Still The Best Flagship Synth? Novation Summit || Review, Tutorial & Sounds

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The Novation Summit and Peak were highly praised upon release as two of the best sounding analog / digital hybrid synthesizers. Now, in 2022, are they still at the top of the market, or are there better options?
Song at 1:33 - Miles Away - Void Drifting
fanlink.to/MA-voiddrifting
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0:00 - intro
1:33 - demo song using Summit
2:39 - initial thoughts
5:07 - workflow / tutorial designing a patch
20:09 - pros, cons and final thoughts
24:55 - sounds only
🎵Miles Away - beacons.ai/milesaway
Join Discord Server: / discord
#novation #novationsummit #synths

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

RIP to the legend Dave Smith, who passed away shortly after I finished this video. Thanks for everything and his memory will live on.

[@cariboux2]

OMG! What a loss.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@cariboux2 truly

[@Tyetheberious]

Very sad.

[@MaverickM1]

love my summit. Great hardware, it can always surprise me how versatile it is.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks for watching!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

This video is sponsored by Eargasm Earplugs, make sure to use this affiliate link to support the channel and grab some of the best earplugs I've used! bit.ly/3Nemjyo

[@LIFELOVER715]

Your video presentations are great. This one and another one helped me to make the decision to purchase one. Thank you.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks so much! Hope you are enjoying the synth :)

[@nikolazimmermann8547]

First time i heard the summit on your channel i loved it immediatly

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks so much friend! Indeed, it has been a favourite of mine for a while now :)

[@bastiaanw3519]

I've been looking for Summit reviews for quite a while. Found one or two that are pretty good, but yours is a welcome addition. You're addressing some features and aspects that aren't mentioned elsewhere or at least not in the way you do. Thumbs up! I subscribed in the meanwhile🙂

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Welcome aboard! Thanks so much. I try to come at my reviews from a musical standpoint, and show how these synths can sound and work in the context of actual songs. Tons of other synth reviews on my channel, enjoy!

[@patrikvelek2630]

Yeah same here!

[@Jason_Drums_]

Amazing Instrument Summit 👌💯 💥💥💥💥💥 The Sounds you get out of this Synth 🤩 Incredible 🤩 🙌

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks for watching Jay! Glad you enjoyed it, it does sound great :)

[@Jason_Drums_]

@@MilesAwayOfficial It sounds Incredible 👌 Absolute Pleasure 💯 🤩 🙌

[@LordoftheBadgers]

Getting a summit back today. Had a peak for a while but seriously missed the ease of access the summit layout gives me. Inspirational video thank you

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Enjoy! And thanks for watching 😊

[@sK3LeTvM1]

I bought the Summit when it came out. It's a keeper. It is a 'dark' synth. It even is a perfect replacement for my old Matrix 12 !

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Fully agree with this comment! It's dark but it's AMAZING sounding and that adds to its character.

[@reddragonrespect]

like it dark!

[@maykstuff]

Just bought one of these, should be arriving on Wednesday!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Yesss! Great choice and congratulations! I’ve got 2 other tutorials/videos on this channel on the Summit for you, and if you do decide you want to go beyond the factory patches feel free to check out my Custom Summit patch bank in the description of the video :) enjoy your new synth!

[@maykstuff]

@@MilesAwayOfficial thanl you very much! It's my 2nd ever hardware synth after receiving the Bass Station II as a gift last year. I could not be more impressed with Novations continued support on old products and with their communication with their users

[@livevoltage5752]

Amazing ❤

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you!

[@jonathanproduces]

Amazing video!!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks so much!

[@FrankyGun]

Thanksalot for this great video and for showing the Summit some much deserved love ❤️ I live my Summit to bits and would never sell it, EVER!!!! The Summit has a very special character and excels in the high, medium and deep end. It’s the Swiss Army Knife of sound, so many synthesists are looking for. Keep up the fantastic work! Love and light from Khao Lak, Thailand 🇹🇭 ❤️☀️🏖🌴🥥🐘

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks for watching Franky! I didn't know you had a Summit! Indeed, it's amazing and surprisingly deep too. Swiss army knife is right! See you in the next video my man!

[@ChazSeamus28]

I've been leaning towards the summit over the prophet 6 lately. The more I learn about it the more I want it. Both awesome synths. So hard to decide.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

late reply but which did you get??@@ChazSeamus28

[@skippyfast5115]

Thanks for showing

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

My pleasure 😊

[@DreamscapesMusicCinema]

Fantastic Demo! Thanks so much for your awesome comments 😀. I'm on the fence about this and the ASM Hydrasynth. Have a great weekend. Mark Bensette Aux Bois 🇨🇦.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks so much Mark! The Hydrasynth is my #1 requested synth to do a video on, I'm really trying to get my hands on one haha. You can't go wrong with either I am sure but I haven't used the Hydra enough yet. Stay tuned I am working on it :)

[@dougie6897]

Is the UDO super 6 in the running also ?

