that the defect may be a part of te architecture. A Novation rep has promised (see above post) that the problem will be rectified with a new OS. However, Novation have otherwise been very silent. It is suspected that they no longer intend to support the product and moving into sofware, thus making the KS4 - a piece of worthless crap! What a pity.

If you want to buy this, make sure you check that there is an OS higher than 2.0. Even then, test it rigorously.

If you already have one - write to Novation customer support and demand action.

I bought this based on reviews here and elsewhere (no music shops nearby!). I was surprised at the build quality. The keyboard is nice but the plastic knobs on mine are all crooked. No major beef, though I would hesitate to take it out on the road. The plastic endplates convey a cheapness that could have easily been classy.

Reliabilty as regards sound? Er, no. Not yet anyway.

Don't use the request form on the website - it's a black hole.

I have had one dealing with customer support: I needed help installing OS 2.0 and received very prompt and friendly help. After I installed it I queried the noise artifacts but, like everyone else it seems, I still have got no reply.

Let's hope Novation come through with the new OS, as promised, and that it solves the one niggle that ruins what is a great-sounding and fun synth with excellent potential.

At the very least Novation could publicly release the OS so that someone can reprogram it. Hell, I'm no programmer, but I'd give it a go. Maybe a few other tweaks could be made?

At this price the KS4 is definitely tempting, but buyer beware!...

...at least until they fix the problem. I'll come back when they do.

DC talk was right on in getting the Gutiar Center Nation Wide Closeout for $500. I did the same thing, except I jewed the sales guy down to $470. I actually feel like a keyboard player, instead of a drummer, because this thing is really easy to use. It ain't no Triton, but it sounds better and I can do a bunch of stuff with it already after 2 days. The manual is a bit scarce in the info department. Some typos too. But it does explain how to create the sound, which is very informative.

The arpegiators are cool as are the extended wave forms list. I guess I never had an analog synth before that I could easily edit, but all the knobs for every paramater is the best part. No more page after page after page crap from a TX81Z. I don't like the fact that it reverts to midi channel 1 and performance 100 when powered down and back up again. I can't find any documentation on this, and don't know if it is supposed to retain it's settings when powered down and back up. It has no battery or USB hookups, but it has a vovoder connector, several outputs, and midi thru. I can see how the hypersync is gonna make my life a lot easier. It's more intuitave than my Wavestation wave sequencing. It should line up with beat clock much better.

Very techno, euro type stuff here. It's nice to get away from the Jap stuff. It's like comparing a Yamaha drum set to Premier. Norelco to Braun. Suzuki to Orff. They are just different. More midi sysex on the internet would be appreciated. I can't make the sounds, but I sure can load them in. I love aftertouch. This is the only reason I bought this guy. OK... the price was great too.

I like that it's small. Not as small as my Yamaha CBX-K1XG, but full sized keys and aftertouch are all the schizzel. It seams as solid as my Wavestation which I have used on gigs, so I would say it probably could hold up at a gig. That has to be determined.

I have just asked for customer support on the reverting to midi channel 1 issue and performance #100 when powering back up. If it is a problem, I hope it's just a battery issue. If this is normal, me no likey. We shall see.

I heard Novation sound for the first time about 6 months ago, and wanted the K station because it was different than all my sound sources like Alesis S4 plus, Alesis QSR, Yamaha CBX blah blah, Roland TD8, Alesis D4, Korg Wavestation EX, acoustic drums and electric bass. I think I got a much better deal with the KS4 than the Kstation. Guitar Center is keeping me coming back, that's for sure. Would I buy it again, sure or maybe the Alesis ION. It sounded similar. I couldn't pass it up at $468 even though I am in debt up to my eyeballs. But it is a great asset to my studio. Guitar Center had no box, and it was the last one in the store, but not a scratch on it. Just some finger prints, which Glen, my synth sales guy, wiped off with a paper towel. Thanks Glen. I wish it had a USB connector, but what ever. I just feel that there should be a synth work station that can easily hook to a computer, and be a stand alone giger. Can't wait to try the vocoder. YEE HOO!

