Novation Mininova Synthesizer - Sonic LAB 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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[@sonicstate]

Sorry about the wierd audio glitch over the ending - not sure what happened there.

[@Keysounds0]

No worries. Can’t wait to be the first kid in the neighborhood 🎹

[@transition6559]

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

[@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

[@real2reel947]

I fell into one of these real cheap..... 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!

[@jamestillman5247]

You willfully ripped him off. Nice job.

[@christdolphin69]

@@jamestillman5247 really? how much do you expect to pay for this thing?

[@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.

[@hairyrichardson8921]

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

[@jiujitsu94]

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

[@ShoreyJr]

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

[@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.

[@felix.henson]

One of the most in depth reviews I've seen of the mininova. It's disappointing how many "demos" there are on yt which don't go at all in depth into what the synth can actually do and just show off what the presets are. This, however, was super informative, I'm really tempted to go buy one now.

[@qu1v3r]

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.

[@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.

[@mrPhotohare]

as always, great review! thanks!

[@Onelychild]

Great review! Thank you for sharing this !

[@N.G.S._01]

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!!!

[@arshnewstvusa]

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.

[@CandlegravityStudio]

Nick rules! Great review as usual, thanks!

[@sirkimboard6707]

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

[@scottcupp8129]

Awesome synth isn't it? I just bought mine about 2 months ago. I LOVE the little guy

[@charliecowan9973]

The animate button makes it like a synth for shoegaze and post rock. I'm getting this in the new year for sure.

[@robertescher3082]

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.

[@valley_robot]

Robert Escher did you get a mininova?

[@musicshin2]

Thanks for the review

[@offroadsubaru3756]

hi there,how to set up the preferences ableton midi ports when i use the mini nova editor?

[@salvatorecarollomusic]

sonicstate how do you exactly root the mic directly through the unit? He doesn't show how he does it. What settings would I have to go through. I'd really appreciate the help from anybody who would have an idea.

[@apeironishome]

thanks. love your reviews. just made it official and subscribed

[@Synthematix]

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

[@ronaldphillips311]

I like to feel a big knob also.

[@dannyherrera1598]

does anyone know if this synth is capable of doing music like Aggrotech, Dark electro & Industrial electro??? and if this synth is compatible with Magix Music Maker? it's the only software I have right now... thanks!

[@GrootsieTheDog]

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

[@MostlyLoveOfMusic]

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

[@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

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

Can you share patches with other mininova owners in the library?

[@MrCasualplayer]

if you use the usb does the sound get sent through the usb into your computer or do you have to use the output ?

[@bestrickie2]

Thanks for the demo of this beauty. I bot 1 last week, just getting to know it as I go along & much of it is user friendly. It's VERY good value for money, a lot packed into such a small unit for such a low price, stunning sounds. With one of the sounds, I find there's a lot of sustain & I wonder how to reduce this? I understand there's drivers, softwear to down load such as editing. The vocoder & D tuner is AWESOME for such a small synth. Cheers!

[@TheRealTakumaji]

Thanks for the quick reply. Currently, I'm looking for an affordable, modern-sounding and highly tweakable poly-synth and the MN seems to fit the bill just right. I had my eyes on Casio's new XW-G1 and Ultranova for a while, now the MN got added to the list as well. I wonder what would be the benefits of buying an Ultranova in favor of the mini version, apart from the price difference of course. Any thoughts on that?

[@DMH031956]

Can I use this with my recently acquired LYNC LN4 from the 1980's. I am in the market for a synth that I can use with the LYNC. So it's a matter of matching early technology with the new synths of today. Any suggestions welcome. Thank you and all the best

[@Zeal808]

love this little synth, cool modulation capabilities

[@SPAZZOID100]

Edwin J. Morais Jr. bad interface though.

[@Zeal808]

James Reeno I guess? Doesn’t bother me. I set tweaks to bypass menu diving. Super easy synth to use

[@sokoleski]

does it spit out arpeggio on the MIDI / USB ports?

[@aakashpillai7668]

Very easy to understand synthesizer and wonderful design

[@Zeal808]

Aakash Pillai exactly

[@JaymacDrums]

so what would you recommend? mininova or microkorg?

