SYNTH WEEK 2024: The 1990s were a fertile ground for electronic music, particularly in the UK, where genres like acid house, techno, and drum and bass were burgeoning. Amid this musical revolution, Novation emerged as a key player in shaping the soundscape of the era.
Founded in 1992 by Ian Jannaway and Mark Thompson, Novation quickly established itself with innovative products like the MM10, which offered unprecedented control over Yamaha’s QY10 music workstation. However, it was the release of the Bass Station in 1993, designed by the legendary Chris Huggett, that cemented Novation’s reputation. The Bass Station became iconic for its unique filter, VCA, and digitally controlled oscillators, which resonated with artists like Radiohead, Bonobo, and Massive Attack, and became a staple in the ‘acid’ music scene.
As electronic music continued to evolve, Novation adapted and innovated, releasing the Supernova in 1998. This analogue modelling synthesiser boasted a multi-effects processor and a rich polyphonic sound, used by artists like Orbital and Jean-Michel Jarre. The transition into the new millennium saw Novation expanding its range, introducing the Nova, a desktop synthesiser based on the Supernova engine, further solidifying its place in the synth world.
Peak and Summit: Novation's modern marvels
Fast forward to today, Novation continues to push the boundaries with its latest offerings: the Peak and Summit synthesizers. These flagship products reflect the brand's commitment to innovation through the use of digital FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) oscillators which feed into a true stereo analogue signal path, combining the best of analogue sound with digital flexibility.
Peak: compact powerhouse
Released in 2017, the Peak synthesiser brings an impressive array of features to a desktop format. It’s built around the New Oxford Oscillators, which combine high-resolution digital FPGA oscillators with analogue filtering. This unique architecture allows for a hybrid sound that offers the best of both worlds. Each of the eight voices features three oscillators, capable of producing rich, dynamic sounds through subtractive, FM, and wavetable synthesis.
The Peak’s modulation capabilities are extensive, featuring a 16-slot modulation matrix and 16 direct assignments, all easily controllable from the front panel. This flexibility is further enhanced by the inclusion of polyphonic aftertouch and two Animate buttons, allowing for highly expressive performances.
The onboard effects – reverb, delay, and chorus – are of high quality, adding lush, spatial dimensions to your patches. One standout feature of the Peak is its Wavetable Editor, which lets you draw your own oscillator shapes and preview them in real-time, providing endless possibilities for sound design.
Summit: the pinnacle of performance
Building on the foundation laid by the Peak, Summit, released in 2019, is Novation’s flagship synthesiser. It essentially doubles the power of Peak, offering a 16-voice, two-part multitimbral engine. This means you can split or layer two completely independent patches across the five-octave keyboard, making it incredibly versatile for both live performance and studio work.
The Summit’s sound engine features the same New Oxford Oscillators as the Peak, which were made by Chris Huggett, but with additional controls and functions accessible directly from the front panel. This includes advanced FM synthesis options and dual analogue filters with six different configurations, allowing for intricate sound sculpting. The addition of a stereo audio input means you can process external audio through the Summit’s filters and effects, further expanding its utility.
One of the key innovations in the Summit is its use of FPGA technology, which provides extremely high processing speeds and sonic clarity. This results in a synthesiser that not only sounds exceptional but is also highly reliable and responsive.
Inspiring the next generation
Novation’s journey from the early '90s to today is a testament to its relentless pursuit of innovation. The Peak and Summit synthesizers encapsulate this spirit, offering musicians powerful tools to explore new sonic territories. Whether you’re a seasoned producer looking for the next piece of kit to inspire your creativity, or a performer needing a versatile instrument for live gigs, Novation’s current synth lineup has something to offer.
As electronic music continues to evolve, Novation stands at the forefront, ensuring that the tools of tomorrow are in the hands of today’s artists. Explore the Peak and Summit to see how Novation’s legacy of innovation can inspire your next musical journey.
Get more information about Novation Peak here
And about Novation Summit here.
Keep up to date with Novation on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), or TikTok.
