Novation Mininova Vs Korg MicroKorg XL+

We took some time to record the Mininova and MicroKorg XL+ as a bit of a side by side comparison. Both products are quite different so we took a small selection of sounds for comparison and take a look at the main comparable features of the products.

We have not compared the mininova or MicroKorg XL+ vocoder as there are so many demos of that sort on the web. Hopefully the video will give you an idea of the differences between the products.

Comments are welcome and if you wish to see any specific features of comparisons of different products then please let us know.

[LandonBalk]

I own the Mininova, and the first MicroKORG, (not the XL) and they are both good at different things. I think the Mininova sounds thin and metallic, (a lot like an 80's FM synth) but it has a ton of width and motion, so I think it's better for certain pad type sounds, and the performance controls are very intuitive. The MicroKORG has a lot more body to it, so the low end is much thicker and it sounds warmer than the Mininova. 

[AFmultimedia]

Due to my specific needs (I was looking for a good instrument to be played with headphones, during travels for business reasons) I decided for Microkorg XL +, because it is smaller in dimesnions and powered also on batteries.
Then I was surprised for the good quality sounds, the user friendly minikeyboard (better than the one from the competitors) and I found it very good also as a regular sinth for live applications. To my objective, it was incredible to be able to play such a good instrument while sitting on a train, without disturbing the other passengers and using my smartphone as a drum machine connected to the Audio IN, mixed with the microkorg sounds!

[michaeltrenier]

Phenomenal simplistic comparison sans voiceover. Thanks!

[CasualPanda_]

That's a really tough call. I like how this vid is an actual comparison. I hate it when people put up "vs" and it's two synths at the same time. Good vid. 

[foxybrown]

I am getting the Novation Mininova because of what Teddy Riley said about the vocoder. He is a vocoder collector and he said that the Mini Nova was very unique from other vocoders.

[DogRox]

There is a mistake in the specification comparison list at the end. He says in "Multi-Timberality:" that the MicroKorg is only 1 part and the Mininova is 2 part (split or layered). When in fact it's just the opposite, the MiniNova is only 1 part and the Korg is 2 parts . I have the Novation Mininova so I know. If you do the research you'll find out that is the case.

[brodiebroderband]

I could be wrong, but think the Mininova is favoured by the reviewer (just my humble opinion) people confuse loudness with sounding good and the mini nova is definitely louder at times on this demo but the korg sounds better regardless. Bells and whistles don't account for much as a live performer I want simplicity and functionality. I'd like to hear actual live band performances with the xl before I commit to buying anything but definitely has potential.

[scottcupp]

I just got my mini nova last week. LOVE IT!

[PulseAM]

Great playing and side by side comparison, thanks! I can't decide, overall the Mininova has more bang for the buck it seems.

[YezkaOficial]

I have both of them. And the MicroKorg is easier to get familiar with...The vocoder option is great...and the soul of the sounds are richer with micronkorg.
BUT! There are more sounds and options on the Novation...and the Look of this keyboard is just amazing...
If you need to choose a solid sound and a very easy plattform...
I choose MicroKorg

[sranug]

Thank you very much for this comparison. This is very tough, can't decide which one to buy, because they both sound great.

[lpnalda]

I'm going for the Korg, as I want full portability.  I need to throw outdoor concerts.  I also like the pianos on the Microkorg XL.  I think the brass/string patches are more up to date on it as well. just my opinion.

[Valdes_on_keys]

Wow. You guys should make one about the new Roland jdxi vs the mini nova

[achamilton]

We are thinking of doing a video recording how we record our videos and sound. We basically use Focusrite audio interfaces for recording straight into Ableton Live. Our main unit of choice is the Pro 24 DSP but it all depends on how many inputs we require at the time. Video is then synchronised to the audio using iMovie. If ever you need a good recording interface the Focusrite offers pro quality at the right price.

[michaelkupfer]

So I was listening to this video and reading the comments, and literally EVERYTIME I thought: "This sounds awesome" and I scrolled up...it was the Korg.
Guess for X-Mas I am getting a XL + :-)

[KetilJensen]

I have a Korg Radias ( same soundengine as r3 and xl, but more polyphony ) and a Novation Ultranova ( same engine as mininova ).
They are quite different, and I would not try to compare them. Both soundengines are good.
It all comes down to which one you prefer making patches on. I think the one with the best workflow for you would be your best choice. You can get a lot better sound from both of them than in this video. Theese sound are to different for a x vs y comparision. This boils down to a contest between Korg and Novations soundbank makers ...

[raphaelpour]

Best MiniNova Video on Youtube!
Looked for some inspiration and motivation to buy it, next to all music store reviews, which where actually totally boring, this is the most interesting one.

[ThatDubstepGuy]

The microkorgs have always had this verry 80's never ending story-ish vibe which I absolutely love!

[summertogether]

what a demo, thanks & nice job on the classic house lines!

[KellyLearnsToWait]

Hi, so can you record songs directly on either of these machines? Or do you have to use a computer?
thanks. great video.