[@DreamscapesMusicCinema]

@@dougie6897 Hi Keith. It would be if it were $1K less...Its price point is up near the higher end Work Station s. As a newer Synthesizer company who haven't payed thier dues so to speak, they are asking alot for it. Have you had a chance to look at the Arturia polybrute? Mark Bensette Aux Bois 🇨🇦.

[@DreamscapesMusicCinema]

@@MilesAwayOfficial Thanks for getting back. Some how I will probably end up with both...I'm running out of room in my studio though. I must say right now my Favorite board is my loaded up Korg Wavestate. For the price plus a bunch of extra patches that this is absolutely amazing 👏. Have a great weekend 😀. Mark Bensette Aux Bois 🇨🇦.

[@dougie6897]

@@DreamscapesMusicCinema Ah yes the poly brute , super deep and complex, it’s a monster of a synth from what I can see .

[@AnatolianPiano]

Wow great sound !

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you 😋

[@nostandingonlydancin]

This is the video I needed right now.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

So happy I could help! You deciding on a new synth right now?

[@nostandingonlydancin]

@@MilesAwayOfficial dude, my existence is based on the next synth! I was just thinking about the summit ($) vs iridium ($$) - and your video popped up!

[@senssci]

Good assessment, Firmware 2.1 out now, I don’t think there is anything else that offers more at its current pricepoint considering its analogue dual filter and the reverb is exceptional. I have heard some exceptional pads come out of this synth. Hopefully Novation continue to improve its feature set as they have been lately.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Totally agree! The firmware update was a game changer, and shows they aren't abandoning like other flagships (cough, Korg Prologue)

[@benbowland]

@@MilesAwayOfficial they did fix the tuning issue with the prologue and add midi aftertouch, which were the two biggest complaints about it. I think the prologue is super cool but I understand why korg dropped it because there was just so much bad publicity and everyone hated the thing for no reason so nobody wanted it.

[@tomroche923]

Definitely still worth it

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks for watching!

[@embazle]

Great video, I really appreciate the tutorial and patch creation and explanation, really well done great presentation. I love my Summit but I have a lot to learn about its flow. Coming from a Korg Minilogue, it was my dream poly synth to acquire. Would be nice if there was a visual oscilloscope, maybe they'll include that in a firmware patch possibly?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Glad it was helpful! Yea that's one of the reasons I love the Logue series from Korg, the workflow is so easy and logical, and the scope is great to learn what each module is doing. I don't know if they can include that in firmware but it would be sick!

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

I'm not musician, and I just ran across this video, but wow, I love how the sounds takes me back to the movie Blade Runner. Really cool. Thanks!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks so much! Blade Runner is my fave film ever!

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

@@MilesAwayOfficial Sweet! Do you happen to know what synth they used for the spacial audio tracks in that film? If so, it might be a cool video to get a hold of one and emulate the sounds. Thanks again!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@RobertLeBlancPhoto Vangelis, the composer for Blade Runner used a Yamaha CS-80, which is basically the holy grail of synths. Sadly they are about $60,000 now, so obtaining one is pretty impossible but it’s a goal of mine to play one someday! If you are interested there’s lots of good KZbin content on the legendary CS-80. :)

[@888berg]

@21:44 That FM Knob on the Bass sounds Phat

[@krisamadhi]

My favorite modern synth. hands down the best

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

it's so good! thx for watching, new synth videos weekly :)

[@biggcertified362]

I Want This 🤩

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Its a great one! Working on a video for the 3rd Wave as well, if you don't know it its quite similar but even more powerful!

[@nickkarach76]

Oh man do I love my summit

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

So good right! Thanks for watching Nick, stay tuned for more synth content and feel free to check out my Summit Custom Patch Bank if you haven’t already :)

[@nickkarach76]

@@MilesAwayOfficial Of course I'll check it out. Just caved and bought a matriarch as well. Been loving the basic sound of the synth without even touching any patch cables yet. Have to rewatch your videos on the matriarch to start learning some basic patching tricks. This is my first step into semi-modular, and first synth without presets

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@nickkarach76 hope you are loving the matriarch! I am overdue another video on mine :)

[@rayderrich]

I want one since most bugs are solved. This synth would be a very nice centrepiece of my setup.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Definitely a good purchase! If you get one consider checking out my custom patches :)

[@aquaticborealis4877]

Sounds pretty damn good to me

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

It really does! Digital has come a long way! What’s your current fave digital synth?

