SonicLAB: Mininova Preset Audition

To go with the full review we posted last week

[@darthsater24]

After some of the other reviews and sound demos, I was having second thoughts about purchasing this synth. But this really showed that, although some of the sounds may be "thin", this thing really has a lot of synthesis possibilities. I have an Arturia Minibrute, but I need a polyphonic synth to go with it. This synth looks like the best option right now for the price, though I'm still looking at the MicroKorg. Anyways, thanks for the great demo!

[@BobRossa]

This thing rocks. I find the posts dissing it amusing.

[@flynnbraylon8422]

pro trick : you can watch movies at flixzone. Been using them for watching lots of of movies during the lockdown.

[@louisjaxtyn7409]

@Flynn Braylon yea, I've been using Flixzone for months myself :D

[@callumedward405]

@Flynn Braylon Definitely, have been using flixzone for since november myself :)

[@natanunorthodox]

These sounds are more for sci fi movies and very agressive metallic, electric grooves. Some of them are great though and I bet with just turning the cutoff and resonance down a little it can make the sound a little less hard and too puchy strong. I wish that I could take a couple sounds off of the mini korg, micro korg xl, mini nova and my jd xi and put it into one unit. That would be great.

[@wolfgangmarkusgstrein8522]

When the effects are turned off, it sounds like the price suggests. Then it's over with extremely powerful.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

You can mod the presets and make it sound like a up to date modern synth.

[@odinmp5]

i been playing synths since 1988. if this is thin, then i want to hear fat.

[@intrascendente]

Then you should listen to the UltraNova (quite the same engine + some extra features)

[@Sequialtera]

well I understand your point and i suck when it comes to this synth things but hearing from classical musicians and how they deal with their music. it doesnt matter if the listener will notice it It is important for classical players to get all the details right because of the desire to play the song perfectly

[@zdave6083]

Classical music is dead. Don't look to it for advice on gear.

[@odinmp5]

sorry to contradict, but in terms of sound, the mininova stands as a good competitor to gear that i already own and costs 3 times as much.

[@synesthetica]

I thought so, too. I was a big fan of JX8P and regretted selling it. Once I had an opportunity to borrow it from the same person to whom I sold it. I played Supernova 2 and JX8P side by side and was shocked to hear that SN2 beats it in every single aspect. It even sounds warmer, and that is not what should happen as SN is a digital synth. The Junos do sound warmer than SN / miniNova, but you can make SN / Nova / miniNova sound very close to them. SO, I was floored by this side by side test.

[@Momointvland]

A000 is fun. A003 is very synthy. A030 is cool horn. C031 & C035 are dreamy. A098 sounded kinda cool.

[@odinmp5]

i been playing for more tan 2 decades, and i find this quite convenient, not necesarily only for begginers. off course theres plenty more to chose from ,but this is great. i owned a roland jx 8, it was amazing , but the sound editing was never as flexible as in the mini nova. besides, mini nova has audio inputs, that makes it quite helpful even for people who own plenty of other gear.

[@bobbeaver2361]

I’m assuming these are the stock factory presets, pretty cool considering you can buy this new for $400 but I have to say I can’t think of any use for most of these sounds in a real world band situation, but thank you for taking the time to do this and saving me the hassle of buying one and returning it.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

You can make your own presets.

[@64Magick]

THAT'S OK, I FIGURED IT OUT, SO FRICKIN COOL!!!

[@odinmp5]

yep, but not everyone wants to depend on a computer. having the hardware in front of you , really helps.

[@fritzthecat6164]

Which one this or mk?

[@TheMysticTrance]

I'm thinking about buying a MiniNova or MicroKorg. I really try to like the MiniNova because it has more features than the Korg, is more versatile etc., but somehow its sound doesn't touch me. I don't know, it sounds too plastic for me and lacks a deepness. The Korg sounds warmer to me, more real, more analog, but it's not as versatile in its sounds as the MiniNova and also hasn't as much features. Hmm.

[@AustinLeeds]

+The Mystic Trance I have the UltraNova, which is identical to the MiniNova under the hood, and like it a lot. Sure, it's not a real analog, but IMHO it's a warm VA, especially once you tweaking things for yourself. The various filters offered by the UN and MN can really change the color of the sound immensely. Having heard and messed around with a MicroKorg in person, I prefer the UltraNova. The Korg was cleaner, but seemed slightly colder. Then again, I like the 80s Roland analogs and D-series LAs (I also felt the Korg Wavestation was as cold as ice). It really comes down to your personal taste and what you're using it for.

