Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $425
Budget/Beginner
$500
$1501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Novation MiniNova 37-Key 18-Voice Synthesizer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Unleash your creativity with the Novation MiniNova 37-Key 18-Voice Synthesizer, a compact powerhouse that delivers the sonic capabilities of its larger sibling, the UltraNova. With a robust synth engine, it offers a staggering 256 dynamic presets, easily tweakable with five responsive knobs or warped into new realms using eight "animate" buttons. This mini-synth is built to inspire producers, gigging musicians, and sound explorers alike, featuring a 12-band vocoder and VocalTune effects to craft both classic and cutting-edge vocal effects.
MiniNova’s sound engine is packed with 14 conventional waveforms, 36 wavetables, and 20 digital waveforms, allowing you to sculpt sounds using density/detune, virtual sync, and the unique "hardness" filter. With 18-note polyphony, it can layer up to five effects per voice, including distortion, reverb, and the proprietary Gator effect.
Beyond its sound-shaping prowess, the MiniNova offers an arpeggiator with 33 patterns, enabling real-time performance enhancements with its eight backlit buttons. Utilize the included gooseneck microphone to deepen your vocal effects, or plug in another instrument to run through the powerful effects engine. Connectivity is seamless with USB and MIDI I/O, doubling the MiniNova as a 37-key controller keyboard.
Perfect for both stage and studio, this mini-synth is an indispensable tool for musicians seeking a versatile and portable solution without compromising on sound quality.
Key Features:
- 37 velocity-sensitive mini keys
- UltraNova sound engine with 256 presets
- 18-note polyphony and 12-band vocoder
- Arpeggiator with 33 patterns
- 14 waveforms, 36 wavetables, and 20 digital waveforms
- Layer up to 5 effects per voice
- MIDI I/O and USB connectivity
- Includes gooseneck microphone and editing software
Product specs
| Type | Keyboard Synthesizer with Vocoder |
| Sound Engine | Modeling |
| Number of Keys | 37 |
| Type of Keys | Mini Synth |
| Velocity Sensitive | Yes |
| Other Controllers | Pitchbend, Mod Wheel |
| Polyphony | 18 Notes |
| Number of Presets | 256 |
| Number of Effects | 7 |
| Effects Types | Distortion, Reverb, Compression, EQ, Chorus/Phase, Delay, Gate |
| Arpeggiator | Yes |
| Audio Inputs | 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" |
| Audio Outputs | 2 x 1/4" |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/4" |
| USB | 1 x Type B |
| MIDI I/O | In/Out |
| Pedal Inputs | 1 x Sustain |
| Mod Matrix | 20 Slots per Patch, 66 Destinations |
| Power Source | 9V DC power supply |
| Height | 2.95" |
| Width | 23.2" |
| Depth | 9.06" |
| Weight | 6 lbs. |
FAQs
-
Is the Novation MiniNova synthesizer polyphonic?
-
Yes, the Novation MiniNova is polyphonic, offering 18 notes of polyphony, allowing you to play complex chords and layered sounds.
-
What kind of sound engine does the Novation MiniNova use?
-
The Novation MiniNova features a powerful modeling sound engine derived from the UltraNova, capable of producing a wide range of sounds and effects.
-
Does the Novation MiniNova come with a vocoder?
-
Yes, the Novation MiniNova includes a vocoder, allowing you to process vocals and other audio sources with voice-tune and classic vocoder effects.
-
How many keys does the Novation MiniNova have and are they full-sized?
-
The Novation MiniNova has 37 mini keys, which are velocity-sensitive, allowing for expressive playing in a compact form factor.
-
Can I use the Novation MiniNova with other instruments?
-
Yes, the Novation MiniNova features audio inputs, allowing you to run guitars and other instruments through its vocoder and effects.
-
What are the connectivity options for the Novation MiniNova?
-
The Novation MiniNova offers USB connectivity, MIDI In/Out, audio inputs and outputs, and a sustain pedal input, providing versatile integration with your setup.
-
Does the Novation MiniNova come with any software?
-
Yes, the Novation MiniNova includes editing software and a software patch librarian, enabling you to manage and tweak your sounds easily.
Videos
Novation
Novation // MiniNova synthesizer performance
Reviews
PROS
-
Excellent vocoder with superior sound quality compared to other mini synths
-
Lightweight, rugged build with an appealing blue light design
-
High level of sound customization and flexibility
-
Extensive modulation matrix for modular-like synthesis
-
USB bus power capability with portable battery options
-
Packed with pre-loaded patches and sound banks
-
Real-time control with large filter knob and performance buttons
-
Compatible with various DAWs, though best with Reaper for programming
-
Great value for money with professional-grade features
-
Easy to navigate and intuitive interface for experienced users
CONS
-
Limited compatibility with software; works best with Reaper, issues with others like Ableton
-
Small keys may not be ideal for complex play; requires external MIDI for full-sized keys
-
Steep learning curve for beginners, requires time to master all features
-
Some users report pixelated, unusable software plugin outside Reaper
-
Limited multitimbral capabilities; cannot layer or split sounds
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Novation MiniNova 37-Key 18-Voice Synthesizer.
Comparisons
-
The vocoder on the MiniNova is considered more robust and versatile than the Microfreak's, which is limited to basic sounds.
Source -
The MiniNova is noted for being more complex to program compared to the MicroKorg, which uses a matrix system that's easier to navigate.
Source -
The MiniNova has a wider sound palette and more polyphony compared to the MicroKorg, which is known for its character and abrasiveness but has lower polyphony.
Source -
The Ultranova, a larger sibling of the MiniNova, offers full-sized keys and touch encoders for easier live editing without software reliance.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The MiniNova is recognized for its analog-like sound but described as having a "saccharine clean" quality, contrasting with the more abrasive digital sound of the MicroKorg.
Source -
The MiniNova allows processing external sounds through its filter and FX, with two audio inputs replacing oscillators for modular capabilities.
Source -
The MiniNova's Mod Matrix is crucial, enabling animate pads, LFOs, and additional envelopes to be routed nearly anywhere for versatile sound design.
Source -
The MiniNova features a 3-oscillator engine with 14 analog waves, 20 digital waves, and 36 wavetables, providing a broad range of sound possibilities.
Source -
The vocoder allows full integration with the synth engine parameters, providing extensive control over the resulting sound.
Source -
The built-in FX processor includes five FX slots per patch, with most settings tempo-syncable, though reverb flexibility and distortion depth may be limited.
Source
Use cases and applications
User experience
Software and compatibility
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
More Novation Synthesizers
Accessories & Related Items
Artist usage
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Synthesizers
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
equipboardGear IQ 4934
-