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!

[@thecasualreviewer2148]

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.

[@foxybrown2]

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.

[@marc3d]

and what about the microkorg s?

[@scottcupp8129]

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

[@sranug]

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

[@newforcemedia]

Nice to hear some old classic tunes!

[@newforcemedia]

@Virgil Simmerman What's the difference with Flixzone and other streaming services, ssay for example Netflix?

[@blondi_80]

I really enjoy this video you made, it helped with deciding what synth to choose as I was so undecided, i went with the Novation MiniNova, but I still want to purchase the Korg lol... 👍👌

[@HectorGonzalez-qx9nk]

Screw it, I'm getting both.

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

+Hector Gonzalez Right? Damn this synthesizer addiction. I'd be better off with a drug habit. XD

[@eatshrots]

+Paul TheSkeptic hahaha dude me too. this is getting out of hand

[@SianaGearz]

I don't know, is it just me? Is it the presets? Is it the engine? I don't have much experience with either, but the original MicroKorg seemed a lot nicer... as in more characteristic, angrier, than MicroKorg XL? Bloody loved the sound of the original. But the Nova is certainly SUPER interesting. Impressive.

[@eatshrots]

Siana Gearz check out Nova vocoder and voice pitch shifting on youtube. it won me over as I was looking for something that did a great vocoder and the pitch shifting is amazing. I was able to make the exact same deep low voice like the voice on Yello - Oh Yeah ...I don't think the korg can do that. But the Korg has a nice fake piano sound that shows up in house music all the time. It's that Korg M1 piano sound I believe that is inside the MicroKorg XL

[@PaulTheSkeptic]

I ended up buying the Roland jd/xi and it has a great vocoder. You can also plug your guitar into it or use your voice. It does all kinds of crazy stuff. It's a little more expensive than the Novation or the MicroKorg but for what you get it's probably worth it depending on what you're looking for.

[@michaeltrenier]

Phenomenal simplistic comparison sans voiceover. Thanks!

[@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.

[@ThatDubstepGuy1996]

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

[@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.

[@achamilton]

Yes this was brought up when the video was first done but don't have the master file and therefore could not change it. Sorry for that!

[@ondrejskalicky2971]

And would you change? Are you satisfied with mininova? I am choosing right between these two...

[@thecryptkicker5]

Ondřej Skalický close your eyes and listen....

[@mjcantstop]

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

[@marting6037]

Had MicroKorg for a year or so and really enjoy it's analogue-type sound and recently purchased but awaiting delivery of Mininova. The two can't easily be directly compared since both offer high functionality/versatility at a reasonably affordable price - it's apples vs oranges. MK providing rich, deep synthasis and MN hardout bass with lush FM pads. If i had to choose one over the other i'd edge towards the Mininova simply because it offers more immediate hands-on control over selected pad plus the arp just looks a whole lot more fun.

[@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

[@clinuce]

which one would you recommend for ambient music?

[@carlosramme9455]

do you think the microkorg S is a little better..for great 80 sounds..and general

[@marting6037]

@@clinuce Significantly too late for this comment to provide any value i suspect but i'd be inclined towards the Mininova for creation of ambient type tracks assuming the choice were only between these two instruments. I also own a Wavestation which is WAY more suited to ambient - super rich, lush, layered waves/pads - perfect for film scores.

[@eponymoussparrow2516]

@@marting6037 Perfect for film scores? Dude the wave station writes film scores just for looking at it.

[@funkmasterblaster5921]

They are both very cool..I use them both...they both sound amazing to be so small..

[@djcsr]

Normally KZbin isn't a great place to make sound quality judgments but comparing these two in the same video is quite helpful. I like both these keyboards but the Korg definitely seems to have an edge sound-wise.

[@PANK_EKZISTENTSIALNYY]

Please tell me. Is it possible on the Korg MicroKorg XL to make it sound the same (clear) when you press a key? exclude the fact that the frequency (equalization or other effects) tone change when you press a key after a while? for example, as in this part of the video (5:34) I am going to buy. I don't want to be wrong. help me please. (I'm not Englishman)

[@Animejeff]

Tough decision but as I wanted a Midi controller and having a Novation bass synth I opted for the Mininova and I am not disappointed, go to say the Korg has a Casioesque looking keyboard. Great video, thanks.

[@conform-contrast]

hey there!! thanks for the great video. i'm really curious about the name of the sort of function you present at 2:23 which is using the step arpeggiator. what fascinates me about it is the capacity to choose chord v. up/down or other more common arpeggiator modes. does the mininova also have this function? i'm VERY called to this, and this would honestly be a major reason for what might call me to getting something like the XL+ over a simple microKORG if these are major differences as well between those two. thanks again, very instructive and helpful video!

[@TiberiusStorm]

Great song choices! It's a tough call because they both have their strong suits.

