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Description

Unlock your creative potential with the Novation Supernova 2 Synth, a powerhouse that masterfully bridges the nostalgic warmth of analog sounds with the seamless versatility of modern digital technology. This synthesizer is a dream come true for musicians seeking a robust instrument that delivers exceptional sound design capabilities. Packed with 24-note polyphony and a comprehensive modulation matrix, the Supernova 2 offers a playground of sonic possibilities that can be tailored to your unique style.

The Supernova 2 boasts an impressive 61-key semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch, providing a responsive and expressive playing experience. With its 8-part multitimbral capacity, you can layer and manipulate sounds effortlessly, bringing your compositions to life with rich, dynamic textures. The 3 oscillators per voice, along with 2 ring modulators and a noise generator, ensure that your sound palette is both expansive and inspiring.

Designed with the modern musician in mind, this synth includes extensive MIDI capabilities, allowing seamless integration into any setup. The variety of onboard effects, including distortion, reverb, and chorus, ensure that your sound can be as polished or gritty as you desire. Plus, with 1024 programs and 512 performances, creativity knows no bounds.

Whether you're crafting intricate soundscapes or diving into live performances, the Novation Supernova 2 Synth stands ready to elevate your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • 61-key semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch
  • 24-note polyphony
  • 3 oscillators, 2 ring modulators, noise generator per voice
  • 8-part multitimbral capacity
  • Comprehensive modulation matrix with over 130 routings
  • Dual LFOs capable of audio rate oscillation
  • 12, 18, and 24 dB/octave resonant filters with overdrive
  • Built-in arpeggiator with 384 preset and user programmable patterns
  • 42-band vocoder with sibilance modes
  • Extensive effects suite with 56 simultaneous effects
  • MIDI In/Out/Thru with NRPNs and control via knobs and switches
  • Expansion options available

Product specs

Brand Novation
Model Supernova II 24-Voice Rackmount Virtual Analog Synthesizer
Finish Blue
Year 2000
Made In United States
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 24 Voices

FAQs

Is the Novation Supernova II a polyphonic synthesizer?

Yes, the Novation Supernova II is a polyphonic synthesizer with 24 voices, allowing you to play complex chords and layered sounds.

What type of synthesis does the Novation Supernova II use?

The Novation Supernova II uses virtual analog synthesis, which emulates the sound of traditional analog synthesizers with the flexibility of digital technology.

What are the MIDI connectivity options for the Novation Supernova II?

The Novation Supernova II features MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, enabling seamless integration with other MIDI-compatible equipment.

Can the Novation Supernova II be used in a rackmount setup?

Yes, the Novation Supernova II is designed as a rackmount synthesizer, making it suitable for studio environments where space is a consideration.

What makes the Novation Supernova II suitable for live performances?

The Novation Supernova II offers robust polyphony and flexible sound design capabilities, making it ideal for live performances where diverse and dynamic soundscapes are required.

Gearjunkies

Gearjunkies

Novation Supernova II Rack sound demo

Video thumbnail for Novation Supernova II Rack sound demo by Gearjunkies

Novation Supernova II Rack sound demo

Gearjunkies

Gearjunkies

Video thumbnail for NOVATION SUPERNOVA 2 -  Review, Sounds & Demo | Digital Synthesizer by synth4ever

NOVATION SUPERNOVA 2 - Review, Sounds & Demo | Digital Synthesizer

synth4ever

synth4ever

Video thumbnail for Novation Supernova 2 Factory Sound Demo 1 by alexnova85

Novation Supernova 2 Factory Sound Demo 1

alexnova85

alexnova85

Video thumbnail for Novation SUPERNOVA 2 Demo - Ambient / chillout electronic space music by synth4ever

Novation SUPERNOVA 2 Demo - Ambient / chillout electronic space music

synth4ever

synth4ever

Video thumbnail for Novation Supernova II Pro X Rack Live Demo HQ Sound no talking by js-sound

Novation Supernova II Pro X Rack Live Demo HQ Sound no talking

js-sound

js-sound

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about novation supernova 2 synth.

