Why I sold my favourite Hardware Synthesizer | haQ attaQ

I finally managed to sell one of my most favourite Hardware Synthesizers. It wasn't easy to let go of it since I love it so much, but it had to be done. Here's why I sold my Novation Mininova.
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🎥 VIDEOS
MY MININOVA PLAYLIST ► • Novation MiniNova Tuto...
🎹 MININOVA RESOURCES
THE SYNTH ► novationmusic.com/en/synths/m...
MININOVA DOWNLOADS ► downloads.novationmusic.com/n...
iOS SYNTH EDITOR ► mididesigner.com/qa/7100/nova...
MININOVA WEB EDITOR ► nclavaud.github.io/mininova-w...
➡️ SYNTH APPS MENTIONED
WALDORF NAVE ► apps.apple.com/app/nave/id596...
AGONIZER SYNTH ► apps.apple.com/app/agonizer/i...
TB FLOWTONES ► apps.apple.com/app/tb-flowton...
SYNTHMASTER 2 ► apps.apple.com/app/synthmaste...
BUTTERSYNTH ► TBA (Not out yet, still in pulic beta)
⏰ TIME STAMPS
0:00 Still goofy
0:44 Why I bought it
6:01 What changed?
9:30 Replacement?
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[@JakobHaq]

All the links! ▼ ▼ ▼ ❤ CONNECT WITH ME PATREON ► www.patreon.com/jakobhaq PAYPAL DONATE ► www.paypal.me/jakobhaq INSTAGRAM ► instagram.com/jakob_haq/ DISCORD ► discord.gg/JTmQHAG 🎵 MY MUSIC DISCOGRAPHY ► hyperfollow.com/jakobhaq 🎥 VIDEOS MY MININOVA PLAYLIST ► kzbin.info/aero/PLvNQD1EpaiNMnlcwtYKHQ0XioV08LYmSR MAX SOKOLESKI DOCUMENTARY ▶ kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5nIZGmInbGYsLM BAD SOUND ABSORBER BUILD ▶ kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2jIiaOYp5WGmK8 🎹 MININOVA RESOURCES THE SYNTH ► novationmusic.com/en/synths/mininova MININOVA DOWNLOADS ► downloads.novationmusic.com/novation/synthesisers/mininova iOS SYNTH EDITOR ► mididesigner.com/qa/7100/novation-mininova-synth-editor-full-engine-access-haq-attaq MININOVA WEB EDITOR ► nclavaud.github.io/mininova-web-editor/ ➡ SYNTH APPS MENTIONED WALDORF NAVE ► apps.apple.com/app/nave/id596036905 AGONIZER SYNTH ► apps.apple.com/app/agonizer/id1499426175 TB FLOWTONES ► apps.apple.com/app/tb-flowtones/id1576472437 SYNTHMASTER 2 ► apps.apple.com/app/synthmaster-2/id1566704584 BUTTERSYNTH ► TBA (Not out yet, still in pulic beta) ⏰ TIME STAMPS 0:00 Still goofy 0:44 Why I bought it 6:01 What changed? 9:30 Replacement?

[@ladyapp-titude]

I've come to realize that eventually I regret every piece of gear I've ever sold, even stupid cheesy stuff like my Emu Proteus. It might take like 15 years, but you'll one day want to relive something from the past. Old gear can transport you back to earlier projects or younger-self musical concepts that you just can't recreate with your current tool box. They're like magical time capsules. But this is like level 10 of the stages of gear grief. You're still at stage 1. Enjoy the sense of liberation ! (however, temporary it may be). 😇

[@JakobHaq]

I know what you mean. I’m already somewhat regretting my decision to sell the nova. 😅

[@ladyapp-titude]

@@JakobHaq I want it all back. It's not like I have ROOM for it, but I want it! Not like I even have room for all I've got now! But WANT. IT. ALL. BAAAACK...😁

[@AtticusBleep]

Thank you for giving the other side of the argument. I hate having to sell anything!

[@mepenguin]

@@ladyapp-titude I'm with you on this. If only houses would expand automatically to fit the things you want to keep in them...

[@80iesDude45]

I regret selling my Roland Jupiter-8 with Encore MIDI in Mint condition for 2k back in the 90ies ;-)

[@walrtbstudios5430]

Two years not playing a synth and not selling it is madness (my limit is around six months). Sell it and buy something you will use. And yes to more videos like this. Intelligent people talking about intelligent choices about gear will always find an audience (Jeremy over at Red Means Recording did a killer a week or so back). Mind you, this is coming from a guy who, just this week, bought a Doepfer module he sold about nine months ago, so what do I know?

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

I love the MiniNova, I also have a Peak and love that more but mainly use Reason DAW and have over 300 projects to finish.

[@Herschli]

Wonderful video, great thoughts on space, dust and energy. Thank you very much, Jakob!

[@BEATSURFING]

Great story and conclusion. Dope video Jakob!

[@Calverhall]

I really enjoyed this video Jakob, more things like this would be appreciated.

[@tsg50647]

Great Video!💡,thank you for giving me new ideas for the coming autumn

[@JakobHaq]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching!

[@senhorlampada]

Amazing content as always brother... As I mentioned on the audiobus forum, love that you explained the why's for everthing here.

[@JakobHaq]

Thank you! The why is always what interest me the most too whenever I watch others videos about their deductions.

