Novation Supernova II

I had Access Virus B, Nord Lead 2, even played with Alesis Andromeda... Nothing, and I mean nothing comes even close to my Supernova. WOOOOW!

Ok, back to topic: I am running to OS2 and presets sound awesome - that's what sold the unit. I turned it on and out of the box I had killer, phat sounds it is amazing of what this thing is capable of doing. I bought Access Virus twice before - once KBD version, didn't like it - sold it. After reading more misleading reviews and opinions I thought maybe I was not really maxing it out due to lack of knowledge of the thing. So I bought AV for the second time and this time I read manual front to back and over again. Plainly put - it sucked a big one. Then, I discovered Supernova and it was a love at first sight/listen. Without even turning a single knob this thing floored my senses - so much for presets.

Editing patches is relatively easy, but I am not a synth expert (yet!). I plan to memorize the manual and read as many forums as it takes.
Haven't tried patch editor, so I can't comment.

Manual is ok. Consistent - starts out with basics and moves on. Virus manual seemed to jump around a lot and started out easy but then skyrocketed into another territory where PHD in engineering was a minimum requirement.

I have a rack unit, so I can't comment on keyboard action. Polyphony is awesome - haven't used up max yet (I have a 24voice version). Can be expanded to 36/48 voices and can take SPDIF/ADAT card (but you knew that already). Midi capabilities are pretty impressive - considering allmost all controllers send midi data - you can do some freaky sh*t with it, this thing is MIDI trick heaven.

I know it's got a sequencer, but I don't use it... No need to.

REalistic instruments... Ummm... NO! I have XP60 for realistic (semi) sounds. This thing has awesome pads, freaky effects, and some crazy patches... We're talking deeeeep deeep freak zone - away from real as possible. This thing is for Dance/Trance/Techno/Industrial maniac - forget your friends, forget going out - you'll be glued to this thing... And your girl??? Well, she'll feel jealous over the attention you'll be paying to this thing's knobs instead of hers. ;)

It reacts to aftertouch sent from MIDI master - just as expected (duh)

It seems like a solid unit. I did have few glitches between my MIDI keyboard and Supernova - after I opened few menus I couldn't change patches from master controller - had to use the supernova's knob, but it could be due to the fact that my XP60 is dated - so problem may be there. Would I use it on a gig??? Yeah, as soon as I get one ;)

Haven't dealt with them yet. Hope I won't have to.

If it was lost - I'd buy it again, thought this time in Keyboard version, just coz' I hate wiring. I think I got a good deal on it, considering the shape it was in - very very good, like new. I've been playing for about 8 years (4 years - academically trained don't laugh.... on Acordeon )))) Buwhwhwhahaha... Sorry. The rest is Piano/guitar self taught. I have Roland XP60, Roland JD-800, and just sold Access Virus (did I say that virus sucks??? -here come the flames)

I love everything about it, as far as hate... There's no hate here, just love baby. I compared it to tons of other stuff. This one won!

I wish it had "For Dummies" book - so that I can be lazy and read all the stuff in easy terminology (not having to look it up on the net all the time)

It helps me make awesome music - I can just chill listening to each patch for days, stuck on a single note.

If you have doubts - get it, you won't regret it! And for all those that say that it sounds flat, lame, etc. I have a great example - when I was starting out I bought a cheapo guitar and thought that I could be the next Joe Satriani or Eddie Van Halen. But, I couldn't even squeeze "Old mcdonnald" from it and it sounded like crap to me. Then, my professional guitar player friend got a hold of it and made it scream with passion and warmth... So, the moral of the story is - if you're flat, inexperienced, or simply don't have any imagination then the fault is within you, not the equipment. A pro can make a bucket of nails sound like an instrument. Don't believe me - see "Stomp".

;)

Version 4.5
I found that this keyboard is extremely easy to use. The layout is in order from oscillators to the efx section so its easy to understand the path the signal takes.

I have the 24 Polyphony version and I haven't maxed it out yet. The good aspect about this keyboard is that there is a polyphony overload indicator. The keyboard action is far better than anything that I have played. Beats all clavia products.
The Effects section is easy to use and I can't complain about them because they don't sound that bad. The vocoder is off the hook!!!!! It sounds very impressive.
The effects can also be routed to 7 different parts. And the best part is that the effects aren't global. You can assign 7 different effects to each part.
The midi is the most impressive part of this keyboard because almost every parameter, knob and button transmit midi data.

