RS032 Novation KS-Rack: Poor Man's Virus

A few years ago, while on vacation, I did, what every real synth head would do, while chilling at the pool, of course, I was crawling eBay and classifieds for synths, when this synth caught my eye. From its layout and form factor, I was instantly reminded of those cool rack VA-synths, I simply couldn’t afford (think Access Virus or Nordlead) and after I was able to talk the seller into lowering his price just a bit more, I was happy to have something waiting for me at home, when I got back from having drinks at the pool (those wonderfully innocent pre Corona times).

When I got back home, sadly, the synth hadn’t materialized and I thought I got scammed (silly me -paying a complete stranger through PayPal Family and Friends) but I was lucky and the synth did indeed materialize. When I unpacked it however, the feeling of being scammed returned instantly, because the poor thing looked like it had been through a war or something. I crossed my fingers and well, I got lucky. It looks like shit but runs just fine.

Only afterwards did I start to dig a bit into Novation’s extensive VA-synth history, because these Novation synths seemed to pop up left and right in classifieds and on eBay afterwards. As it turned out, the unit I got was from somewhere in the middle of Novations extensive VA-cycle and while there had been more synths later, they all seemed to more or less share the DNA of Novation’s first VA, the Supernova. So much so, that patches seem to be compatible between most machines.

So how does an early 2000s Novation VA-synth sound? Not to bad actually. I guess you wouldn’t have one compete in a synth shootout with a Virus or Nordlead, but then again, you’ll probably still end up getting some nice sounds for your money. In the case of the KS-Rack, you also get something to fight off Zombies in a, apocalypse, because it is one massive metal whopper ;)

Credit where it’s due, this video features some visuals by Ambiefix:

and No Copyright Motion Graphics:

0:00 Intro
0:42 Introduction
1:28 Novation's VA History
4:33 KS Synth Engine
5:32 Bass Demo
7:10 Strings Demo
8:24 Arpreggiator Demo
9:45 Drums and Multitimbrality Demo
11:54 Some Random Patches
18:58 Conclusion
19:33 Outro

[NiamorH]

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.)

[krazykris]

Super Video Danke dafür! Da steckt Arbeit drinne.great work mate! ❤

[electrosynth]

The KS rack is still on of my fav synths. So hands on.

[RikMaxSpeed]

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.

[Pheonix]

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!

[LeadingMotive]

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! :)

[koolade]

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.

[brandonspivey]

Ihave owned many synths over many years .I really do rate the Novation Ks Rack

[testohtoby]

I have an Ultranova and the Nova/Ks VA engine is damn powerful, I love it 😍

[Medniex]

Awesome concept for the channel! Subbed

[NachoMartyMeyer]

cool synth, I have an A-Station and I love it!

[rejectedsynths]

As some have since pointed out, I kind of left out the Novation Circuit from the list of Novation VA synths. Shame on me...

[hiding_my_name]

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.

[pianokeyjoe]

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!

[squishmusic]

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

[RabidBatMusic]

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?

[MikeRenouf]

I adore my KStation. Ive never figured out how to transfer patches over sysex though. Any tips?

[HumanBeingWithFeelings]

I'm selling mine, I haven't used it in years...

[brokengadget]

Where is the distortion on the string patch coming from (around 7:30)?

[couchcamperTM]

What a great sales video, Novation should have made it a decade ago xD