[@MikeRenouf]

That resonant lead you made with the pitch wheel was so cool. Ive got the Ultranova and I've barely scratched the surface of what its capable of. One day I'll delve into it and the experience will be so rewarding. For the moment its not getting enough live though. Since I got used to editing my Novation circuit on the PC im onboard with the computer based patch editing. The Ultranova... Is... Waaaaaay toooo biiiig. 😆

[@iosmusicman]

I love the video Jakob and whilst I’m with you in principle, I struggle to even get rid of my books, let alone any of my tech. Sad but true in my case but your video contains a powerful message. Cheers. Lee

[@AtticusBleep]

Glad that you finished the video with the Mininova. Nice little tribute!

[@JakobHaq]

Had to have a proper goodbye in there! 👊☺️

[@DoctorRevers]

Yeah really liked this video. Appreciated. Just got myself a moog sound studio 3 and loving it. Time will tell :) but for now lots of fun.

[@matzsound]

Yes i doing the same thing. Selling the stuf i don’t use. Your energie perspectief is a true thing! Greetings

[@mindalteringfx316]

Love the mini nova… the sounds are endless. Novation is one of my favorite companies when it comes to electronic instruments n controllers.

[@preciousjames]

Cool video… so much to learn by getting in your head and understanding the process of choosing and letting go of gear🤙🏼🎶

[@JakobHaq]

Thank you for the feedback! Much appreciated. 👊

[@NoFishCanSwim]

Thanks Jakob. I love this sort of video.

[@JakobHaq]

Thanks for the feedback grant!

[@Funkotronimus]

14:42 - I feel like this is a great affirmation as I move forward with clearing stuff out of my studio! -granted, the creative work there is totally different (product design, 3D printing, etc.), but I’ve found myself needing to let go of so many things that aren’t truly worth the space they take up. Having a storage unit has been helpful. There are things that are worth keeping, kinda like a pantry, but for materials and supplies, but if they’re taking up space in my studio, they definitely drain energy-I’m still working toward balancing my studio between creative space nice and simple storage for the bare minimum essentials, but the closer I get, the healthier my energy is within the space.

[@Fraser-P]

Very timely for me, I've spent 2 maybe 3 days trying to integrate my old out of date un-upgradable IMac into the setup I am building, and finally realised I don't actually need it. Cheers!

[@strangersun7721]

Thought of you when I finally let go of this synth last month. You were the reason I bought it years ago! It's a great synth. There's so much you can do with it. I just found I wasn't using the portability of it and wanted to put the money toward a Peak.

[@BLUECIFER]

great video, and very informative

[@DudeWithADrone]

I just bought a Novation Nova Desktop. The compact version of the Supernova. Can't wait for it to arrive. It's probably 20 years old but what a lovely piece of kit!!!

[@sumchi3690]

I liked the format. thanks.

[@JakobHaq]

Thank you!

[@kabedford]

I hope you feel better soon. I enjoyed this video very much, but I can definitely relate to your missing the Mininova now that you've sold it. You rationally know that it had become a problem in the ways you outline, and you describe how you moved on to other apps and synths to achieve those same sounds, but you still have that longing for the Mininova. Maybe one day you'll have a bigger place? It's possible! 🤷‍♂️

[@JakobHaq]

Fact is that I do miss it. It’s used to give me anxiety , sitting in that corner. But now I really miss it. I mean I still love it. But it had to go. I’ll keep missing it though. I mean I still miss the AN1X and the first time I sold that one was what, 15 years ago or so … crazy.

[@gaborb6577]

Basically for the ones who would like to purchase nowadays: it is basically a plugout VA synth. Editable friendly on computer. But the sound has some frequency limitations.

[@jaimeross7507]

I Subd your chann today after watchn this vid. Your honesty was Beautiful...i have the Mininova...so i know where you are coming from...but still i force myself to menu dive...because this Synth is my first and only love and introduction into the synth world. Jakob i am glad you were born....your words made my day that much more bearable and enjoyable.

[@pontram]

I totally understand your decision, and 30 years ago, I did the same with a TR-808 and an MS-20. Well, a few years later (about 15) I began to miss them. I had worked with those machines too long. Today, even though I could afford their used prices without much hassle, I find it ridiculous to spend so much money to revive a man+machine bond that was cut decades ago. Especially with the 808. However, it is sometimes a bit tempting, just to learn if the muscle memory would kick in. In the meantime, I established the rule, to sell never again any electronic music device I ever bought. If they are unused, they are simply parts of the furniture (or furniture themselves), until I grab them again and use them, some after 10+ years of waiting and always being meticulously cleaned from dust.

[@TheAudioDabbler]

I enjoyed seeing the journey it took. That can help people make decisions on things just as much as tutorials. I have a few things in my office/studio that are collecting dust. I bought them for specific reasons and I have a hard time letting go of things. I know its hard to do something if you don't have the right tool. for me, even if I don't use something for a while, if the tool does something in 1 minute that would take me 10 minutes if I tried to use something else, then it makes sense to keep it.

[@JakobHaq]

Yeah, inconviences … it’s a really good way of measuring how much you really want/need something. I’m the same way. I’ll get a “great” tool for something, but I’ll end up going for something more “convenient” that isn’t as good as the tool I got. But the inconvenience of having to go out of my way to grab that special tool, set it up and the get working … it’s enough for me not to use it. Yeah I totally get it. It was a big part of why I stopped using the MiniNova.

[@flatlandcircuitry]

Want to see more of you tweaking the Uno Synth Pro to show how deep it is! Making it sound like some classic synths perhaps using its filter design? Really liked the short videos you did for IK!😊

[@aloisroger2300]

Haha, in my case it‘s the opposite. I sold the Mininova years ago because i decided to make music with ipad os apps and midi controllers. Actually, i missed the surface feel of the Mininova (especially the Animate-buttons, the knobs and sliders) so much, that i bought it again a few weeks ago ; ) So good luck with your decision and thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences, dear Jakob! Respect!