I have read a couple of the more recent reviews and some fellas were giving the sound no props. You guys are idiots. This keyboard has a very unique sound of its own. It is uncomparable to any other keyboard.
The trick is to make a sound that pleases you and not to rely on the presets as with any keyboard. (why they put presets in a synth is beyond my comprehension)
If you want presets, buy a triton. If you want to make the presets for the triton, buy the supernova.

I am 100% sure that this item is gigable without a backup. If it isn't, then novation is in trouble.
(for 2 g's, the shit better play by itself)

This keyboards a corvette. When I received the keyboard, there was some loose parts on the inside.
So I called customer support, and they told me its probably broken plastic or something.
So I took the liberty to open it up. The shit opens up like a laptop. Unscrew to screws and lift up, the top part of the keyboard is on a hinge.
I then found two screws in it. So customer support....well you decide.
(sorry I went off on a tangent.)

I chose this keyboard because of the many reviews I read. THen I had a chance to play with it and I fell in love with it.
I would never sell it!!!!!!
It is easy for me to express my thoughts musically with ease.
And it sequences great with the MPC2kXL

Easy to use, as pretty much everything you need to manipulate your sounds is on the face of this machine. Tiny display is annoying for more in depth programming, especially at $2300 price point.

This thing has just about every possible feature you could want on an Virtual Analog board -and then some. Appregiators -even polyphonic ones, up the wazoo , FX aplenty, filters galore, way cool oscilators, FM synthesis, Vocoder !!!. this badboy has it all. The only machine that comes even close to the SuperNova II in features is the Virus B.

If you want emualtions of real instruments buy a sampler. If you want that old Jupiter 8 sound then a Virtual Analog board is for you though probably not this one.
Sound is the one area that I find the SuperNova II vastly dissapointing. In fact I would go so far to say that the new Proteus 2500 does a better job at recreating analog sounds. Once you take the effects out of the the signal path, the SuperNova II sounds rather lean, limp, and lifeless. The Nord Lead 2, Roland JP8000
Waldorf Q and the Access Virus B all sound far more vibrant and alive in my opinion. It is such a shame beacuse the SuperNova II excells in so many areas. The only other Virtual Analog boaard that I heard that was worse sounding than the SuperNova II in this regard was that Oberheim Virtual Analog boaard. Really folks audition the SuperNova II next to even a ROMpler like the Proteus 2500 and I think you will be hard pressed to tell any difference in analog synth sound quality. In fact, with the synth expansion board installed, I'd say the Proteus 2500 sounds a bit more alive and analog than the SuperNova II.

So far so good knobs bit twiddly though

I would easily give this board a 10 if it wasn't for its thin, lifeless sounds. No matter how u tweak em the SuperNova II sounds weak. And folks please listen to the patches w/o effects to see what is really there. Luckily, in the overall mix, the sound quality is satisfactory for my needs. Feature wise this thing is a real beast and you can do a ton of neat stuff with it. If Novatiuon can just figure out how to get the sound quality up to snuff they will have a trully awesome machine on their hands.

If my SuperNova II was stolen I'd live without it. Hopefully soon after an Andromeda would come up for sale on eBay

In it's latest software revision the Supernova II has a few more features and extra waveforms. The presets gives a good impression of what this machine is about and with it's many knobs it's fairly easy to modify them to ones taste (always a good way of getting started on a new machine). A few features are hidden in submenus but mostly everything's is no more than a twist away. The manual is fairly good although it misses out on some features - like digital options and so on.

I have the standard 24 voice model - but that's all I need. I've never been a fan of performance mode as it takes away from the simplicity and overview of any synth (with a few exeptions). MIDI implementation is good, if a little akward (Local mode off also turns off any editing capability)
The built-in effects sound horrible and I would like to be able to turn off the reverb forever. The appegiator is fun but it would be nice if it would sync to MIDI automatically. (Same with the delay).

I'm glad Novation didn't spend time on a sequencer. Would somebody please tell Emu that 90% of all people have a computer and a MIDI program?