[@TheMysticTrance]

Thanks. Yeah, I think I will listen to both of them in a shop and compare them.. Having the hands on it is much better than judging from youtube videos..

[@monkey76kerr]

The Mystic Trance mininova is a lot better

[@garyabbot4659]

Depends what music you make

[@savanaviolenta]

That's subjective too

[@Digiphex]

Anyone doing modern dance music is using vintage brass and jupiter pad all over the place all the way to the outer edge with bands such as Lone and Kona Triangle just full of Jupiter sounds.

[@chakko007]

Few sweet spots on this thing. The pad @ 11:16 sounds absolutely gorgeous. A lot of the default presets seem to be quite weak/ordinary.

[@hedegaard8]

Pad is based off of Roland D-50 "Soundtrack" patch from 1987. In other words, a weak copy I'm afraid :(

[@1000sofusernames]

@@hedegaard8 it is what it is. What do you expect? It's not 80s gear so don't expect it to sound exactly like it.

[@hedegaard8]

@@1000sofusernames Still a copy tho...

[@chakko007]

@@1000sofusernames Wished it would sound better than any VSTi in the last 15 years or so though. ;)

[@jumalx10]

I was just trying out MKXL+ in a store and I think it sounded very nice, but not as modern as this. It didn't sound "thin" like someone here commented. The demo's I've watched of Mininova give me the impression this synth is the one that's thinner. With all the features Mininova has I'd say it still falls short of the sound of MKXL. If Mininova would sound just a little bit Virus-like I'd buy it for sure.. Still thinking about buying both though..

[@Free2playonly]

If this is Midi compatible you can use it with a recording software to get that piano sound.

[@TheRealTakumaji]

Thanks for the quick fly-through. I like what I've heard so far, some of the presets sound plasticky and digital but in a good way. My current studio setup with mostly older gear could need a dose of modern tonal colour so the Mininova would make a good addition if it wasn't for the lack of multi-timbrality. As I'm currently shopping around for a decent replacement for my aging Quasimidi Technox (16-part multi-timbral), this is a major drawback in my eyes. Ah well, can't have it all I guess.

[@wingsofsteel3246]

12:45 would go good underneath some driving electric guitar maybe! Add some texture and drive ...

[@PhilthAdelphiA]

Actually, no. Lots of synthesizers of their own distinct sounds. That is like saying a Moog Prodigy sounds like an Access Virus TI or a Prophet 08 sounds like an Andromeda.

[@rivalo5]

I had the Ultranova. Sold it after a couple of months. Wouldn't recommend the synth, very oriented to contemporary (dubstep) music. Those 'Animate-buttons' also show that most people are going to load a preset and press that button 100 times. It just sounds boring and thin. There are better sounding VST's.

[@aaronchase1973]

Kinda on the fence with this one. Love the sounds, but I'm wondering if I'm better off with a UltraNova. Also, how does it compare to a new BassStation2? Plus the price is a little more than a MiniKorg, but it is more sexy looking than the korg. If I buy this, it's more for a portable synth to carry around. If I don't, it's only because I'm waiting for the price to drop

[@Falabaixooficial]

Bass station is monophonic. No further comparison needed

[@natanunorthodox]

Are these just the preset sounds or sounds that you shaped and molded yourself?

[@DrumsSnowSkateSoft]

the ultranova and this have the same sound engine, just the ultranova has full sized keys and 8 knobs. however, i personally like this layout better, and those animate buttons are really cool. i think save the 200 bucks and get this, or better yet go test both and see which one works better for you! :)

[@DaisukeKunNyo]

i also have the ultranova and some doepfer analog gear my ultranova doesn`t sound "thin" at all it also can do "vintage" sounds with no problems

[@viruslived]

Nice vid. I think Novation did a great job with the synth. Only problem I have with it is that the on-board operating system has a few bugs and glitches which will probably be resolved in the next couple of updates. Also, the software editor hasn't been released yet. Both are minor problems in my opinion. The synth is very capable!

[@Pebbleton]

Is there a way to get piano/string-like patches for the mininova?

[@timjoseph887]

Since it does not have speakers, what do you recommend ?

[@chocowing54]

Headphones

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Buy a amp and plug it in.

[@F-Andre]

it can sound like a wurlitzer/ rhodes. dont know if it has a piano sample in it like the MK XL. otherwise it has some sinewave Aphex twin /warp like piano patches

[@F-Andre]

for me mininova has a great sound. quiet like th MK just with double polyphony. i would love to buy a pad synth machine ;) dont know if the mininova or if the MK is enough

[@CandlegravityStudio]

I hope they make a desktop version of this without the toy looking/feeling keyboard. The engine is great, I'm just not into micro-boards.