[@EddTanner]

Cheers for the upload, Mininova it is :-) Can't wait!!!

[@casperanemone2769]

also is there a user preset area on the mininova where one can save their own sounds, or is the mininova all prset banks?

[@michaelkupfer3723]

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 + :-)

[@Pichuscute]

Agreed. This Korg sounds nice, and more impressive than the Novation, imo. Although, they are both cool.

[@MrBrandonLau]

The reviewer applied delay and reverb effects to the korg and not much on the novation for equivalent patches. I believe this is why the korg sounds better on this comparison

[@inedialiquidarian9933]

Michael Kupfer LOL!!! I think its because we grew up on korg music. That s**t cut deep. I get goose bumps listening to the XL, whew!! Yet 256 sounds from novation is some great new school upgrade.

[@adventureswithsteve2981]

Just so you know the XL+ can load the MS2000 , Microkorg XL and XL+ presets via the Editor or Make your own or tweak the current or downloaded ones to your own liking

[@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.

[@Soho-Fart]

this is probably too late to say this but you can actually power the mininova via usb which makes it super portable. you can power it with a power bank, car cigerette lighter, computer usb etc...

[@raphaelpour7583]

Best MiniNova Video on KZbin! 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.

[@Vinh1089]

Good song choice man! Running up that hill

[@ElektroNoiser]

I like so much the sound of mininova! thanks for this demo.

[@Pulse2AM]

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

[@aurozappa305]

bang for buck ? ...... it doesn't sound as good !

[@thomasdavis8722]

great vid, helped out a lot!

[@gauzzproductions5338]

the mininova sounds fucking dope

[@transmat]

I was hoping to hear the vocoders! Tasty video tho :)

[@RCmies]

Im looking for a first synth and these two seem affordable and versatile. However I dont like the genre selection knobs I would much rather have something I can make my own unique sounds from scratch on. Any suggestions for me?

[@L3GACYxiNsTiiNcT]

Now that was a great comparison!!

[@burntumber]

Last year these were both for sale, used locally. I went with the Mininova because of the animate buttons. Talked the seller down to $300cad too ;)

[@samia817]

enjoying all these memories of classic tunes hehe

[@stvictor8452]

3:40 omg! running up that hill!

[@clementejarpa8503]

This is beautiful

[@chiggy2938]

Setting aside whichever you guys think is the better synth, can we just appreciate this dude was playing some cracking riffs in this video lol. Top notch tunes.

[@TerenceKearns]

Fantastic demo. Nice work.

[@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.

[@rockybalboa2526]

THE MACKIE ONYX 2x2 WITH MIDI OFFERS MUCH BETTER PRO RECORDING QUALITY SOUNDS FOR ABOUT THE SAME PRICE! : )

[@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 ...

[@user-gg1vf8ko9s]

like for Running up that hill theme👍

[@trollingisasport]

like for tiny penis

[@Riverglory83]

Thank you for sharing the video! 💎

[@iveno_]

I want to go busking with it on the street using an AMP & a RC 505. I will need another battery pack anyway for the looper so I don't mind that the mini nova requires mains power which is no problem anymore these days. I like that there are so many free downloadable patches for the mini nova from the 70&80 I think, LOVE IT! Maybe I should try to rent them play around with it but I think the mini nova is just more versatile. Great review !

[@michaeltyborski4802]

The Mininova provides a unique sound engine. I would use it to replace a Roland JD-XI that my Studio 8 supercedes. Thanks for the demo.

[@TheOrganiston9th]

The XL+ has remarkably good Mellotron patches; I d/k if there's more than one strings one (I hope so). Does the Mininova have Mellotrons too?

[@ghostsax]

ok ppl really need to stop yelling at each other about which of these is the “superior” synth. they each have their own strengths and weaknesses & i think it’s entirely a matter of personal preference. for me, the mininova is my synth of choice, but the microkorg does have a lot to offer in and of itself & i would love to someday own both. it’s ok to disagree about this - that’s how opinions work. but there’s no need to be so mean about it.

[@ralphieswoots]

That arp progression you did on the MPK is making me want to buy it.

[@porrasesteban14]

I recently bought the MiniNova and I dont regret it, it sounds pretty awesome and its also easier to use than other synths. Now I would like to buy another synth, which one do you will better a Microkorg XL+ or the Little Phatty Stage II by Moog?

[@niemusic4062]

What is the song list of songs you played on these?

[@playonkorg]

The Mininova sounds are standard with a lot of reverb ( Roland issue on a lot of keyboards ). If you putt the effects off (verb and chorus) ,then you hear the real filter and then compare. I have both boards in the studio and I use the Korg most (layers in pads and dynamics).I like the vocoder of the Mini more

[@georgefromgreece4119]

Very helpful comment, thank you!