Software v. 2.0. When I saw Guitar Center had a close-out price of $500 for this puppy, I snatched one up. At that price it is a genuine steal! Previously, the lowest price I?d seen for this unit was $800 on certain Internet retailers? sites, if you can still find one. Some are still charging $999 (price matching my ass, Musician?s Friend!). At $800, that puts the KS4 in Alesis Ion range. Which is the better synth for the money? Flip a coin. The Ion sounds great, no doubt, and has a superior mod matrix and filters, a better display, but fewer effects, lower polyphony, and an inferior keyboard with no aftertouch. Unfortunately, the Ion I was playing with the same day I bought the KS4 exhibited the notorious ?knob-drift? problem that?s been documented all over the Net. Until Alesis fixes this problem, I myself remain leery of the Ion. And at $500, the KS4 is the superior value. Sure beats the $600 I paid for that Viscount Oberheim OB-12.
The KS4?s interface is as intuitive as any VA on the market and better than most. It?s easy to figure your way around it and create your own sounds. Most of the presets are decent and the effects work fine. I like that it has 200 blank slots for your own patches. It took mere minutes before I had created a lewd, crude blast of distorted mayhem as my first patch just by randomly fiddling with the knobs, and that was before adding any effects! This is as easy to use a synth as exists today, and it has real programming depth.

For what I paid for it, it is unbeatable. Great user interface. Knobs, knobs, knobs. More polyphony than the Ion, and any VA in its price range except the Nord 2x. Better effects than any VA in its price range. Three oscillators per patch--only the Ion equals it in this price range. Decent mod matrix. Decent arpeggiator. Adequate vocoder. The drums can be useful, but won't replace a good sampled kit. The best thing is if you change the parameters of a patch that is used in a performance, it won't change the parameters of that same patch if its used in another performance.

To my ears, the KS4 sounds great. Plenty of meaty synth sounds, and you can roll your own. However, I can do without the useless and inferior organ and e-piano ROM sounds. They add nothing to the value of this machine and waste memory. If I want these sounds out of a ROMpler, I?ll use Roland?s 60s-70s keyboard card in my JV-2080. I want flexible synth sounds out of a VA. Does it sound like a Prophet or a Moog or a JP8? Who cares? It sounds like a good synth! I don?t buy the argument that VAs have to slavishly imitate the analog synths of yore. They should sound good on their own. Yes, the KS4 sounds a little more digital than the Ion, but it still sounds very good.

At $500, you may not be getting a new-in-the-box unit. While the salesman at Guitar Center insisted it was, the severely bent carton looked like it had been re-taped, and it had a big hole in it where the power cord was almost falling out. When I got the unit home, a loose screw was clearly rattling inside the thing. It doesn?t seem to have affected the unit so far, as it seems to be working OK, but there may be a loose circuit board in there that that screw was supposed to be supporting. The kicker was that inside the carton was a note from Sweetwater Music thanking me for my purchase. Clearly, Guitar Center had bought up some restocked merchandise.

After I registered my unit on Novation?s website, I got an email about the loose screw I told them about. They said they were try to set up service with a contractor in Silver Spring. Helpful, but I?ve heard no more since then. We?ll have to see if problems develop, and since Novation seems to be abandoning their hardware synths, whether they will continue to provide support is an open question.

If stolen, I?d buy the KS4 again instantly if I could find one. I think it?s a real loss for Novation to be exiting the hardware synth market for soft synths (and Waldorf seems to be heading in that direction, too). Call me old-fashioned, but I prefer the tactile feel of turning real knobs to trying to turn a virtual knob with a mouse. Yes, soft synths can do amazing things and are more economical than hardware, but they can?t replace the hands-on user experience of a well-designed hardware synth. My days of buying ROMplers are past. I will no longer buy a synth that does not have a full complement of knobs to tweak. Of course, as a hobbyist, my funds are very limited, so I can?t afford a Waldorf Q, an Access Virus, or a Nord Lead 3 (although the Nord 2x looks tempting). Frankly, I only buy synths at the end of their sales cycle when they are on close-out. Can't afford them otherwise. And at $500, the KS4 is the best bargain in synthdom.

