Novation Nova II

Not sure which software version I have. The presets are really diverse. Editing is a breeze thanks to all the tweakable knobs and faders. You can't help but play. The manual is very helpful.

Polyphony isn't bad-I don't get clipped except when I'm trying too many notes while using a pad. The effects are really nice-I especially like the bypass all function if you want a dry sound. The input helps to route effects through this guy. Midi gives me a problem every once in a while when I fire up my sequencer, the keyboard suddenly stops responding. I have to turn off the keyboard then fire it back up.

This machine sounds as sweet as all of the vintage novation instruments. I've been playing the new KS synths and those sounds are more modern by comparison. I may trade in, but I'll miss this! I also own a NORD LEAD II and that really gives a crunchy analog sound when compairing apples to oranges. The NOVA will give great low end and some great leads, but it doesn't have the punch that the NORD does. You get a little more push when you turn off the effects. I'd say this is a great choice for anyone trying to write any Techno/Trance music. The aftertouch is nice but I often forget that it's there.

I'd say this is reliable, but it's frustration how it doesn't respond well to my sequencer initializing when all of my other synths do. I've used it in several studios and it seems to hold up as well as all the others.

Never called-I'd like to but I know it's out of warranty.

If something happened to it, I'd probably go with the SuperNova or the KS Rack. The sounds are very similar to the Waldorf Q and the Nord Lead II, but the bass and tweakability really shine. I recommend it to anybody who's looking for a lot of bang for their buck!

OS version 1.5
The presets are absolutely fantastic. This synth is a DREAM. Trance, techno, breakbeat, drum n bass, acid house, trip-hop, movie soundtrack stuff... good god does it sound great.
Editing patches is fairly easy, setting effects settings is not (especially when combined with a sequencer)... for some reason I cannot get my Nova II to sync delay times to my song's tempo in Cakewalk Sonar... I have no idea what I'm doing wrong. But other than that, it's easy to program/manipulate patches.
I don't get the manual... a lot of sections could have been written a lot more clearly, with a lot more information.

I got a Nova IIx (with 24-voice polyphony) which is more than enough. The keyboard action feels beautiful. I use it to control every other synth in my studio (Casio CZ-1, Roland D-50, Yamaha CS1x, E-mu Proteus 2000). It is expandable as far as I know, you can expand on the polyphony, but again, 24 is more than enough.
I think the MIDI capablities are extensive. You can do whatever you want pretty much, but as I wrote above, I cannot get delay times sync'd to tempo. It's obviously something, but I don't know what. And I'm not a stranger to MIDI or synthesis either, something about the Nova's menus annoy me.
No on-board sequencer but it has 256 patches called "performances" which allow you to split the keyboard 4-5 ways and the bottom octave is a techno sequence (complete with drums and bassline), and the other keys add to the basic arrangement. It's definitely fun to mess around with, I don't know about how to go about in programming my own performances. I just love this synth's sounds so much that a lot of the other features seem unnecessary to me. It does however, have an incredibly versatile and amazing arpeggiator. VERY versatile.

Ok... there are a lot of synths out there right.... that do analog/VA pretty well. Well, I don't think any come close to the Nova II. Honestly it is the sickest sounding keyboard I have ever played. And that's a huge compliment. I own a Roland Juno-60 which is incredibly fun to play but I dunno... the Nova II can do ANY sound.... anything. And the built-in effects are AWESOME. What's better than that is yo uhave 6-part multitimbrality and that includes different effects ON EACH PART. That is such a great feature. Seriously. SOOO useful. God... this thing can do anything. 303's, REALLY nice organs, great ambient/trance leads... you name it. It's disgusting. But in a good way. It is VERY responsive to velocity, I don't think as responsive when it comes to aftertouch, though. The mod wheel on some patches just SCREAMS... it's so rad. God. Get yourself a Nova II like... now. I was so lucky to pick mine up at SamAsh for a closeout of just $999.00. I initially bought a K-Station (which blew my f--kin' mind, soundwise), but.... the fact that it has very few keys AND it's only monotimbral, was so incredibly annoying. I took the K-Station back the next day without a second thought and bought this Nova IIX with the remaining money I had... I walked out of the store with the biggest grin on my face and that grin hasn't left me since.