Features and functionality

  • The SuperNova II retains effects for each patch during multitimbral play, enhancing its versatility for complex sound layering.

    Source
  • The Ultranova can achieve super-square or super-PWM sounds without consuming polyphony due to its oscillator capabilities.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners have had to service the SuperNova II for DAC and rotary controller issues, with successful repairs reported from specific service providers.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The keyboard version of the SuperNova II often exceeds $1000, contrasting with lower prices for rack versions, indicating a significant price disparity based on form factor.

    Source
  • The Ultranova is noted as a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive options like the Virus TI, with prices as low as £250.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The SuperNova II is compared to a JP8000, with the latter's software version potentially offering a modern alternative.

    Source
  • The Ultranova is highlighted as running an upgraded Supernova engine, offering features like density and detune on wavetables, unlike the Supernova models.

    Source
  • The Ultranova provides a sound similar to the JP8000 but can sometimes appear thin on lower notes, especially with supersaw patches, unlike the Virus' thicker sound.

    Source

User experience

  • The SuperNova II's interface may be complex for sound editing, yet praised for its keybed quality and satisfying arpeggiator and delay functions.

    Source
  • The Ultranova's keybed is praised for its quality and aftertouch, differentiating it from the Mininova's less favorable interface and mini keys.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It is noted for its use in recreating Ozric Tentacles' synth sounds, popular for atmospheric pads, and liquid-sounding filters.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Novation Supernova II

soundonsound.com

The Novation Supernova II impresses with its authentic analogue emulation, user-friendly interface, and robust multitimbral capabilities. Offering expansion options and a slew of effects without losing quality in performance mode, it stands out both in sound and design. However, the small screen and confusing manual detract slightly from its otherwise stellar performance. Despite these minor issues, it's a superb-sounding, visually striking synth that offers great value for its price. A potential future classic in the making.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

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S

The sound of UK electronica

Get hands on with this powerful synth and you recognise timbres and sounds of loads of influential 90's era acts.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Grabbitz uses novation supernova 2 synth

Grabbitz

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

In this video on Grabbitz Facebook page a novation supernova 2 synth can be clearly seen.

See how Ed Wynne uses novation supernova 2 synth

Ed Wynne

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Ozric Tentacles

...
Verified via Ozrics

This is mentioned in the gear list on the Ozrics website. Go to band info and click Ed's name.

See how Evgeniy Gorbunov uses novation supernova 2 synth

Evgeniy Gorbunov

Singer, Guitarist

?? (Glintshake)

...
Verified via Look At Me

In an interview featured on Look At Me, Evgeniy Gorbunov confirmed his use of the Novation Supernova II synthesizer, stating: "The Novation [Supernova II] is a fun instrument given to us by Sergey Ledovsky (drummer of the band NRKTK). It's a synth from 1998, and it's perfect for trance. I usually write arpeggiators and all sorts of silly basslines on it, but the pads sound terrible. The drummer generally buys a lot of synths, old drum machines, and pedals and tries to lend them to us, to get us interested in them, but for now this synth is enough for me; I've had it for almost two years, and Sergey hasn't asked for it back, for which I'm grateful."

See how Yuki Chikudate uses novation supernova 2 synth

Yuki Chikudate

Singer, Keyboardist

Asobi Seksu

...
Verified via Photo

Yuki Chikudate can be seen performing with the Novation Supernova II in this photo of their 2009 performance at SXSW. https://first-avenue.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/asobi-seksu.jpg

This is also confirmed by the band's Guitarist, James Hanna, in a 2011 interview.

Hanna credits part of the album’s sound to the up-front tones of the Novation SuperNova, a late-’90s synthesizer that has long been a part of Asobi Seksu’s live arsenal, but that never made it into the recording studio because he and Chikudate didn’t consider it “blurry enough”.

[https://www.straight.com/article-377459/vancouver/organic-change-shapes-asobi-seksus-dream-pop]

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 supernova 2 synth, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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