Now here comes the bad news: this is a machine that emulates analog synths and it doesn't do a very good job. All the features on this baby doesn't cover up for one simple thing: The sound is thin and uninspiring. I have had the luck of having a wide range of synths in my long career as a dance producer and the Supernova II is a bland replica of a glorius past and all the on-board effects and modulation features can't hide that.
In the same category, the Nordlead has a far more animated sound an the AN-1X is classic at one third of the price. Even the JP-8080 and MS-2000 beats this machine in terms of sound.
The oscillators sound dull and the filter (with or w/o resonance) is making it worse, leaving the effects to do the 911 work, but it doesn't help much.
I wish more of you guys reviewing on Harmony Central would experience the pleasure of having an Oberheim Expander, a Minimoog, or even a Juno-60 in your studio. You'll notice that they have a character and richness that only very few of the modern synths have.
So based on it's price I rate it a 1....

It's sitting in my studio and has turned on every time....

I hope I'll never find out...

This one is going back again. I'm taking offers.....

Novation is easy to learn in its own type. You can start making music on it from the very first day but you will never stop learning its features, because they are unlimited. The menual is pretty easy to understand if you know the basics what are they talking about it but even being not an English speaker, I did not have any problems understanding the menuals.

Novation is very easy to use. The desing is quite nice, althought i would definalty switch some things around. The Part Edit menu is too far which does not make life perfomance so easy. But still its great. the rest is great. Pro sound. Pro Effects, sounds fantastic. If you are interested in making Trance, then its the right tool for you. Dont think, get it.

Everything in it is great. Easy to use and sounds amaizing, probably the best piano out there!!!!

Very stable, does not glitch, does not ruin sound. Good for live perfomance.

Althought custumer support is in England, those guys still can help you right away via e-mail. Very friendly and nice people. Its easy to understand, you wont be needing support anyway

Great tool to make nice Trance. There is not much better then this tool. If you really want to own a great tool for all. This is it. So many functions, live tweaking, buttons, knobs, on board computer. Its a supperior machine to all!!! 10++ good job Novation

Purchased August 01, with latest software (1.5).
I traded in an original Supernova (rack) for this, so i'm sort of familiar with the sound and features. However, i Love the II keyboard. Working with the keyboard version makes everything so much more accessible. I previously didn't do much patch creation, just because of ergonomic issues (reaching for knobs and such), but having everything laid out so beautifully on the keyboard version will certainly encourage me to play with sounds more often.
The presets are great. I debated over choosing the Nord 3, Waldorf Q, and what else(?), maybe a Virus Indigo, but every time i went to a store to try out the newest 'analog' synth, i was disappointed, and still found my way over to the Supernovas. I might have wanted an Andromeda, but the cost, and Alesis' problems put the kabosh on that.

Editing patches is cinchy. Everything's there. Knobs. Not menus. Actually, there are menus, but only to further the depth of the knobs. It's cool the way it's laid out. Logical. I only have looked at the manual to figure out how to use it multitimbrally with Logic.

I got the 24 voice version. I'm now getting into using a lot of softsynth stuff with Logic (the EXS24 sampler is amazing. Sold my maxed out Akai S5000) ? i'm waiting for the emagic ES2, and i'm using Reason, so i didn't think i needed the max number of voices available. But, the beauty of the SNII is that i have the option to upgrade it.

The effects are great. Not necessarily the quality of them, although i have no criticism there, but the fact that i don't lose them in a multitimbral setup. THAT alone, is perhaps the most amazing spec.

There's no sequencer, but then, does anyone really use built-in sequencers anymore? The arpeggiator, however, is excellent. Had it synced to Logic in a minute.

It sounds great. Fatter than my Korg MS2000. To my ears, more
'interestiing' and thick than the Virus kb i tested in the store. Less digital than Roland's stuff. I used to want a Nord, but the 3 sounds less analog than the 2, and they're just too feature-weak.

The effects are great, just from flexibility alone. Synced delays to midi clock in seconds. Oh, yah. This thing has bass and treble knobs. Such simple tools should be included on every synth.

There aren't a lot of 'realistic' sounds. I have a Kurzweil K2500 for piano, strings, etc. This thing just does great synth sounds. I'd give it a ten, except for the fact that it isn't 'really' analog. So, something like an Andromeda might outperform it there. And, it doesn't do realism, so some future instrument might trump it at some point. So, gotta leave some headroom. But, i have zero criticisms of the sound.

