2:32 I think this is not a proper picture for the Nova 2 keyboard, it should be 49 keys compared to Supernova 2 keyboard which is 61 keys. The later being bigger, it also exposes more hands-on features (additional envelope sliders set, direct control for more effects parameters, etc.)
@@rejectedsynths I can be wrong but I think this is just a mistake on this website. Here is why I think I am correct though: only one manual availlable on Novation legacy download support for the 49 keys with the panel layout I was refering to. Plus I couldn't find pictures or mention of another version anywhere (if you do then let me know and sorry for the misinformation).
Loooked up a few websites for this video but of couse it's well possible they all referred the same site I linked above so you might as well be right. Synth historians have not yet progressed beyond the 80s I guess
@@rejectedsynths yeah late 90's/early 00's VAs don't get much love. And this Nova/Supernova series is very confusing. The naming doesn't make much sense at least for me.
Did some browsing throuh ebay, reverb and so on and could only find 49 key nova 2 keyboards. Looks like it was confused with the supernova 2 keyboard that indeed is 61 key
Great video, thanks for pointing out these forgotten gems! 3:04 - For the X-Station and XioSynth, Novation did not "squeeze the SuperNovas into a MIDI keyboard". These seem to be KS synths, not SuperNovas. The X-Station just has no multi-timbrality and less polyphony (8) than the KS. So if you like the KS sound, you might want to look into the X-Station. The X-Station is also the only all-in-one portable solution I know of that has velocity, aftertouch, and a built-in audio interface including phantom power for microphones. The audio/MIDI driver still works for Win11. It's also USB-powered. Just one cable on the table! :)
The KS4 has always been on my radar after reading the SOS review of the day. AFAIK the Rack is the KS4, in a well rack version :D I dont see many pop up s/hand...which often to me means that people keep them bcoz they are awesome :D
I have the KS4 which I took apart and re-built into a wooden keyboard with wood keys, and a touch computer inside. I also expanded the keybed from 4 octaves to the max 5 octaves. The sounds in this synth are so good I dare to consider it one of my most favorite VA synths next to the Yamaha AN200. I have 2 Ultranovas which I plan on doing a similar thing with(wooden synths with brass), but they just do not have the magic sound of the KS for some reason.. Or maybe I have not really sat down with them yet? Eitherway, LOVE the novation line! I do see the RACK version would have been much better and easier for my custom building than the Keyboard versions which do require cutting of the metal chasis(KS), and plastic chasis(Ultranova). But all in all, I say these are worth the money and time to enjoy and even make into better looking(to match the sound)instruments lol!
Really enjoyed this video, you even referenced my favourite movie ever! Looks like even some of the factory patches are shared on the various Nova beauties. A lot of the patches you played are also on my X Station, Xio and Nova. Loved your history lesson and would love to hear more - where does Circuit fit in and what about the V Synth vst?
I left out the Circuit as it's more than just a synth (Also left out the Drum Station, which is also VA, but, well, drums...) but it's basically a six part multitimbral Mininova plus drumsamples. The VSTs, well I've stopped using those ever since I've been able to afford some hardware. VSTs are certainly a great advancement in music production and accessibility of music production, but I don't produce music, I just have fun with it and that's a whole lot easier with knobs, sliders and hardware keys.
Sorry, never transfeered patches myself, but I've once found a chart of what patches from which Novation machines are compatible to each other, so I'm pretty sure it's possible
yeah... as much as i really liked this synth back in the day, my current feeling is that they're nice for a few very specific sounds/types of sounds, but other than that i prefer to reach for something else instead (e.g. the peak - while I like the KS more than the peak for a few VERY specific things, I absolutely prefer the peak for everything else, while still giving me the novation sound that I like). hence, I'm also thinking of selling my KS, in the interest of minimalism.