[@michaelgibson5047]

How to get the editor to appear on Ableton. I downloaded the librarian and the vst editor cannot find. Not computer savy. I know the file is on my computer. but do not know how to retrieve the file?

[@KnomChomper]

Well my best friend who I share with a studio space with actually has the Gaia and it's a really really good synth as well. I really like that the gaia has everything laid out for you, so there's no menu digging and it seems to have a much quicker learning curve compared to the UN. At the same time though, the Ultranova definitely has more tweakability and imo a slightly better sound engine. It just depends on what you want from your synth, its really nice having access to both.

[@vicksplace]

Great review as usual Nick, thanks. Do you have any plans to review the new Elektron Analog Four?

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

I have heard two reviews, both of which have compared this model with the UltraNova. Is there any correlation to the Supernova models? Additionally, the keyboard may not have aftertouch, but can the synth engine itself receive aftertouch signals?

[@555BIGSHANE]

does this keyboard only have synths on it? or are there drums as well?

[@TheRealTakumaji]

Hi Nick, thanks for the nice review. So, convenience aspects aside, is it possible to access all synthesis parameters from the front panel and/or create new sounds from scratch without having to use a software editor? From some magazine reviews that I've read, I got the impression that an editor is needed for in-depth sound programming, which put me off to some extend as I prefer working directly on the hardware.

[@theugene]

does the pin wheel work?

[@paperworld9940]

Does this have a chord mode?

[@kirininpdx]

Cool! I'm all for tweakability, but I work in the studio, not live. So I'd say at the end of the day a quality sound engine is more important to me. Thanks again!!

[@TheRealTakumaji]

Thanks. I'm very patient and passible when it comes to programming stuff on the frontend and have spent years with creating new patches on the DX7, arranging complex patterns on the MC-202 sequencer and sampling sounds with my Ensoniq Mirage without software support, bet the MN interface will be a piece of cake compared to that. Too bad it isn't multi-timbral, that was a problem of the UN as well. Other than that, it seems like a killer machine for a killer price. WANT! :)

[@therichardnogginproject9012]

The 1st 2 sounds are already what I need

[@MXVDJ]

Does this thing compare to a Virus TI at all?

[@bazerax]

thank you for great rewiev..!

[@tibiluk99]

nice review

[@Salthecat1]

Does this have a drum sequencer?

[@sonicstate]

I'm pretty sure you can access all the parameters from the front panel, The software editor would make it easier though - but if there are extra params available, then I wouldnt know what they are - as the editor was around at the time of the review - sorry!

[@kirininpdx]

How would you say this stacks up vs a Microkorg? Thanks for the great reviews and for taking the time to answer my question!!

[@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!! :)

[@peskystudent]

So what is the difference between the Mininova's "Animate" mode compared to the Ultranova's "Animate" mode? Would be great to do a quick Mininova vs Ultranova feature sets. Thanks for the good reviews.

[@murph9935]

@dexterke1 I would assume it means it responds to aftertouch over MIDI, like if you're using a MIDI controller with aftertouch to control it.

[@darrenlee1938]

This thing can emulate Anything!! My goto synth

[@dankefurnichts]

i'd love to see the PEAK in this formfaktor

[@woodswalker88]

I have an Ultranova & I have thought about 'downgrading'. I like the smaller size of the MN. Maybe that few inches isn't worth the hassle of selling the UN, etc. But I like how the MN got rid of those stupid Automap buttons. And they added cool things like "hold" on the "Animate/touch", which I always needed.

[@denverm4x]

bizarre ending there, sonic state.

[@TheRealDirtySkillz]

It was freaking weird.

[@Miyuk9p]

Hahahha the ending absolutely fits to the rush that Nick is in the whole video over. 08:25 be like "okay let's get this shit over" *violates the next button brutally*

[@montazownianr1]

@@Miyuk9p lol

[@artblack01]

"Nick you only have 10 minutes to make this video.... DAMN IT NICK, WHY ARE YOU NOT DONE!!!! I DONT CARE HOW MANY COOL FEATURES IT HAS!! IT'S JUST A MINI SYNTH!!!!"

