GEOSynths - Synth Show Reviews - Novation PEAK

Buy Novation Peak Patches nOW - www.geosynths.com/novation-peak
/ geosynths Synth Patches - www.geosynths.com
**** I mistakenly call PEAK a Virtual Analogue...It isn't of course, only the Oscillators and the FX are Digital, the rest such as the VCA, Filter etc is completely Analogue...
Score Board - bit.ly/2TAxdWN
So, I get asked the same sort of question over and over, which is "This Synth vs That Synth vs That one". Now I decided to a Sound designers Review of 10 Synths that I have made Banks of Patches for and come up with 5 areas to go over and to to give them a score out of 20, for a final total.
These are:
Features - 15
Workflow - 16
Sound Design - 17
Versatility - 16
Value For money - 14
Novation PEAK gets - 78/100
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[@SynthientSound]

Hi Jamie, I have been enjoying these first couple of synth reviews you have been doing. You've certainly spent a lot of time programming and you are one of the few that I really trust for synth reviews. I'd love to grab one a Novation Peak.

[@johnadams5489]

Peak is one of the best synths to come along in a long time. I have owned and still own a number of Vintage analog synths, and one of the things I like about the Peak is that it sounds different than a lot of synths that I already own. It can wear a lot of hats. Very Versatile, and at a fair price for what you get. Sweetwater lists it as a top seller.

[@GEOSynths]

Yeah, I gave it a high score for Versatility and it is a very good Synth, especially with the new Features and slightly lower price point now.

[@archertheo6898]

I guess I'm quite off topic but does anybody know a good place to stream newly released movies online ?

[@impurfekt]

Great new series Jamie. Spot on.

[@MMCEnsemble]

Really cool review! Glad I found your channel. This is one of my favorite synths. Had it a year now and even though I used it all over a recording I just did, I feel as if I'm just scratching the surface.

[@mmhcreates]

16:10 Your patches are the best I have heard. Both for this and the Prologue. I am now more torn between the two than before. Great sound designing. Well done. Thank you for sharing.

[@GEOSynths]

Patch Examples at 8:14 Score for the Novation PEAK Features - 15 Workflow - 16 Sound Design - 17 Versatility - 16 Value For money - 14 Total - 78/100

[@shawnsaul7759]

Will these patches be available?

[@tonalaxis]

Good honest review. Peak sounds great 👍. On my want list. :)

[@YukiTheSynthDragon]

Nice review ! Your patches were the reason I sold my ultranova and bought a peak.

[@GEOSynths]

Thanks Yuki for the support, are you having fun with the PEAK?

[@YukiTheSynthDragon]

@@GEOSynths Yes ! It is by far the best laid out synth I have used as well besides maybe the Juno 6 I had as a kid. Makes making patches fun again vs a chore.

[@florianinside5666]

A great-made and informing review. Well done. I love that Sounds at 13:08 and 15:45. Thank you, Jamie. I hope someone lends you a Moog One 16 so you can make a review. This would be interesting, i think ;-)

[@GEOSynths]

Yeah, I’d love to get my hands on a Moog One and see what I could come up with...got to sort out my 2006 piece of crap Car out first :)

[@Paul_Y_T]

Another great video. I was surprised that you didn't mention more about its fm abilities given your comments on the system 8. I find the fm + analogue post-oscillator signal path to be a really impressive feature of the peak. I prefer it for that over the prophet 12 even though it's down an operator/oscillator in comparison.

[@GEOSynths]

Well, the main differenced is that Roland implemented different algorithms/different ratio's for the FM Oscillators, so is more akin to the old DX type of FM. The original video for the PEAK, well all of them, start off being about an hour long, but I have to cut it down unfortunately...

[@ToyKeeper]

Thanks, have been looking forward to this video. :) Out of every synth made in the past few years, I think the Peak is my favorite. The only significant drawback I've found is that it's mono-timbral. So I've had a hard time deciding between a Peak (or two) or an all-in-one box like an Access Virus. I hope Novation will make a multi-timbral Peak soon, because I really love its sound but I want more than one at a time.