Is that intro from some old movie? Please, tell! It makes my brain connect dots between an old Amiga game called Another World and South Park's Moses... wtf!?! :D
Watching it today, it might feel more than a bit dated in some parts but let me assure you, watching it as a kid in the 80s was a life changing expirience for me and I bet for many others too 🤩
@@rejectedsynths it's because it's so dated that makes it so impressive. When you look into how much work the animation took (no key frames, all geometry was calculated and entered manually due to a lack of capable tools and hardware). In my opinion ignorance stole their Oscar for best effects, when you actually know what it took to make that animation, the Oscars claiming it was "cheating" when it just about objectively is more impressive from a technical point (if it takes a lot more work and is more innovative, why shouldn't it be the winner?). This was at a time where people needed tutorials to use computer mice because many computers didn't even support mice, so maybe I would understand it better if I had lived in that time. It's just so bizzare and unfair that the VFX team for Tron wouldn't get any VFX award.
These things are a well-kept secret. They can sound indistinguishable from 70s analogues. I made this whole album with nothing but a Novation K-Station and a Yamaha 4-track cassette recorder: beesah.bandcamp.com/album/rat-trash-and-womb-nausea
@@rejectedsynths Tell me if you agree: I find that one of the best traits of this earlier line of Novation VA synths is its aqueous filter. I could get the sound of a submarine plowing through oceanic gulfs, percolating bubbles, gushing firehoses. It has a singular character that I've never heard on any other synth, analogue or digital. The real trick to that album was layering multiple arpeggiated patches at varying speeds (tempo-wise) and then using the 4-track at various tape speeds to punch in at random points (the old Frank Zappa trick which he referred to as 'xenochrony'). The other thing about this synth which I haven't seen better implemented (except perhaps on the Microwave XT) is the way it passes external signals through its filter and effects. You should try arpeggiating that, too - you'll be glued to the thing for hours. I deeply regret selling it now. The worst part is, I parted with it for a scant $200.
@@AnnexIptaru Funny enough, the 'better' VA got technically the worse it sounds for many users. There seems to be something magic about those early VAs that attracts people these days. It not being quite spot on gave it it's own character. I 've got an AN1X sitting here that sounds absolutely amazing too.
2:32 I think this is not a proper picture for the Nova 2 keyboard, it should be 49 keys compared to Supernova 2 keyboard which is 61 keys. The later being bigger, it also exposes more hands-on features (additional envelope sliders set, direct control for more effects parameters, etc.)
There seem to be both 49 and 61 key versions:
www.polynominal.com/novation-nova-II/
@@rejectedsynths I can be wrong but I think this is just a mistake on this website.
Here is why I think I am correct though: only one manual availlable on Novation legacy download support for the 49 keys with the panel layout I was refering to. Plus I couldn't find pictures or mention of another version anywhere (if you do then let me know and sorry for the misinformation).
Loooked up a few websites for this video but of couse it's well possible they all referred the same site I linked above so you might as well be right. Synth historians have not yet progressed beyond the 80s I guess
@@rejectedsynths yeah late 90's/early 00's VAs don't get much love. And this Nova/Supernova series is very confusing. The naming doesn't make much sense at least for me.
Did some browsing throuh ebay, reverb and so on and could only find 49 key nova 2 keyboards. Looks like it was confused with the supernova 2 keyboard that indeed is 61 key
The KS rack is still on of my fav synths. So hands on.
Yep, lots of pots and faders, hardly any secondary functions 😍
Super Video Danke dafür! Da steckt Arbeit drinne.great work mate! ❤
Great video, thanks for pointing out these forgotten gems!
3:04 - For the X-Station and XioSynth, Novation did not "squeeze the SuperNovas into a MIDI keyboard". These seem to be KS synths, not SuperNovas. The X-Station just has no multi-timbrality and less polyphony (8) than the KS. So if you like the KS sound, you might want to look into the X-Station.
