Novation Nova Owner's Manual
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Novation Nova Owner's Manual

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NOVA Owners Manual
For Operating System Version 4.1
Introducing

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Summary of Contents for Novation Nova

  • Page 1 NOVA Owners Manual For Operating System Version 4.1 Introducing...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Compatibility with other Novation Products ........

  • Page 4: Front Panel

    FRONT PANEL master out aux out headphones midi in midi out midi thru off / on power in input sensitivity input 1 input 2 (pedal) bank p o l y p h o n i c page fast data s y n t h e s i s e r prog perf prog...

  • Page 5: Rear Panel

    ( - 10dB ). In the 4 dot position the sensitivity is suitable for professional level signals ( + 4dB ). 10 - Audio Inputs I & 2 These 1/4 inch jack sockets allow external signals to be processed by the Nova’s synth engine and/or effects. Input 2 can also double as an Expression pedal/Footswitch input.

  • Page 6: Setting Up

    For details on how to select the different Performances & a Programs & what they are refer to pages 21 for details on Programs & page 22 for details on Performances. If no sound is heard, check that you are transmitting on MIDI Channel 1 as the Nova is set-up to receive on MIDI Channel 1 at the factory.

  • Page 7: Playing The Factory Demo

    Demo running There are two different demo’s in the Nova. The current one playing is indicated on the top line of the display. To change the demo to a different one simply select a new demo by turning the higher Fast data knob to the right of the display.

  • Page 8: Basic Setup

    Amplifer / Mixer and Monitors Above is a diagram of the basic way to set-up the Nova. Normally the set-up would be as follows: If the Master Keyboard is a “Workstation” i.e. it has a synthesiser built in, turn “Local Off” or the equivalent in its MIDI set-up ( Refer to the Manufacturers Owners Manual on how to do this).

  • Page 9: Advanced Setup

    “Echo Back” ) to the “ON” or “Enabled” position. Now when selecting a “Track” in the computer Software / Sequencer that is assigned to the same channel as the Nova is set to receive on ( If this is a Performance you can set the receive channels individually for each “Part”...

  • Page 10: About Analogue Synthesis

    ABOUT ANALOGUE SYNTHESIS OSCILLATORS - pitch To understand synthesis it is necessary to have some understanding about sound itself. Sound is a vibration or oscillation. These vibrations create changes in air pressure which is picked up by your ears & is perceived as sound. When dealing with musical sounds the vibrations or oscillations occur at regular intervals &...
  • Page 11 Sync Waveform This Sync Effect creates very piercing & metallic sounds & are used a lot as lead sounds. It is worth noting that the Nova does not require 2 oscillators to create this effect. The Sync “Effect” is created by the Analogue Sound Modelling process without the need for a Sync Oscillator, there is merely a “Sync”...
  • Page 12 ABOUT ANALOGUE SYNTHESIS Skew also effects the standard Square & Saw waveforms. The effect is to “squash” the waveform at the end of its cycle with posi- tive modulation & squashing the waveform at the beginning of the cycle. On a square wave moderate amounts of this effect pro- duce similar effects to Pulse width modulation except width modulation over 100% can be achieved allowing may cycles to be “squashed”...
  • Page 13 & you can “Mix” them together to provide more harmonically rich waveforms. Below is a diagram showing the signal path in the Nova & all the waveforms at various locations. Signal Path Diagram...
  • Page 14 ABOUT ANALOGUE SYNTHESIS FILTER - tone There are several different types of filter. These are Low Pass Filter, High Pass Filter & Band Pass Filter. The Low Pass Filter allows harmonics below a set frequency to pass through the filter. Hence the name Low Pass Filter. The High Pass Filter allows harmonics above a set frequency to pass through the filter.
  • Page 15 ABOUT ANALOGUE SYNTHESIS AMPLIFIER - volume The last major process that makes up a sound is it’s “Volume”. The “Volume” of sounds vary as time goes by & so an Organ has very different volume characteristics than that of a Piano or String section. See the following diagrams for details. Volume Key "On"...
  • Page 16 “Source” to modulate a given parameter. It is even possible to have combinations of different “Sources” modulating one param- eter. In the Nova this has been neatly arranged on the front panel so that accessing all the possible combinations of modulation is...
  • Page 17 In the Nova a block of 7 effects is part of the “Program” & can be considered to be part of the synthesis engine. These include Distortion, EQ, Reverb, Chorus/Flanger/Phaser, Delay, Panning & Comb Filter effects. These can simulate “Real World” effects like Echo &...

  • Page 18: About Effects

    This is where EQ comes in. Muffled sounds have insufficient treble, so adjusting the Treble EQ will either boost or reduce the tre- ble. Similarly, the Bass EQ will either boost or reduce the bass. In the Nova there is a Treble EQ control & a Bass EQ control.
  • Page 19 & where the sound source is in the hall”. Different types of rooms & halls have different acoustics. For this reason Nova features several different Reverb types. These range from very, very small rooms like the “Dry Chamber” setting to the very large hall like the “Large type 2” setting. Additionally “special”...
  • Page 20 A “Stereo” version can be considered to be two concrete walls & this is the type that the Nova uses. The distance from the walls determines the delay time & as can be seen in the example below the distance between the left wall &...
  • Page 21 A large distance produces a long delay & a short distance produces a short delay. In the Nova, the Delay time is the time of the Longest delay. The shorter delay will be a per- centage of this value ( See “Ratio”...

  • Page 22: Novationish

    Performance This is the most complex type of sound Nova can create. It is made up of 6 different sounds called Parts. These Parts can be lay- ered or set up as splits to form the Performance. Performances are accessed by pressing the Performance button. Other Manufacturers sometimes call these Multis, Multisetups or Combinations.

  • Page 23: About Programs

    When the Program Button is selected a single Program is recalled from memory. A Program is the most basic type of sound in the Nova. This sound is made up of the 3 oscillators, the 2 ring modulators & the noise generator. These are Mixed together & are fed through the Filter, Amplifier &...

