Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $1,685
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1501+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 8 merchants for "Novation Peak Desktop Synthesizer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Dive into the sonic exploration with the Novation Peak, an 8-voice desktop polyphonic synthesizer that combines the warmth of analog with the versatility of digital. Engineered to inspire, its heart is fueled by three New Oxford Oscillators per voice, delivering a lush and rich sound palette. The hybrid architecture allows for traditional waveforms and access to 60 digital wavetables, offering an expansive sonic playground.
The Peak doesn’t just stop at oscillators. Each voice flaunts a resonant multi-mode analog filter, amplifying its character. For those who like to push boundaries, three distortion points (pre-filter, post-filter, and global) are available in the analog signal chain, ensuring your sound cuts through the mix. Expression is at your fingertips, thanks to polyphonic aftertouch, while onboard effects like reverb, delay, and chorus elevate your soundscapes to new dimensions.
The intuitive modulation system, with a 16-slot modulation matrix and 16 direct assignments, invites you to sculpt intricate sonic textures. Whether it’s live performance or studio production, the two animate buttons offer instant transformation of patches, providing dynamic and expressive control. Integration is seamless, with CV modulation input for modular setups and comprehensive MIDI and USB connectivity for modern studios.
Embrace the fusion of analog warmth and digital flexibility with the Novation Peak, where sonic exploration knows no bounds.
Key Features:
- 8-voice polyphony, blending analog warmth with digital flexibility
- Three New Oxford Oscillators per voice, with traditional waveforms and 60 digital wavetables
- Analog multi-mode resonant filter per voice, with pre- and post-filter distortion
- Polyphonic aftertouch for expressive control
- Onboard reverb, delay, and chorus effects, modulatable via FX Mod Matrix
- 16-slot modulation matrix and 16 direct assignments for intricate sound sculpting
- Two animate buttons for instant patch transformation
- CV modulation input for modular system integration
- MIDI I/O on five-pin DIN ports and USB for comprehensive connectivity
Owner's manual
Novation Peak Desktop Synthesizer User ManualProduct specs
| Type | Desktop Synthesizer |
| Analog/Digital | Digital |
| Polyphony | 8 Notes, 5 x Voice Modes |
| Presets | 512 patches stored |
| Oscillators | 3 x New Oxford Numerically Controlled Oscillators, 17 Digital Wavetables |
| Waveforms | Sawtooth, Triangle, Sine, Square/Pulse |
| Noise Generator | Yes |
| Envelope Generator | 1 x Amp Envelope, 2 x Mod Envelope, Animate |
| LFO | 2 x LFO |
| Filter | 1 x Variable OTA Filter ; Lowpass, Bandpass, Highpass ; 12/24dB Slope |
| Effects Types | Lo-Fi Delay, Chorus, Flanger, Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Analogue Distortion |
| Arpeggiator | 33 Patterns, Arpeggiator Chance |
| Analog Outputs | 2 x 1/4" (main out) |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/4" |
| MIDI I/O | In/Out/Thru/USB |
| Other I/O | CV modulation in |
| Pedal Inputs | 2 x 1/4" |
| USB | 1 x Type B |
| Features | Stereo Spread Modes |
| Software | Ableton Live Lite 9 (included) |
| Power Supply | 12V DC power supply (included) |
| Height | 2.78" |
| Width | 18.27" |
| Depth | 9.17" |
FAQs
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Is the Novation Peak synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Novation Peak is a polyphonic synthesizer, offering 8-note polyphony which allows you to play complex chords and layered sounds.
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What kind of oscillators does the Novation Peak use?
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The Novation Peak uses New Oxford Numerically Controlled Oscillators (NCOs) with 17 digital wavetables, providing the warmth of analog sound with digital flexibility.
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Does the Novation Peak synthesizer include built-in effects?
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Yes, the Novation Peak features built-in effects including Lo-Fi Delay, Chorus, Flanger, Reverb, Delay, and Analogue Distortion for versatile sound shaping.
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Can the Novation Peak be integrated with DAW software?
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The Novation Peak can be integrated with DAW software and comes with Ableton Live Lite 9, making it easy to incorporate into your digital music production setup.
