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Novation SuperNova

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$690.15

5.0 (14)

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Novation Supernova 2

4.5 (14)

Find out who is using Novation SuperNova

2 community setups

2 wishlisted

19 saved

Page last updated Jun 20, 2026

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5.0 (4)

$690.15 11 available Used

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Description

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The Novation SuperNova is a flagship synthesizer that has captivated musicians with its powerful sound engine and versatile performance capabilities. Designed for both studio and stage, this sound module brings a universe of sonic possibilities to your fingertips. With its 24-note polyphony, the SuperNova allows for complex layering of sounds without compromising on performance. It features a comprehensive set of oscillators, filters, and modulation options, making it a favorite among sound designers and electronic music producers.

The SuperNova's user interface is intuitive, with a plethora of knobs and buttons that provide real-time control over your sound. This makes it ideal for live performance, where you can tweak your synth patches on the fly. It also includes a range of built-in effects, such as reverb and delay, ensuring your sounds can be as lush or as raw as you need them to be. The unit is equipped with MIDI connectivity, allowing seamless integration into any setup.

Whether you're creating ambient soundscapes, aggressive basslines, or classic analog emulations, the Novation SuperNova serves as a reliable and innovative tool in your musical arsenal. Its robust construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of touring, while its rich set of features guarantees it will spark creativity in the studio.

Key Features:

24-note polyphony for complex sound layering
Extensive oscillator, filter, and modulation options
Real-time control interface with numerous knobs and buttons
Wide range of built-in effects, including reverb and delay
MIDI connectivity for easy integration with other gear
Designed for both studio use and live performance
Robust construction suitable for touring musicians

Product specs

Brand	Novation
Model	Supernova Polyphonic Rackmount Synthesizer
Finish	Blue
Year	1998
Categories	Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital	Digital
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony	20 Voices

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Novation SuperNova use?: The Novation SuperNova is a digital synthesizer known for its powerful virtual analog synthesis, which emulates classic analog sounds with digital precision.
How many voices of polyphony does the Novation SuperNova offer?: The Novation SuperNova provides 20 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex and layered sound creation.
Does the Novation SuperNova support MIDI connectivity?: Yes, the Novation SuperNova includes MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, making it compatible with a wide range of MIDI equipment.
Is the Novation SuperNova suitable for live performances?: The Novation SuperNova is well-suited for live performances, offering robust sound capabilities and easy integration with MIDI setups.
What are the standout features of the Novation SuperNova's sound engine?: The Novation SuperNova is renowned for its rich, analog-style sounds, extensive modulation options, and high-quality effects, making it a versatile tool for sound design.

Videos

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Novation SuperNova Demo

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novation SUPERNOVA Demo & Review

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Reviews

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PROS

Unique sound sets it apart from other synths
True knob per function design simplifies programming
Filters and modulation options satisfy most synth enthusiasts
Affordable for its capabilities

CONS

Complexity may require a "lab coat" to fully master
Specific design might not appeal to all (seen as a "me too" ornament by some)

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Novation SuperNova.

Features and functionality

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The Supernova is noted for having expressive patches that leverage aftertouch and velocity sensitivity, making these features desirable in a compatible MIDI controller.
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The Supernova II's effects section maintains full functionality across patches, even when used multitimbrally, enhancing its versatility.
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The Novation Supernova II offers extensive sound design capabilities with 3 oscillators, multiple filter types, and a 42-band vocoder, ideal for complex sound creation.
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The Supernova Rack is appreciated for its 8-part multitimbral capability, allowing each part to have its own separate effects, enhancing its versatility in complex setups.
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The synth includes a deep arpeggiator with 64-step sequencer capabilities, allowing creation and saving of custom arpeggiator patterns with rests and velocity variations.
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Value and pricing

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The keyboard version of the Supernova II is generally more expensive than the rack version, despite similar capabilities.
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Listings for the Supernova II keyboard are often overpriced; sold items data suggests they actually sell for around $650, not the $1400 often listed.
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User experience

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Owners find the Supernova II's filters provide a "liquid" sound, contributing to its unique tonal character.
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Owners frequently mention the Supernova II's unique "fluidic" VA sound that slots well into mixes, highlighting its distinct character compared to other synths.
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Mods and upgrades

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A new upgrade card can extend the Supernova II to 48 voices, significantly increasing its utility for more complex sound design.
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Users recommend external reverb units like the Zoom RFX-2000 or Alesis Midiverb III, as the Supernova's reverb is considered less impressive compared to its delays and distortion effects.
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Use cases and applications

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The Supernova II is heavily associated with Ozric Tentacles, noted for its use in creating their signature atmospheric pads and fat bass lines.
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The Supernova is frequently associated with trance music production, noted for its ability to create rich, layered sounds well-suited for the genre.
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The Supernova II is favored for creating diverse sounds such as big basses, lush pads, and ambient textures, making it suitable for various styles including psytrance and rock.
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Setup and maintenance

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Users suggest a MIDI interface and a quality soundcard to fully utilize the Supernova's multiple outputs, ensuring optimal performance.
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A common issue among long-term users is the failure of DAC chips, which may require replacement to restore functionality.
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Some users report that contact cleaner helps resolve issues with the main outputs and rotary controls, suggesting potential vulnerability to corrosion over time.
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Comparisons

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Users note that despite the Supernova II's age, its FX routing options surpass those on newer Novation Peak and Summit models, with 19 different effects routings.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 14 Ratings

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1 star

tw01

114

almost 11 years ago

Excellent

An incredibly powerful and easy to use VA. A true knob per function machine that makes programming a breeze. Love the filters on this bad boy, and the modulation options are varied enough to keep all but the most fanatical synth programmer happy. Considering how cheap these babies go for at the moment, there is no excuse for a serious synth buyer to add one of these unique sounding units to their studio.