The Novation MiniNova Virtual Analogue Synth is the ultimate in compact studio and live synth performance, with its quick-access interface, incredible sound creation possibilities and retro, stylish design.

The Novation MiniNova features the impressive UltraNova sound engine, complete with all of its emulated and otherworldly sounds, but housed in a smaller chassis. Novation have made sure that sounds are quickly selectable and editable thanks to a core category-selection knob and a wide range of buttons, encoders and sliders that can then be used to select specific patches and edit parameters swiftly.

There are 256 onboard sounds on the MiniNova to edit, with as many as 18 voices available at any one time, while user patches can be created in addition to these. The edits can be made in real-time thanks to the hands-on control surface, enabling the possibility of live articulations or adapting parameters in perfect context as you play. Separately, the MiniNova's effects can be added to each of these voices - up to five at once - allowing the potential for gigantic tonal stacking and layering.

The MiniNova includes software that allows users to edit and catalogue patches in a handy library interface, using the USB connection to hook up to a Mac or PC. The 37 key mini-keybed can be used in conjunction with this and the MIDI I/O to act as a fast and responsive controller keyboard with DAWs and plug-ins, too.

The MiniNova's vocoder patches span numerous retro and modern sounds, and also feature a brand new setting: VocalTune. This can be used to create the auto-tune effect heard on a large number of modern records, and can either be applied subtly to better increase pitch accuracy or heavily for a more staggered warping sound.

For astonishing amounts of power in a slight and dynamic-looking chassis, the MiniNova is in a class of its own. Novation's new creation is an ideal addition to a live setup or project studio.