[@artgrl73]

seems to me the xl has a more organic sound, a lot smoother......the novation seems a little more 80s synth sounding. both are nice, but I lean towards the xl

[@sirkimboard6707]

I just ordered a like new MiniNova cause of how fun it looks to play !! besides,it has its own unique sound compared to Korg products in general which I love Korg already have over a half a dozen Korgs !! But cant wait to get my MiniNova in this Friday it looks like its gonna be a blast to play and much more powerful than what most people are saying here. there are a lot of great videos with much better representations of the novation Mininova on KZbin.....its what made me decide on it instead of another Korg ;-)

[@HipBonanza]

I think both synths are good for what they are. If I was to choose one it would be the nova I think the sound of the korg is perhaps a little clearer and more defined and realistic but none of the sounds come across as particularly original or of this decade 2013. even after a lota tweaking it still sounds a bit 80's 90's albeit a great sounding 80's 90's got vst's that can do all that much better . However what I look for in hardware synths is there ability to inspire me to create new sounds and textures live in real time EVERYTHING about tweaking the nova is more immediate and fun though we all have our own perspectives on this so it won't be to every ones taste! After spending 4 hours at turnkey putting them through their paces and annoying the hell out of the staff I choose the nova, (Very nearly walked out with the mini brute though I still want one of those!) There is just somin about the nova that works for me I have an old wasp synth and that is one of my all time fav synths I kinda feel the nova has the potential to be a modern classic it does not try to be any thing other then what it is. Not sure I felt that at all about the korg though it is still a good sounding synth I just couldn't see me wanting to use it live Bottom line for me is that I just have a lot more fun using the nova if I owned both the korg would sit there unplayed.

[@iiiDaftPunk]

One thing i have noticed with the comparison, and bear in mind i dont muck about with synths that much, but the mini ova has more sharpness in its sounds where as the Korg blends them together better. Thing is with your examples it shows that depending on what you want one synth may not cut it which puts it in perspective for people :)

[@NickSBailey]

good demo, like hearing practical examples rather than fast twiddly note runs, much easier to hear how each will be in use, think the Korg for me has the edge for analogue type sounds, both good though

[@brucepain269]

There both amazing for different reasons

[@johnwyatt04]

The mininova seems like it's right up my alley. It's only about $100 dollars more on Amazon, but what I have seen from this, I'd say it would be worth it.

[@wackenthaljef]

Oh yesss! What was this part at 6.20,i cant remember!! I loved it!!!Thanks for that super vid!!

[@achamilton]

jeff wackenthal Gypsy Woman - Crystal Waters

[@wackenthaljef]

A&C Hamilton Musical Instruments Tanks!!

[@adventureswithsteve2981]

It would be nice to see you try to build the same sound from INIT on each , string sound , lead sound , base sound , drum sound ect

[@wax83]

The micro is clearly excels in all the analog/classic type of synth sounds - far more musical & digestible, but the nova is absolutely amazing @ recreating those electro-mechanic (hammond, rhodes etc.) sounds via wavetables!

[@NatLifeSounds]

They both great for their sizes and have own unique sounds i think. I like a retro trance sounding of Korg)

[@feralferret]

Proper old skool riffs. :)

[@Jvaldes609]

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

[@TARENTOOSOFT]

Jesus Valdes theres no comparation between jdxi and mininova

[@JoseCastillo-CR]

Valdemar Reynoso there is no comparation between microkorg and mininova neither!

[@PierreRipplinger]

imho, the JDXi is a nice option for a beginner with a low budget. It has everything you need to start making music and to understand synthesis and groovemaking: drum machine, polysynth, analog monosynth, both with arpeggios and sequences, and of course, a vocoder. It's a lightweight you can take everywhere and do almost everything you want with. To some people, it's a "keeper". (see Woody Piano Shack's video about it.) When you look at it, it's 4 instruments for not even the price of 2 into one case. If I had nothing left, the JDXi would be the 1st thing I'd buy. I watched videos that made me think it sounds a bit dull but maybe that was just low quality sound compression. The drum section at least is punchy. People also complain about the plastic build. I'm not sure the JDXi's vocoder is very good compared to the Mininova's or older Roland voice processors. If you already have a drum machine, you may rather add a synth like these two above, they're more versatile as synths, or an analog synth.

[@savanaviolenta]

Pierre Ripplinger jd xi is not great only for beginners but for everyone

[@sykromsmile6303]

Great video, thanks, both are great..

[@alseveron6558]

Interesting comparison - thank you. I'm leaning towards the Mininova. Can it be used as a midi controller for a DAW, via USB? Which of these two synths has the better keybed, or are they about the same?

[@bobaattila6832]

Yes! I need both.

[@solounusuariomas5574]

Very nice comparison! Just subscribed!I liked the melody at 7:17, what's that song called? Thanks un advance! :)

[@elliotsharpe4824]

want a first synth for vintagey kind of joy division, the horrors sounds. Which one does everyone think would be better?