  • Page 24: About Performances

    Performance mode is also the mode in which you can use the Nova “Multitimbrally”. This allows the Nova to play up to 6 different sounds simultaneously on 6 different MIDI Channels. Each “Part” of a Performance can have a separate MIDI channel setting. This...
  • Page 25 NOTE: NOTE: There is only one Arpeggiator Speed control in a Performance. Adjusting the speed of any Parts Arpeggiator will control all 6 Arpeggiators. Below is a simplified block diagram of a “Performance” in the Nova. Dist Comb Arpeggiator Oscillators...

  • Page 26: Selecting Programs & Performances

    SELECTING PROGRAMS & PERFORMANCES There are a lot of sounds in Nova & they are arranged into “Banks” of 128 sounds. There is 1 Bank of 128 Performances & 2 Banks of 128 Programs. So in total there are 128 Performances & 256 Programs in 2 Banks ( A & B ). Pressing the Program but- ton will activate the Program Mode &...

  • Page 27: Editing & Writing Arpeggiator Patterns

    As can be seen there are 4 notes being played C, E, G & A# creating a C 7 Chord. The Nova scans the keyboard & “labels” each of the played notes with a note number, starting with the lowest (if the “Fill in” parameter is set to “Off-Up” or “On-Up”). In this case C = 1, E = 2, G = 3 &...
  • Page 28 EDITING & WRITING ARPEGGIATOR PATTERNS As can be seen the sequence of notes played is 1,2,2,2,2,2,2,1 etc. etc. This is why the “Fill In” parameter is there. It should be currently in the “Off” position. In this position you can program your patterns more efficiently but for the best results when played, it should be set to”On”.
  • Page 29 EDITING & WRITING ARPEGGIATOR PATTERNS parameter is set to “Rest” no note is played on the selected step & finally when the “Gate” parameter is set to “Glide” the Portamento is engaged when the selected step switches to the next step & then the Portamento is switched off. This is great for creating those TB303 type patterns with slides.

  • Page 30: Editing & Writing Programs

    Editing Programs is easy on the Nova as virtually all the controls needed to create a sound are on the front panel. First make sure that the Nova is in the Program mode. The Program button should be lit. Now it is just a case of adjusting the knobs &...
  • Page 31 Write to store As can be seen the Nova is asking confirmation that you wish to write over the destination Program, replacing it with the newly edited sound. Also on the top line of the display it can be seen that there is the category parameter. This is where you set the cate- gory of the Program so that the “Finder”...

  • Page 32: Editing & Writing Performances

    All the edits made are transmitted as Controllers & NRPNs on the MIDI channel assigned to the Part of the Performance, so in a Multitimbral Performance each Part can be individually edited, recorded on a sequencer & played back into the Nova.
  • Page 33 EDITING & WRITING PERFORMANCES NOTE: NOTE: At any stage during editing a Performance, pressing the Performance button will exit the “Part” display & return the Display to showing the Performance name & location. It is possible to “Solo” Parts of a Performance allowing the easy auditioning of separate Parts of a Performance. This is done by selecting the Part to be soloed &...
  • Page 34 EDITING & WRITING PERFORMANCES Writing Performances into Memory NOTE: NOTE: Writing Performances is a destructive operation. It is strongly advised to make back-ups of your data occasionally to a Computer, Sequencer or Data filing device. Factory sounds can be recalled from ROM see page 40 for details Once a Performance has been created, you can store the Performance in any of the 128 Performances.
  • Page 35 As can be seen the Nova is asking confirmation that you wish to write over the destination Performance, replacing it with the newly edited Performance. On the top line of the display Nova is asking if you wish to update ( re-write ) all the Programs used in the cur- rently selected Performance.

  • Page 36: Master Volume Section

    NOTE: This is a Global control. If the Nova is used in “Local Off” mode the this knob will not change the volume unless a MIDI loop is present. When the “Local” parameter on page 7 of the Global menu is set to “Off” this knob ( & all the other knobs & buttons ) will not directly control the synthesiser but only output the relevant MIDI data.

  • Page 37: Mode Section

    Demo/Finder - Button With so many sounds it can be a little difficult to find your favourite sounds quickly. For this reason Nova features a “Finder” mode that can find similar types of sounds. The Nova has 20 “Categories” of sounds. They are as follows:...
  • Page 38 Nova is the original still stored in memory. Global - Button The Global Mode has all the parameters that effect the “Global” operation of the Nova. This mode is accessed by pressing the Global button.
  • Page 39 NOTE: NOTE: When using the Nova Multitimbrally set the Global MIDI channel to a MIDI channel not being used buy one of the parts as incom- ing program change messages on the Global MIDI channel will change the Performance itself.
  • Page 40 As can be seen the lower parameter is “Breath control”. In this case with a value of Off. This parameter determines if the Nova re-maps incoming Breath Control MIDI data ( CC no 2 ) into Mod wheel data ( CC no 1 ), Aftertouch data or any controller from 3 to 119, Pitchbend data &...
  • Page 41 If there is no MIDI feedback loop connected at all ( a sequencer with MIDI out of the Nova connected to MIDI in on the sequencer & MIDI out of the sequencer connected to MIDI in on the Nova for example ) & local control is set to off, the knobs & buttons on the front panel will appear to do nothing although changing parameters values may be displayed on the display.
  • Page 42 Nova asks which Program you want to restore, which is selected using the lower Fast Data knob, & then pressing the “Write” but- ton again Nova asks for the location ( Program bank & number ) that you wish to store the program in. The range of this parameter is One prog, One perf, One patt, All progs, All perfs, All patts, Prog Ch table, Globals, All data, Prog bank A, Prog bank B &...
  • Page 43 The higher parameter is “Vel sensing”. In this case with a value of Hard. This parameter alters the velocity response of the Nova. Use the upper Data knob to adjust this parameter. This is global & applies to all modes. In the Hard position, large Velocity changes are required to create a big change in response. This is good for weight- ed &...
  • Page 44 Program Map. This can be overridden by sending Bank & Program Change messages to a different Bank. Refer to page 130 for details on the Bank messages received by Nova. When this parameter is set to Program map any Program Change messages will always refer to the Program map table regardless of any Bank messages that have been received.
  • Page 45 NOTE: This “Map” is assigned to MIDI Bank 0( Controller 32 with a value of 0 ). If this message is received the Nova will switch from nor- mal operation to the Performance Map. Any Program changes received after that will be re-mapped according to the Performance Map.
  • Page 46 MODE SECTION Page 16 looks like so: Arp pattern editing via MIDI As can be seen the parameter is “Arp pattern editing via MIDI”. In this case with a value of Off. This parameter determines if the Arpeggiator pattern data can be entered via a MIDI keyboard or not. When this parameter is set to Off, editing of Arpeggiator patterns via a keyboard / MIDI is not possible, only the step type editing on pages 18 of the Global mode.
  • Page 47 MODE SECTION Page 18 looks like so: Step Note Vel. Gate Norm The higher parameter is “Step Note Vel. Gate”. In this case with a value of Note. This parameter determines what type of pattern parameter is going to be edited with the lower Data knob. Use the upper Data knob to select the parameter to be edited.