[@JakobHaq]

I’ve kept re-buying and selling lots of old gear over the years. Just don’t understand why I can’t just let go and be done with it. Yesterday I almost laid down a bid for an old Roland MC-303, simply because I miss it. 😅😂

[@wayneanderson2866]

@@JakobHaq i bought a Roland mc 303 back in 1998 but I was so intimidated by its features I never really created anything on it & only played a few stock loops. I ended up selling it around 2005. Fast forward to 2020 & I bought another one, but again it sits on the shelf because my other newer gear gets more attention 🤯🤣😬

[@oldowl4290]

I've had my MiniNova since 2017 and am just now really starting to use it. I just spent ~60 on patch packs. I'll have to look back at your videos on it because this is the first one I've ever watched. I really want to check out your editor.

[@synthcollector]

WOW!!! Great video !!! thanks!!!! I 'm selling most of my synths as it started like buying for doing music, it ended they own me and i spend more time to bring to service than making music :) cheers!!!!

[@manstuarta9066]

More of these videos! Yes!

[@JakobHaq]

Thanks for the feedback. Happy you enjoyed the show!

[@rrrobart9]

Great video Jakob. This really hits home for me cause I’ve got a very expensive 37 key synth that I know very well; but it’s too big for my current situation! I won’t sell it though, not yet. I spend a lot of time planning and plotting for when I finally will have the time for it. If I don’t follow through, then I’ve allowed it to become an energy thief. So it’s my responsibility to eventually use it. I will add that I have considered selling it, but only for more gear! Also, this mini nova looks badass dude! I’ve considered one before, but I never knew about the animate buttons! Now I want one!

[@DamienKoda]

THIS IS PRICELESSSSS I have got a minova and I was thinking about selling it

[@Cap10NRGMusic]

Great video man! Your voice is fine man just so you know. I’ve been thinking a lot in this topic of trimming down my studio. I like the Energy Thief concept- it really does put some stuff in perspective

[@JakobHaq]

The worst thing for me at least is a cluttered space. It always kills creativity because I don’t know where to start. This is why I’ve refrained from getting into modular eurorack again. It’s just a too cluttered type of workflow with cables going all over the place. But I am looking at less cluttered modular stuff like Dreadbox stuff. Do use modular stuff or anything like it?

[@Cap10NRGMusic]

@@JakobHaq Dude if I sent you pictures of my studio you would have a heart attack lol. And not in a good way… Piles of cables I feel like I’m forever unbraiding in cleaning cables up - It’s too bad you’re not in the states and close by; I think we’d have some fun making some tracks together!

[@_MattSauer_]

@@JakobHaq I totally agree - cabling is a drag. Any gear that can be both powered and MIDI'd by USB is a godsend.

[@lbcsrw]

I feel your pain, Jakob. I have an UltraNova and, since I switched to iOS for performing, I've not touched it. To be honest, I didn't even mind the menu diving because it felt so immersive and meditative to me, to slowly push the synth into unexplored sonic landscapes. I've thought about selling it, over and over, but I love it so much. Lately, I've been using an Akai MPK-25 keyboard controller as my master keyboard for iOS. It is almost exactly the same size. I've been thinking of selling it, and using the UltraNova instead. (I really love full, expressive keys, and the fatar bed is really nice.) Anyway, thanks for sharing this. I don't think you should worry too much about what to share. We're all on the journey together.

[@JakobHaq]

I’m a pretty impatient person and that dictates a lot of my decisions. I used to be able to take it slower in he past. But over the years that side of me has kinda withered a way and left a dried up husk of impatience. 😂 Thank you for the feedback! 👊👊👊

[@clemenslangle880]

Jakob every Video you release makes me laugh :) i really really like your stuff!

[@raybun]

Off-topic! but wow, Jakob you look so fresh and healthy, makes me happy to see in these trying times :)

[@aquaticborealis4877]

I also have the Uno Synth Pro. Wonderful synth.

[@AfterNothingsEnd]

I’ve been here. Hard to part with things, but I agree with why you sold it.

[@Stadsjaap]

I have a spot in my studio set apart for old and lesser used synths. I think I'll plug in my Mininova today. For old time's sake.

[@tonverfall_studio]

We have very different approaches in our music-making 😄 I too have limited space, but never do anything outside my little studio. I just bought a Mininova again, which makes the 3rd time I've had this synth engine since 2020! The Mininova (and Ultranova) just have a very unique sound. I got annoyed with the Mininova originally because of the keys and the menu-diving, which prompted me to trade up to the Ultranova. I loved the Ultranova's much better controls and the Fatar keybed, but it bugged me how much space it took up, and that it had no capacity to do any kind of FM. I really like FM for spicing up patches, and these days have multiple other options for that. I have come full circle, where I'm ready to appreciate the Mininova on its own terms, wanted its engine again, and am willing to hook up the software editor for deeper editing sessions.