[@Observe-n-Learn]

Thanks for the vid, Summit is on the wishlist. If you ever have the time/money, for ~$350 you can get a Novation UltraNova -- overlooked, underrated bargain beast.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks for watching! I'd love to try that one out, I've heard of it but never played one.

[@jona_KardCiv1]

I would love to own this.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

It's a great synth! I hope you get one eventually :)

[@zenithjcoke]

Great video! Question, I am currently looking into the Summit as a master keyboard of sorts and I understand that part A and B can receive MIDI on their own channels. What I am wondering is, is it also possible to use a third channel for outputting MIDI at the same time? As in, is it possible to use the keyboard to play external gear live while both the A and B parts are receiving MIDI from a computer or sequencer?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks for watching! That's a great question, hopefully someone else can correct me if I am wrong, but I don't think it's possible to decouple the keyboard as a 3rd midi channel. You get 2 separate midi channels for sure but I don't think it's possible to sequence both parts completely separate from the keyboard!

[@gazfunk]

Interesting. I've never considered the Summit as dark sounding. It seems kind of bright and glassy to me. Its great for blissed out crystalline pads. My only other synth is the Prologue. They sit really nicely together.

[@jno8039]

Same I don't feel the nco or the filter dark

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Prologue and Summit are a great combo! Did you see the extended video I did on them together? And you can test out the Dark sound - take a saw wave from the Summit with filter completely open and then compare it a Saw wave on another hardware synth or even soft synth like Serum and you will hear the Summit is much darker! The filter doesn't quite open up as highly. Not a bad thing at all, just gives it a specific character!

[@KacyDennis]

Others have reported the same sonic signature as Miles, particularly when you have good monitoring in your studio; or are trying to get it to fit in a mix; or are comparing it side by side with another synth. You can quickly find at least one forum thread about this by simply Googling the words Novation Peak dull. There is also a video here on KZbin comparing the Peak side by side with a DSI Rev2 and you can hear the difference even with KZbin's compression. Nevertheless, it's still a lovely sounding synth.

[@jno8039]

@@KacyDennis Do they set up the keytrack in the same way ? By defaut 127 it's not suitable for every sound, low end can be muddy with not enough definition.

[@KacyDennis]

@@jno8039 It's been a while since I read those forum posts, but as I recall they were trying different things like filter tracking settings to see if the filters were opening up all the way; and loading custom waveforms with more high end, etc. Some were saying that there might be roll off programmed into the engine's algorithm since they couldn't get the custom waveforms to playback with all of the high frequencies that they knew should be there.

[@thelantern9075]

Nice patch

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Cheers!

[@lasideasfugazes]

This is IMO the best synth for bright or dark ambient tracks and cinematic/soundtrack stuff. I own one and so far I've designed the most complex and beautiful pads.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Couldn't agree more! it's my go to for all the floaty ambient stuff! i also surprisingly love it for basses. New synth videos weekly so stick around! i just posted one today :)

[@maydaygoingdown5602]

I'm struggling to decide between this or the irridium for ambiant pads and spacey sound effects. I've heard the irridium over on State assures channel as he uses it a lot and it sounds incredible. I don't seem to come across hardly any ambiant stuff on Summit. I really like modulation and been looking at the Polybrute too, but I've heard the summit and irridium both are good for this.

[@rafaarnau3575]

hi, good job thnxxxx. waitin for my summit actually, do you think should i keep my peak?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks for watching! Check out my custom summit synth patches in the description. And no, I think Summit does 100% of what Peak does, unless you need a copy of the summit I’d sell the peak for a different synth, maybe an analog mono like Sub 37

[@rafaarnau3575]

thanks a lot!! i will sell it definitly, i have a sub37 a pro3 and a matrixbrute already, maybe an ob-6. cheers!!

[@christopherjanzen]

Would love a preset pack from you with some of these awesome pads!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Hey! I already released a 128 preset pack for sale for the Summit, contains tons of similar pads to these ones I just created :) you can check it out in the description to listen and purchase if you enjoy. Thanks so much!

[@christopherjanzen]

@@MilesAwayOfficial damn, how did I miss that! Thanks for sharing!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@christopherjanzen haha no worries! If you end up buying it thank you so much!

[@SPAZZOID100]

If the retail price has not gone down, it means it’s still worth it.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

facts. Thanks for watching!

[@MusicFed]

@@MilesAwayOfficial have you tried the Hydrasynth deluxe? How do you think they compare?