  • Page 48: Display Section

    Bank Up/Down - Buttons These buttons select the banks of programs in the Nova. Pressing the Bank Up button changes the program selected to the same number program in the B bank. Pressing the Bank Down button changes the program selected to the same number program in the A bank.

  • Page 49: Arpeggiator Section

    Arpeggiator Latch “On” & releasing the sustain pedal will switch it “Off”. For this to work properly the Master Keyboard should be transmitting on the same MIDI channel as Nova is set to receive on & set the “Sustain” parameter in the MIDI button menu for the selected Part to “Arp Latch”.
  • Page 50 ARPEGGIATOR SECTION Menu - Button When this button is pressed a series of pages is available on the display containing parameters relevant to this section. In the Arpeggiator Section there are 8 pages available. These are selected using the Page Up & Page Down buttons to the left of the display.
  • Page 51 ARPEGGIATOR SECTION As can be seen the lower parameter is “Quantise”. In this case with a value of Mode 1. This parameter determines if the Arpeggiation played is quantised to the Arp Sync parameters time signature or not. Use the lower Fast Data knob to adjust the value.
  • Page 52 ARPEGGIATOR SECTION Page 5 looks like so: Fill in On - Played Sync 16th As can be seen the higher parameter is “Fill-in”, in this case with a value of On - Played. This parameter applies only to MONOPHONIC patterns, it has no affect on polyphonic patterns. Use the higher fast data knob to adjust the value.
  • Page 53 This parameter determines if the Arpeggiation is sent to the Nova’s sound engine, MIDI output or both. Use the lower Fast Data knob to adjust the value . If this parameter is set to “Program”, then when the Arpeggiator is triggered, the Nova is played by the Arpeggiator but no MIDI data is output If this parameter is set to Program &...
  • Page 54 ARPEGGIATOR SECTION NOTE: NOTE: The purpose of this parameter is to allow a sequence of notes to be played in exactly the same musical key regardless of where it has been triggered from the keyboard ( real time transposing can still be used to transpose poly patterns if required ). This is espe- cially important if the Arpeggiator is being used to trigger drum patterns on an external Drum Machine or Sampler where each drum sound has a specific note value.