[@leepicciotto]

youre right. plus all the mininovas patches are smothered in chinsy effects to even get it to sound this "good".

[@shadowbanned5164]

13:00 BassHoover awesome sound

[@robmlisanti]

So this would make a great "1st Synth Purchase" for me, I have a Yamaha Keyboard, but want a "Real" synth, I do alot of Progressive Rock and Metal Music, plus some experimental stuff

[@MrBoxxed]

how do those keys feel... compared to a remoteSL and a microKorg?

[@arjenmolenaar5155]

@ Odd Prime, i'm totally in sync with your response, this is a perfect machine for what is does, (and maybe some more) amd pricewise PERFECT!!. I Love Novation stuff. many Virus or Nord have bored me within days, My K-station and D-station still entertains me till this day !!!!

[@HoodoHoodlumsRevenge]

+Arjen Molenaar Your profile picture... are you my long lost brother?

[@elissitdesign]

A Virus bored you but this machine does not? Are you kidding? Virus TI2 is a VA with wavetables... that's what this keyboard is but with far less DSP power. I can run 16 synths with my Virus, the MiniNova can only one sound at a time. All the sounds I have heard can be made on a Virus as well accept the Vocoder and VOX Pitch Shifting effects.

[@robmlisanti]

I'm getting it, it will be a great addition for my Prog Metal music

[@aleksandrsmasharo5628]

i got this synth, i love it

[@wingsofsteel3246]

I'm debating whether or not to get a Nova mini like this one, was wondering; (I realise you're not a PR man, or tech support, just wondered if some one could advise me) Would I be able to get an ambient string/woodwind type sound, for backing tracks? I don't want / need an instrument sample type set-up or anything, just some high pitched, ethereal string type effect, and possibly some spacey type , surreal Ambient mood , swirling sounds... . It's been a long couple weeks looking over all the different types of keys/workstations,/ synths, (Down right exhausting) and everything is either way too expensive + huge, or is toy-like and not professional recording level...

[@aleksandrsmasharo5628]

@@wingsofsteel3246 there is a lot different synths on market and it depends what sounds and what music u want to make to choose one. if you are beginner and have small idea about sound design, I suggest simple synth with a lot limitations sh-101 like. This synth has got powerful synthesis and for that money what you spend this synth is worth every penny.

[@wingsofsteel3246]

@@aleksandrsmasharo5628 yes; I'm a simple minded idiot, and love limitations.... Lol. sorry to have bothered you.

[@aleksandrsmasharo5628]

By the way, before you buy synth I suggest to try out some VST. Phaseplant, Dune, Protoplasm, Serum, Sylenth, TAL bassline. Try those VST if you didn't it will shape idea what synth to buy. Also if you like drone music and electronic sequences you might like modular synthesis.

[@wingsofsteel3246]

@@aleksandrsmasharo5628 thank you, so much!

[@theeltea]

Good observation... "Thin" synths are as essential to the sound as "fat" synths. In fact, you don't want all your synths to sound "fat". I was impressed with the Ultranova when it came out, as it had quite a few nice sounds which sounded good and weren't "juno-jupiter-retro" styled. I hate it when softsynths have presets such as "vintage brass" or "jupiter pad". Who needs "jupiter pads" nowadays? Retro freaks?

[@Methanol2000]

This has higher polyphony and more memory than MKXL, to start with. MKXL sound maybe a bit thinner than Mininova.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

The sounds are thin ish on presets but you can edit it and make them full and very nice.

[@psychcowboy1]

If anyone can suggest the most chill pad sounds on the mininova, ala suicide sheep, chill nation. Most of these have a harsher vintage feel than the modern chill synth tones on those channels. Thx. This is a good demo though, both in that it demos lots of sounds, tells you the pad name, and is direct in stereo.

[@juanbonham]

Tine E.Pi ALL

[@MrAcidman5]

Yeah its really intresting synth sound, sounds like very MicroKorg or Alesis Micron warm and digitalish sound Like RP Blade and nice moving sonuds. This is quite good for pads i think and i might get it in my relaxing music project. Ok which one RP Blade or MiniNova ? hmm. nice sound i like it

[@theeltea]

Therefore you're dismissed, soldier. Now go and make yourself useful.

[@koreamedia]

there is not much performance video with mininova on youtube. Most videos are demo.

[@leepicciotto]

If you want real lush,real analog for less money than this mininova,nothing beats a roland jx8p. They go for around 250usd because the programmers cost more than the synths but you don't need one anymore to get under the hood. Use your ipad or novation sl zero controller.theres plenty of already made templates available free.