When I first got the synth, I noticed three keys (the same ones, from low octave to around middle C) did not work at all (they worked, but did not make sound). I had to contact Novation (and they were AMAZING as far as tech support is concerned...) they fixed it fast and since then it's worked like a charm. See below for more info about how great they are, when it comes to support.

As I said above, I had some dead keys problem.... contacted Novation, they got back to me quick..... I took the synth to a pack-n-send place and Novation PAID for FedEx PRIORITY OVERNIGHT to the United Kingdom AND paid for it AGAIN when they shipped it back to me and I thought that was just GREAT... my synth was only gone for ONE WEEK, came back in perfect shape.... the problem was some wire crimp that was a factory fault and they already knew about it and had fixed hundreds of other synths with a similar problem. I think that may have been why I got it on sale, I don't know.... but. since then it's worked like a charm. Special shout-outs must be given to Novation UK and Novation USA for being VERY VERY VERY helpful..... I mean, seriously. I don't think any other synth manufacturer has had better (and friendlier, AND faster) tech support.

If someone stole this... haha. Death. Without question. I would buy this again in a heartbeat. You can find them sometimes at SamAsh (and SuperNova's, which are exactly the same, with slightly more knobs, but the same presets/patches).... but your best bet is Ebay. They are worth their weight in gold. I got lucky finding mine for so cheap (and at a great time, I had just gotten my tax return!)... I think the Nova II listed at $2800 brand new.... and it's worth that, believe me. I have been playing keyboards for about 6 years now and it's just... it is the foundation for most of my music. I love my Yamaha CS1x (it is a GREAT techno synth), but the Novation's capabilities are just so much greater. and the sounds......... the sounds.... sigh. I pity anyone who buys a Nord Lead-- their sounds SUCK compared to Novation's... plus, with Novation you get internal effects. And oh yeah, did I mention the built-in vocoder? A MUST-HAVE for any fans of electro music and bands like The Faint. It works awesome. And sounds great. This synth definitely helps me make music. Beautiful. Plus it looks cool as hell. You can't go wrong. No way.

I'm using OS 1.5, very stable operating system. The Nova II is extremely easy to use, editing/creating your own sound is quick and innovative. The presets are awesome, and modifying/creating your own patches is extremely easy and fun. I've owned a few other VAs like the Waldorf Q and the Virus B but none of them were as intuitive to use as this thing.

The standard polyphony is 12, but easilyu be upgraded to 24 or 36 (and doing so is quite cheap, around $100 for 12 extra voices). So basically what you have is a Supernova II with one octave smaller keyboard and 6 part multitimbrality as opposed to the 16 parts on the Supernova II. However, this is not a problem for me because I never use more than 6 sounds at a time, in one song from this synth anyway.... i mean, 6 parts can be limiting if the Nova II is your only synthesizer but for me it's not limiting and all.

The presets are great, they arent just thrown together by the developer but are actually useable although of course it's a lot more fun editing your own patches.

The Nova II has a nice liquid sound, it's not quite as warm as the Waldorf Q can be, and not quite as rough as the VirusB can be, however, the Nova does a little bit of both and if you can only afford one VA-synth I would go with a Novation one.

You can boink out wonderful trance-sounds, basses, kickdrums, sweepy pads etc.

I haven't owned the buggar that long but it seems very stable and solid both hard- and software wise.

never had to deal with Novation...

If it was lost or stolen I would find it or steal it back. I got mine quite cheap (had been used for 2 months and in excellent condition). I depend on this thing now, I use it with a sampler and a Roland XV-5080 amd I have all the sounds I need.

I have a Nova II X w/24 notes of polyphony. Although initally foreboding this is a pleantly easy to use synthesizer. The physical setup of knobs and buttons make sense and the operating system is clear. I am using OS 1.5. Presets are a reasonable representation of much of what the Nova II can do. One nice feature is the find button that allower the user four catagories they can create along with many pre-defined by Novation. You can switch though patches by type of catagory. This is great when you know the style of timbres you want to use live on stage. If you are new to editing the manual will help you learn both how to use the Nova II and give you a nice primer on synthesis theory. Once up to speed or if already familiar with analog synthesis the Nova II is a snap. The manual is easy to understand and brief without skimping on detail, well done.