[@DMS198526]

Subbed, awesome video dude and great sounds. I’m looking for a synth for leads, weird, dirty, smelly leads ;) any advice? Been looking at peak ect. 😊

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Late reply but thank you! Hmm, Summit can pretty much do anything. But if you want something specialized for weird / dirty leads, check out my latest video on the PWM Malevolent, its wild

[@noiselabproject9659]

Nice retrospective overview and a good follow on to the Supernova 2, which I have but it`s early 2000`s vibe aren`t my thing anymore. Anyways now that I have as my best Synths : Prophet Rev 2, Prologue, OB6 desktop & Nord Electro 6D 73 I feel that I defo don`t need anything new but ................... would really like an OBX anyway ha ha, a lorra money though and hard to find a place for it

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks so much! Yea we are so spoiled for choice right now its crazy. I like to change up my setup, so I actually sold my Summit but its still great! I replaced it with a 3rd Wave, if you haven't heard that yet check the review I just posted on it today!

[@noiselabproject9659]

@@MilesAwayOfficial ah yes a spiritual successor to the PPG Wave, I`ve seen

[@electrom4gnetik465]

Excellent video, the Summit 2.0 has definitely got me back into playing my summit, I even bought an expression pedal to get have more control such as the filter freq! (uploaded!) Was on edge of selling this for an OB-6, but maybe the summit could be a perfect pair to it! What do you say about both the OB-6 and Summit? 👀

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks for watching! Late reply but it's legit and incredible pairing. They complement eachother so well, can't go wrong!

[@electrom4gnetik465]

@@MilesAwayOfficial Thanks for the reply! I actually bought a Prophet Rev2 instead! It was used but got it for a really great price and feels like new and it pairs SO well with the Summit! My GAS tank has been filled, but will subscribe to hopefully stay tuned for more ;)

[@embazle]

@@electrom4gnetik465 I initially wanted a Rev 2, mulled over for a few years and decided the SUmmit was the best for the voices... still... those filters on the REV2 would be amazing to play, gz on that find and price!

[@electrom4gnetik465]

@@embazle Ayye eM! Small world! At the time of getting a summit I had zero clue about the wonders of analog filters such as Oberheim's SEM and Dave Smith's prophet filters. I'll be honest, analog is what I'm leaning towards and had a moment where I regretted the Summit 1.0 and wished for an OB-6. After the 2.0 update, the Summit imo does very well as a "sound that sticks out of a mix" type of instrument, with all the digital effects, it's just amazing (still enjoy your playthroughs on your channel!) I literally just upgraded my Rev2 to 16 voices today and I'll definitely post a vid soon, one of just the Rev2 and another with both synths ;) I just LOVE the Rev2 + J3PO's Rev2 patches!

[@LaymensLament]

i think your demo and example sound, sound pretty fantastic but i really wanted to add a random or lfo on the oscillator diverge/stability section. maybe im just imagining it but with these digital drift settings it always feels like putting drift in a vst, you kind a get there but the instability seems too stable. im currently thinking to get one big synth for me to be my main synth in a multi tier equipment rack and im thinking im going to get a summit over a polybrute or rev 2.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

To my knowledge you can't modulate osc diverge or drift unfortunately. I agree it's not perfect! It doesn't come close to the vintage knob on sequentials like the OB6 etc but its still a great synth! I chose it over the rev2 and no regrets 3 years later. :) check out my patches if you do!

[@apeman939]

I’m having so much trouble deciding between this and the rev2. What are your thoughts for a desert island synth between the two?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I’ve never owned a rev2 but many peers tell me it’s great. Summit is incredible though, and way more versatile. I only sold my summit to fund the 3rd Wave, but I recommend it to anyone

[@keyzone72]

Can you share what video cameras you used in this video to capture you speaking, and the overhead keyboard shots? The video quality is outstanding.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you! Sony A6300 with Sigma 30mm f1.4 lens :)

[@subtara]

Loving the demo track man! How does this synth compare to lets say an Access Virus?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I think they are quite comparable! Virus has much more polyphony and multitimbrality, but the Summit you get real analog filters, VCAs and distortion which sound better to me

[@subtara]

@@MilesAwayOfficial Ok, thanks! i am really tempted to get this, i really like the look and sound of it. Ì also love the Virus but i wouldnt need both, how well does it do hyper/super saw?

[@andivax]

It is most capable "analog" synth out there, very impressive MOD matrix. But in the end it is sounds like Omnisphere IMHO.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I ended up selling it to fund the 3rd Wave and I personally like the tone of that better! Summit is still great though. DId you see my 3rd Wave video?