[@aakashpillai7668]

Is it possible to use the Mini nova as a midi controller for something such as an Ipad

[@Zeal808]

don't think so, to powerful

[@ghostly606]

+Edwin J. Morais Jr. Yes, but you need a class compliant MIDI interface, unfortunately you can't just hook up the USB, which is a shame.

[@Zeal808]

thank you.

[@TheAndreyGA]

Pardon me, but the official response for this question is online and it says the following: "MIDI can be transmitted between the MiniNova synth and computer via the USB connection, but MIDI cannot be transferred between the computer and external equipment via the MiniNova's MIDI DIN ports." I don't quite get the second part but the first is obvious. You can use Mininova as a midi keyboard/controller.

[@ghostly606]

The question was relating to an iPad, not computer.

[@heoohproductions]

super; merci pour la qualité et la vue sur le CLavier !!

[@shaft9000]

- It's not so much that cheap digital doesn't sound big, it's this: Even on nice amplification, as it's turned up louder, it tends to sound worse and worse. Whereas a more refined circuit will sound great without even pushing the system hard at all.

[@offroadsubaru3756]

hi there,i have a problem about the mininova editor.i can't use it with ableton live.please help me!thanks.

[@jbm0729]

Any thoughts on the best amp to use with this for home studio?

[@shadowbanned5164]

Just get a good set of powered monitors.

[@robmlisanti]

is there a patch called Dark something?

[@theeltea]

Yeah, and the guy chimin' in on the fender will be right. I've used a cheapo Epiphone Les Paul with Guitar Rig on numerous amount of tracks and "they never knew". :-)

[@timjoseph887]

What genre would you characterize this music?

[@Charlyaraya]

Tim Joseph several, i feel is more into synthpop, edm and science fiction. Also some ambient

[@88keys.]

Retrowave. Synthwave. Techno .

[@phd_sound]

Fanny Hair

[@nobel11]

Batt to the Bone

[@KevWest]

I love the sound of this synth but for $500 usd the mini keys kill it for me. Would have rather seen a desktop model for $300 that could run off of usb or midi

[@NOIZ-]

There's nothing wrong with Digital synths! they have their uses. The question you should be asking yourself is, does it fit my style of music.. As for fat vs thin, in a mix every sound is EQed and most of the "fatness" is shaved off to make that it sits well in the mix..

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

You can edit the fat or thin sound.

[@64Magick]

How do I get the VOCODER to work???????!!!!!!!! I lost the damn Instructions :-( I have it on VOCODER, the DATA is on Robot Voc and the VOLUME is on 75%............still nothing.

[@Wagoo]

Press keys as you speak..

[@Wagoo]

FANNY HAIR 13:41 XD

[@honkeyhoohaa9307]

Lol

[@joebates4160]

😂

[@Gimmiyomoney]

The mininova is awesome but I can't get over how much I hate the knobs

[@theeltea]

And why would you want bottom end in a VA synth? Plenty of analog goodness on sale these days, both vintage and modern. There's mopho, minitaur, lil' phatty, you name it... Why, god, oh why does everyone want the BOTTOM END? The absense of such is actually BETTER for you mixes as you won't have to EQ as much. :)

[@tundradubs]

That's not even a real thing. You cannot judge the sound of a synth via a low-rez KZbin video. "Warm" is a highly subjective term.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

You can change the harshness if the sounds.

[@fritzthecat6164]

Yes you can

[@Synthematix]

it isnt an analog synth as such its an emulation of one, and to me what ive heard on this video the sounds are very metallic and lacking bottom end. I like the look of the synth dont get me wrong but i have been advised in other posts to go for the microkorg for many reasons one of which is getting away from a computer screen to use the synth properly.

[@theeltea]

Like The Edge of U2 used to say, a guitar is just a glorified plank of wood...

[@theeltea]

I own enough analog gear, vintage and modern to make such statements. From a Model D to a 200e. Good day to you, sir.

[@MrBoxxed]

anyone know how this compares to the Microkorg XL ???

[@transforminggravity15626]

🔥👁🔥 💯🎹💯 👍 Awesome demo #1

[@BenNixBradley]

SO PRETTY!@!@!!@!@!

[@synthlab]

This synth sounds fantastic, but it looks absolutely silly with those mini keys. Come on Novation, go the other way! Put 88 weighted full size keys and a multitibral engine with lots of knobs on the front panel and it would be a killer! Or make it rackmounted without keys. As it is, it looks like a toy, which is a shame, because it isn't one.