[@JulienJolly]

Same things hier: I bought a Roland JD-XI. The sound was pretty good. You can play 3 parts/sounds + drums. It is pretty small. It also have a sequenceur, vocoder, auto tune… But the menu diving is a nightmare and the PC editor Is ugly. I started create a raspberry program to edit it (because it use sysex not CC)… 6 month later I sold it and don’t regret it as much. Nice video Jokob

[@matthiasbreitenbach4831]

Hello Jecob, Thanks for ALL your KZbin Videos. You are a big inspiration for my own work with IOS Music. I started one and a half year ago with IOS Music, lets say with electronical music in generell. When i decided to step into the minimal music, there was immdiately the idea to do that with the Ipad. Because of the haptik feeling, when Im Theater comes to Live Performances. Live I don t want to use a laptop, a mouse, all these shortcuts. I wanna touch. And because i can take the Ipad and a midi Keayboard everywhere, it becomes the base of my creative work. I use a few hardware stuff, becaus i love also to tweak knobs. And yes, i use a laptop and ableton. Ableton is fantastic for me to finish arrangements, do the details and so on. But I think all my Ideas for music is coming from the way to work wih the Ipad (and of playing guitar), because I can take Im Theater everywhere. Even on the toilette, like now Hahaha. Sorry for these very long introduction. I ve seen, i think, mostly all of your videos and I totally like how you act, how you think. And your videos helped my a lot. THANK YOU! And here is the point, even i want to have more hardware, even I think i prefer different music then you, it comes the basic, that your positive way (even life is not a honeymoon), your energy and your way to see things and how you work is the most inspiring for me. So a BIG THANK YOU for that too. Keep on. Stay tuned. And all the best. M

[@shitmandood]

I have the same problem with space. What I do is I have multi-tray table where all the boxes of gear are kept. When I'm ready to use some of the gear, I'll remove everything from my keyboard shelf and put it back in the box and into the table and take out whatever it is I plan on using that is in the table. For instance, right now, I got a new guitar in July, so all the synth gear is stored up in the table in order to make room for the Bias Mini amp, Plethora FX, Microcosm, Ocean Machine, Quayle Dual Fusion, or any other guitar pedals I might want to try. Eventually, the other synths might come out and the guitar gear will go back.

[@80iesDude45]

You rarely find people using Propellerheads Figures out there. Love it! ;-)

[@spacemanonearth]

Have MiniNova and the Yamaha AN1x as well, will keep them both. But do want a Roland JP-8080 rack synth too. lol Thanks for video & info!

[@leslie1526]

I’ve sold of mine hardware synths years ago. Computers these days are powerful enough to drive multiple software synths that are in most cases 1 to 1 representations of their hardware counterparts and you can run heaps of them at the same time. Small differences in sound between hardware and software synths are lost in the mix. As it is, my current setup consists of nothing else but NI Kontrol 46 keyboard and Mac mini M1 running Cubase Pro, Logic, Live, Reason with huge amount of software synths from NI, Arturia and many more.

[@jackcimino8822]

10:04 You have convinced me to buy Nave for my computer again! I hope the iOS version gets a 10th anniversary AUv3 update like N-Log and Animoog did.

[@JakobHaq]

I hope they update Nave too. It needs some love. It’s one of the best ones from Waldorf. Ever since I got it I’ve used it on a regular basis.

[@Steve.Dennis]

In short, yes, this content is worth making. Jakob, we like you! That's why we are tuning in. I personally miss your live streams, so when you get down to sharing your thoughts on a topic such as this one, I enjoy it and appreciate your insights. Even if it were not 'scripted' and just your 'stream of consciousness' it is still good content. I'm sure I speak for everyone here, except for those poopy-poop-heads!

[@raysubject]

i had on my desk for few months old Novation Supernova IIR and Hypernova (which is basically same engine like Mininova and Circuit) and i was shockwd how weak and thin sounds new Hyper/Mini Nova engine when compared face to face with old Supernova/Nova engine ...sold Hypernova soon after and kept Supernova for very long time ...

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

I have a MiniNova and Peak they are used currently just for fun, not recorded or featured in any on My music which is mostly made using Reason DAW.

[@init-crioxica]

Get well Please! And i would really like to see various self-generated presets for miRack, there was a recent update and many new modules.

[@JakobHaq]

Thank you! I think I stay away from doing MiRack videos simply because there so much to do in it. It can be litterally anything and I many times make patches one day, tha I just don’t understand how they work the next day. I get lost so easy because of the cluttering cable workflow. I will try to make a video at some point.

[@philharland]

Worth keeping just for the vocoder.

[@walterwalker1226]

Great video 👍 I also have my space problems and replaced lot synth gear with the Circuit Tracks. Best purchase since years. It contains 2 Mininova like synths + 2 midi sequencers + 2 audio ins + 4 drum/sample tracks paired with a brilliant sequencer + built in effects. The built in battery it’s perfect for outdoor music making. Indoor the CT feeds my Virus Snow with its 2 Midi sequencer tracks. My new problem: what should I do now with all the gear I don’t need anymore 🤨 Disclaimer: Synth editing pain remains, but w/o no menu diving (I use companion in chrome)🤪 there are no menus at all

[@facunaproducer]

A love my MiniNova was my first synth and i use it everyday. I understand you... You can thing your MiniNova gone be to be happy another synth nerd 😉😍

[@jackcimino8822]

I bought the Novation Nova Desktop from its original owner last month ($487 including shipping), and I am much more satisfied with its sound than the Hydrasynth Explorer that I replaced it with. It doesn't have as many features as the Mini/Ultra, but it's interface is great. The synth also has a nice footprint!