For those unfamiliar the Nova is available in 3 configurations. Base Nova II - 12 voice polyphonic, Nova II X - 24 voice pholyphonic, Nova II XL - 36 voice polyphonic. 24 voices of polyphony should work for most people although in sequences you may want 36. There are six channels available to midi along with six outputs, I think all six are stereo although I use 1 + 2 as Left + Right. The only way to expand on the Nova II is through it's operating system or if you have the stock or X unit though voice expansion boards. So far the OS has included extra filters and a double saw wave that in effect is two seperate occilators that can be detuned. This is important as discussed later.

The synthesis engine is flexible, 3 osc, 2 filters, modulation matrix, 7 effects per voice. There are also noise and FM synthesis available. Most important whatever you program per voice counts as one note of polyphony. Everything transmits midi. Now, consider that doublesaw update. You now have a six occilator saw with up to six different detunings that can by synched. It is massive sounding. Each voice retains it's effects in a performance, a collection of up to six different patches. Note, every patch in the performance retains it's own effects so you have up to 42 effects available in a performance.

In a sense the Nova II reminds me of the Japanese synths where you have impressive numbers, like 380+ patches, 256 performances, 127 favorites, again, another nice touch while retaining a more American sound. So it is ironic that Novation is a British company and true to stereotype well designed.

The arpeggiator is excellent with realtime control and additonal menu controls to create very complex to simple patterns. A large number of presets are available and 50 user arps for polyponic and monophonic patterns.

The keyboard is nicely designed, they feel good with some resistence and snap when releasing quickly. High quality and accurate. There are a lot of synths out there that have terrible aftertouch controls through their keyboards, not here. 49 medium action keys with a sensibly placed set of octive buttons near the master volume knob.

It's VA, it doesn't sound 100% like analog. That said there are many areas where I prefer the sound of the Nova II. It has a polite, slightly refined sound by nature. You can get harsh but it won't match something like a Q (I own a microQ, it is far different sounding in all ways, less refined, more harsh and yet musical.) Whatever kind of sound you need, phat or delicate a synth can be gotten. I say this because the Nova II seems to have the best overall range of the VAs I've played including Access B, MS2000, Q, JV8080, nord lead.

All have good sounds but Novation seems to have most if not all the bases covered. Between that and it's playability it really is easy to see why people love using this synth.

Synth timbres are well designed and easy to program. They sound great and can be enhanced by the effects engine. You have various reverbs, delay, choruses, panning effects, distortion and configuration of effects, changing the configuration can drastically change the timbre you are working on. There is a subdued quality to many patches/performances, not to mention the nice drum maps. Again, I don't want people to mistake my comments. The Nova II is deep and can really screech and wail but it can also recreate that warm sound that gets very close to analog. Again, using the Waldorf microQ for comparison....well there isn't really a comparison. This isn't bad actually. The microQ has a unique and attractive sound as does the Nova II. In fact in unison many of the sounds are fantastic, far better than the sum of each synth. Try layering with other synths, you'll be impressed.

Solid build, hard plastic end caps, metal construction throughout the rest of the synth except the knobs, sliders and swithces which are hard plastic except for the pitch and modulation weels which are difficult to describe beyond saying they feel good when using. Get a decent case for travel and you should be set up. I'd use it at a gig but I always have some kind of backup. The Nova II is built with quality in mind. It is craftsmanship.

Haven't dealt with them. They need to update and provide more information at their web site. It is difficult to learn about the Nova II, example, I didn't know for sure until I had the unit home whether it did what the Nova desktop did with OS4. It does but it's not the ideal way to find out.

I don't give out 10's often as you may have noticed in the ratings for each feature but the Nova II gets a 10 for overall execution of design, good OS, Novation's willingness to update and improve their synthesizers and the inspiring sounds and brilliant layout.

I compared it to an Access Virus B (just not my thing), MS2000, use one, not enough polypony or variety although I like it, Waldorf XTk, love the synth but 10 voices isn't enough and the keyboard didn't compare, that said one day the microWave will be part of my setup although the microQ does a nice job of emulating the microWave to a degree.

I do not hate anything about the Nova II. If I could have afforded it I would have gotten the Supernova with 48 note polyphony but then I'd consider the XTk or microWave XT and Nova II if I had the cash to spend. I would replace it without question.