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What are the main connectivity options for the Novation Peak?
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The Novation Peak offers a range of connectivity options including MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB, CV modulation input, and two main 1/4" analog outputs.
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What power supply does the Novation Peak require?
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The Novation Peak requires a 12V DC power supply, which is included with the synthesizer.
Videos
mylarmelodies
Novation Peak Polysynth Demo
Novation Peak Polysynth Demo
mylarmelodies
Novation Peak Sound Design Tutorial #1 (in 4k)
True Cuckoo
Novation Peak - Osc and Filter - SonicLAB Review (Part 1)
sonicstate
Novation Peak Synth Demo & Overview
Sound On Sound magazine
10 Reasons to Love Novation Peak 👏
Venus Theory
Novation PEAK Polyphonic Synthesizer Demo
Sweetwater
Novation PEAK - Factory Presets Demo (sound only)
wolfgang S vukan
My Favorite Desktop Synth : Novation Peak // My go to for bass and lush pad sounds
OoraMusic
Why I think the Novation Peak is the best synth ! (let's make some patches to find out)
Yuki The Synth Dragon
SoundsDivine 'Chameleon' - Novation Peak
SoundsDivine111
Novation PEAK - 70ies Synth Epos - DEMO Multitrack (#50)
VolcaRock
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile synth with warm, lush pads and thick leads
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Beautiful filters and incredible, long-lasting reverb
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Supports after-touch and USB connectivity
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Sturdy build and easy installation of the stand
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High-quality digital oscillators with minimal aliasing
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Analog filter adds warmth; good for both clean and gritty sounds
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Extensive modulation capabilities and intuitive layout
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Continuous product development with firmware updates
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High-quality effects, especially the lush reverb
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Polyphonic capabilities compete with higher-priced synths
CONS
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Some find the arpeggiator could use refinement
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Limited wavetable slots for user customization
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Filter character may not vary much between patches
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Some challenges with software integration and updates
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Knobs can be hard to see in low-light conditions during live performance
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Limited routing destinations in the modulation section
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Oscillator detune not as intense as fully analog synths
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Factory wavetables and effects can become crutches
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Some menu diving required for deeper functions
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Novation Peak Desktop Synthesizer.
Comparisons
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The Peak is noted for its versatility compared to the Sequential Rev2, capable of producing both digital and analog-like sounds, whereas the Rev2 is often characterized as more aggressive and raw.
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The Peak is favored for quick sound creation, while the Hydrasynth is noted for deeper sound design capabilities, akin to a "sound design monster."
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Owners compare the Peak's sound to a mix between American and Japanese synths, noting its versatility and distinct character versus analog competitors like Hydrasynth and Prophet Rev2.
Source
User experience
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Free-running out of phase LFOs on the Peak are reportedly difficult to achieve and are not saved per patch, contrasting with easier modulation setups on the Hydrasynth.
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Some owners find the single encoder for on-screen parameters intuitive, as it helps focus on key performance functions without extensive menu diving.
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The Peak's user interface is praised for its intuitive layout, providing immediate access to basic functions with deeper options available in the menu.
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Many users appreciate the intuitive front panel and robust build quality, describing it as "tank-like" withstanding falls without damage.
Source
Features and functionality
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The Peak is noted for its superior effects both in terms of interface and sound quality compared to some competitors.
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The Peak's screen displays saved values when knobs are adjusted, allowing quick reference without disrupting the sound design process.
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The Peak includes multiple analog distortion stages per voice, allowing for detailed sound character tuning: pre- and post-filter drive, VCA gain, and distortion control.
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The Peak includes slop and tuning drift controls to emulate VCO-style unpredictability, offering both digital precision and analog warmth.
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The Peak's DSP oscillators are highly flexible, allowing users to mimic both ultra-clean digital sounds and rich, analog-style VCO sounds with proper tweaks.
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The Peak offers a modulation matrix and supports poly aftertouch, enhancing sound design and performance flexibility when paired with compatible MIDI controllers.