[@AmbientSound7]

Great video! I have the Prophet Rev 2. I am considering getting the Novation Summit. My concern is that it might be too similar. I welcome your thoughts. Thank you.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I don't own a rev2 but I've been meaning to rent one to do patches for and review! On paper they do seem really similar, as the Wavetables are the weakest part of the Summit. I'd honestly say you might be better getting something that sounds really different like a Moog style mono or Oberheim style poly.

[@kierenmoore3236]

I have both. They’re actually very different. They would be the last 2 polys I’d sell. Especially if you’re one to make use of all their polyphony.

[@AmbientSound7]

@@kierenmoore3236 Thank you. I just picked up the PEAK! You are right. It is definitely different than the Rev 2.

[@chidoone23]

Hi, I have a Summit and everything is great. What other syntetizer do you think might be perfect to complement it ? What should be my next purchase ? Thank you !

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Ooh excellent combo would be something with lots of grit and analog character to compliment how versatile the Summit is. Here are 5 choices that all have very different sound characters than your Summit (I have videos on all 3 for you to check out): Sequential OB-6, PWM Malevolent, Erica Synths Syntrx 2, Moog Sub 37, Dreadbox Nymphes

[@chidoone23]

@@MilesAwayOfficial Muchas Gracias !!! 👍😎

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@chidoone23 let me know if you watch the videos and if you pick one!

[@cybernaumemusic]

Hydrasynth

[@nexuzeb79]

Really nice demo song there.. Love this synth, wish it had a proper sequencer though..

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you so much! And I agree. Check out my 3rd Wave video, I replaced my Summit with it

[@ge0rgeharris218]

Yes it's worth it and I wish I had the dough! Maybe in the future if their still making it or I hit the lottery!

[@xntricity6446]

You will be able to get it, they are selling at good prices used. Best of luck

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

check out used market! Some great prices there and Focusrite warranty is solid.

[@BritoWorx]

Summit and Hydrasynth I feel are the best synths of the decade.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Great choices! For me 3rd Wave is the winner though, personally, its pricy but game changing!

[@LaymensLament]

i suppose i can send drums through it? ever used the 3 distortion circuits on a kick or drum mix? or whatever distortion you can send audio through

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

never tried drums but that's a great idea! it works great as a FX processor

[@Venatt1]

Since you also have the 3rd Wave, how do these two synths compare ? if you had to chose one which one would it be ?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

replied on your 3rd wave comment!

[@Iamirxclej]

🙏🙏🙏

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks as always for watching!

[@diegovillaran9689]

What is the core of your lead patch at 1:47? it sounds amazing!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Noise FM mod on a single square wave! Thanks :)

[@ageshero]

Big question, can you set global patch prameters? Diverge and drift sounds dope

[@ageshero]

I guess only just once- and you can duplicate form that initial

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

you can't unfortunately! BUT you could save a patch with all those parameters changed how you like and then use that as a starting point, but what you suggested would be a great update

[@alexmax9832]

Immense, Bro. Last sounds/patches, in this video, are in your library patch already realesed?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks so much! To be honest those last patches I just created on the fly for this video, but there’s really similar epic pads in my patch bank! I might do a second summit bank one day if I do I’ll include those exact ones!

[@alexmax9832]

@@MilesAwayOfficial Thanks! I could contact you for buy only this, meanwhile 😉

[@tonyhill2318]

How'd you get that awesome drum sound from the Summit??

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

drums in my demos are the only things not done with the synths. My style of music uses samples and acoustic drums

[@TheMachinesWon]

How do you feel about the hydrasynth vs the summit?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I've only tried the Hydrasynth at music stores so I don't have a detailed opinion but I'm trying to get my hands on one, I reached out to ASM for a loaner! If they reply back or I can find a rental I'll do a video and preset pack. Thanks for watching!

[@TheMachinesWon]

@@MilesAwayOfficial nice I hope you can get one! I’ve always lusted over the summit but the price is a big one. Then I grabbed a hydra desktop for cheap. Week 2 with it but still learning the ropes. It’s great though! Looking forward to your comparison video if that ever becomes a thing.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@TheMachinesWon nice congrats on the synth! I’ve heard great things about the desktop! For sure I’ll make a comparison if I get my hands on one :)

[@Kfed3ral]

I own both the Hydrasynth (Desktop) and the Novation Summit. Gotta say they are two very deep and beautiful synths. The hydrasynth is much more fun to explore and get weird with, also really easy to get some generative patches out of it. The mutant features and the insane amount of modulation sources and destinations coupled with the very intelligent UI and workflow make for the smoothest patch design experience I've ever had outside of eurorack. The summit on the other hand in my opinion sounds more rich and has a better reverb, distortion, and a better filter. The FM knob section is absolutely incredible and easy to modulate right on the panel. The mod matrix while it isn't as quick and easy to use as the hydrasynth, doesn't feel cumbersome at all. All in all I would tell people, if your considering either Novation or ASM the Hydrasynth is the choice if you want an insanely deep and easy modulation matrix experience. But if you're going mainly for sound, I'd put my coin on the peak or summit. Though they are pretty comparable in sound honestly. Just my two cents

