The Novation Peak is an 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer based on the Novation Bass Station II analog monosynth; it is well suited for musicians, sound designers, and synthesizer enthusiasts. The instrument features analog-sounding NCOs (numerically controlled oscillators), which include 3 new Oxford oscillators per voice, as well as a flexible digital domain with 17 digital wavetables. The instrument also features a multi-mode, analog state-variable OTA filter with high-pass, band-pass, and low-pass selections with 12/24 dB slopes. Peak’s sound engine is rounded out by the true analog distortion and digital effects including chorus, delay, and reverb.
At the heart of the synthesizer lies the high-powered processor component called a field programmable gate array (FPGA), which far surpasses traditional DSP chips. Each of Peak’s eight voices has an independent oversampling digital-to-analog converter (DAC). These DACs are oversampling at over 24 MHz (24 million times per second), using a simple RC (resistor-capacitor) filter on their output in the analog domain. Peak’s ability to generate waveforms at the oversampling frequency (up to 512 times the traditional rate) ensures that Peak’s waveforms are pure at all frequencies and free from digital artifacts, no matter how aggressively the pitch is modulated.
The front panel of the synthesizer provides a variety of controllers for 1:1 control over most of its parameters. There are 42 control knobs, 8 sliders, 2 data encoders, 46 total function buttons, 2 Animate buttons, 90 indicator LEDS, and a crisp OLED display. What’s more, most of the control knobs, switches, and sliders transmit continuous controller data for recording and playing back automation from your sequencer of choice.
The rear panel offers a 1/4″ headphone output, stereo (left & right) 1/4″ outputs, two 1/4″ pedal inputs, and an 1/8″ CV modulation input for incorporating modular synthesizers. Additionally, the instrument features MIDI In, Out, and Thru via standard 5-pin DIN connectors. The on-board USB port is class compliant and transmits system and MIDI data. Peak includes a 12 VDC power supply, USB cable, and a download card for Ableton Live Lite 9 and Loopmasters sample content.
Features
- FPGA-based numerically controlled oscillators (NCOs) running at 24 MHz generate waveforms indistinguishable from those produced by analog oscillators
- Eight-voice polyphony
- Three multiwaveform oscillators per voice
- Waveform shaping on all waveform types
- Analog signal path (filters, distortions, VCA)
- Traditional, dedicated-function rotary controls
- LP/BP/HP filter with variable slope, resonance, overdrive, and modulation options
- Two independent LFO sections
- Separate Amp and Mod envelope sections with ADSR fader controls
- Ring modulator inputs (Osc 1 and 2)
- Versatile arpeggiator with wide range of patterns
- Glide (portamento) with dedicated time control
- Pre-loaded with 256 brand new patches
- Memory for 256 additional user patches
- Two Animate buttons for adding spot effects in live performance
- Powerful effects including distortion, delay, chorus, and reverb
- Class-compliant USB port (no drivers required), patch dump, and MIDI
- OLED display for patch selection and parameter adjustment
- External DC input (for supplied AC PSU)
- External CV input for integration with other analog equipment
- Headphone output
- Supports any two pedals (sustain or expression)
- Kensington security slot
- Optional stand available
Specifications
| Connectors | Headphone: 1/4″ / 6.35 mm Outputs (Left and Right): 2 x 1/4″ / 6.35 mm Pedal 1: 1/4″ / 6.35 mm Pedal 2: 1/4″ / 6.35 mm MIDI In, Out, & Thru: 3 x 5-pin DIN USB: Type-B Power: 12 VDC connector (center pin positive) |
| Controls | 42 x control knobs 8 x 1.4″ / 35.0 mm sliders 1 x volume knob 2 x data encoders 1 x rubberized knob caps with spun metal discs 30 x function buttons (not lit) 16 x function buttons (lit) 2 x Animate buttons plus hold button |
| Indicator LEDs | 90 x indicator LED |
| Display | OLED display |
| Security | Kensington security slot |
| USB | USB socket for system / MIDI communication only (no bus power) |
| Synthesizer Structure | 8-note polyphony (dependent on voices used per note) Mono-timbral 5 Voice Modes: Mono, MonoLG, Mono2, Poly, and Poly2
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| Voice Specifications | 3 x oscillators 1 x noise generator 1 x ring modulator 2 x LFOs 1 x Amp envelope and 2 Mod envelopes 1 x Filter
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| Filter | 1 x state-variable OTA filter per voice 12/24 dB slope Low pass / band pass / high pass Prefilter overdrive Postfilter distortion
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| Modulation | 16 x modulation slots per patch Each slot has 2 sources to 1 destination |
| Effects | Analog distortion Chorus: 3 x types Delay: 16 x types of delay sync, LP & HP damping, slew, and stereo Reverb: 3 x types
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| Arpeggiator | Arpeggiator with key latch 33 x patterns |
| Patch Memory | Patch Storage: Up to 512 on hardware (ships with 256 factory patches) |
| Portamento | Glide: Yes |
| MIDI Data | All knobs (excluding volume), sliders, and most buttons transmit and receive MIDI CC commands for external control and mapping |
| Software Compatibility | Ableton Live Lite 9 is included Peak is a USB-MIDI, class-compliant device |
| Material of Construction | Metal chassis with American walnut wooden end cheeks Metal magnetic inset end pieces |
| Power | Maximum Power Consumption: 12 VDC, 1 A |
| Dimensions | 9.2 x 18.3 x 2.8″ / 23.3 x 46.4 x 7.1 cm |
| Weight | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Package Weight | 12.15 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 25.95 x 12.1 x 5″ |
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