[@bobcatt2294]

Good post, yes, I am on the fence on a Access V , Blowfeld or the Novation Peak. Looking for pre-effects - (in the filter stage) along with post effects all in stereo.

[@brendonsmith8025]

I think your channel could really blowup with some patch making tutorials, that would apply for many different synths

[@GEOSynths]

Hi, yes, I already have done quite a lot, some are hidden and on my Patreon Page, but I've released a lot. www.patreon.com/GEOSynths

[@watchaddicts1213]

Was happy to find YOU…addressing this synth. The filter, distortion & VCA are all analog, yes? Ok, won’t waste anymore time with silly questions. I want a SUMKIT so bad I could just scream; like out in public. My wallet tells me to buy a Peak and count my lucky stars. It says:, “open a track in Cubase, name it PEAK 1. Open a 2nd track in Cubase, call it PEAK….” Ok, ok…I get it- bitimbral tracks. Arm both tracks to record and I guess both on same midi Ch., split the keyboard maybe, Buck up and don’t be a baby. One could make the different presets sound at the same time. My dad used to say: “Son, poor folks have poor ways.”. I’m too old to perform. Also, truth told, probably best that I focus one brain and both hands on 1 track at a time. And yet, I want a Summit madly. At last,..the compound question: Do you-the doctor here-think the ‘splitting the filter on the Summit (what would be two 2-pole and whatever modulation trick may be related, ALL THAT, is that such a big deal, like could you live without it AND, otherwise, the summit can play as a 16 voice (pitted against my 10 fingers)…would you pay up to bother to sell the Peak and buy the SUMKIT? My point of view: We all have some dreamsynth in our head; I mean the one you actually HEAR. I stumbled upon some of The Finest brass and string patches for PEAK recently and there it was! In both instances, I was hearing the Nirvana sound that I hear in my head. Like more so than lusting to a MOOG ONE. That does not mean that I therefore must be a P.I.F. and buy the Summit. Thank you for ensuring and Great job you do! A true teacher and asset you are to us. By now, I’ve finished this video and it seems evident that you plan to keep your PEAK.

[@Robbinsffxi]

OTA filters sound very clean. Might be the reason it's so nicely defined in the low end. Very nice for emulating Roland Juno and Jupiter synths, since they used OTA filter as well.

[@RikMaxSpeed]

Love the concept! It's high time we had expert reviews of synths giving them scores for their feature sets (this has existed a long time for digital cameras for example). I'm slightly confused at the distinction between "Sound Design" and "Versatility" - maybe "Sound Design" is "Sound Quality"? Would be nice if you explained your scores a little, the plus and minuses you're thinking of at the time. I'm looking forward to the next videos!!

[@GEOSynths]

Hi Richard, thanks for that. I had quite a few Categories to Score at first, though I decided to break it down to 5 areas to cover. The areas are weighted towards Sound Design and the range of sounds a Synth can make in my experience of making Patches with them. So, Sound Design and Versatility may seem like 2 sides of the same Coin, but in my Head, they are different...though that could just be my dodgy brain :)

[@ninjakbly]

The patch at 10:04 has a Harold Budd vibe to it. Nice review!

[@housemachine509]

Awesome video 👌

[@JDSoundsets]

Nice review Jamie :)

[@johnnyraphaell]

Hej Jamie thanks for this great show! Can you modulate the filter envelope with the mod envelope to get exponential or logarithmic curves?

[@idobabayoff]

hi GEOSynths I own a quite a few synth - both analog and digital. when i got the peak i was very frustrated with most of its presets most of them not Useful for me. they just dont show the Potential of this instrument. like you, i sat down and started doing my own preset. found out its a pure joy, good work process and its a MONSTER for sound design. very good low end, lots of modulation option. killer reverb + usable chorus and delay. Love your sounds!