[@cronenbergj]

Great Review. Wich of other "True" Analog Poly synth would complemtent /sound more different than the Summit... A Propher 6 , OB6 or maybe the new Trigon 6 or a True Moog (not poly i know , maybe a sub 37 ? - specially for bass, maybe ? )

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thank you for watching! I think you’d want something with a lot of personality to compliment how the Summit kinda of sounds like a chameleon so I’d go for an Oberheim or Moog

[@cronenbergj]

@@MilesAwayOfficial thanks... great review by the,way. One that made, me buy a synth...yeah...i personally think that the summit sounds perhaps further from a Moog than a Prophet or Ob6.. but kinda hard to say from ytube...

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@cronenbergj for sure, Moog has a ton of character. Glad I could help, and please consider buying my custom Summit Patches and if you like them :) link in description

[@cronenbergj]

@@MilesAwayOfficial thanks, miles. Will do

[@tedraven9214]

I recommend Nivea After Shave Balm for sensitive skin. By the way, useful video.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

🤣

[@tedraven9214]

@@MilesAwayOfficialNo, really, I mean it. It really helps me with my sensitive skin.

[@Tritium5678]

I love my Novation Summit, it is the best synth...

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

It's a great one! If you haven't already, check out my custom Summit patches in this description, super proud of em :)

[@thevi_olin]

Here I am trying to decide between summit, rev2, cobalt8x … or fight my GAS… thanks, I think 🤔

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Those are all good choices! If you forced me to choose, I’m picking Summit every single time, but you can’t go wrong with any of those. What are you looking for out of your next synth?

[@kierenmoore3236]

What did you end up going for? I’d have said Summit or Rev2, but they both make you ‘work for it’ (or at least buy patches, lol) …

[@thevi_olin]

Decided on prophet10 module, as it’s simple and sounds beautiful. It’s mono too and that limitation is also one of it’s biggest strengths. I’ve uploaded a few examples a while ago and am chewing on some new ideas 💡 Synth life is great 😊 thanks!

[@kierenmoore3236]

@@thevi_olin Mono?! Oh, as opposed to stereo, y’mean …

[@marcusholder495]

May Yahweh bless you and your channel, also thanks for your time and wisdom!!!!!!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks so much Marcus!

[@Sicolirics]

from your experience this synthesizer can be considered as a bass expert? or its quality is totally different ?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

It’s good for bass but it’s more versatile than that!

[@Sicolirics]

Thxxxx👍👍👍

[@0072gldnfngr]

How do you think it compares to the Hydrasynth from a quality perspective (sound and build quality)?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Haven’t owned a hydra sorry! But the Summit has a really naturally dark/warm character whereas the Hydra strikes me as more bright. Build they both seem solid

[@0072gldnfngr]

@@MilesAwayOfficial gotcha. I had similar thoughts after a few reviews. Thanks for the feedback and the vid! Good stuff!

[@Whistler-007]

"Lifeless" = perfectly in tune

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

agreed 100%! Gotta add emotion. Thanks for watching!

[@Whistler-007]

@@MilesAwayOfficial That's what I really enjoy about my Peak. If I want it to sound analogue, it has all the tools to do that - but it can do all the other stuff too.

[@mdeerocks6792]

What would be the equivalent of FM knob on Peak?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Peak has the exact same functions for FM you just have to get to them in the mod matrix!

[@raven-jz6cv]

This babe sounds dark creamy and etheral. They freaking nailed it. I am getting this next to my jdxa and ti2..mmmm

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

It's amazing, you won't regret it! Consider grabbing my custom patch set when you do :)

[@sayantanroy6111]

Rev2 vs hydrasynth....which one I should buy!?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Both great but sadly I don't own either! Features wise Hydra wins for sure though, its all down to if you like its sound.

[@Jorge.O85]

Amigos, pls help. I was in the sam ash store, i played with the Moog 37 and i was really impressed with the keybed, those keys feel pretty good, not cheap, they're well done. Unfortunately I'm looking for a synth with 64 keys. Those instruments stores around my area don't have a Hydra Deluxe Or Summit to try and see physically. Can anybody here tell me wich modern synthesizer have those kind of keys ? I want a Summit, it sounds spectacular! but the Hydra Deluxe look sexy with those 73 keys 😬 Pls amigos give me and advice, if possible. Thanks !