[@JakobHaq]

Ouch, I was maybe thinking of getting a Hydrasynth explorer to replace the MiniNova. I’d be very interested in hearing why you went the other way around and what you didn’t like with the hydra. 👊👊

[@jackcimino8822]

@@JakobHaq I felt that the Hydras was too expensive, heavy, and clunky to have as a MIDI controller, and I found the Novation Launchpad Pro Mk 3 to be a better fit for me and my backpack (and has poly aftertouch). Also, I felt like the Hydrasynth was trying way too hard to sound like different things at once. It's good for wavetables and fm, but I don't think it's a good VA synth. The filter types sound like they were tacked onto a digital synth instead of being complementary. The sync effect in the mutants produces horrible aliasing, and the onboard fx are mediocre. Otoh, the vintage Nova synth has sweet spots for the oscillators and filters that I felt were nonexistent in the Hydra. May I also recommend the Korg RADIAS?

[@Death_By_Media]

Alternatively a Novation X-Station 25 is both a great nova engine based synth and an excellent midi controller for plugins . Using a 49 as my primary controller for all my AU/VSTi plugins and hardware synths . It’s UI is fantastic only down side is the joystick vs. mod and pitch wheels , but having all those faders and knobs in that layout that easily map cc , Nrpn, and sysex makes up for it imho .

[@MrOuija-rr8kq]

I find that emulation is just easier and more fun to use. As kraftwerk says “It’s more fun to compute”

[@paulm9079]

The energy comment is interesting. Less is more. I feel that way about some software I have on the iPad. It's almost like I feel obligated to use it even though the things I like to do are with other programs.

[@ftc_music]

I can relate. Loved my Mininova but sold it due to its heavy menu diving for sound design. And if I reached for the software editor, why would I want a hardware synth in the first place? Replaced the Nova with a Peak and couldn’t be happier.

[@chebtamer]

Love this video! Why don’t you make a video about your most favorite Hardware synth and the ones in your wish list! Synth that you’ll buy for sure and synth you may buy in the future.

[@JakobHaq]

That’s a very good idea for a video. 👊

[@klstay]

To me this highlights a couple of things some overlook when selecting a synth. First, greatly reduced (or ideally eliminated entirely) menu diving. Second, a highly to VERY highly focused engine/design. An example higher end physical synth comparison might be Prophet 10 vs. Iridium KB. Both potentially great choices and both at opposite ends of the scale in those 2 categories.

[@JakobHaq]

When it comes to menu diving I can’t agree with you more. I’ve worked with synths for about 30 years and I still do the mistake of underestimating menu diving. I’d say this though. I was pleasantly surprised that the menu diving in UNO synth pro was so light. It’s something I’ve been able to live with without loosing my mind. I have fun with that thing. It’s hard when getting smaller sized synths and any other type of electronic instruments. The smaller size usually means that a lot of controlling elements have been removed. It’s either that or the controlling elements have been made smaller. The Roland boutique series is interesting. They’ve kept almost all controlling elements from their larger siblings, only they’re smaller and they’ve also cut the keyboard. It’s nice to have one function per control because it makes tweaking more accessible and many times quicker too. Then again I also use stuff like the OPZ and pocket operators. And everything is “hidden” under two and sometimes three button combo sub-menus. It’s nice because you’re not scrolling through menus. But on the flip side the learning curve is steep because you have to learn all the combos.

[@mcgritty8842]

The deep menu diving is making me 2nd think the purchase…

[@craigsurette3438]

I am right there with you, with the brutality of the Mininova menu diving. This is why i bought an Ultranova instead. I get all the same features. a built in audio interface , and an amazing full sized keyboard with velocity and aftertouch to boot, in a package that has one of the best front panel layouts of any digital synth i have used. It is only a tiny bit bigger than the Mininova, and that tiny bit bigger is compensated by all the plusses of having a synth,interface and controller, all in the same package. Even if i wasnt in love with the Ultranova's sound, i would never sell it, just for the fact that it is an excellent part of a super portable rig.I can bring it and a laptop to a gig in my backpack, and my setup for the whole show is asking the soundguy for a stereo pair to the house PA. That is worth whatever space it takes up

[@SimonsSolarShed]

My mininovas keys started to come loose I've hardly used it been in its box most of its life shame because it sounded pretty good why do they make such flimsy keys us beyond me.

[@CtrlAltRelax]

Your description of the synth makes me want to buy one myself lol 😂

[@JakobHaq]

Haha, yeah I totally get it. It’s what I got it myself. And I was really happy with it at first. But as you’ve seen, it just does not sit well in my Studio. However I’m still amazed at the amount of power hidden in this small thing.

[@realsciencerhythm]

Well I've got Roland MC-808 so this doesn't seem brutal at all in terms of Menu-diving. Like Luke Skywalker said - "I'm not afraid." Therefore I am 99% convinced I'll be buying it with my next paycheck. 😉

[@alexwestconsulting]

That's so sad. I like my mininova. I've got circuits too so sound engine overlap, but it does sound great, very shiny and modern. I use the vocal processing a lot on it to be honest. I mean, it's basically a Roland VT-3 or 4 just to start.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

I have a MiniNova and Peak and decks and two midi keyboards I often cant be bothered using because I just make any music I want with My laptop and Reason. I should make a dedicated space but currently dont have the space.

[@karmatosed7211]

I’ve been pretty underwhelmed with my new MicroFreak that just came in last week. Think I’m gonna sell it to get a Dreadbox Nymphes. You guys should check out the Nymphes, tiny form factor but packs one hell of a big punch.

[@JakobHaq]

Nymphs is dope. But I’m currently eyeing the Nyx also.

[@howardgreenwich490]

Sold mine for similar reasons. I felt bad because I had researched it so much and thought it was the perfect synth for me! When I got it, I thought I'd just use the PC version of the editor. But, it turns out that it's only available as a VST and is not very adjustable for a small laptop. And, frankly, its not as user friendly as more recent small synth editors, like the Skulpt and Uno. I ended up never using it and hated the menu diving on the device itself.

