The Novation Supernova is a groundbreaking virtual analogue polyphonic synthesizer released in 1998 by British company Novation.
This ambitious 3U rackmount module employs Novation's proprietary Analogue Sound Modelling (ASM) technology to digitally recreate traditional waveform-based subtractive analog synthesis, delivering what reviewers describe as "seductively rich, warm, smooth and natural analogue-modelled sound."
The blue 3U rack-mounted unit quickly established itself as a powerhouse in the competitive virtual analogue market of the late 1990s, competing alongside the Roland JP-8000, Clavia Nord Lead, Korg Prophecy, Yamaha AN1x, and Access Virus.
The SuperNova distinguished itself with exceptional multitimbral capabilities and an unprecedented effects architecture that maintained separate effects chains per part during multitimbral operation. This innovative approach delivered significantly richer sounds than other multitimbral synthesizers of the era. The instrument has been utilized by prominent electronic music artists including Orbital, ATB, The Faint, Ozric Tentacles, Sin, Jean-Michel Jarre, and A Guy Called Gerald.
Design and Construction
The Supernova breaks away from Novation's earlier reputation for less sturdy construction, presenting a solidly professional instrument with distinctive styling. The module features a metallic blue casing, deep-blue fluorescent LCD display reminiscent of Lexicon units, and an array of red pinpoint LEDs with custom-designed knobs and buttons. The controller-rich front panel maintains Novation's tradition of balancing generous control access with clear organization, featuring responsive, firm yet smooth controls that provide a premium feel.
The user interface combines physical controls with LCD-based parameter editing, utilizing page up/down buttons, a Fast Data knob, and increment/decrement Nudge buttons for efficient programming. This thoughtful design makes parameters highly accessible while maintaining workflow efficiency.
Sound Architecture
Oscillator Section
Each voice features three fully independent main oscillators, each with its own virtual sync oscillator for creating sync effects. The system also includes a pink noise generator and two ring modulators that process signals from oscillators 1+3 and 2+3 respectively. Each main oscillator offers square or sawtooth waveforms with adjustable pulse width for square waves, plus octave (+/-2), semitone (+/-12), and fine pitch (0-127) control.
The oscillator section incorporates a sophisticated 5x5 modulation matrix for each oscillator, with destinations including level, pitch, pulse width, sync, and "soften" parameters. The soften function uniquely rounds off waveform edges, reducing harmonic content—for example, transforming a square wave into a sine wave.
Advanced sync capabilities extend beyond traditional oscillator sync with three additional parameters: sync skew amount (-64/+63), formant width (0-127), and sync key follow amount (0-127), providing extensive timbral modification possibilities.
Filter Section
The resonant filter section offers comprehensive filtering options with low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass modes, selectable roll-off slopes of 12dB, 18dB, and 24dB per octave, and the ability to self-oscillate. An overdrive function provides saturation effects for fuller, warmer sounds. The filter features its own 2x5 modulation matrix controlling cutoff and resonance, with additional aftertouch control and tracking capabilities.
Modulation and Control
The Supernova provides three ADSR envelope generators—one dedicated to amplitude, two freely assignable—with attack, decay, and release stages capable of up to 20 seconds duration. Two LFOs offer square, saw, triangle, and sample-and-hold waveforms, capable of operating at audio frequencies for creating sounds impossible with standard LFO ranges. Both LFOs can sync to internal or MIDI clock with note durations from 32nd-note triplets up to 12 bars.
Effects Processing
Each program accesses up to seven simultaneous effects modules: distortion, stereo reverb, stereo chorus/flanger/phaser, stereo delay, comb filter, EQ, and stereo panner. The effects are organized with distortion, EQ, comb filter, and panner in series, while reverb, chorus/flanger/phaser, and delay operate as send/return effects with individually settable send amounts.
Remarkably, in Performance mode, each of the eight parts retains full effects processing capability—a total of 56 effects operating simultaneously. This represents a significant advantage over many competitors that sacrifice effects in multitimbral mode.
Performance Capabilities
Multitimbral Operation
Performance mode enables 8-part multitimbrality, with each part capable of playing a complete program with full effects processing. Parts can be assigned to the global MIDI channel, omni mode, or individual channels 1-16, with settable key ranges allowing for split/layer textures or full multitimbral operation.