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Hey! thanks for watching, welcome to my channel :) Summit keyboard is above average but not incredible. It's about as good as the Subsequent 37 keys. It works great for me and I've released plenty of pro quality songs with my playing live on it, BUT if key feel is really important to you, Dave Smith Prophet Rev 2 and Hydrasynth Deluxe have the best keyboards of any of the reasonably affordable synths.

[@Jorge.O85]

@@MilesAwayOfficial just ordered Rev 2 😬 don't like that plasticky feeling when playing a nice synth.

[@xntricity6446]

@@Jorge.O85 The rev2 has a beautiful keybed for sure, sold it however get the Summit as im not hung up on true analog anymore. Best of luck with it as its a fantastic synth.

[@MarianoPerez]

Is this a first good synth to learn on?

[@humansrants1694]

Yes due to it having most features with their own knob and buttons unlike most hardware synths.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Late reply but yea if the price isn't an issue I can't think of a better first synth other than maybe a Prophet. The Summit layout is fantastic.

[@richardaguirre587]

This or the Juno X? I got the Juno X and I enjoy it but the mids are too much and when i EQ and mid scoop it, it just sounds so flat. I also play live with a drummer and electric guitarist

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I've never used the Juno X sorry! The Summit is still fantastic in 2023, best bang for your buck, but I actually sold mine to replace with a 3rd Wave. Pricy, but its my fave synth all around now.

[@exzydian5294]

What synths out there compete with summit?

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Hydrasynth, Prologue, DSI Rev 2 - check out my Korg Prologue video!

[@andycrystal]

I have owned over 30 synths probably over the last 15 years. Digital, Analog, Samplers etc. but the Summit has basically replaced most of them (which I sold and I never have to maintain again) and right now I am down to just that, and Emulator II (which has been acting weird for some time now...) and a Wavestation

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

That's amazing praise!! Check out my custom patches if you haven't already! Thanks for watching

[@ToyKeeper]

The Peak/Summit are easily two of the best synths ever made. I'd probably rank them jointly as #3, behind only the Hydrasynth family and Pro 3. And depending on the user's needs, it could even swap places with Hydra. Depends on whether they want depth (Hydra) or the fastest time from init patch to a nice classic sound (Peak/Summit).

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I gotta get my hands on the Hydra and Pro 3, they are my two most recommended on this channel! Thanks for watching :)

[@ToyKeeper]

@@adrianl7604 The Summit has some great improvements over Peak, though both are fantastic and make it really easy to dial in relatively straightforward musical patches which work well in a song. What I'm hearing, though, is more like "Tell me you don't understand the Hydrasynth without telling me you don't understand the Hydrasynth." Most of the Virus owners I know switched to Hydra, not the other way around, because the Hydra is so much deeper, more expressive, and easier to use... almost like a self-contained virtual eurorack with an unusually good set of keys. It takes a bit longer to make patches on, but only because it has neutral defaults and a lot more features. In particular, the neutral defaults seem to be responsible for most of the negative reviews, because it's an immediate barrier to entry which new users don't understand how to get past. All of these instruments are great though, and should provide a lifetime worth of awesome sounds.

[@TaklaMakanMusic]

I sold mine after a year and half. The bugs with the midi implementation, effects chain, self editing, and others annoyed me enough to get shot of it. Plus the fact I didn't like the keybed that much (the aftertouch was particularly bad and uneven). The new update fixed a few of the problems but introduced a really annoying note allocation bug. As much as like the 12dB/octave filters on the Summit, I'm not a fan of the 24dB/octave low pass especially when the resonance is turned up. Personally, I prefer the sound of Synapse Audio's Dune 3.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

totally fair comments and critique! for me I found they fixed all my bugs in 2.0, but I can see how milage would vary. And totally, I can see how the resonance on the summit is harsh. i never like the resonance passed half, unlike on something like a moog where the more resonance the better! Thx for watching Takla and see you on the next video :)

[@ageshero]

I’m shopping for the ULTIMATE polysynth- lol is this it? I dunno, maybe I want a more vintage vibe

[@ageshero]

I wonder if it has filter emulation types?

[@ageshero]

I kind of wish the defining- diverge and drift as well as those unison voicing and spread- was all like a big ol one knob instant flavor

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

hey thanks for the comment jean luc! check out my other synth reviews, I've done poly synth reviews on tons of keyboards I've owned. For vintage vibe you can't beat the OB-6 right now (I have a 1hr long video if you are curious!) the summit doesn't have filter emulations, the filters are genuine analog, you can make it sound vintage but it will still have it's own distinct character. I'd look into Ob-6, Prophet 5, and Korg Prologue as well. Good luck on your search!