  • Page 55: Oscillator Section

    OSCILLATOR SECTION Oscillators modulation destination source menu osc 1 osc 2 osc 3 solo noise lfo 1 waveform pitch lfo 2 copy square special tune width level env 2 octave semitone fine sync env 3 portamento tune soften mod depth wheel This section contains all the knobs &...
  • Page 56 OSCILLATOR SECTION Copy - Button This button activates a Copying utility & allows the settings of one Oscillator to be quickly copied to another. Pressing the Copy button ( the button is lit ) activates the copying function for the currently selected Oscillator ( also lit . Eg. If this is Oscillator 1 the display shows: Copy oscillator 1 It is now a simple matter of pressing the destination ( the oscillator that you wish to copy oscillator 1’s settings to ).
  • Page 57 OSCILLATOR SECTION Special Waveform Button When the Special button in the Oscillator Section is pressed the Display shows: Special waveform Double saw The parameter is “Special waveform” In this case with a value of Double saw. This parameter determines what special waveform the currently selected oscillator is going to have. Use the lower Data knob to adjust this parameter.
  • Page 58 OSCILLATOR SECTION Tips & Tricks Try setting the modulating LFOs Keysync parameter to Keysync to get really percussive attacks to Double Saw sounds. This simu- lates all the Oscillators starting in phase. Setting this parameter to Freewheel means all Oscillators will start at random phase loca- tions.
  • Page 59 This is an extremely powerful feature of the Nova. These controls effect the modulation of the selected oscillator. The buttons on the left are all “Destinations”. They can all be modulated by the “Sources” which are the buttons on the right. The amount of modu- lation applied from any source is determined by the setting of the Mod Depth Knob.
  • Page 60 OSCILLATOR SECTION Possible Combinations & the effects Produced. NOTE: NOTE: All these parameters are memorised with a Program. Button Level Knob This combination controls the Volume of the selected Oscillator, Noise Generator or Ring Modulator. Turning the Level Knob fully clockwise turns the selected sound source to full volume &...
  • Page 61 OSCILLATOR SECTION Pitch Button Level Knob This combination controls the Pitch Tracking of the selected oscillator. Turning the Level Knob fully clockwise makes the selected Oscillator track the keyboard in the normal way. i.e. Notes played one octave a Part on the Master Keyboard on the keyboard are transposed one octave apart.
  • Page 62 OSCILLATOR SECTION Pitch Button Mod Depth Knob ENV 3 Button This combination controls the Pitch Modulation of the selected Oscillator by ENV 3. Turning the Mod Depth Knob fully clockwise introduces Pitch shift from ENV 3 to the selected Oscillator in a Positive direction ( Up ). Turning the Mod Depth Knob fully anti- clockwise introduces Pitch shift from ENV 3 to the selected Oscillator in a Negative direction ( Down ).
  • Page 63 OSCILLATOR SECTION Width Button Mod Depth Knob LFO 2 Button This combination controls the Pulse Width Modulation of the selected Oscillator by LFO 2. Turning the Mod Depth Knob fully clock- wise introduces Pulse Width Modulation from LFO 2 to the selected Oscillator in a Positive direction. Turning the Mod Depth Knob fully anticlockwise introduces Pulse Width Modulation from LFO 2 to the selected Oscillator in a Negative direction.
  • Page 64 OSCILLATOR SECTION Sync Button Level Knob This combination controls the Sync Effect on the selected Oscillator. Turning the Level Knob fully clockwise introduces the maxi- mum Sync Effect fully to the selected Oscillator & fully anticlockwise there is no Sync Effect at all. The range of this parameter is 000 to 127.
  • Page 65 OSCILLATOR SECTION NOTE: NOTE: This does not apply to the Noise, 1*3 & 2*3 Ring Modulator outputs. No audible effect to these sound sources will be heard if an attempt is made to adjust this parameter when these sound sources are selected & the display will show “Not Available”. Sync Button Mod Depth...
  • Page 66 OSCILLATOR SECTION Soften Button Mod Depth Knob ENV 2 Button This combination controls the modulation of the Soften Effect on the selected Oscillator by ENV 2. Turning the Mod Depth Knob fully clockwise introduces Soften Effect from ENV 2 to the selected Oscillator in a Positive direction. Turning the Mod Depth Knob fully anti- clockwise introduces Soften Effect from ENV 2 to the selected Oscillator in a Negative direction.
  • Page 67 OSCILLATOR SECTION Menu Button When this button is pressed a series of pages is available on the display containing parameters relevant to this section. In the Oscillator section there are 3 pages available. These are selected using the Page Up & Page Down buttons to the left of the display.
  • Page 68 OSCILLATOR SECTION As can be seen the lower parameter is “Sync skew”. In this case with a value of +10. This parameter determines how much of the Sync Skew effect is applied to the selected Oscillator. Use the lower Fast Data knob to adjust the value of this parameter.

  • Page 69: Filter Section

    FILTER SECTION Filters modulation modulation destination destination source source menu 12dB 18dB 24dB special band high frequency lfo 1 resonance lfo 2 frequency resonance env 2 env 3 overdrive mod depth wheel This section contains all the knobs & buttons associated with the Filter 12dB Button 18dB...
  • Page 70 FILTER SECTION The lower parameter is “Filter width”. In this case with a value of 00. This parameter determines the spacing/offset in filter cutoff frequencies between the two elements of the “Special” filters. This is a duplicate of the Special type filter width parameter that is displayed on page 6 of the Filter menu. The reason for this is that it was found to be nice for the display to jump back to this parameter when editing &...
  • Page 71 This is an extremely powerful feature of the Nova. These controls effect the modulation of the Filter. The Buttons on the left are “Destinations”. They can all be modulated by the “Sources” which are the buttons on the right. The amount of modulation applied from any source is determined by the setting of the Mod Depth Knob.
  • Page 72 FILTER SECTION Possible Combinations & the effects Produced. NOTE: NOTE: The range of all these parameters is -64 to +63. All these parameters are memorised with a Program. Frequency Button Mod Depth Knob LFO 1 Button This combination controls the amount of change to the Filter Cutoff Frequency ( Initially set by the Frequency knob ) by LFO 1. In the central position there is no change to the Filter Cutoff Frequency.
  • Page 73 FILTER SECTION Resonance Button Mod Depth Knob LFO 2 Button This combination controls the amount of change to the Resonance ( Initially set by the Resonance knob ) by LFO 2. In the central position there is no change to the Resonance. Anticlockwise of centre there will be an increasing amount of Negative modulation. i.e.
  • Page 74 FILTER SECTION Menu Button When this button is pressed a series of pages is available on the display containing parameters relevant to this section. In the Filter section there are 5 pages available. These are selected using the Page Up & Page Down buttons to the left of the dis- play.
  • Page 75 FILTER SECTION Page 3 looks like so: Fq AT LFO2 amt Res AT LFO2 amt As can be seen the higher parameter is “Fq AT LFO2 amt”. In this case with a value of +63. This parameter determines how the Aftertouch on the Master Keyboard effects the amount of Modulation of the Cutoff Frequency of the Filter from LFO 2.
  • Page 76 FILTER SECTION Page 5 looks like so: Special type filter width The parameter is “Special type filter width”. In this case with a value of 00. This parameter determines the spacing/offset in Filter cutoff frequencies between the two elements of the “Special” filters. This is a duplicate of the Filter width parameter that is displayed when the special page is active.

  • Page 77: Lfos Section

    LFOS SECTION LFOs menu lfo 1 lfo 2 square speed delay This section contains all the knobs & buttons associated with the LFOs. The LFOs ( Low Frequency Oscillators ) produce regular electronic variation which are normally too low a frequency to be heard when converted into audio vibrations. However when used to modify various elements of the sound they can be used to create regular changes in pitch ( Vibrato ) or Pulse width &...
  • Page 78 LFOS SECTION The S/H button selects the Sample & Hold waveform ( sometimes called Random ). At a regular interval ( governed by the Speed knob ) the level of the LFO jumps to a new random level & stays there until the next jump. This creates a rhythmic effect particular- ly if used on the Filter &...
  • Page 79 As can be seen the lower parameter is “LFO range”. In this case with a value of Slow. The LFOs in the Nova are capable of reaching audio frequencies. This allows the creation of unique sounds currently unavailable on any other equipment. However this means that the Speed knob has to cover a frequency range of 0 ( Stopped ) to several KHz.

