The Novation Supernova II Keyboard is a premium analogue modelling synthesizer that builds upon the acclaimed original Supernova, offering even more powerful sound design capabilities in an attractive, performance-oriented package. The keyboard version features a high-quality five-octave semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and comprehensive master keyboard functionality.

What sets the Supernova II apart is its exceptional sound quality, delivering smooth and rich tones with a silky character that's often missing from digital emulations of analogue synthesizers. The instrument excels at deep, powerful basses that don't rely on artificial EQ enhancement, full and meaty pads, and can produce everything from Oberheim-smooth leads to aggressive, brash sounds when utilizing the filter overdrive and distortion effects.

The user interface is particularly noteworthy with an array of dedicated knobs and sliders for hands-on control. The keyboard version offers more physical controls than the rack model, including dedicated sliders for envelope settings that make sound shaping intuitive and immediate. All physical controls transmit MIDI controller data, allowing performance tweaks to be recorded in a sequencer.

With the addition of FM synthesis capabilities, vocoder functionality, and the ability to process external audio through its effects and filter sections, the Supernova II Keyboard represents a significant advancement over the original model. Available in three variants (Standard, Pro, and Pro X), offering different voice counts to suit various budgets and requirements.

Technical Specifications

• Synthesis System: Analogue Sound Modelling (ASM)
• Polyphony: 24 voices (expandable)
• Expandability: Optional 12-voice or 24-voice expansion cards available
• Keyboard: 5-octave semi-weighted with velocity sensitivity and aftertouch
• Sound Engine per Program:
  • 3 oscillators (each capable of emulating two detuned sawtooth oscillators)
  • 2 ring modulators (sourced from Oscillators 1+3 and 2+3)
  • 1 noise generator
  • Virtual oscillator for sync sounds
• Oscillator Features:
  • 6-octave range in semitone steps
  • Fine tuning between +63/-64 cents
  • Waveforms: Saw and Square (with variable pulse width)
  • Hardness control for harmonic shaping
  • FM capabilities with 8 different FM/Ring mod algorithms
• LFOs: 2 per voice with:
  • 4 waveforms (square, saw, triangle, sample/hold)
  • Speed variable up to kHz range
  • MIDI clock sync capability
  • Modulation delay
  • DC offset control
• Envelopes: 3 per voice:
  • Envelope 1: Dedicated to amplitude
  • Envelopes 2 & 3: Assignable via modulation matrix
  • ADSR with Sustain Rate and Sustain Time parameters
  • Attack/Decay repeat functionality
• Filter Types: 18 different types including:
  • Low-pass, band-pass, high-pass
  • Split/formant types (special)
  • Slopes: 12dB, 18dB, or 24dB per octave
  • Resonance with self-oscillation capability
  • Filter overdrive with variable curve
  • QNorm control for resonance behavior
• Modulation System: Matrix with over 130 possible routings
• Effects (per Program):
  • Distortion
  • Comb Filter
  • EQ (bass/treble)
  • Reverb
  • Chorus/Flanger/Phaser/Quad Chorus/Ensemble/Rotary Speaker
  • Delay (MIDI sync capable)
  • Pan
  • 19 effects algorithms for various serial/parallel configurations
• Vocoder: 42-band with sibilance modes and spectrum analyzer
• Arpeggiator:
  • Up to 64 steps
  • Monophonic or polyphonic patterns
  • Direction, Speed, Gate time, Range and Latching controls
  • Real-time transposition
  • MIDI clock sync
• Memory:
  • 1024 Programs in 8 banks (512 factory presets)
  • 512 Performances in 4 banks (256 factory presets)
  • 400 Drum Programs
  • 8 Drum Maps (4 factory presets)
  • 128 Favourites locations
• Audio Inputs: 2 balanced inputs with independent gain control (+60dB to -8dB)
• Audio Outputs: 8 assignable outputs (configured as 4 stereo pairs)
• Headphone Output: 1 (front panel)
• MIDI: In, Out, Thru
• Additional Inputs:
  • Footswitch inputs (shared with audio inputs)
  • Continuous control pedal input
• Digital I/O: Optional S/PDIF/ADAT card
• Master Keyboard Features:
  • Control of 8 internal and 8 external parts
  • Transposition
  • Key/velocity zoning
  • Bank/program change messaging
  • Mod wheel assignments
  • Selective MIDI controller enabling/disabling
• OS: Flash-upgradable via MIDI
• Physical: Metal chassis with plastic end-cheeks
• Display: Blue VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display)
• Power: Built-in power supply