Novation Mininova Synthesizer - SonicLAB Review

Novations latest new synth has taken on the form factor of Korg's mighty microKorg but does its own thing, With 18 voice polyphony and a lot of neat performance features.

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[RingingHeldentenor]

The go-to guy when you want to quickly understand a synth + get a good idea of how great it can sound....He really knows his stuff inside out & is able to cover a lot of ground clearly in very little time... Excellent

[realreel]

I fell into one of these real and absolutely LOVE it! Got one from this cat for $150.... mint with the microphone and power supply, all working perfectly! Only thing I didnt get was the original box. All good though. Such a GREAT sound! Creamy and Deep! Can't say there is anything I dont like about it aside from the tiny keys lol.... aside from that it gets 37 out of 5 stars lol!

[transition]

Your reviews are some of the best I've seen here. Testing like me would do before purchase. Very nice - thanks!

[jiujitsu]

Excellent review. I'm a singer songwriter, I keep one of these right next to my mic stand. I can play guitar, then jump to the nova quickly, and bang out different textures. This is a good buy

[FrancisMichaelCicalese]

I purchased this unit a few weeks ago and love it. The Librarian is available on Novation's beta site. Per tech support they are working on the editor. Keep checking their beta site

[sirkimboard]

I just got me one and man this is not just a play toy for the younger generation BELIEVE ME !!!

[davidwantsahug]

I really love the idea of this, I'm primarily a guitarist, but this little guy can sit to the side and I can walk over to it whenever I need it. 

[KnomChomper]

I have the Ultranova which blows the microkorg out of the water, and this doesn't seem to be much lesser than it. I'd definitely recommend Novation, they're pretty solid.

[hairyrichardson]

1:47 "we've also got 'genre', which no doubt will date very quickly" ... LOL I'm watching this in 2022 . Anyway, I'm still contemplating getting one of these - I just like how it seems so hands-on with multiple performance adjustments available

[robertescher]

Thank you for that review. I am going to be getting one of these soon. Put me in the category of 'just starting out'. I've had non-synth keyboards off and on my whole life, but now that I'm sort of in mid life crisis mode, I've decided to take the plunge. Besides, keyboards of this capability are WAY more affordable now than they were when I first got into this music back in ... what, the mid 70s? Also picking up a DrumBrute because I want a dedicated drum computer as well.

[GrootsieTheDog]

OMG - buying right now. This is like the microkorg...but better.

[Syncopator]

This looks good, I'll be buying one within a month I think.  I REALLY like the fact they seem to have moved away from rotary encoders in the parameter adjustments and are using regular pots instead.  You Sonic Lab guys really ought to call attention to this fact.  The data knob seems to be the only rotary encoder on the unit.  Rotary encoders are NOTORIOUSLY flaky because manufacturers don't use optical ones-- they use mechanical ones which, even when they use gold plated contacts, the gold wears off soon and the contacts then oxidize and often start getting flaky causing the parameters to change in the wrong direction or stutter.  I've purchased a lot of Korg gear for example where the rotary encoders go flaky in about 6-months to a year after purchase and end up being a chronic problem on the units.  I passed on buying Electron products, despite their innovative design and interesting features, due to an over reliance on rotary encoders-- and check out the user forums on those, flaky encoders do plague them as well based on the complaints.  And especially for instruments designed for live use, flaky controls are no use at all.  This Novation product looks like it'll be good for dubstep and other experimental electronic music, which is my area of interest (or, one of them).  Also kudos to Sonic Lab's reviews, there one of my first go-to places to find out about equipment.

One aspect you didn't cover that would be useful-- does the arpeggiator send MIDI notes information out so that if you record it via midi you'll get the individual arpeggiated notes?  A lot of synths DON'T do that, which is unfortunate, because you may want to drive other sound modules from this device and have the arpeggiator operate with those sounds as well...

[quvr]

Can’t wait to get my hands on one of these. I own a microbrute, and I really wanna expand on synths since I’m a beginner.

[MostlyLoveOfMusic]

brilliant review - but how would I record and save the files for using in a DAW? (other than recording on a separate device)

[kirininpdx]

Cool. Thanks. I'd still like to get a head to head comparison. I personally felt like the keybed on the microkorg was crap when I played with one at Guitar Center. If the MiniNova is similar then going for the UltraNova would be a better bet for me. On a side note, how would you say the Roland Gaia and the UltrNova would compare? Thanks again!! :)

[N.G.S._]

Wow! Much like both the Korg Monologue and the Yamaha Reface CS This is also a PERFECT Beginner’s Synthesizer! I should know cause I myself have one and absolutely LOVE IT!!!

[Synthematix]

a big knob that feels good in the hand, marvellous!

[arshediamedia]

The ending reminds me of the family guy thing where Peter says "what are they gonna do cut our budget? Pssh! I'm gonna go get a beer." And he flips over to the door.

[ShoreyJr]

Great review, but I want to see that messy studio again! It was lovely seeing all your stuff in the background :D

[jonnyhead]

I was really surprised at this review. considering your love for Dark ambient. This is one of the best synths I've used for that particular genre I really feel you missed a good chance to explore it's very large dark side. I still love your reviews though Nick you are the best reviewer by far.!l I've learnt many things from you over the last couple of years. So, thank you.