  • Page 80: Envelopes Section

    ENVELOPES SECTION Envelopes menu trigger env 1 env 2 env 3 (amp) attack decay sustain release This section contains all the knobs & buttons associated with the Envelopes. The Envelopes are used to shape a sound over time. Env 1 ( the Amplifier Envelope ) is assigned to the Amplifier & controls the Volume of the Program. It is used to decide how quickly the sound starts when you play a note &...
  • Page 81 ENVELOPES SECTION Page 1 looks like so: Env 1 velocity As can be seen the higher parameter is “Env1 velocity”. In this case with a value of +63. This parameter determines how the Velocity of the notes played on the Master Keyboard effect the amount of modulation produced by Envelope 1.
  • Page 82 ENVELOPES SECTION Page 4 looks like so: Env 1 MWheel Env 1 ATouch As can be seen the lower parameter is “Env 1 MWheel”. In this case with a value of +10. This parameter controls the volume of the Program using the Master Keyboard’s Mod Wheel. With the lower Fast Data knob fully anticlockwise when the Mod Wheel on the master keyboard is applied the volume of the Program drops correspondingly.
  • Page 83 ENVELOPES SECTION As can be seen the lower parameter is “Porta mode”. In this case with a value of Exp. This parameter determines if the glide of the Portamento effect is Linear or Exponential. Use the lower Fast Data knob to adjust the value of this parameter.
  • Page 84 When this parameter is set to On the signals fed into the Inputs ( & that are assigned as Special waveforms to the Oscillators ) are passed through the Nova’s synthesis engine without requiring a MIDI Note message to trigger the envelopes.

  • Page 85: Effects Section

    This section contains all the knobs & buttons associated with the Effects Section. There are 7 effects available on each Program in the Nova. Delay Button Reverb Button Chorus Button Dist/EQ/Config Button...
  • Page 86 EFFECTS SECTION Page 1 looks like so: Delay time Feedback As can be seen the higher parameter is “Delay time”. In this case with a value of 020 This parameter determines the Delay time of this effect. Use the higher Fast Data knob to adjust this parameter. The range of this parameter is 00 to 127.
  • Page 87 This parameter determines the type of Reverb effect. Use the higher Fast Data knob to adjust this parameter. There are 16 differ- ent types of reverb available in the Nova. Turning the higher Fast Data knob fully anticlockwise selects Gated reverse reverb. This is a special reverb where the reverb builds to a point &...
  • Page 88 EFFECTS SECTION As can be seen the lower parameter is “Early ref level”. In this case with a value of 6. This parameter determines the level of early reflections in the reverb. Use the Lower Fast Data knob to adjust this parameter. The range of this parameter is 0 to 7.
  • Page 89 EFFECTS SECTION As can be seen the lower parameter is “Speed”. In this case with a value of 010. This parameter determines the speed of the Chorus/Flanger/Phaser LFO. Use the lower Fast Data knob to adjust this parameter. The range of this parameter is 000 to 127. This parameter is memorised with a Program in Program Mode or memorised with a Program or Performance in Performance Mode depending on the value of the Part’s “Effects Used”...
  • Page 90 Different configurations can make the effects sound quite different. i.e. a sound that is delayed then reverbed & then chorused sounds quite different to a sound that has been Chorused then Delayed then Reverbed. There are 19 different effects configurations available in the Nova. Below is a diagram showing how the “Normal” effects configuration.
  • Page 91 EFFECTS SECTION C/F/P EFFECTS SECTION IN THE NORMAL POSITION The section enclosed can be Morphed into ( D + R + C ) different configurations Delay Input Dist Comb Output Below are diagrams showing how the different effects are connected in different configurations. SERIES CONFIGURATIONS D >...
  • Page 92 EFFECTS SECTION SERIES/PARALELL CONFIGURATIONS D + [ R > C ] D + [ C > R ] Delay Delay C/F/P C/F/P R + [ D > C ] R + [ C > D ] Delay C/F/P C/F/P Delay C + [ D >...
  • Page 93 EFFECTS SECTION [ D + C ] > R [ D + R ] > C Delay Delay C/F/P C/F/P The range of this parameter is D+R+C, D>R>C, D>C>R, R>D>C, R>C>D, C>D>R, C>R>D, D+[R>C], D+[C>R], R+[D>C], R+[C>D], C+[D>R], C+[R>D], D>[R+C], R>[D+C], C>[D+R]. [R+C]>D, [D+C]>R & [D+R]>C. This parameter is memorised with a Program in Program Mode or memorised with a Program or Performance in Performance Mode depending on the value of the Part’s “Effects Used”...
  • Page 94 EFFECTS SECTION Menu - Button ( Pan selected ) When this button is pressed, a series of pages is available on the display containing parameters relevant to this section. In the Pan section there are 3 pages available. Page 1 looks like so: Pan type Autopan Pan speed...
  • Page 95 NOTE: There is only 1 vocoder in the Nova. You cannot have a Performance with several different vocoders on different parts. When this button is pressed a series of pages is available on the display containing parameters relevant to this section.
  • Page 96 EFFECTS SECTION NOTE: NOTE: If there is no sibilance in the modulator’s signal then this parameter will appear to do nothing. As can be seen the lower parameter is “Sibilance type”. In this case with a value of Hpass. This parameter determines if the vocoder uses real sibilance filtered from the modulator or artificially generates it using noise. Use the lower Fast Data knob to adjust this parameter.
  • Page 97 As can be seen the display is showing “Vocoder spectrum”. In this page the Nova displays the Audio spectrum of the modulator in 40 bands on the screen. This is for display & is not memorised. Copy - Button This button only works in Performance mode.

