Friday, 14 October 2011

Functions of the Novation Ultranova MIDI Keyboard Synthesizer

By D Grossy


The Novation Ultranova MIDI keyboard synthesizer is a single part synth using the Supernova II synth engine combined with newer technology and new features. It's the latest accessory to the "Nova" series of analog-modelling synthesizers.The very first thing that catches your eye is that its blue "a return to the conventional blue of the groundbreaking Supernova II. Even the backlight of the mod wheel and pitch bender is blue (which you can opt to switch off or have it turn on when in use).

There are 37 full sized keys that are responsive to both speed rate and aftertouch and they're fast and very playable. It includes a generous proportion of buttons and knobs for every use you can imagine "8 detented touch rotary frail encoders, 1 enormous smooth encoder, 1 enormous patch select and speed dial encoder, 2 volume and monitor mix dials, a pitch wheel and a modulation wheel. And so you know the names and values parameters of what you are doing there's a 144 feature LCD screen.What makes the Novation Ultranova MIDI keyboard synthesizer beat is its synth machine. It's based on the Supernova II rack and comes as a single part with up to 18 voices, 14 filter types, 36 wavetables, 5 effect slots and a Patch Peruse that assists you to browse 300 sounds by type & brand. What may shock a lot of nova users is that unlike its forebears the Ultranova is monotimbral.

Every one of the 18 voices has 3 oscillators that each have independent density, virtual sync and detuning. Each oscillator includes 70 sound source options with 14 analog and 24 digital waves to choose from together with 36 wavetables.Then there are the factory patches. There are four banks each with 128 patches. You can decide on the patch you want by turning the enormous patch selector or pressing the patch select button. It isn't difficult to select the one that you desire since the patches are numerically or alphabetically sorted.

And talking of patches, the Novation Ultranova MIDI keyboard synthesizer also features a patch librarian you can host on a PERSONAL COMPUTER or a Mac. With it you can save an enormous number of patches to your host computer and get them organized the way you want them. With the 12 band vocoder that comes with its own goose neck microphone you can process your own voice (thru the mic) or other sounds (thru the stereo line inputs in the back).Then there's the powerful software editor that lets you do visual revising of all parameters as a plug in editor of your Digital Audio Workstation software.

You can also turn the Ultranova into a MIDI controller with the automapping feature. You can use the 8 controllers as parameter controllers for instruments you need controlled. The Novation Ultranova MIDI keyboard synthesizer is one potent machine with its 18 voice synth engine and options. It offers great sound and a flexible layout. There is , however , a potential high learning curve and while the features are provoking they are not necessarily unique especially with its competition. But it will get the job done and that is what counts.




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