Latest software version
some interesting presets - with new software has drum presets which sound pretty good - editing patches is a doddle - so many knobs -so much to do
manual is ok - needs more diagrams and pics

polyphony is 16 voice - have k-station which I love( but only 8 voice) - much more powerfull in my opinion than k-station- also has low/band/high pass filters for some great sounds arpeggiator has some good patterns - lfo's also have pattern type waveforms -great fun - and mixer much more powerfull than k-station (can use lfo's and envelope to fade in/modulate waveform mix)

can produce some great analogue sounds - more mod possibilities than k-station - good at most sounds, but bass not as good as waldorf Q (which I have) and extra waveforms (accept for noise type) an extra that I dont really use too much.

k-station very solid ('cos smaller) ks-4/5 a bit more fragile -but nice steel panel and solid construction - used k-station live - not yet used ks-4 but should be ok

never used company - only used website which is ok

love it - even more than my k-station - differnt sound to waldorf Q - not so bassey but very instantanious - easy to program - would definately buy again if lost/stolen etc

I like the interface and the manual is nice although their section on sys-exec leaves a little to the imagination. It's a pretty intuitive module.

The knobs just feel right. The perfect amt of friction and they just feel quality.

I knew what I was getting into and did my research. I bought this guy because it does awsome effects, sweeps, and the arppegio section is pretty strong IMHO. I use this to make most of my basslines that arn't played on a electric bass. I canno't make this the centerpiece because I do not find that the pads are very warm or useful. Unlike the access or nord, hitting a chord fails to drop all the engineers in the room down to the floor into an orgasm.

Pretty solid. I'd gig without a backup

I'd rape the person who stole it however I'd probably upgrade to the supernova

OS 1.0


Well, I'm getting round this board pretty quickly. Anyone with any prior experience will fond this a doddle, and anyone new to synths will learn a lot from this baord. It's one of the easiest synths to use I've ever had. The manual is pretty good, if a tad on the thin side, but really, it's not rocket science here!

The keyboard action was what caught my attention with this board first off - very nice. Responsive, but not too heavy. The aftertouch has a lovely feature where the key clciks up at the back slightly so you know you're activating it. The effects are dead easy to use, and tweak on the fly. I love the way the performances are saved - you can edit a patch, yet if you have used it in a performance elsewhere, the performance stays the same. This is a clever bit of thinking from Novation, and shows a lot of careful planning. I wish this synth had a bit of expandability, as I like to personalise my instruments. However, Novation do seem very good about adding features in OS updates (compare the Nova now with how it was when it came out!!!) Not the most versatile of boards - it tends to do one style of sound very well (ie analogue), but if you buy this expecting stereo sampled pianos, then you've obviously not done your homework!!!


Another thing I would have liked is a mod-matrix. As it stands, there isn't much in this department. However, at the price the board sells for, I guess certain features found on more expensive boards will be missing. The sound is just as good though, imho!

I was blown away by the sounds on this board when I first played it. They are full, glossy, and extremely usable. The pads in particualr are to die for. However, the preset basses are a bit lacklustre. A bit of programming sorts this out, but since the other presets are pretty damn great, it's a shame that the basses feel overlooked. My main moan here is the inclusion of EPs and organs. Personally, I don't rate them at all. They sound thin and half arsed when compared to the 60s and 70s expansion in my XP80. The KS4 is a VA - why is it trying to be a ROMpler?!? I appreciate that it makes the board a slightly better alrounder, but the quality of the sounds in this category don't stand up with the rest of the synth type patches on this board.


I love the way the sounds respond to aftertouch though. Playing this synth is a joy due to the fantastic keyboard, and the pitch and mod wheels are very solid feeling.

Overall, this synth is very solid. I also had a loose end panel when I got it, but tightening the screw soon sorted this out. My main wory is that the knobs and especially the sliders will get damaged in transport, but this is not a criticism of the synth. It's just the way things are with realtime controls - lots of foam and bubblewrap are used when I take this synth live!