[@savoirfaire8979]

The Mininova preset sounds were somewhat disappointing, so my solution has been to learn and master it before considering whether to get rid of it. I could also layer the Mininova with other synths, which would yield original sounds.

[@Deadphish1]

Nice informative video. Thank you. What do you think of the Synthstrom deluge? I use all the iOS synths you mentioned. I picked up the deluge about 4 months ago (my first hardware synth) and love using it in conjunction with iOS and Loopy Pro. Thanks again for all the great videos.

[@JakobHaq]

Well I’ve never used it so I don’t have much to say about it other than that I’ve wanted one myself. It’s just out of my price range which is why I never got around to getting one.

[@GearAddict90210]

I feel similar about mine, keeping it for now. Less menu diving would be nice

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

I dont menu dive cant be bothered, MiniNova is something I grab and play around with (mostly presets) I might record the audio and use it later in My Reason DAW projects. I like to just turn off My phone, tern off My computer and mess about with the MiniNova for a cupple hour's every one or two weeks.

[@mepenguin]

Nooooooooo! Must have more synths! OK, I might have a problem ;) But I find I come back to old toys. Like the extremely user unfriendly AKAI PRO Miniak, which I ignored for about a year before rediscovering some cool Miami Vice sounds, then started using regularly. I even regret giving away the Casiotone CT640 I had as a teenager (thank you Ladytron). And a Hammond M102+Leslie 145, but that took space. I prefer hardware to VST's for the immediacy and really haven't got to grips with making music with a phone...

[@dankeplace]

In all honesty, you might like the UltraNova much better, has a much better full sized keybed, has after touch and the animate buttons are replaced with performance knobs that can be assigned to what ever you want. I sold mine after I wanted to get more into analog. As a VA it's great but it had too many dance type of patches on it. I was just getting into synths back then but it is a good VA and can be bought cheap. Another thing is it has SPDIF out which allows you to connect to your interface this was which frees up 2 additional analog inputs. The day I sold mine, I sort of regret as I was getting some really nice evolving pads, the issue was note stealing and then it would lock up on me. LCD screen can be a bit iffy at times too.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

I had the chance to buy a Ultranova recently but chose not to get it and keep My MiniNova instead.

[@mindalteringfx316]

Impaktor I haven’t seen anyone use that drum synth in a long time. Love app.wish they’d update it

[@oldowl4290]

3:04 I swear you're playing the US military "Taps" on the mod wheel lol.

[@EugeneMaynard]

Excellent Jakob! 👏🏾👍🏾🙏🏾🇬🇧🇸🇪🇹🇹

[@JakobHaq]

Thank you!

[@dafingaz]

Whoa!

[@SkylerFuhrman]

I came for talking head video... and now beta testing ButterSynth. Thanks for all the videos Jakob

[@JakobHaq]

My pleasure!

[@chriscopeman8820]

I have trouble getting rid of stuff too. That’s because I don’t know how to sell stuff. I could probably figure out the shipping, but finding a buyer. Nope, no idea.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

I have similar issues selling online, I'm more likely to just take the item to a pawn shop and sell it but I'd only get if lucky just over half what its actually worth. If I had an item worth £1000, I'd be lucky to get £6000 for it.

[@artnomalie]

Hi Jakob, thank you for this video. I really dig this little synth. I have a question: what drum machine or AU did u use around 4:54 ?

[@JakobHaq]

Its Amenbreak generator. Unfortunately it’s not available anymore. The dev never updated it so it got thrown out of the App Store in the big 32 to 64 bit switch several years ago. I love that app and I still have it on older iPads. Nothing quite like it has been made. It has a very special way of working and no other app reproduces that … yet. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJablp2hitmUqpI

[@par5ek]

Nice vid. I've got the problem that I'm very resilient to sell synths. Made the mistake to sell a mint Juno 106, MS-20 and SidStation because of life/money issues long time ago. Breaks my heart to part ways with them. They're so cute. Anyway. Got any thoughts on Continua by Audio Damage? Cheers

[@JonesyTheCat]

Hello friend, may I ask what drum app (iPad?) did you use at 3:10?

[@goomerko]

Great video!! What app is the drums you use? It looks awesome

[@JakobHaq]

I’m not sure which one of the apps you’re referring to. But if you mean the Amen real stuff then you’re unfortunately out of luck. That app was taken off the AppStore way back during the big iOS 32-bit to 64-bit switch. The dev never updated it so it’s forever lost unless it was saved on an older iDevice. That’s how I’m using it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJablp2hitmUqpI Now if you’re referring to the blue app then it’s Impaktor made by BeepStreet. That app is still available for both iPhone and iPad. If you own Drambo then you already have access to the Impaktor drum engine inside there. One of the first videos I made for this channel was with Impaktor, before the haQ attaQ era. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2qVi5KMgpx5pKM

[@goomerko]

@@JakobHaq I was referring the first one, but I’ll try the drambo app thanks to you!

[@raysubject]

I think you sould finally make that step into Elektron multiverse and buy Digitone. It's literally endgame :-) Most "analog warm" sounding FM synth i ever had ... It can do literally everything from Drums, throufh basses, leads, pads, weird FXs. You even don't need to use sequencer if you don't want, some people use it just as polyohonic synth...

[@JakobHaq]

I would love to, but it’s above my money limit. Maybe some day though.

