junkie_bass_studios's Electronic Studio Setup

This synthesizer is a compact unit. It has mini velocity sensitive keys. Now I understand the mini keys can be a turn off for some, but as for me I use it as a desktop unit, and control with with either MIDI software, or the Novation Summit. So that is something you should consider if you plan on playing live or plan on playing it regularly instead of using MIDI controllers or software.

The MiniNova is more a remake of the amazing SuperNova that was released in 1998, and used by Trance producers around the world. I know that is an automatic selling point for some. This little power house is more then a secret weapon Trance producers kept tucked up their sleeve. Lets discuss some of its sound capabilities, and I will discuss my use of it in recording, and production.

Leads: When in the studio I have a few synthesizers that are my go to for lead sounds, and recordings. Which they are:

*Novation Summit

*ASM Hydrasynth

*Berhinger Pro -1

*Arturia MiniBrute II

*Novation MiniNova

*Waldorf Iridium

Lead: The MiniNova has some great lead tones, and capabilities. I used it for my main lead synth for awhile, and it is very capable of holding its own. Even if it is not upfront in the lead synth mix I almost always have it layered somewhere in the lead to add a different little texture to the overall sound. The great thing about this little synth is that it can hold its own, and can span genres from Heavy Metal to Hip Hop, Trance to Drum & Bass, and Liquid to Neurofunk. This little fella can fit right in.

Pads: I have a work flow that I follow with specific synths sitting in certain spots. Some synthesizers really seem to really fill a spot in a track. The MiniNova does great with pads. My typically pad section consists of ASM Hydrasynth, Novation Summit, and Novation MiniNova. These 3 synthesizers really fill out the pad section. The Hydrasynth really gets those glassy, intricate, and delicate sounds and tones. The Summit really brings home the huge sounding big pad sounds. The MiniNova brings that authentic traditional pad sound. The pads you used to hear on tracks like Shivers, and just about every track on any A State of Trance collection from the 90's on. As the MiniNova really should considering it is a basic remake of the Super Nova which was a staple for pads in the Trance world.

Bass: I am a one of those who believes the best earth shattering bass sounds are going to be from an analog monosynth. I used to not be that way, but over the years and many thousands of hours in a recording studio I have found the tonal qualities the best. Now the MiniNova is often used in the mid bass range to add texture to the sound. It can easily be used as a bass synth, but I prefer the analog mono synth sound.

When it comes to sounds, and sound design right out of the box the MiniNova has some great factory presets, and you can do some pretty cool stuff with those presets without ever having to do menu diving. Now there are two ways to really let the beast out of this mini synth. You can get used to the menu diving which isn't difficult, but can be annoying to those with little patience or new to sound design. Which they do make a VST that is for controlling the sound engine in real time. It is not a VST synth or anything, and it emits no sounds, it is an interface that looks like a VSTi but lets you control the brain of the MiniNova which lets you really do some cool stuff.

Another added benefit to this guy is the Vocodor it is not something you will probably use a lot, but it is a great tool to have on hand.

All in all my final thoughts are that this is a great little synth even with its flaws. It is plastic, and light which is great for being on the go, and the option of being able to control the sound engine with a VST works great in the studio because you can just sit it in a corner our of the way and run your USB, and MIDI cable to it, and be done. Which you don't know how helpful that can be. If my personal one that we use at the studio died I would gladly go buy another one the next day, and take it into the studio to use on a daily basis like I do now. It is a great little synth that you can get some great sounds out of, and as far as a young or new bedroom producer or someone wanting to go from VST to hardware it is a great little synth without an insane price tag.

Are you wanting some thick bass, leads that have weight, to add some background weight to a thinner lead, or some wicked FX sounds? Well this baby sings like a Choir. Thick, pleasing and bright like a Christmas Choir to dark, aggressive, and beefy sounds that rival some of the darkest Gregorian Chant.

Those of you doing Electro wave, Retro Electro, Retro Wave, and similar genres will like something else about this synth. You can get those true 80's retro sounds with the Wasp Deluxe without them sounding thin, digital, and cheesy! You can even get the authentic "Wasp Swarm" FX sound. Which I have yet to use in a track, but love playing for fun when clients are late.

The sound is authentic, and true. We know not all instrument clones, and reissues sound authentic. So when a manufacturer gets the true sound from a clone or reissue we rejoice. Now when a manufacturer creates an authentic clone at a cheap price point (Wasp Deluxe is currently running $199 to $299 depending on where you look) it is a grand slam, and like finding the Holy Grail of budget synth clones.

If you have basic skills, and basic understanding of how a board works you'll be able to get good sound. You know how to actually work a board in depth man this is gold for you. Simple interface, and easy to use, but becomes a real powerhouse when used with a daw

The one issue I've had is the USB C input on the rear is not sturdy and broke off which I'm sending it back for warranty now.