The X-Station is also the only all-in-one portable solution I know of that has velocity, aftertouch, and a built-in audio interface including phantom power for microphones. The audio/MIDI driver still works for Win11. It's also USB-powered. Just one cable on the table! :)
Ihave owned many synths over many years .I really do rate the Novation Ks Rack
Haha the intro was excellent 😁
Glad you liked it 😁
Nice video, thanks for taking the time to make this video, I have fond memories of the KS5 - not to mention that it was dirt cheap at the time.
I picked one up very cheap brand new and kept boxed due to storage constraints, it’s been used once, it will soon take pride and place in my setup.
Original Synth Boxes are a thing of beauty 😍
Great video, great synth. Checked the other day to make sure I had your bell clicked as I hadn't seen something new in a while. Glad you're back!
As it turned out, I'm a essential worker because I essentially work all the time now during this pandemic 🙈
I have an Ultranova and the Nova/Ks VA engine is damn powerful, I love it 😍
cool synth, I have an A-Station and I love it!
I like how you have access to a synthesizer that can make spacey sound effects, but still chose to make fx noises with your mouth in the opening.
I'm all for realism 😁
As some have since pointed out, I kind of left out the Novation Circuit from the list of Novation VA synths. Shame on me...
The KS4 has always been on my radar after reading the SOS review of the day. AFAIK the Rack is the KS4, in a well rack version :D I dont see many pop up s/hand...which often to me means that people keep them bcoz they are awesome :D
Either that or they simply didn't sell too well 🙈
@@rejectedsynths possibly both :D
@@squishmusic Most likely both, yeah.
Thank you for the history lesson!
Thanks for tuning in! 👌
Awesome concept for the channel! Subbed
Thx 😊
@@rejectedsynths No problem! With a little bit of faster pace on editing I can easily see you reaching Audio Pilz level.
Honestly, Audio Pilz' level of editing gives me seizures. I'm from the pre TicToc age 👴🧙♂️
@@rejectedsynths haha! Fair enough
Great video, amazing synth.
I have the KS4 which I took apart and re-built into a wooden keyboard with wood keys, and a touch computer inside. I also expanded the keybed from 4 octaves to the max 5 octaves. The sounds in this synth are so good I dare to consider it one of my most favorite VA synths next to the Yamaha AN200. I have 2 Ultranovas which I plan on doing a similar thing with(wooden synths with brass), but they just do not have the magic sound of the KS for some reason.. Or maybe I have not really sat down with them yet? Eitherway, LOVE the novation line! I do see the RACK version would have been much better and easier for my custom building than the Keyboard versions which do require cutting of the metal chasis(KS), and plastic chasis(Ultranova). But all in all, I say these are worth the money and time to enjoy and even make into better looking(to match the sound)instruments lol!
Really enjoyed this video, you even referenced my favourite movie ever!
Looks like even some of the factory patches are shared on the various Nova beauties. A lot of the patches you played are also on my X Station, Xio and Nova.
Loved your history lesson and would love to hear more - where does Circuit fit in and what about the V Synth vst?
I left out the Circuit as it's more than just a synth (Also left out the Drum Station, which is also VA, but, well, drums...) but it's basically a six part multitimbral Mininova plus drumsamples.
The VSTs, well I've stopped using those ever since I've been able to afford some hardware. VSTs are certainly a great advancement in music production and accessibility of music production, but I don't produce music, I just have fun with it and that's a whole lot easier with knobs, sliders and hardware keys.
You have a cool channel 👍👍👍
Glad you like it!
What a great sales video, Novation should have made it a decade ago xD
I adore my KStation. Ive never figured out how to transfer patches over sysex though. Any tips?
Sorry, never transfeered patches myself, but I've once found a chart of what patches from which Novation machines are compatible to each other, so I'm pretty sure it's possible
awesone channel
Where is the distortion on the string patch coming from (around 7:30)?