One thing I'd like to get across to synthesists of all styles, the VA market in general is marketed as techno friendly. The Nova II is no different but it can do so much more than the trance heavy presets found on the Nova. Besides, some of the trance sounds work great in a variety of music. Don't overlook this synth if you play progressive or experimental music, you will almost certainly enjoy the Nova II.

I have just installed the OS version 1.5. (a nice improvement, actually). The Nova II is definately close to perfect when it comes to sound editing. It's extremely easy to make almost all kinds of sounds; Phat strings/pads, deep massive basses, FM sound`s a la DX7 etc. You must be a fool if you're not able to make nice sounds on this machine. The presets are in general very good (extensive mix of different sound types), and in most cases function as good basis for edititing.

The manual is easy to understand and well written. Nothing negative about it at all. As good as a manual should be...

The Nova II has 12 tones polyfony. It's expandable to 24 or 48. This is something I probably will do in the nearby future. 12 tone is definately not to much if you only use one sound source. The keys have nice feeling, but not as nice as the Supernova II.

I love the built in effects even though it has gotten some negative critics for being too clear/metalic-like. I definately consider the built in effects as very complex (in a positive way) compared to many other synths like Nordlead, Waldorf, MS2000 etc. It one of the reasons why I bought Nova II instead of the other competitors.

The MIDI capabilities are more than satisfying. Nothing negative to say about this.

The sounds are magnificent. Extremely phat. Extremely dynamic. Extremely massive. Extremely analogue-like (in most cases even better than the real thing). Like only Novation can make.

The Nova II is born to make good electronica whether it's techno, ambient, trance, dance or house (you name it...).

When it come to sound its a true killer.

It's reliable! No fuzz. What more is there to say?

Never needed support, but the homepage is not among the most updated. I'll give Novation an 8 here.

If stolen, I would buy a new one the same day. This is a synth I know I will have a lot of fun with for years. I just love this machine. It's the closest thing to complete (only The Supernova II is more complete I guess, but the Nova II is due to its size, a little more handy moving around). If I were forced to only stick to one sound source, the Nova II is the one (for sure).

When I bought it I compared it to Access Virus, Nord Lead 2, Korg MS2000 plus a couple of other equivalent VA synths. Considering the price I look upon the Nova II as the far best alternative for my needs. The sounds presets are excelent, so the effects. What makes it a total killer is from my point of view, the sound editing possibilities. I can only come up with one negative thought about the synth. It is only 6 part multi timbral, it ought to be 16 (ore more...)
I recommend everybody to try out this beast!

I've tryed it without the manual, but I felt I got the hang of it fairly quick. The effects are extreemly east to use.

Loads of features though I haven't got the hang of it yet. The preasure sensetivity keyes are awsome and it modulates when you press extra hard! Love it! Apprigators are good, but there should be a way to edit them and make your own... There probably is, but I havn't gotten to it yet.

WOW! If your makin' trance... This is it!

I used eight hours (continous) just sitting there with a feeling soooo good it's hard to describe. Just sitting there playing fat trance easyer then ever... It's just like hearing Blanc & Jones, Gouriella, System-F, Airscape, Tiesto. TRY IT OUT!

Version 1.5 OS. This board would be very easy to use live, although its larger sibling has more single function knobs which would be better if you like to sweep lfo's and stuff. In a sequencing setup, which I use it for, you must enable midi thru on the global midi channel for the keyboard or none of the controls work. This is of course with the local off. When you turn off the local control, you really turn it off, even the master volume know doesn't respond!

The keyboard I have is a Nova II four-octave keyboard with 36 voices. It has less knobs and one less keyboard octave, but sound wise seems identical to the supernova II 36 voice.

This is one of the top sounding VA boards on the market, only the Access (We make one keyboard a week) Virus can compare in terms of sound or features at anything close to this price.

I am not sure, never move it from my studio. However, I got this board as a replacement for my fourth Supernova II board. I ended up with the Nova II because all of the supernovas I tried had serious case bending problems from shipping. I looked at the nova II in the store and it just seemed like because it was shorter and more compact that it felt more solid.

I have not contacted them.

I cannot live without the sounds this board creates...