  • Page 98: Part Edit Section

    Program. See Editing & Writing Performances on page 30 for details. NOTE: NOTE: Part selection can be transmitted & recorded as controller data to a sequencer & the played back to the Nova. Tune - Button NOTE: NOTE: This button only works in Performance mode.
  • Page 99 PART EDIT SECTION When this button is pressed the display shows: Part semitone Part detune As can be seen the higher parameter is “Part semitone”. In this case with a value of +07. This parameter Transposes the Program by the number of semitones selected using the higher Fast Data knob. The range of this parameter is -24 to +24 semitones.
  • Page 100 PART EDIT SECTION In/Out - Button This button works in Program & Performance mode. When this button is pressed a series of pages is available on the display containing parameters relevant to this section. In the In/Out menu there are 2 pages available. There are a maximum of 2 parameters displayed. One for each line on the display. The “Fast Data”...
  • Page 101 The MIDI channel for the Part can be set via MIDI by holding down the Page down button & while holding it down playing a note into the Nova on the desired channel. It is not possible to set the Part’s MIDI channel to Omni or Global using this method.
  • Page 102 PART EDIT SECTION NOTE: NOTE: If the Global Program Change filter on page 11 of the Global menu is set to Disabled, then no Program Change messages will be recognised regardless of this parameter’s setting. NOTE: NOTE: If the Program Change filter is set to On it also filters out Bank select messages. ( CC00 & CC32 ) As can be seen the lower parameter is “Controller Filt”.

  • Page 103: Program Mode

    The Range for the Part can be set via MIDI by holding down the page up ( for the Highest note ) or page down ( for the Lowest note ) buttons & while holding down, playing a note into the Nova the desired split point. You can set both parameters simultane- ously by holding down both page buttons.
  • Page 104 Mute Status of each Part is memorised in a Performance so that a Performance can be recalled with some or all Parts muted but set up & ready to go. Mutes can be transmitted & recorded as controller data to a sequencer & then played back at the Nova.

  • Page 105: Multitimbral Use

    MULTITIMBRAL USE The Multi Mode for the Nova II keyboard is “Performance” mode. To make a multitimbral setup follow this procedure. Press the Global Button & select page 1. Master tune Global MIDI chan Set the Global MIDI Channel to 16.
  • Page 106 NOTE: The Part can be optimised so that when Program changes are received on that Part the Nova II keyboard will keep the above set- tings you have made in the Performance & ignore the settings of the newly selected Program. This is done by setting the Effects used parameter in the “Output Menu”...

  • Page 107: Using The Inputs

    The "Trim" can be set individually for each channel. The Inputs on the Nova can be used in 3 different ways, Firstly an Input can be used to "Tack on" to an effects chain in a Program or to the Effects chain of a Part of a Performance. Secondly as a waveform that can be processed by the Filter, LFOs, ENVs & in turn the Effects.
  • Page 108 NOTE: If no MIDI note is sent to the Nova & the Constant gate parameter is set to Off no sound will be heard & if no signal is present on the assigned Input at the moment the MIDI Note is played then no sound will be heard.
  • Page 109 NOTE: If no MIDI note is sent to the Nova & the Constant gate parameter is set to Off no sound will be heard & if no signal is present on the assigned Input at the moment the MIDI Note is played then no sound will be heard.

  • Page 110: Using Expression Pedals & Footswitches

    Breath control The Breath control determines if the Nova re-maps incoming Breath Control MIDI data & Pedal data ( if the “Pedal mode parame- ter above is set to a “Breath” option ) into Mod wheel data ( CC no 1 ), Aftertouch data or any controller from 3 to 119, Pitchbend data &...
  • Page 111 USING EXPRESSION PEDALS & FOOTSWITCHES Pedals & MIDI An expression pedal connected to the “Input 2 ( pedal )” jack transmits MIDI CC 2 ( also known as breath control ). NOTE: NOTE: In Performance Mode, MIDI messages will only transmitted if at least one Part has the “Expression pedal” on page 3 of the Part edit Midi menu set to “On”.

  • Page 112: Troubleshooting

    LFOs, Delays and/or Arpeggiator do not sync to MIDI Clock. Check the Clock parameter in the Global Mode is set to Ext. ( refer page 38 ) If this is set to external, check the Nova is synced by varying the tempo of the Sequencer. If the Nova speeds up & slows down accordingly, the Nova is synced to MIDI Clock. However it is possible to synchronise the LFOs, Delay &...
  • Page 113 Check that Memory Protect is set to Off & Sysex reception is set to Normal ( RX as sent ). If you are sending B bank Perfs or C/D Bank Progs from a Supernova to the Nova, then these sounds will not go into the Nova as corresponding banks do not exist in the Nova.

  • Page 114: Compatibility With Other Novation Products

    These features will be ignored if taken across via Sysex. Other features such as special filter width and unison are common to both series, but are available in a reduced form on the Nova Laptop. In such cases, the settings will be approximated as closely as possible when taken across via Sysex.
  • Page 115 COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER NOVATION PRODUCTS Features unique to 2nd generation series (cannot be taken across) : FM configurations Envelope level tracking Envelope level note Envelope A-D repeat Envelope sustain rate Envelope sustain time Oscs start phase Arp output channel Filter overdrive curve...

  • Page 116: Loading Additional Sounds

    Connect the MIDI out of the sequencer to the MIDI in of the Nova. Turn the Memory Protect OFF ( in page 7 of the Global mode ) & make sure your Nova is set to Global MIDI channel 1 ( page 1 of the Global mode ).