[@SPAZZOID100]

@@ageshero Dave Smith's latest synths have that.

[@PeterPrism]

Ultra Nova x ever bro…

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I've never tried one! is that your fave synth?

[@PeterPrism]

@@MilesAwayOfficial hy, price now (around 350$) used for a machine like that is fantastic. You have: a small format, full size keys, vocoder, aftertouch, 3 oscillators, a lot of features… a beast machine with deep sounds and deep features with a complete software interface

[@Curious_Skeptic]

Can you have too many knobs? The more tactile a synth is, the more creative you can be. I hate daw, menu diving, and lack of direct tactile controls. This thing is really impressive. Price is a turn off at 2200.00 for a novatio though. Rather put money into prologue 16 and still have money left for one or two other toys. Like a Behringer arp2600 and a mooer ocean. With Behringer just killing it in quality and value, hard to justify this in 2022. Heck, Roland Jd xa will be a better value and abilities. 4 analog voices and 64 digital polyphonic. Vs 16? I suppose if you suffer GAS, go for it. Not seeing the value though. 😕 Hydrasynth, Dave Smith synths, Korg prologue 16, the list goes on of what gives you more for less.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

Thanks for the comment and welcome to my channel! I have videos on a lot of those synths you mentioned too, so check em out :) I've owned quite a few and honestly the Summit is the best value poly synth right now. It's insanely deep with wavetable and subtractive, but also has hands on controls for everything and great analog filters. It's even bi timbral and has great FX! Behringer is great but they have nothing that has these features right now. What's your fave synth?

[@xntricity6446]

If you get the Summit it will calm your GAS, Behringer are killing it but here's the problem with them: They offer synths with limited sound palate requiring you to buy multiples of their products. With a synth like the Summit it will give you more bang for the buck over multiple Behringer synth unit's. And why not consider buying used, I'm picked up a mint summit for €1500. 👍 Thanks to Miles Away for his excellent review, I had a choice between OB6 and summit but the summit won the battle.

[@WalterGirao]

the aftertouch feels terrible though

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

My first unit had that problem and I reached out to Novation, the replaced it for free for me! Now it feels great. Not as nice as my OB-6 but better than my Pro-2 and Sub 37.

[@WalterGirao]

@@MilesAwayOfficial i tried one on a store. It took too much force to trigger (no matter what settings I used) and when it did it felt choppy and unresponsive. It felt just like the aftertouch in a poly-d I had returned previously thinking it was broken hehe. I didn't care about aftertouch at all before but I think I can't go back after trying the hydrasynth. It's probably a different technology/mechanism altogether. (And I'm not even talking about the polyphonic aspect) My current plan is to buy one hydrasynth to use as a hybrid controlling a few analog modules and supplementing whatever they're lacking with it's digital features. The effects and stereo options on the summit did sound very good though!

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

@@WalterGirao fair! I do agree the Hydra has a better keyboard and man you can’t beat Poly aftertouch. That sounds like a great set up! Stay tuned to this channel as I’m trying to get my hands on a hydrasynth for an extended video like this. Thanks for watching!

[@WalterGirao]

@@MilesAwayOfficial great! I will definitely watch it. When you do please try to showcase it's capabilities for heavily distorted lead sounds with lots of controls/articulations for live performance... Something like what you would expect from prog and progmetal bands like dream theater or flower kings. It not the most important, but still one of the use cases I have for synths and it's rarely covered by synth reviewers.

[@Tyetheberious]

They updated the hardware and the new firmware allows the AT sensitivity to be adjusted. This is no longer an issue.

[@SacSynths_Jack_Z]

The new Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave is the undisputed king of digital/anaolog hybrid synths. Even better than Peak/Summit, Super6, etc.

[@MilesAwayOfficial]

I just looked it up it looks insane! Will try to get my hands on one, but assuming the cost is gonna be sky high. Thanks for making me aware of that one Jack!

[@SPAZZOID100]

It's fantastic, but it's a wavetable synth. A sequel to the PPG. None of the other synths you named are wavetable synths, so cannot be compared.

[@SPAZZOID100]

and I own a Super-6, and none of my other synths can sound like it.

[@SacSynths_Jack_Z]

@@SPAZZOID100 it does more than wave table... Single cycle too. And even if it didn't, I still think it would be a relevant comparison seeing as they are all digital/analog hybrids.

[@SPAZZOID100]

@@SacSynths_Jack_Z It's focus is wavetable though. Even the Waldorf XTK had some single cycle traditional waveforms, but it falls way short as a VA.