[@raysubject]

@@JakobHaq i wish you it founds the way to you ;) it really changed my approach to music from the ground (after 10 years of fully iOS only musicmakimg)

[@ruffiankickloops]

This is how I'm starting to feel with my minilogue. :(

[@steved2947]

This was the main reason why I sold my Mininova. Menudiving just sucks.

[@Mandy-Lane]

i had an ultranova but i sold it.. just because.. because it had somewhere 256 presets. that was dumb.. i miss this synth and its discontinued so its almost impossible to buy again. however the synth was very good

[@iddeegee]

I've sold Novation Nova a couple of months ago, I kinda regret it, because I like the sound I can get out of it, I could do a 2 layer patches although it does not support it... (you can find a video on my channel) But unfortunately it was to cucumber-some to pair it with iPad and I've got a lot of soft synths that I can use now and I can replicate my patches... the only functionality I miss a lot is the gator... If someone knows an iOS synth that could do the same please advise

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

My Navation Peak is recognised By the DAW I use which is Reason, the MiniNova is not recognised.

[@BananaJuice1984]

Sounds like the Story of my Microkorg XL+ 😳 A really cool synth, but the presethandling is better in the App. But i dont configured a preset in the last years. And its is too big for the electronic. I switched over to an MPCone and as Soundmodule The microkorg xl+ is a little big on the desktop. But it was my first hardware synth. But then came the ipad and I never used the hardware much. Same as the uno synth. No more a monophonic synth. But UNO and sculpt synth have the same problems. Only perfect with App. So i think about to let them go.

[@JakobHaq]

Sounds like you’re battling with a few decisions of your own. I have both those synths you’re referring to. I haven’t touched them much ever since I got the UNO Pro. It’s the only hardware thing I keep coming back to along with the PO-32 tonic. Love that pocket operator. Maybe I too have some more stuff I really need to let go of.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

The MiniNova was basically designed to be a alternative or option similar to the Microkorg. They are the same size have similar features.

[@Old_Man_Jay]

I sold my Mininova a few months ago. I had a lot of fun with it and I think it's a really great, powerful synth but I HATE that you need to use a pc editor to get the most out of it. I very much prefer synths with more controls and minimal menu diving. Currently, my small setup consist of a Digitone, Yamaha DX21, Circuit Rhythm, and a MegaFM. With the exception the the DX21, I can easily design sound and make music use dawlessly. I absolutely could not fit the Mininova into my work flow. There's just WAY too much under the hood.

[@haslo_]

I have a Nova Desktop (the old school one from ~2000). With a very similar core sound engine, but no wavetables: The Nova has 20 pots & encoders and 90 buttons, giving direct access to lots of settings, while the MiniNova has just 9 encoders and 20 buttons. It's a really strange (to me) design direction they've been taking there. Certainly not aimed at making sound design easier. The Nova Desktop actually is much smaller, too.

[@JakobHaq]

That Novation Nova is pretty sick. The vocoder I that thing is hot. I think it has like 40 bands right?

[@haslo_]

@@JakobHaq Yeah, it does, 40 bands. I didn't realise the MiniNova only has 12 bands, but I guess they moved it from dedicated hardware to software now and that must've limited the available processing power compared to 20 years ago, paradoxically.

[@pontram]

And, as I remember, it has multitimbrality. There is a problem with the Nova's power supply, which can be faulty and is not easy to replace, and some devices getting hot. Aside from that, they seem pretty durable. I did never understand why Novation stepped down in functionality and made Mininova and Ultranova monotimbral. It seems that the Nova II Kbd, which has even more Knobs than the Nova Desktop, was no commercial success (or nobody wants to sell it...). It's quite rare, but usually less expensive than the Supernova II kbd.

[@taosophymusic]

Never selling my MiniNova! I'm not a boutique gear kinda guy--with synths--the bigger the "better"😂 Even when I found out my Mac Mini M1 no longer recognized my Mini Nova I just moved it over near my old Intel Mac Mini. As far as guilt for not using a piece of gear...easy...make a track that uses that piece of gear almost exclusively, and then release the track.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Cool We can be MiniNova owners together. I have a Peak also.

[@krazywabbit]

I did not like this video. I LOVED IT! 1. You showed the amazing features of the synth. 2. You showed why it did not work for you. That's key. Because someone else might have desk space or not mind the menu diving. 3. You provided alternatives. 4. Hardware and software can play well together. 5. Drop some good mental advice in not wasting energy to be more productive. I am a big fan of the creator doing what feels right for them. Not everyone will agree with your video or my comments. And that is ok. Because at the end of the day, what matters most? You. All the best to feeling better.

[@JakobHaq]

Thank you so much! This type of feed back is invaluable to me. 💛💛💛💛💛

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

I bought My one used, haven't used it in My music just used it for fun.

[@timothy5974]

I like it. Can you give us a link to that hardware studio interview?? ❤️🙏

[@JakobHaq]

Sorry. 😅 It’s right here kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5nIZGmInbGYsLM I’ve added the link to the pinned comment now. Thanks for reminding me.

[@DudeWithADrone]

If you want something small and lush here's an idea. An Audiothingies Micromonsta 2. That's what I'm saving for Jakob. Ever tried one? And today I'm getting a Roland SP-404 Mkii. If Mr Postie ever gets here!!!

[@jackcimino8822]

I agree! A MicroMonsta 2 is the best bang for the buck synth with a small footprint! A Novation Nova Desktop and Waldorf Blofeld are also nice options, but some of the units do have problems.

[@JakobHaq]

Aaaaaw, you got me really hyped about it but it seems to be sold out? Maybe they’ll make more?