Nver dealt with Novation directly, but their website seems very good, and if the support for previous products is anything to go by, you can't go wrong here!

I have owned a fair bit of gear in my 8 years of playing, mainly Roland stuff. At present, I own a 3xExpanded XP80, and that's about it apart from the KS4. The two go together so well, that I have a pretty good variety of sounds with just these boards.


I may have been a bit picky in the reviews I've written here,\ focusing mainly on the niggles rather than the many plus points. It's far easier to talk about what I didn't like about this board, as if I described everything I love about it, I'd be here all day!


I will give this synth a 10 overall, as despite the niggles, at this price there is very little contest (except maybe the Alesis Ion).

This synth has an excellent interface making it easy to edit patches.The presets are tasty and pretty well-varied. There really is no need for a patch editor as the programming is straightforward and even fun.The manual seems pretty good although the section on syncing the various parameters is sketchier than it should be.

16 note polyphony here is adequate overall. The effects are actually quite good and what is most wonderful is that they are programmable for each voice within a multi, which is not what you get on most synths. I think Novation uses panning extremely well and the patches have depth because of this.

Smooth but thin overall, there is a liquidity to the sounds but they do have a somewhat digital essence to them. Still, they shine and are sweet and beautiful. The pads remind me of an FM synth or a K5000s with lots of processing.

Well made but unit came with the end panel loose due to a screw that was untightened. Disconcerting but not terrible.

They have a good website. I have not called yet.

I like this synth but would hesitate to use it as my only synth. The Ion is more analogue but at times I would rather have the Novation "shimmer" and glossiness.

2003 version. The 40 key KS4. Only diff between it and the KS5 is one more octave of keys, for 61, and $300 higher price. Several very good to excellent synth presets in both the programs & performances sections. Editing sounds is easy & fun. Front panal knobs & switches with there assorted glowing red or green lights helps. Excellent manual. No need for a patch editor.

16 voice polyphony. 49 keys. Effects has delay, reverb, chorus, distortion, eq, panning, vocoder. Overdrive is available also, via the filter section. Not expandable. Can download stuff from Novation website. Nice onboard arps. Nice selection of waveforms. Has Sine, triangle, sawtooth, square, & some digita waveforms. 3 oscillators per program. Performances can combine up to 4 programs. Keyboard can be split. Basic midi ability. Keyboard feels fine to me. Some prefer a weighted ect type keyboard, this one isnt. But thats fine with me. The vocoder works well. But procesing things like guitar or bass thru the audio in is problematic. Unless just useing that to create weirdness to the synths voices via the input signal changing envelopes ect.

Its a VA synth. So its gonna do great synthesizer voices. Isnt geared toward creating replicas of organs, pianos, ect ect. You want a rompler for that rather then a Va. Is excellent synth for creating whatever synthesizer type sounds, voices, effects, ect. Great choice for any type of electronica, or other music where you want synth. I'm mainly useing mine for a variety of whirly & shimmering type ufo type pads along with some ghost pads. The latter being lingering dark atmospheric & haunting type pad things. I dont do much melodic lead type voice things but presets like programs #198 "wired", & #291 "monster module" are splendid lead voices imo. 2 Fave preset pads are prog's #244 "radiohead", & #278 "cyber landing". The various bass presets are also among the best I've heard. Useing the arps is easy & produces very musical things suitable to electronica dance. The drum sounds are also very good. I love the things liqued analog sound. Not as harsh as some va I've heard. Though harshness in a voice can be useful too. Lol.

I've had mine about 2 weeks now. Hasnt found any gitches or problems. Is very well made. See's no reason for it to develope problems. I also play a Yamaha CS2x synth. The two pair together nicely.

Have dealt with Novation directly. Just browses there website now & then.

Overall rates the Novation KS4 a 10. Is very much suited to the type of synth atmosphere sounds ect I want to make. Can easilly make synth music with it. Loves its looks, sounds, & feel. Would replace it with another if lost or stolen. Compared it to the Nord lead2 & EMU XK6 extreme keys. May get one of those later as another board. Lol.