[@NisiCaloponis]

You can connect a bigger or better slave keyboard to the MiniNova without much efforts. So this problem is no problem.

[@VPROXE-HELLRAISER]

11:41 nice distortion

[@wingsofsteel3246]

oooo, 10:12 ... Love it!!!!

[@theeltea]

And by the way, notice the 10 thumbs up to the original comment, champ. No one thumbed up yours...

[@robmlisanti]

love it @ 5:16

[@sacredgeometry]

Too damn right!

[@jamestaffae5178]

Thanks for the video. It help in my decision NOT to buy the synth. I needed it to have real sounds to go along with just the noise

[@sonicstate]

Nope, nothing really on board that emulates pianos or strings or the like, purely synth sounds

[@sacredgeometry]

Generally people that cant use synths or dont understand synthesis/ sound design use terms like that,

[@eddiew.parkerjr.7480]

Love your sound s

[@mattsynth]

With that mini keyboard who was this synth designed for?

[@MrHollabk]

Yea, they should start releasing those synths in 19" rack formats.. those minikeys are a bummer.. just a waste of space as i trigger them with a 88 key midicontroller. Same for the microkorg

[@wingsofsteel3246]

I wish this thing was like..... Half the price it is 😂

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

I payed £260 used but in good condition.

[@redbirdsaraceno]

Im a fan of Sonic State but the long ads and several pop ups on this video are ANNOYING !!!

[@hedegaard8]

Just pay for KZbin Premium like me - no ads whatsoever, its a blessing.

[@theeltea]

For goodness sake, stop tearing words out of context and read the comment in its entirety... These days you can use MODERN analog gear for all your low end needs and its widely regarded as being superior to using VA synths for low end... Jeez, kids these days...

[@rivalo5]

It's sounds very thin. I think the MicroKorg is the better choice here, it sounds warmer.

[@wingsofsteel3246]

I love around 3:30

[@Ryota000Channel]

nice!

[@oddprimemusic]

I'm so tired of people commenting on how "thin" this sounds.. It's not like we're hearing JUST the synth, JUST the way it was meant to be played/heard.. You know those big block things that sound usually comes out of? Oh yeah! SPEAKERS! We have no earthly clue as to what speakers are being used, what audio interface (if any) is being used, NOTHING. So stop speculating about a damn online video and put your money where your mouth is..

[@leepicciotto]

If you're set on va,then grab a yamaha an1x. Don't let people tell you the an200 is the same,it's definitely not and sounds really really cheap.

[@leepicciotto]

hold out for the bass station 2.if you already have some plugins and a midi controller this thing is a bit of a waste of money in comparison.

[@oddprimemusic]

How in the fuck can you even fathom comparing the Mininova to something literally 6 times the price? Shit like that must require a sub-zero intelligence quotient..

[@Fireblaze15]

It's getting kinda annoying when people ask, "Does it have piano sounds?" No ignorant musician, it's called a fuckin synthesizer for a reason. If you want "piano sounds" you go buy something along the lines of a "Digital Piano"

[@WrvrUgoThrUR]

Must have been a subway Casio Cassanova LOL!! It doesn't even have piano sized keys. "Does it have piano sounds"? LOL! Actually it does if you know how to program.

[@gaborb6577]

FACUNA MADE A COOL PIANO SOUND. ORGAN IS 🎉

[@maccagrabme]

A jx8p will not satisfy the needs of anyone making modern electronic music. It sounds smooth on the pads but has a very dated sound compared to what this is capable of. Much better to bypass the hardware and get the free pg8x vsti which sounds almost identical.

[@theeltea]

Therefore there are 13 people who agree with and support the commenter, and therefore no one expressed their desire to support or agree with you.

[@cresshead]

not a fan of the presets they seem to all fall in the "i don't like their sound" category for me!

[@leepicciotto]

why would it have to be a rompler to do something "piano-ish"

[@theeltea]

Would a picture of me along with the gear and a postit note with my nickname make you shut your mouth? Just wondering...

[@feelda303]

hm, another virtual analog... and even sounds like access virus

[@pcuimac]

@rivalo talking in undefined terms: "warm" "thin" is useless crap.

[@leepicciotto]

why are you so angry at people for asking legitimate questions? its even more annoying to read ignorant comments from someone that obviously doesnt know what they are talking about.

[@smiauu]

me

[@salpha8714]

why the keyboard? looks terrible! this synth would look much better as a desktop or rack without that mini keyboard and i would be cheaper. Soundwise...i like the way it sounds, i always liked that harsh sound from novations synths