Sounds like the recording is clipping because the string patch is too damn fat 😅
rejected synths - magic synths
Sounds like I need a new subsegment: enchanted synths 🦄🧚♂️🧙♂️
I'm selling mine, I haven't used it in years...
yeah... as much as i really liked this synth back in the day, my current feeling is that they're nice for a few very specific sounds/types of sounds, but other than that i prefer to reach for something else instead (e.g. the peak - while I like the KS more than the peak for a few VERY specific things, I absolutely prefer the peak for everything else, while still giving me the novation sound that I like). hence, I'm also thinking of selling my KS, in the interest of minimalism.
Can we say it is a combination of Novation Bass station, Novation drum machine and k-station? :/
Well, almost, the Bass Station is a digital/analog hybrid. It has real analog filters and those sound a bit meaner, especially with the BS2 😉
Is that intro from some old movie? Please, tell! It makes my brain connect dots between an old Amiga game called Another World and South Park's Moses... wtf!?! :D
Shht...don't tell Disney for they are going to sue my ass off, but it's from the traier to the OG Tron movie from 82 🤫
@@rejectedsynths I just realised that I have a great hole in my knowledge. Finally, I have a reason to watch it. Thanks!
Watching it today, it might feel more than a bit dated in some parts but let me assure you, watching it as a kid in the 80s was a life changing expirience for me and I bet for many others too 🤩
@@rejectedsynths it's because it's so dated that makes it so impressive. When you look into how much work the animation took (no key frames, all geometry was calculated and entered manually due to a lack of capable tools and hardware). In my opinion ignorance stole their Oscar for best effects, when you actually know what it took to make that animation, the Oscars claiming it was "cheating" when it just about objectively is more impressive from a technical point (if it takes a lot more work and is more innovative, why shouldn't it be the winner?). This was at a time where people needed tutorials to use computer mice because many computers didn't even support mice, so maybe I would understand it better if I had lived in that time. It's just so bizzare and unfair that the VFX team for Tron wouldn't get any VFX award.
Still over 1000 dollars, bummer.
He says the most he's ever paid for a syth is 400€ for his newest synth (not even this one, so he must have snake it for less than that)
1000? Holy smokes, I payed 190€ for that one. I guess 1000 must be one of those ebay/reverb asking prices no one actually ever payed in real life...
I'm seeing it going for like 120 with 2 other pieces of equipment 😳😳
@@ihatetheinternetitsawesome3578 where?
@@awesomeferret
A Facebook market listing that's only a few kilometers away from me 😎
fizzy fizzy
These things are a well-kept secret. They can sound indistinguishable from 70s analogues. I made this whole album with nothing but a Novation K-Station and a Yamaha 4-track cassette recorder: beesah.bandcamp.com/album/rat-trash-and-womb-nausea
Really dig your stuff!
@@rejectedsynths Thanks!
Respect where it's due! If you manage to get this out of a K-Station, you sure know your stuff 👌
@@rejectedsynths Tell me if you agree: I find that one of the best traits of this earlier line of Novation VA synths is its aqueous filter. I could get the sound of a submarine plowing through oceanic gulfs, percolating bubbles, gushing firehoses. It has a singular character that I've never heard on any other synth, analogue or digital. The real trick to that album was layering multiple arpeggiated patches at varying speeds (tempo-wise) and then using the 4-track at various tape speeds to punch in at random points (the old Frank Zappa trick which he referred to as 'xenochrony'). The other thing about this synth which I haven't seen better implemented (except perhaps on the Microwave XT) is the way it passes external signals through its filter and effects. You should try arpeggiating that, too - you'll be glued to the thing for hours. I deeply regret selling it now. The worst part is, I parted with it for a scant $200.
@@AnnexIptaru Funny enough, the 'better' VA got technically the worse it sounds for many users. There seems to be something magic about those early VAs that attracts people these days. It not being quite spot on gave it it's own character. I 've got an AN1X sitting here that sounds absolutely amazing too.