Source
Use cases and applications
Value and pricing
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There are promotions for trading in any Novation product for 25% off a Peak, making it a financially appealing option in the US and UK.
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Owners highlight the Peak as a cost-effective choice, offering features and sound quality that rival more expensive synths like the Sequential models.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 6 Reviews and 43 Ratings
97
The Novation Peak is a great Swiss army synthesizer
Perhaps I will revisit and lengthen this review at a later time, but for now I'll just be writing a brief pros & cons overview.
The Peak has a ton of synthesis on tap. What it lacks in the richness of its OSCs, it makes up for in the filter and all of its analog drives and distortions. The FX are almost too good and can become a bit of a crutch. The mod matrix is very usable, and there really isn't a whole lot of menu diving which is great for a synth that is this complex. The Peak can sound pretty warm and "analog", but it seems to really shine in the icier digital realm where it can become almost supernatural.
This is a great synthesizer for someone who really likes the power of software synthesizers, but wants a sprinkle of analog and the joy of interacting with physical hardware. The build quality is quite nice, and I think it could gig if you mounted it to a solid stand. I wouldn't want this to be my only hardware synthesizer, but it makes a great companion to an analog mono or poly.
Fantastic
It sounds great and nearly all of the its functions are on the front panel. The only menu-diving you need to do is if you're using the mod matrix. I really don't like menu-diving so this is perfect for me. Digital oscillators sound very interesting, don't be put off by the fact that they aren't analog. The analog filter gives it more than enough warmth. It doesn't sound like a Moog, but it's a great sound nonetheless. 3osc per voice can make some great textures, and I've found the 8 voices to be more than enough. Plus the onboard effects sound pretty darn good, and the balanced outputs keep the noise down. It's my workhorse hardware polysynth.
40997
the menus do a lot actually, things like changing the oscillators from retriggering to free running, drift simulation, etc etc... not to mention LFO retrig settings and all that classic analog stuff. Worth a menu dive on this girl, she has hidden secrets.
That's true, I didn't mean to imply the menu-diving is useless or unimportant, just that a huge amount of the Peak's functionality is on the front panel, especially when compared to something like the Waldorf Blofeld.
40997
https://equipboard.com/posts/novation-peak-review
327
A non-typical synth (now)
My first synth was an ARP Odyssey II: I've spent months in tweaking it to realize my sounds. The Peak was capable to make me live those ages again. With so many special-sound synths around, I felt the lack of an instrument able to be programmed from scratch; with the Peak I could create brand new sounds, step by step, without having any unwanted effect or modulation disturbing me. All I need could be added and modified during the sound exploration. The filter is interesting and with an own character. Highly recommended!
Functionality + Fun
Some synths are full of functionality but are not much fun. Some are fun but dont have a lot of functionality. The Peak bridges these two things very nicely. Instant gratification with the option to dig deeper.
Artist usage
Add artist
Flume is seen using the Novation Peak synthesizer in a post on Instagram.
The bottom right corner of the photo in Guy's twitch stream
Shown on this video as Andrew Huang's "polyphonic digital choice [of synth]"
In this photo posted to an instagram story by Odesza in early 2025, they can be seen in the studio. In the back, their Novation Peak Polyphonic Desktop Synthesizer can be seen.
Presented on Legowelt's official website as a piece of gear used by him at some point also he does a few videos for NovationTV showing tricks on the Novation Peak.
Chris lists this under "Hardware synths" on his website.
Ramin Djawadi is seen using the Novation Peak Polyphonic Desktop Synthesizer at 4:30 just to his right.
the Novation Peak is listed as 3rd in Thorsten's Top 5
In a YouTube video by Output titled "Artist Additions by Output - ANALOG STRINGS Expansion Modern String Beds with The Album Leaf," Jimmy LaValle of The Album Leaf discusses the Novation Peak at the 0:42 mark.
In a photo shared on his Instagram, Vegyn can be seen with a Novation Peak synthesizer under the bag next to his laptop. Although he has mentioned primarily using Arturia synths, this suggests he may also incorporate the Novation Peak into his setup.
Album Usage
The Novation Peak Desktop Synthesizer has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Novation Peak Desktop Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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