Seems built solidly. It's an elegant instrument, but also seems sturdy. It's used only in my studio, however, so i won't bother rating it for roadworthiness. It's nice, though. And, as nicely built as anything else out there. I'd have no qualms with taking it out. Backup? If i had the resources, i wouldn't gig anywhere without a backup for everything. But, this unit gives me no reason to think it would be unreliable.

N/A

If lost or stolen, i'd get another. Of course, that could change based on what comes out later. But, considering what's out there now, there's nothing i'd rather have, save for perhaps an Andromeda. Is it worth what i paid? It's not cheap. But, i'd rather work with what i really want, than with something that i might feel later had compromised the potential quality of my tracks. Of course, money isn't a true indicator of quality, but here it seems to have made a difference. Wish i could have had the 48 voice platinum version at this price, but i wish for a lot of things.

Anything i wish it had? More voices. I don't love the feel of the oval buttons. The knobs are okay, and the LED feedback is great. Other'n that? Can't think of anything. Oh, maybe expansion ports for cards, or card slots for sounds/memory, or something.

It's a well-designed instrument. Beautifully engineered. It sounds great and makes music-making easier. What else could i ask for?

OS-1.5 Absolutely brilliant layout of the controls. Has a "Double Saw" meaning you can have 6 oscillators per key, without losing any voices. 130 Modulation possibilities. The presets are ok, but nothing to fancy. There are 4 pre-programmed banks that are fully over-writeable, and 4 user banks that are empty, and several drum maps (8 i think) it is 8 part multitimbral, hit a button and it becomes a 8 channel controller keyboard.

Polyphony 24-48
The FX are the best I have seen on any Keyboard. I own a Access Virus Indigo, A Korg Prophecy, K2000, etc... and this blows them all away. My only complaint is the distortion could have more types. currently there is only a amount knob.

Not very realistic, it is a synth.
Great for rock, ambient, Drum and Bass, Industrial, Dance, etc....
The Keys feel excellent! has aftertouch etcc....

I have talked to the people at novation several times, before I bought one, to find out more about them. They were very helpfull then, I have and continue to gig without a back up, although I do have a back up OS and the Sounds on Disk (just in case)

If Stolen- I would buy another, after I hunted the person down.
I have been playing for 12 years.

OS version 1.5. This synth is instant! I didn't even have to look at the manual to learn how to use it, although the manual is one of the best written manuals I have ever seen. Many of the presets are very usable, and if you want to edit them, no problem, the panel is completely covered in knobs, but arranged in a very clear and logical order.

I have the standard version which is 24-voice polyphony, 8 part multi-timbral. This is not so impressive for a digital synth, but amazing for a virtual analog. The polyphony can be expanded to an even more amazing 48-voice and an option ADAT board can be fitted.

Keyboard action is the best I have ever played on a synth. Velocity and aftertouch of course, but also nice springy weighted keys. Each knob, even the main volume control, transmits MIDI data and can be controlled by MIDI data, so MIDI capabilities can't get much better.

Sounds - what can I say - very full, authentic, warm, etc etc. I used to think the Yamaha AN1x had big sounds, but not compared to this it hasn't. The arpeggiator suggests the machine is especially geared to dance music, particularly the trance and drum'n'bass genres. I can see it working well in other styles though.

There are about 18 different filters on the machince, extensive manipulation of waveforms, a very poweful modulation matrix to name just a few features. Also this synth also does FM synthesis thus producing all those DX7 bell, hammer, percussive sounds etc. So not just a virtual analog synth.

The onboard effects are nothing special in themselves I must admit, but are as good as any onboard effects I have heard. But get this, each part has 7 effects, and can use those effects irrespective of what effects other parts are using ... so that is 56 effects going all at once.

Reliability will be proved over time. The machine feels solid and is reassuringly heavy. However, there are a couple of niggles:

1. The knobs come off too easily.

2. There have been teething problems with the base plate warping above the expansion slot for the ADAT board. Whilst this does not affect the operation of the machine, it is still very annoying considering the price you pay.

Novation have some improvements to do here in my opinion

I have contacted the company twice. They are friendly by phone, and replied promptly to my Email, so no problems so far them, customer expectations have been met.

