Novation Supernova
| Category | Electronic (virtual analog synthesizer) |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | UK |
| Classification | synthesizer |
| Wikipedia | en.wikipedia.org |
| Wikidata | Q2855857 |
Overview
The Novation Supernova is a multi-timbral virtual analog synthesizer released by the British company Novation in 1998. It was the company’s first rack and keyboard polysynth and was designed to compete with the Access Virus and Roland JP-8000 at the high end of the late-1990s virtual analog market. Each voice offers three oscillators, ring modulation, noise, a multi-mode filter, two envelopes, two LFOs, and an arpeggiator, and the unit can run up to eight independent multi-timbral parts with on-board effects per part.
Origin & History
Novation was founded in 1992 by Ian Jannaway and Mark Thompson, initially building MIDI controllers and small synths. The Supernova represented a major leap upward in voice count and processing power and helped re-establish the brand as a serious synthesizer maker. A keyboard version followed the original rack, and the design was succeeded in 2000 by the Supernova II, which added more voices and a vocoder. The Supernova line was discontinued in the mid-2000s.
How It’s Played
The instrument is played from its keyboard or via MIDI from an external controller. Patches and multi-timbral performances are programmed from the front panel using dedicated knobs and a small display. Effects — reverb, delay, chorus, distortion, EQ — are routed per part, which made the unit popular for layered electronic productions.
Cultural Significance
The Supernova was widely adopted by trance, house, and electronica producers in the late 1990s and early 2000s for its bright, programmable virtual analog character and its ability to handle full multi-timbral arrangements without an external mixer.
Related Instruments
- Access Virus – contemporary German virtual analog rival
- Novation X-Station – later Novation virtual analog controller
- Korg Radias – mid-2000s VA workstation
- Korg Wavestation – earlier multi-timbral digital synth
- Yamaha Montage – modern multi-engine workstation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Supernova analogue?
No — it is digital and emulates analogue circuit behaviour.
How many voices does it have?
Up to 24 in the original; the Supernova II offered more.
Was a keyboard version made?
Yes, both rack and keyboard versions of the Supernova and Supernova II were produced.