  • Page 117: Upgrading The Operating System

    Under no circumstances switch off the Nova while this procedure is happening. Doing so may result in very erratic behaviour & may lead to the Nova needing to be sent back for service! Once the Flash has been loaded the Nova will automatically reboot as normal running the new OS.
  • Page 118 NOTE: This is not caused by the Nova but by the transmitting device. This is caused by the software or the hardware used to transmit the OS to the Nova. Do what it says, switch the Nova off & re-try.

  • Page 119: Specification

    SPECIFICATION Synthesis System Analogue Sound Modelling. Polyphony 16 Voices. Sound Sources per Voice 3 Oscillators, 2 Ring Modulators and a Noise Generator. Modulation Matrix Comprehensive Modulation Matrix with 130 possible routings. Multitimbral capacity 6 part Multitimbral. Filter 12, 18 and 24 dB per octave Resonant filter configurable in Low Pass, High Pass and Band Pass modes. The filter also features an overdrive control &...

  • Page 120: Midi Implementation

    MIDI IMPLEMENTATION Function Transmitted Recognised Remarks Basic Default 1-16 1-16 Memorised Channel Changed Mode Default Messages Altered 888888888888 Note True Number Voice 888888888888 Velocity Note On Velocity is transmitted by Note Off the Arpeggiator. After Keys Key Aftertouch recognised but Touch Ch’s treated as Channel Aftertouch.

  • Page 121: Midi Controller Table

    [*] Sent / Received only on Global MIDI Channel MIDI CONTROLLER TABLE [**] Bits 0 – 2 Early Ref Level, Bits 3 – 6 Reverb Type 0 – Bank Select MSB 64 – Sustain / Arp Latch 1 – Modulation Wheel 65 –...

  • Page 122: Midi Nrpn Tables

    MIDI NRPN TABLES NRPN Hex adecimal Desc ription Multi purpose packed NRPN Multi purpose packed NRPN Osc 1 M od knob LFO 2 p itch Osc 1 M od knob Wh pitch Osc 1 M od knob Env 3 width Osc 1 M od knob Wh width Osc 1 M od knob Env 3 sync Osc 1 M od knob LFO 2 s ync...
  • Page 123 MIDI NRPN TABLES NRPN Hex adecimal Description Noise Mo d knob Wh hardness Noise Mo d knob Env 3 mix Noise Mo d knob LFO 1 mix Noise Mo d knob LFO 2 mix Noise Mo d knob Wh m ix Osc 1 Wh L FO 1 intensity Osc 2 Wh L FO 1 intensity Osc 3 Wh L FO 1 intensity...
  • Page 124 MIDI NRPN TABLES Packed NRPN 0 Data Description Data Description Osc 1 square wave Osc 1 semitone tune +7 Osc 1 saw wave Osc 1 semitone tune +8 Osc 1 Audio input 1 wave Osc 1 semitone tune +9 Osc 1 Audio input 2 wave Osc 1 semitone tune +10 Osc 1 double saw wave Osc 1 semitone tune +11...
  • Page 125 MIDI NRPN TABLES Packed NRPN 1 Data Description Data Description Filter 12db slope Breath sensing : Norm [*] Filter 18db slope Breath sensing : +1 [*] Filter 24db slope Breath sensing : +2 [*] Filter LPF type Breath sensing : +3 [*] Filter BPF type Breath sensing : +4 [*] Filter HPF type...
  • Page 126 MIDI NRPN TABLES Packed NRPN 84 Data Description Data Description Osc 1 pitch bend range -12 Osc 3 pitch bend range +2 Osc 1 pitch bend range -11 Osc 3 pitch bend range +3 Osc 1 pitch bend range -10 Osc 3 pitch bend range +4 Osc 1 pitch bend range -9 Osc 3 pitch bend range +5...
  • Page 127 MIDI NRPN TABLES Packed NRPN 100 Data Description Data Description Delay sync : Off Input (2) trim : -4 [*] Delay sync : 32 triplet Input (2) trim : -3 [*] Delay sync : 32 Input (2) trim : -2 [*] Delay sync : 16 triplet Input (2) trim : -1 [*]...
  • Page 128 MIDI NRPN TABLES Packed NRPN 109 Data Description Data Description Reserved Part MIDI channel : Omni Arp octave range : 1 Part MIDI channel : Global Arp octave range : 2 Sysex Rx : Disabled [*] Arp octave range : 3 Sysex Rx : Normal (Rx as sent) [*] Arp octave range : 4 Sysex Rx : All Progs to bank A [*]...
  • Page 129 MIDI NRPN TABLES Packed NRPN 110 Data Description Data Description Arp sync : 32 triplet LFO 1 sync : 3 bar dotted Arp sync : 32 LFO 1 sync : 7 bar triplet Arp sync : 16 triplet LFO 1 sync : 5 bars Arp sync : 16 LFO 1 sync : 8 bar triplet Arp sync : 8...
  • Page 130 MIDI NRPN TABLES Packed NRPN 113 Data Description Data Description Part polyphony : Off Part 2 mute On [*] Part / Program polyphony : Mono Part 3 mute On [*] Part / Program polyphony : Poly Part 4 mute On [*] Part polyphony : Prog Part 5 mute On [*] Part sustain Rx option : Program + 1...

  • Page 131: Notes

    NOTES...

  • Page 132: Midi Bank Messages

    MIDI BANK MESSAGES Bank No Nova Bank Program Change Lookup Table Performance Bank A RESERVED RESERVED RESERVED Program Bank A Program Bank B RESERVED RESERVED RESERVED RESERVED RESERVED RESERVED Arpeggiator Pattern Bank Mono Arpeggiator Pattern Bank Poly Arpeggiator Pattern Bank User...

  • Page 133: Midi Clock Sync

    MIDI CLOCK SYNC Sync Setting MIDI Clocks ( Ticks ) 32 Triplet 32nd 16th Triplet 16th 8th Triplet 16th Dotted 4th Triplet 8th Dotted 2nd Triplet 4th Dotted 1 Bar Triplet 2nd Dotted 1 Bar 2 Bar Triplet 1 Bar Dotted 2 Bars 4 Bar Triplet 3 Bars...