[@achamilton]

Oops, Shabbee you are right, we have mixed up the spec at the end - the multi-timbrality of the MiniNova is 1 part and not the Korg which has split and layer. Thanks for pointing that out!

[@apostrophicom]

nice work putting this together. the micro sounds better to my ears, but is a bit of a pain to get into the nuts and bolts of. it does have a dedicated usb patch editor, so you can build and tweak everything on your computer, which really lets you get everything out of the unit. they have the same sound engine as the radias synths, so they're bright and clean but heavy and will cut through a mix. you can also get some great gritty sounds. the mininova has accessibility on it's side, but it just doesn't sound as robust (again, to my ears). i think if you're just getting started with synths and aren't as concerned with the potential depth of the unit and editability, the mininova might be the better buy. at the same time, you could go with the microxl+ and learn as you go.

[@cowgirlradio22]

Can you get a piano sound out of the Mininova? Also when you switch patches it cuts out as it is loading, is there a smooth way to change between patches, or split two patches on the 37 keys? thx.

[@thecasualreviewer2148]

I plan on getting a MiniNova at some point. Quite a unique synth.

[@mikevitali6799]

Really helpful, thank you

[@Pingywings]

what are you using to hold the microkorg xl+? i've been wondering what kind of stand would work for it

[@sonoilchamp]

Please tell me from wich song is the first riff u made on the mininova i know the track but i forgot the name i am going nuts!!!!!

[@achamilton]

Hello, we are using a monitor stand! It is slightly wobbly but does the job ok.

[@TooSlowTube]

Which has the better feel, as a keyboard? I.e. which keys are more comfortable to play on? I have the Korg MicroKontrol MIDI controller keyboard, which has the same keys as the original MicroKorg. It's not very good, IMHO. Every thing else about the controller is great (easily assignable knobs and sliders), but the keybed is not nice to play on. It's not about the size of the keys - which I like - it's the way it's built. It makes the black keys harder to play than the white keys.

[@michaelg9344]

I own both. They have same or similar sound capabilities and architecture. Both companies should create an outstanding synthesis only controller including the effects portions similar to the Roland SH-01 which I also own.

[@calebjames3025]

Does the Mininova have a solid keyboard emulation like the XL at 7:17? I'm looking to buy my first synth and I think the Mininova wins in all areas except for that.

[@therestismusicnoise2853]

I use Mininova & Monologue. Great sounds!

[@bctracks]

The man knows his classics!

[@buster3120]

Nevermind the comparison. You played the Sweet Harmony riff @ 7:01 and thats cool!

[@gjc82071]

The Novation has some neat sounds, but overall,....I think I like the Korg's sound better. They're affordable enough to just get both, but if I had to pick, I'd go w/the Korg.

[@yepepet]

What's the first song played on the video ? I remember the notes but not the track !

[@franzbrod9616]

thank you.. they sound great.

[@trevor_mounts_music]

That underworld patch at about 4:30 is like whoah. haha

[@luxo777]

underworld - born slippy

[@synawat]

at 2:56 when you're using the arpeggiator on the mininova, you're holding chords but only notes are arpeggiating. on the microkorg it holds chords. can that be changed on the mininova?

[@electrobear31]

Forgot to showcase the vocoder but otherwise a great video, I like them both. Thank you.

[@LizaLavolta]

I love that you're playing Kate Bush in the strings category :)

[@turanyucelegitim]

Very usefull many thanks

[@alexriesenbeck]

I don't know what MicroKorg XL+ you guys have, but mine is multi-timbral, it even has a 'Timbre Select' switch on it's face.... Did you miss that part?

[@adventureswithsteve2981]

XL has Single, Layer , Multi and Split

[@DecadeDefector]

Could someone please tell me the settings for the microKORG XL+ at 2:00 and throughout the arpeggiator demonstration? Those 4 chords sound amazing.

[@firehandszarb]

good demo/comparison!

[@yumonwilliams]

I like the raw sound of the korg. The mininova sounds awesome aswell

[@akairpg]

If i want to do deephouse ou house music, or these fine synth for me ? Looking especially for detroit sound like theo parrish, omar s, big strick, kerri chandler or else…… thanks !

[@amawalpe]

I'm not specialist but i feel like MicroKorg XL seems to sounds much more better no ? Good attack, more clear and more warm ... ( like we can allways feel the sound goes out from the matter - wood, crystal, etc )

[@Cajunjpaul]

+amawalpe Micokorg does have a much warmer sound which i prefer but I have both synths and the mininova has a few features that the mico korg does not

[@Veenus349]

I love the pad category on the novation i think it's better than the microkorg

[@elbugspinetta]

how did you record it? it sound stereo very nice! specially the Korg!