[@thelantern9075]

Nice video Geo, the Peak sounds really nice. Question: I’m considering getting the white Blofeld keys to control the Peak, I’ve heard the keybed is nice. What’s your opinion of the Blofeld? Is there too much overlap in sound of the two? I’ve never played either, but I’ve always wanted the Blofeld, and the Peak is a sure buy. I’m a Rompler guy, playing a Kurzweil PC3 and Korg Triton.

[@francislalonde2584]

FWIW, the Alesis Ion also has three oscillators, all fully independent. It's a virtual analog, some may disqualify it for that, but it still sounds very organic.

[@GEOSynths]

Thanks, I've never had an ION, though I do have an old Fusion that has 3 VA Oscillators, just a pain to edit. Thanks for watching :)

[@johnadams5489]

Francis Laiode I have an Alesis Ion. I bought it brand new from Sweetwater, and it has the last revision of their OS. Its quite capable. It functions same as any subtractive synth with plenty of sound shaping controls and a number of Filters to work with. As with other 3rd generation VA's the basic sound is not as robust as RA's but the "tone" of the synth is excellent. It can reproduce early analogs as well as doing a good job emulation an Arp String Ensemble. 8 voices that when played in Unison, does a decent Mini Moog emulation. I hope to use the ION as a controller and connect it to the Peak, as soon as I find a decent part time job and can afford it.

[@r3dsh1ft3d]

It uses digital FPGA based oscillators but the rest is all analogue. I wouldn't really call that analogue modelling, as that more implies digital circuitry emulating the analogue signal chain, e.g. VCA, envelopes, and especially filter. These are analogue with the Peak which is why it sounds so good.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

The designer of this sythersizor (forget his name but He died) was in the game decades.

[@r3dsh1ft3d]

@@HOLLASOUNDS Chris Hugget

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

@@r3dsh1ft3d Yer that's the man.

[@architectofechoes4]

I might have asked this question before but does it have Midi (5 DIN) connectivity or just USB? I ask because I have a mid 90's Yamaha SY35 which I could possibly use as the controller keyboard if compatible. Excellent demo by the way !!

[@GEOSynths]

Yeah, it has In/Out/Thru...

[@architectofechoes4]

@@GEOSynths Thank you very much for the info.

[@CB-zu4md]

Hi Jamie and first, many thanks for these great reviews. Interested to see you scoring the Rev2 a touch higher than the Peak. Now that some time has passed, if you could only have one of these two which would it be (or is the Summit now your desert island synth)?

[@GEOSynths]

I tried to be objective in the reviews and take my personal thoughts out of it to a degree when scoring. The REV 2 was higher as it had a Keyboard, 2 Layers and a Sequencer, but the sound is better on the PEAK. I do have a Summit and yes, that would be scoring higher.

[@CB-zu4md]

Thanks Jamie and very good to hear as I have just bought a Summit! The one thing I wish they would add to the Peak/Summit is the easy modulation source and destination selection as used on the Rev2 and Sub37. Thanks again for the great and inspiring content.

[@kierenmoore3236]

@@GEOSynths “the sound is better on the Peak” [than on the Rev2] ??!! Surely, it just depends what sound(s) you are after … ?! 🤔

[@MihrYazd]

Hi, with respect to menu diving which one of your 5 categories does it go under? And also "sweet spot" spectrum which one does it go under? Tnx

[@GEOSynths]

Menu diving would be under "Workflow" and "Sweetspot" I guess would be under "Sound Design"...Sweet Spot is quite subjective though, as you may like a type of tone, while others may not.

[@fakshen1973]

You're in for a good time when a ring modulator is standard equipment.

[@TheSynthZone]

wife got one so good to go

[@Slowlyburnedelectronics]

Hi! Great video! I am considering the Peak together with the deepmind..will they pair nicely?

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Definitely.

[@mmhcreates]

15:42 nice E. Piano

[@mmhcreates]

13:26. Beautiful. Can the Korg Prologue 16 make this sonic beauty?

[@GrootsieTheDog]

Every time I sit down and play an arp on my Peak and start tweaking knobs, I’m always surprised at how far I can take it. I’ve gotten so addicted to modulating arps that I haven’t even programmed a sequencer in weeks :) it’s almost changed my whole approach and style to making music. I’m way more into spontaneous music making, improvisation instead of programming sequences. start with an arp and build up from there. Too much fun!

