Introduction; Key Features; About This Manual; What's In The Box - Novation SUMMIT User Manual

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing this Summit sixteen voice polyphonic, bi-timbral synthesiser,
the best sounding synth Novation has ever made. Summit is the natural development of
our Peak desktop synth, which was itself conceived as a polyphonic version of the Bass
Station II analogue synth. Summit is essentially a two-part, multi-timbral hybrid instrument
built around a dual implementation of Peak's synth core. Based on Peak's New Oxford
Numerically Controlled Oscillators, Summit's two part structure gives you unrivalled control
of sound design in both 16-voice single mode and 2 x 8-voice bi-timbral mode. You can
bring multiple, layered sounds into the mix, while retaining full control of every aspect of
each synth engine. We have also included a great effects section to help add further colour
and depth to Summit's sounds.
As well as superlative sound quality, Summit gives you two great sets of specially-created
presets – single patches, as implemented on Peak, and some stunning new multi patches,
which harness the full power of Summit's bi-timbral architecture.
Summit has a high quality, 61-note keyboard with Pitch and Mod wheels. You can use it in
the studio or on stage, either stand-alone or with the MIDI controller of your choice, be it a
another keyboard, DAW or a pad controller such as the Novation Launchpad Pro. It has a
CV (Control Voltage) input to let you interface with Eurorack and other CV-capable synths
you may already have.
NOTE: Summit is capable of generating audio with a large dynamic range, the extremes of
which can cause damage to loudspeakers or other components, and also to your hearing!!

Key Features

• Two part, multi-timbral architecture with Layer, Split and Dual keyboard modes
• FPGA-based Numerically Controlled Oscillators running at 24 MHz generate
waveforms indistinguishable from those produced by analogue oscillators
• Traditional analogue signal paths
• Fully analogue filter section
• Dual Peak architecture: all parameters for each Part are independently accessible
• Traditional, dedicated function rotary controls
• 16-voice polyphony
• Three oscillators per voice, per-Part
• Sine, triangle, sawtooth and pulse waveforms, plus 60 wavetables, per oscillator
• Waveform shaping on all waveform types
• Tuning Table function – allows creation of non-standard keyboard tunings
• Two analogue LP/BP/HP filters with variable slope, resonance, overdrive and
modulation options
• Any two filter types may be used simultaneously: separation parameter allows
different frequencies
• Powerful 16-slot Modulation Matrix with two sources per slot
• Two full LFOs with panel controls
• Two further LFOs with primary controls on panel plus menu control of other
parameters: fully routable via the Modulation Matrix
• Three Envelope sections (Amp and 2 x Mod) with six phases: DAHDSR
• Traditional fader controls for ADSR phases of Amp and Mod envelopes
• AHD envelope phases can be looped repeatedly from panel
• Ring Modulator (inputs: Oscs 1 and 2)
• Versatile arpeggiator with wide range of patterns and modes: primary controls on panel
• Glide (portamento) with dedicated time control
• Pre-loaded with brand new Patches: 384 Single Patches and 384 Multi Patches,
each arranged as three banks of 128
• Two further User banks for 128 additional Single Patches and 128 additional Multi
Patches
• Full compatibility with Patches created on Novation Peak: Peak's Patch banks, or
individual Patches, can be imported to Summit via Sysex.
• Two Animate buttons for triggering instant sound modifications and effects in live
performance
• Powerful FX section: distortion, delay, chorus and reverb
• Separate 4-slot FX Modulation Matrix
• Class-compliant USB port (no drivers required), patch dump and MIDI
• OLED display for patch selection and parameter adjustment
• Internal universal PSU – mains powered
• External CV input for integration with other analogue equipment
• Two sets of stereo outputs for main and auxiliary output routing: each Part may be
routed to either/both
• Headphone output: can follow main, auxiliary or both outputs
• Supports any two pedals – sustain or expression
• Kensington Security Slot

About This Manual

IMPORTANT:
This User Guide is applicable to Summit synthesisers with v1.0 firmware. If your
Summit has an earlier firmware version, we recommend that you update it to the latest
version, which can be done very easily using Novation Components: please go to
https://novationmusic.com/components.
4
We've tried to make this manual as helpful as possible for all types of user, and this
inevitably means that more experienced users will want to skip over certain parts of it,
while those with a bit less synth experience will want to avoid certain parts of it until they're
confident they've mastered the basics. As with other Novation synthesiser User Guides,
we've included a "Synthesis Tutorial" (see page 16) which explains the principles of
sound generation and treatment that are the foundation of all synthesisers. We think this
will be of help and interest to all users.
There are a few general points that are useful to know before you continue reading this
manual. We've adopted some graphical conventions within the text, which we hope all
types of user will find helpful in navigating through the information to find what they need to
know quickly:
Abbreviations, conventions, etc.
Where top panel controls or rear panel connectors are referred to, we've used a number
thus: 1 to cross-reference to the top panel diagram, and thus: 1 to cross-reference to
the rear panel diagram. (See page 5 and page 9).
We've used BOLD TEXT (or Bold Text) to name top panel controls or rear panel
connectors; we've made a point of using exactly the same names as appear on Summit
itself. We've used Dot Matrix text to illustrate text and numbers that appear on the
top panel display.
Tips
These do what it says on the tin: we include bits of advice, relevant to the
topic being discussed that should simplify setting up Summit to do what
you want. It's not mandatory that you follow them, but generally they
should make life easier.
Extra Info
These are additions to the text that will be of interest to the more
advanced user and can generally be avoided by the less experienced.
They are intended to provide a clarification or explanation of a particular
area of operation.

What's in the box

Your Summit synthesiser has been carefully packed in the factory and the packaging was
designed to withstand rough handling. Should the unit appear to have been damaged in
transit, do not discard any of the packing material and notify your music dealer.
If practical, save all the packing materials in case you ever need to safely transport your
Summit.
Please check the list below against the contents of the packaging. If any items are missing
or damaged, contact the Novation dealer or distributor where you purchased the unit.
• Summit synthesiser
• IEC mains cable, with a plug appropriate for your territory
• USB cable, A-type to B-type, 1.5 m
• Safety information sheet
• "Getting Started" Guide, also providing online access to Ableton Live Lite

Registering your Novation Summit

It is important to register your Summit online at novationmusic.com/register, using the
information provided in the Getting Started Guide. This will allow you to download the
additional software that you are entitled to as a Summit owner from your Novation account.

Power Requirements

Summit is AC mains powered: the internal power supply unit (PSU) is a "universal" type,
and the synthesiser will operate on all mains voltages between 100 V and 240 V. An IEC
mains cable is supplied with the unit.
Summit has no user-accessible fuses. In the event of an apparent PSU failure, Summit
should only be repaired by a suitably qualified technician.