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. Firmware v2.0 Features Stereo: New spread modes, panning per voice, and panning in the mod matrix give additional control and allow for sound design in the stereo field. Now you can create bigger, wider, and more intricately textured soundscapes. Modulation and Unpredictability: Create deeper and more experimental sounds with new mod destinations, noise as a mod source, and additional LFO 3 and 4 parameters. Animate Envelopes and Arpeggiator Chance features open more creative performance possibilities. Effects: New effects, including Chorus Modes, Flanger, and Phlanger add new tonalities. Additional effects modulation destinations open up more experimental sound design. The new Lo-Fi delay mode enables a more vintage style sound. Bug Fixes: The firmware update v2.0 includes a number of bug fixes. Key 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 Synth Engine Structure 8-note polyphony (dependent on voices used per note) Mono-timbral 5 voice modes (Mono, MonoLG, Mono2, Poly, Poly2) Per voice 3 oscillators 1 noise generator 1 ring modulator 2 LFOs 1 Amp envelope and 2 Mod envelopes 1 filter Waveforms include sine, tri, sawtooth, square/pulse, plus 17 wavetables of 5 waveforms per row Filter 1 x state-variable OTA filter per voice 12/24 dB slope Low-pass / band-pass / high-pass Pre-filter overdrive Post-filter distortion Modulation 16 modulation slots per patch Each slot has 2 sources to 1 destination Mod sources Direct (depth) Modulation wheel Aftertouch (polyphonic and channel) Expression pedal 1 Expression pedal 2 Keyboard velocity LFO1 positive LFO1 bi-polar LFO2 positive LFO2 bi-polar Amp envelope Mod envelope 1 Mod envelope 2 Animate 1 Animate 2 CV mod input bi-polar Mod destinations Oscillator 1-3 frequency, v-sync level, shape amount, and level Noise source level Ring modulator output level Overall synth output level Filter drive, distortion, cut-off frequency, and resonance LFO 1 and 2 frequency Amp env / Mod env 1 / Mod env 2 attack, decay, and release FM osc 1 -> osc 2, osc 2 -> osc 3, osc 3 -> osc 1, and noise -> osc 1 Osc 3 -> filter cutoff frequency Noise -> filter cutoff frequency Effects Analog distortion Chorus - 3 types Delay with 16 types of delay sync, LP and HP damping, slew, and stereo Reverb - 3 types Miscellaneous Arpeggiator w/ key latch – 33 patterns Patch storage - up to 512 on hardware (ships with 256 factory patches) Glide All knobs (excl. volume), sliders and most buttons transmit and receive MIDI cc commands for external control and mapping Technical specification: Connectors Headphone: 1/4" / 6.35 mmOutputs (Left and Right): 2 x 1/4" / 6.35 mmPedal 1: 1/4" / 6.35 mmPedal 2: 1/4" / 6.35 mmMIDI In, Out, & Thru: 3 x 5-pin DINUSB: Type-BPower: 12 VDC connector (center pin positive) Controls 42 x control knobs8 x 1.4" / 35.0 mm sliders1 x volume knob2 x data encoders1 x rubberized knob caps with spun metal discs30 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-timbral5 Voice Modes: Mono, MonoLG, Mono2, Poly, and Poly2 Voice Specifications 3 x oscillators1 x noise generator1 x ring modulator2 x LFOs1 x Amp envelope and 2 Mod envelopes1 x Filter Filter 1 x state-variable OTA filter per voice12/24 dB slopeLow pass / band pass / high passPrefilter overdrivePostfilter distortion Modulation 16 x modulation slots per patchEach slot has 2 sources to 1 destination Effects Analog distortionChorus: 3 x typesDelay: 16 x types of delay sync, LP & HP damping, slew, and stereoReverb: 3 x types Arpeggiator Arpeggiator with key latch33 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 includedPeak is a USB-MIDI, class-compliant device Material of Construction Metal chassis with American walnut wooden end cheeksMetal 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