  • Page 134: Programs Bank A

    PROGRAMS BANK A Sintillator M-Wh Pulsebass Skewed Arp Synth Scratch Softena Bass M-Wh Staccato Filter Velo 303 Vienna Bender Velocity Mutes Piki Its Not OK Rez Square M-Wh Garage Kick DetuneBass M-Wh FM EP Randevous 2 harp T-chu Wave Comb Snare Ravin On Arpy 30Dist Velo 303 Dist...

  • Page 135: Programs Bank B

    Needle Pick M-Wh 303 Groover 2 M-Wh Electro Wire PWM Crunchie TecknoTecknoM-Wh BlubberPick M-Wh Low Transmitter Simple Bass Strings Ens Super Nova TramP Boot Bass Brassic Clickie Pickie(Moved 124) Upstairs@Holgers Chirpy Novae(Moved 125) SuperStrings2 Simple Arp M-Wh(Moved126) Max Bass Tin Can Wire M-Wh...

  • Page 136: Performances

    PERFORMANCES Blaster Master Juicy Gaff Pad on Spec Agro Pad Tech Terror Ambi Bambi Liquid Goo Solaris SQ Law Perci Organ SuperStabber Brass+Lead Popsickle TooPad SintillatedWorry Chime On Cool Pad Choccie The Pizzacato PaddiWhack Klavikle OrchStrings Ravers in 7th! Liquid Sweep Donna Supernova! Classic Combo AbsoluteMassive...

  • Page 137: Monophonic Preset Patterns

    MONOPHONIC PRESET PATTERNS 3/3 Up Slightly Accented DOWN 3/3 Dn Accented UP & DOWN1 3/3 Dn Slightly Accented UP & DOWN2 3/3 Up/Dn Accented PLAYED 3/3 Up/Dn Slightly Accented WALKINGUP 9/8 Pattern Accented WALKINGDOWN 9/8 Pattern Slightly Accented WALKINGPLAYED Walking Up2 Accented RANDOM1 Walking Up2 Slightly Accented RANDOM2...

  • Page 138: Polyphonic Preset Patterns

    POLYPHONIC PRESET PATTERNS Bass Trance 1 BASS5 303 Trance 1 BASS6 303 Trance 1v1 BASS7 303 Trance 2 BASS8 Bass Trance 2 BASS9 303 Trance 3 BASS10 303 Trance 3v1 BASS11 303 Trance 4 BASS12 303 Trance 4v1 BASS13 303 Trance 5 BASS14 UP DN Variation BASS15...

  • Page 139: Index

    Env 2 velocity 79 Outputs. 3 Compare - Button 35 ENV 3 60, 70, 71 Headphones out 40 Compatibility 112 ENV 3 - Button 58, 60, 61, 62, 64, 70, HF damp 17, 86 Compatibility with other Novation 71, 78 HF Damping 19...
  • Page 140 INDEX High - Button 67 MIDI Bank Messages 130 Oscillator sync 9 High Pass Filter 12 MIDI channel 99 OSCILLATORS 8 Highest note 101 MIDI clock 38, 77, 84, 110 Output 23, 30 HPF 67 MIDI Clock Sync 131 Output ranging 52 MIDI Controller messages 42 Outputs 98, 111 In/Out - Button 98...
  • Page 141 INDEX Prog change filt 99 Special - Button 67 Vocoder width 94 Prog change TX 42 Special type filter width 74 Voice 20 Prog Up/Down - Buttons 46 Special waveform 55 Volume 13, 58 Program 20, 21, 24, 28, 35 Special Waveform - Button 54, 55 Volume - Knob 34 Program - Button 35...
  • Page 142 The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle, is WARNING intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous BEFORE REMOVING THE COVER ISOLATE ALL MAINS TO THE UNIT voltage” within the products enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
  • Page 143 Specifications subject to change: The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of going to press. However, Novation reserves the right to change or modify the specification without notice or obligation to update existing units. While every effort is made to make sure no errors are present in this document, Novation cannot accept responsibility or liability for loss of data, incorrect operation or misleading operation due to errors.

  • Page 144: Menu Map

    MENU MAP MENU MAP Oscillator Menu Filter Menu Envelope Menu MWheel LFO 1 amt Filter tracking Env 1 velocity ATouch LFO 1 amt Q norm amount Formant width Mwh LFO2 amt Env 2 velocity Sync skew Res Mwh LFO2 amt Env 2 delay Sync key follow AT LFO2 amt...
  • Page 145 MENU MAP Effects Menus Delay Menu Distortion/EQ/Config Pan Menu Menu Delay time Pan type Autopan Feedback Pan speed Distortion wheel Stereo width Pan depth Delay ratio Dry level EQ treble EQ bass Sync 16th Pan effects Delay HF damp Comb frequency Comb boost Delay wheel Fx config...
  • Page 146 MENU MAP MENU MAP Part Edit Section Tune Menu In/Out Menu Poly Menu (Performance) (Performance) Part semitone Part detune Part outputs 1 & 2 Part polyphony Poly Effects used Part Velocity Menu Poly Menu Trim 1 +OO (Program) Trim 2 +OO Part velocity curve Normal Program mode...
  • Page 147 MENU MAP Arp Menu Utilities Global Menu Key reset Master tune Oscillator section Global MIDI chan Copy Button Pattern Bank Mono Copy oscillator 1 Sysex transmission - Pattern no. Single program Latch type Constant Sysex reception - Quantise Mode 1 Normal (RX as sent) Effects section Copy Button...
  • Page 148 For More Information Contact: Platinum House, 32B Clivemont Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England SL6 7BZ. Ph: +44 (0) 1628 678520 Fax: +44 (0) 1628 671122 E-Mail:sales@novationuk.com Web Site: http//www.novationuk.com...

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