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Yes its insane.

[@MrCshmn]

Does the Peak sound better than the Prologue? is it as harsh/metallic? I'm thinking of returning my Prologue because I hate the midi clock sync glitching on startup. I'm thinking of upgrading to a Peak. Is it an upgrade?

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Got the MiniNova last year and just got the Peak Yesterday £800 Cash converters. Having one of Novations cheapest and most expensive sythersizors side by side they really are some of the best companies out there in the game. Great customer service even for people buying used gear.

[@GEOSynths]

Yeah, I spotted that CC had a Peak in, great Synth for the money. Check out Components, I did a Bank of 50 Patches for Novation which you can find there. Plus check out www.geosynths.com for my 2 Banks of 128 each.

[@morast6330]

Great review & demonstration, I'm seriously considering getting this one (or the Take 5 ;-) ). One question though, did you have samplerate problem or a faulty cable while recording the synth sounds? When I listen with headphones there's constant "glitches" going on in the audio of your first batch of patches, but only the synth audio, not your voice.... Or are these part of the patches & on purpose? Thx & kind regards!

[@GEOSynths]

Thanks, yeah I used to use some free webcam software which was a bit crap, have updated it since I did this in 2019. If you listen to my actual Patch Videos, I did them a different way, so no clicks. - Here for more - www.geosynths.com

[@morast6330]

@@GEOSynths thx, yeah i figured, checked out your patches & they sound great with no clicks to be found. Would you go for the Peak or the Take 5 as a beginner Poly-Synth? (Only messed around with Monosynths & Poly-VSTs up to now) thx!

[@GEOSynths]

@@morast6330 they’re both great, but I’m having a lot of fun with the Take 5, I certainly recommend it as a first synth

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

I probably wouldn't of bought a Peak had it no showed up in used good shop Cash converters $800. Glad I got it though.

[@RundFyrkant]

8:12 sounds from the synthesizer start

[@brendonsmith8025]

sounds like its time for zenith vol 2 ;)

[@bobcatt2294]

We have been seening the DeepMind as a controller all throughout the video then you state lets listen to the digital side. Then at: 15:09 you switch controllers to a Blowfeld. That was confusing.

[@jumpingman8160]

just 1 more than the Deep Mind (77). I was keen on the Peak, but because I didn't want to buy a 4 octave midi keyboard with AT as well, I ended up buying the Deep Mind. I also have an Ultranova (that I really dig], so I thought that it wouldn't make much sense to get the Peak (though endeed they are different). I believe that at the time the Peak came out, the Ultra had a bit more going on for a lot less (more LFOs and envelopes, triggers, 20 slot Mod Matrix...) which also weighted on my decision.

[@GEOSynths]

Yeah, funny how the score has worked out. I'm not scoring them before doing the videos, it's when I've finished doing the review that I score it...Of course, that's the total amount, but there are 5 Categories, so...stay tuned :) End of the day, there's no right or wrong Synth to buy, it's up to you, the Music you like etc. Plus, the longer you do it, certain aspects that seemed important aren't and get taken over by other aspects...it's all fun though :)

[@jumpingman8160]

@@GEOSynths for sure 😎

[@666JGNotts]

I'm sure I remember seeing a review when it first came out saying that there is no tempo knob on the panel which means you have to go into the menus to access tempo. Is this true? I think I'd find that a bit annoying to be honest.

[@GEOSynths]

Yes, it is in the Menu...The knob that "should" be the Tempo is the "Gate" for the Arp, I suppose they could implement a shortcut, iike hold down Arp and move the Gate knob. On a daily basis it's not an issue though, it's only one button press.

[@666JGNotts]

Yes I suppose you're right. I didn't want another situation like I have with my Moog Sub37 as I find that absolutely ridiculous because it doesn't show you the tempo value on the screen, so basically you have to guess from the markings on the dial (unless you're driving it via midi from another synth)

[@paulmapp8306]

@@666JGNotts I just assign a knob on the controller keyboard for tempo.....