[@ikeaaron]

Do you think you could upload a quick blurb of the editor when it's available? Another great vid, by the way.

[@megabot80]

does the goosneck mic. have to be bought seperatley? why no review of the vocals? otherwise great review per usual!

[@ikeaaron]

It's not really about the keys but the portability that the form factor provides.

[@PopsGribs]

What is the fascination with mini keys?

[@Kable_Dubs]

nice synth, want one!

[@FrancisMichaelCicalese]

I purchased this a few weeks ago and love it. T

[@Synthematix]

I REALLY like the look of this synth, i think im going to buy one, thanks for this excellent review, will this be firmware upgradeable do you think?

[@TeddehSpaghetti]

I had to choose between this, the microfreak, and Waldorf Blofeld desktop. I didn't like the Microfreak's interface and especially the keys...and I don't like the menu-diving on the Blofeld. But I think I'll get a Blofeld next and use the midi-din-out on my Mininova to play a Blofeld Desktop and hopefully I can get some good settings for sounds on it. Also now that it's 2020 and 8 years later, it's notable that the Mininova has some AMAZING patches out to really really make it shine! Check out the Novatronix ambient pack (it's lke $30)!

[@JamieClark]

When will we see you with a Korg Krome?

[@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...

[@montazownianr1]

For Apreggiator I just bought M Audio CTRL 49 - that Apreggiator is unbelievable, and it send note out.

[@SantoshGurung009]

Nice Review .

[@bestrickie2]

Thanks I'll try that. I expect I'll have to go to the menue & fiddle about & get back to you. I've registered my new unit which as I say's BRILL. I can't seem to find what to down load as I'm getting a few options. I may well take my lap top to the shop where I bought my mini nova & I'm sure they will down load the appropriate drivers & softwear. Cheers & please by all means check out the demos I've up loaded on my channel & I endeavour to up load recordings with the mini nova.

[@mpchead621]

great review, hes right, the genre selector became dated pretty much immediately... still seems like an awesome keyboard i'm going to look for one

[@leepicciotto]

And just so you know what I'm basing my opinions on I have a Jupiter 8, jx10,voyager,ms20,and various other pieces of classic kit

[@DaneXbsinthe]

An interesting step for Novation,imo. I don't need ANOTHER controller or MIDIAudio interface. This is more focused on live performance. Lots of knobs, lots of keys, rack mounted .... probably best for studio work. Looks fun. Sounds great. Lots of poly and modulation options soften the lack of multi-timbral. Good review/demo. Now what Novation needs to do is a proper Drum Machine (not a module) with an extra sequencer channel to run this. An Electribe killer .....

[@Miyuk9p]

Hahahha the ending absolutely fits to the rush that Nick is in the whole video over. 08:25 be like "okay let's get this shit over" *violates the next button brutally*

[@johnhurd3257]

Lol!!!

[@Desmaad]

I wonder when they'll come out with a rack version?

[@bestrickie2]

P.S, I used to have a Micro Korg XL, then I had an Akai Miniak, both brilliant synths/vocoders but I sold. I find so far the Novation to be more user friendly. I have a couple other synths Juno G, SH-201 Rolands & a couple of home keyboards. If you wish to visit my channel to hear some demos please feel free to do so. Cheers!

[@rjwongofficial9292]

Can you use mininova as midi keyboard to pc pro tools via usb hub?

[@BaddaBigBoom]

I wouldn't recommend it for this, the keyboard is VERY spongey.

[@jimmyklane]

Rickie, try reducing the SUSTAIN level in the amplifier envelope... if there is still too much sustain, then reduce the DECAY time in the amplifier envelope. that should help you out. let me know if you need more help with it! GOOD LUCK!

[@SanplerVarondaro]

wow muy bueno saludos desde Baja California

[@cfcreative1]

You can use it as a VST in your DAW and edit sounds easily as well.

[@rjwongofficial9292]

cfcreative how to do that.

[@Synthematix]

I just realised the Churn PS sound, is the sony PS1 startup sound.