I definately made the right choice buying this machine, the only minor regret being the teething problems with the construction of the machine - these should have been sorted out by now.

The main synth I compared it to was a Waldorf Q. The sound quality on the Q may have been slightly better, but the presets on it were far too weird and wacky, the Supernova's were much more usable. The Supernova wins hands down on features as well.

The keyboard makes a great controller keyboard for live use, what with a 5 octave weighted keys, many other virtual analogs are only 4 octave. I believe it's main competitor will be the Nord Lead III when it is released, but someone could do a lot worse than buy one of these I reckon.

While not exactly what I'd call a beginner's synth, the SN II does offer the ability to make basic subtractive synthesis patches. The beauty of this synth, however, lies in its subtle complexity. With the new FM synthesis, and the in-depth filter and oscillator adjustments possible, the sonic realms you can explore are truly phenomenal. The preset sounds do a fair job of illustrating this, but with a little exploration and experimentation on your own, you'll be creating sounds you never knew possible.

I presently have the 24-voice version, which is limiting, but being ble to upgrade to 36 or 48 voices is a great option.
Keyboard action is quite possibly my personal favorite of all synths I've tried. It's semi-weighted, and the keys have a great feeling spring to them. Also, the black keys have an interesting texture to them, which players will probably either love or hate.
Built-in effects are a step above the old SN I. Delays sound quite crisp and delicious. Reverbs are improved, and the chorus and distortion sounds make for some fantastic effects. Being able to use all effects on all sounds is a fantastic touch, also. From what I understand, all editable parameters transmit MIDI info, so that makes for some pretty intense sequencing possibilites.

This is where the SN II truly shines. This synth has a definite 'sound' of its own. TB 303 sounds can be emulated with all but the most die-hard analogue heads not being able to tell the SN from a real 303. Pads can be lush and sweet, basses thick and fat, and other sounds generally associated with analogue synths can be created with a little diligence. The FM and ring mod features allow for some frighteningly realistic bell-type sounds, and organ sounds can be quite convincing also. Overall, a machine with fantastic possibilites if placed in the right hands!

The unit is hefty, and seems solid. This unit will be used in a live scenario, so reliability will be tested. I don't anticipate the need for a backup. If you're the Trent Reznor type and fancy knocking your $2500 Supernova II about on stage, I'd expect you'd run into a problem or two, but for regular human use, the unit seems tough as nails.

I have not yet had the need to deal with Novation, so I can't really say. I get the feeling they stand behind their products with conviction, however.

I've been playing with synths for about 10 years, and this is one of the finest to come along - up there in respectability with the Nord Leads and the Waldorf Q. I have the original Supernova Rack version as well, and this unit fills in whatever gaps I could possibly think of with the first unit. The 4 stereo pairs of outputs are an incredibly useful performance tool, and the vocoder is a built-in feature on every patch, which is also phenomenally powerful. Run the aux output from your sampler or drum synth into the input on the fly, crank the vocoder knob, and have modulated synth pulses matching your beats. If you are considering this synth, you know most of this already. So buy it. now.

Wow this thing sounds amazing, lots of big fat sounds, loads of knobs to easily edit and like 7 parts for each sound!

Easy to change programs/performances and the interface is very user friendly indeed

I have just the standard 24 Voice but the option to upgrade is there if I wish with the choice of two expansion cards, 12 or 24 Voice.

PLus the expansion cards are user installable which is handy considering I normally buy my gear from a mail order dealer. (Sweetwater Sound - check them out for great service)

The keyboard is of a very high quality, with velocity-sensitive action keys that have aftertouch. Honestly just the feel of the keys are incredible. I hear that there is a plan for an ADAT card as another option.

INCREDIBLE
AMAZING
YOU MUST GET ONE!

I have had mine since July, one of the first to arrive here in the US and so far so good. It works well live as master keyboard.

I had a few questions and called the number on the site, which is a free phone (considering Novation are in England thats good) and got my call returned the next day - just like the girl promised. You can also email tech support which is good because of the time difference.

I would definatley buy this but opt for the expanded version (there are two, 36 Voice or 48 Voice). I have been playing for about ten years and have never bought a Novation piece before, I was gonna get the Nord but this synth just looks so cool (blue)and I liked it better than red. The only thing that could be improved is the manual its quite complex and not exactly light reading but who cares with a product like this!