[@housemachine509]

Patches with the update? Are you making more?

[@lauritarkiainen1858]

Because of hardware architecture, Peak is really versatile and by the software, it can be what ever you dream of. I predict that Peak will be one of the classics, what people will hunt for like their life will depending on it. say what I said after when when it is no longer sold.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

You can still buy them new and there is a decent number on the used market as many Peak users upgraded to the Summit. I got a Peak yesterday £800 used.

[@lauritarkiainen1858]

@@HOLLASOUNDS I would like byu summit if there will be affordable bargain of it. Still love my peak.

[@Wagoo]

I'm pretty sure the Peak is not just a VA.. it's not a digital synth. FPGA is used for the oscillators yes (and maybe effects?) but the rest of the signal path is real analogue.. was my impression. It's a hybrid.

[@GEOSynths]

Thanks Wagoo, yes it's Hybrid...It's just the Filter that is analogue but I still see it as a Digital Synth...not that it matters.

[@rasmus619]

@@GEOSynths - digital where it counts - analogue where it matters is what Novation say :-)

[@bzilla4000]

@@GEOSynths I believe the amplifier is also analogue. For my modular I always make sure my filters and vca's are analogue. So very true that it's analogue where it counts.

[@kierenmoore3236]

@@bzilla4000 You’re absolutely correct - it’s not just the filter that is analogue - the VCA is analogue, too. 😎👍🏼

[@bond4177]

Lots of strange signal noise on this video. Not the synths fault judging from other demos. Still, great video!! (cheap cables maybe?)

[@GEOSynths]

No, it's an issue with using aggregate devices, syncing digital signals.

[@marvinkmooneyoz]

is it right to call it an analog modelled synth? its got lots of waveforms that are unapologetically digital, much of the signal path IS analog

[@GEOSynths]

I suppose technically it is a Hybrid...I did go a bit further into it in the video...in fact it was originally nearly an hour long, so had to cut lots out. I see it a Analogue Modelling as it's laid out like an Analogue Synth, has prominence for Sine, Triangle, Saw and Square and separate area for the Wavetables...all that aside though, it sounds great and is currently in the lead.

[@mybiggrin]

Rated 2 points lower than Rev2 but it’s your desert island? I’m so confused just tell me what to buy! Haha (Great review btw.)

[@GEOSynths]

Trying to keep my personal favoritism out of it :)

[@bimguff]

Main difference is due to the price. The Peak and Rev2 are similarly priced, but the Rev2 is bitimbral and includes a nice keyboard.

[@final_mile_music9713]

@@bimguff I had a Rev 2 16 voice. I sold it. I now have a peak (amongst others). The peak is much, much better than the Rev 2 in my opinion. The Rev 2 was incredibly dull to me with very little sonic character. I didn’t like the filters at all. My Pro 3 SE and Matriarch…. Different story. So much character….

[@vatolegato]

@@final_mile_music9713 I've debated between peak and rev 2, but the analog sound is what I'm after and the peak doesn't offer that as I can hear the digital flat sound in the examples I've heard online (I know it's recommended to listen in person, but I don't know where to go for that unless the summit has the same engine). The rev 2 has that analog sound, but what makes you think it is dull and has very little sonic character? Would you say it has a good analog sound though?

[@final_mile_music9713]

@@vatolegato I think I’m being a bit harsh. The Rev 2 is a very nice synth at a great value. I think what I mean is that it didn’t inspire me. And that’s a personal thing. It just didn’t have the X factor for me.

[@sumchi3690]

i was ..but now not. Keeping my old novation x station 👍

[@jordangomez6818]

peak is 550 euros on amazon.it. seems strange

[@malkytrance]

Supernovas distorted everywhere, some sounds could never be played poly no matter where you gain reduced, still dont like the sound that much of this.

[@johnnyraphaell]

Hej Jamie thanks for this great show! Can you modulate the filter envelope with the mod envelope to get exponential or logarithmic curves?