[@viewsbydrone5313]

It reminds me so much of a micro Korg.

[@mlzphoto-official]

i don't want to know what i can do with it, i can read the manual for myself, but i do want to hear what that box sounds like! damit.

[@zut25]

So on the vocoder mode i would have to press a key to actually hear my voice go thru the internal fx? So i can’t use as a stand alone effect unit for my vocals? Because that would be a great tool. Wonder is there’s any workaround

[@BioSoftStudios]

You should take a look at izotope vocalsynth

[@iwannaporn]

Just press latch and play any note ✌️

[@Erin91225]

Can you hold/sustain a sound? I want to create drone and be able to have my hands free..

[@aural_supremacy]

Yes, with the arp latch button, doesn't need to be playing arps to latch it will just hold.

[@michaelkupfer3723]

Hi, can I easily use this as a MDI-Keyboard via USB (to play VSTis/PlugIns that are on my PC)?? Thanks

[@michaelkupfer3723]

Oh and btw, awesome review, one of the best of the Mininova on YT!!

[@sirkimboard6707]

Michael Kupfer I totally agree and he even dug into the waveforms and editing,which that seperates the men from the boys on a synth !!

[@roscoechance5155]

i've got a microkorg but i've got the opportunity to get one of these used, is it worth it? Or is it similar to the korg?

[@gaborb6577]

Nowadays sw synths are more capable amd good sounding. Only point if you want to tour with it.

[@bestrickie2]

Hi there, many thanks for this & other videos on the wonderful Mini Nova Novation. I've recently bought one of these with NO regrets as it's VERY good value for money. What I'd like to know, is can you edit the sustain effect with the editing softwear? I find one of the sounds has a lot of sustain & I'd like to reduce this. I've yet to down load the editing softwear & or other softwear.

[@Keysounds0]

👜

[@sonicstate]

Stay tuned, Elektron are coming over this week to show us what it can do.

[@y34r]

good alt choice for microkorg XL

Blofeld Review?

[@shckltnebay]

can the arp do basic juno type up & down

[@MatthewChristianMurray]

Eric sin, I'm pretty sure it can. The arp can do a lot.

[@Tim_EF718]

Love it

[@kaybhee6]

they say yes aftertouch in,,,, not its own keys,,, but ext keys

[@TheInfinite444]

Review the NTH Synth. search for it on google.

[@Goettel]

Can the vocoder be used simultaneously with the effects?

[@Goettel]

Bought one: yes it can, the vocoder and vocal tuner are additional features in a patch. I can't stop making patches on this since I've got it, what an excellent little synth, especially at the price. The one minus is that the data entry knob is indeed a bit wobbly; the other knobs and controls feel sturdy. Programming it from the front panel is a lot easier and more fun than I'd expected, but the constant use of the wobbly data entry might become an issue. So far though, excellent little synth with a big sound.

[@gaborb6577]

For example the vocoder pad buit-in patch

[@lauritarkiainen1858]

Nick u are the best.

[@acekingmedia]

This or the Roland JDXI??? I've been debating this question ever since the Roland came out.

[@feaset4126]

Ace King Media I would say novation mininova, but choose what you like the most. (I will get this next week) :)

[@acekingmedia]

FINGoldBox After messing with the Roland JDXI at the store, I decided to get the Mininova. The JDXI didn't inspire me as much as the Mininova. I'm sure the JDXI has strengths but I don't need the all-in-one convenience at the moment.

[@feaset4126]

ok

[@stgfan1139]

+Ace King Media Do you still like it? They are two I'm considering right now. And how do the knobs feel? I have a novation impulse and the encoders feel like junk. They move around so easily. The jdxi's have a lot of resistance....so they feel really good. And how does the bass sounds sound? Are they thick?

[@feaset4126]

Well, if you still need my help, i would say this is an average synthesizer with computer it is a lot better but i dont use it with the computer, so im not so familiar with that stuff. And the bass sounds of cource depend on the speakers that you use or headphones. I still am a guy plays with this only like twice a week, so that is all that i can say, hope this still helps you.