[@DudeWithADrone]

Oh wow. He turned up. I have it whoop whoop!!!

[@Death_By_Media]

@@JakobHaq Yeah the MM2 can be elusive. The dev makes small batches and sells them on Monday’s . The website will have a schedule for releases and if nothing is scheduled sign up for the email to update you to be in on when the next schedule for batches will hit . Or you can alternatively get gouged on reverb from people making an extra $100 bucks off of inpatients .

[@aquaticborealis4877]

The Micromonsta 2 is a not exactly knob per function. Far from it. It does sound very lush though.

[@phuturemusic]

What's the app on 5th minute?

[@JakobHaq]

You’re unfortunately out of luck. That’s Amenvreak Gen and that app was taken off the AppStore way back during the big iOS 32-bit to 64-bit switch. The dev never updated it so it’s forever lost unless it was purchased before the removal and kept on an older iDevice. That’s how I’m using it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJablp2hitmUqpI

[@straighttalk2069]

This was a very candid video but I really do think there was just hint of GAS involved. 😂

[@Omanjisinkala]

Nice video

[@JakobHaq]

Thank you so much O! 👊👊

[@sumchi3690]

Hey Jakob, I tried getting your Nave presets but when I went to extract it it was empty. Is it still valid or is it an iOS 15 problem?

[@JakobHaq]

Hmm, I’ll look into it.

[@JakobHaq]

Aha, it looks as if Dropbox is renaming the file. This is not supposed to be a zip file. It’s supposed to be a preset file that you load directly into nave. It had the file name “*.navebank”. But then when downloading it, Dropbox changes it to “*zip” for some reason. I’ll try to upload a new real zip file.

[@JakobHaq]

Ok this is weird. There is actually nothing wrong with the link. Buy it looks as if the file doesn’t get downloaded properly when using a browser. I get a file that is about 800kb big,, however the full file is about 4.3MB. Have you tried downloading it through the Dropbox app?

[@sumchi3690]

@@JakobHaq Yep ,same with Dropbox. At least the browser. I had probs with the app too . I can't remember the details of what I actually did. I'm real tired and about to crash💤💤💤 I'll get back to you morrow. Thanks for trying. No stress here.

[@sumchi3690]

@@JakobHaq thanks 🙏 Edit: I did finally get the file opened and into nave. They are great. Especially your pad sounds. I look forward to playing with them. As someone else said ,you are a very good sound designer. Thanks for them heaps.

[@ToddCampopiano]

Dude, you seem like a great guy who is having a lot of fun with your mini keyboard setup. But there is a whole world of music out there to explore. Your mini gear is really holding you back. My advice would be to start taking piano lessons and at the very least get a 61 note keyboard or keyboard controller. Also, what's up with the iPad? just get an M1 MacBook Air. Even if you are just using the free GarageBand DAW, this will be such a massive leap forward in your music making process.

[@JakobHaq]

Thank you for your great tips. I get the feeling that you might be new on my channel and that you probably have no idea who I am, or my background in music. So first of all welcome to the channel! 👊😊 . I’m 43 years old and have been working with Synthesizers and “computerised” music for about 30 years. I learned synthesis by tweaking various FM synthesizers and modular systems for many years before I built my own setup. . Ok so before I went completely mobile like I am now, about 10 years ago, I had a pretty large studio setup. I built my own custom built water cooled pc tower with a fat stack of three creamware (sonic core) DSP cards in it. I also had several hardware synthesizers on keyboard stands and shelf’s and I had two large 19” racks with compressors and effect boxes. . I had everything you could possibly want when it came to both software and hardware. I was a Cubase user and I also was using Komplete. However I stagnated in that studio. It made me feel closed in and “stuck”. I also had so much that I never really knew where to start. Another thing is that I’ve always had this “I want to pick stuff up and go” type of mentality. And so when KORG started doing their early electribe series boxes and also kaoss stuff, I immediately jumped on it. Best shit ever! . Time passed and I developed heavy alcohol and drug addictions. I managed to mess up my life and my career pretty badly. So I sold a lot of my gear until I had almost nothing left, all to fuel addiction. Yeah. 😅 The choices we make. . Either way. About 10 years ago I purchased an Android phone and realised there was music apps on there. I was finally seeing the thing I had been longing for. This one handheld touch device that could “be anything musical”. However after 2 years I switched over to Apple and iOS since it had a lot more on offer in terms of apps and connect-ability. . So for the last 8 years I have been working solely with iOS. Since then every video on this channel has been produced on iOS. Video editing, narration, music making and graphics. I’ve made all of it and still make it all on iOS with iPads and iPhone. It’s what I specialise in. I have never been so creative before in my entire life. I now have gear that alow me to work wherever I want to work. That “pick it up and go” mentality is being served completely. . Also, a lot of hardware gear companies now produce smaller portable (and affordable) stuff that Is right up my alley. There are limitations for sure, but limitations also challenge you to find solutions for whatever problems you might have. Every little win gives you a sense of accomplishment and problem solving keeps the creative juices flowing. . Now admittedly, making music or videos on iOS is not as hard anymore because the platform and the apps on it has come a long way. We’re are not too far away from a desktop based workflow. I don’t know if that’s good or bad thing for me, considering my background, but the platform is progressing. . In the end, what I’m trying to get at is that I do not feel held back by my workflow. I feel liberated by it. Well that’s just me and it’s not for everybody. Again welcome, thank you for your advice and feedback and I hope you stick around. 👊😊

[@russ254]

@@JakobHaq wow, what a story, and the kind of candid sincerity you never find digitally. thanks for helping me understand your journey!