Arpeggiator System
The Supernova features an exceptionally sophisticated arpeggiator with 384 total patterns: 128 preset monophonic, 128 preset polyphonic, 64 user-programmable monophonic, and 64 user-programmable polyphonic patterns. In Performance mode, up to eight arpeggios can run simultaneously—one per part—transforming the module into a powerful compositional tool.
Arpeggiator parameters include 1-4 octave ranges, gate times of 25%, 50%, 75%, or 99%, direction control (up, down, as played), key reset, mute, latch types, and velocity response. The arpeggiator can sync to internal or external MIDI clock and transmits note data via MIDI for recording into external sequencers.
Audio Routing
The module provides eight individual audio outputs plus a stereo pair, with 24-bit, 128x oversampling delta-sigma DACs for each output. Individual parts can be routed to any output pair, with hard panning enabling use of all eight outputs as individual mono outputs.
Memory and Expandability
The 16-voice model provides 512 programs and 256 performances, expandable to 1024 programs and 512 performances with the optional 16-voice expansion board. The 32-voice model ships with 1024 programs and 512 performances. The module features flash ROM for operating system updates downloadable from Novation's website and uploadable via MIDI.
Future expandability is built into the design through "Special" buttons in the oscillator, filter, and effects sections, reserved for accessing additional features via OS updates. Planned additions include additional waveforms, multiple effects configurations, and enhanced editing capabilities.
MIDI Implementation
The Supernova features one of the most comprehensive MIDI implementations available, transmitting data from all 28 knobs, 98 buttons, and virtually all LCD menu parameters using both standard MIDI controllers and Non-Registered Parameter Numbers (NRPNs). This enables complete real-time editing via MIDI, external editor development, and sequencer automation of virtually every parameter.
Sound Character
Reviewers consistently praise the Supernova's sound quality, describing it as one of the most realistic and satisfying analog-modeled synthesizers available. The module excels in bass sounds with both punch and fullness, smooth analog-style pads and strings, ethereal metallic textures, and warm brass sounds. The sonic range extends from delicate, subtle textures to raucously aggressive sounds, with "smooth" and "mellow" being characteristic descriptors without limiting the instrument's versatility.
Technical Specifications
Synthesis
- Method: Analogue Sound Modelling (ASM)
- Polyphony: 16 voices (expandable to 32) or 32 voices
- Multitimbrality: 8 parts
- Architecture: Waveform-based subtractive synthesis
Oscillators (Per Voice)
- Main Oscillators: 3 fully independent
- Virtual Sync Oscillators: 1 per main oscillator
- Waveforms: Square, Sawtooth (additional waveforms via future OS updates)
- Pulse Width: Adjustable for square waves
- Tuning Range: Octave (+/-2), Semitone (+/-12), Fine (0-127)
- Ring Modulators: 2 (processing oscillators 1+3 and 2+3)
- Noise Generator: Pink noise
- Modulation Matrix: 5x5 per oscillator (Level, Pitch, Pulse Width, Sync, Soften)
- Special Parameters: Sync Skew (-64/+63), Formant Width (0-127), Sync Key Follow (0-127)
Filter
- Type: Single resonant filter with self-oscillation capability
- Modes: Low-pass, Band-pass, High-pass (Notch planned for future update)
- Roll-off: 12dB, 18dB, 24dB per octave
- Overdrive: Saturation effect with variable amount
- Modulation Matrix: 2x5 (Cutoff and Resonance destinations)
- Additional Controls: Filter tracking, Q normalization, aftertouch modulation
Envelopes
- Count: 3 ADSR envelopes
- Assignment: 1 amplitude-dedicated, 2 freely assignable
- Duration: Up to 20 seconds per stage (Attack, Decay, Release)
- Triggering: Single or multi-triggering modes
- Velocity Control: Variable velocity sensitivity per envelope
- Delay: Available for envelopes 2 and 3
LFOs
- Count: 2 assignable LFOs
- Waveforms: Square, Saw, Triangle, Sample-and-Hold
- Rate Range: Standard to audio frequency rates
- Range Settings: Slow, Normal, Fast ranges
- Sync: Internal or MIDI clock sync
- Note Durations: 32nd-note triplet to 12 bars
- Triggering: Keysync or freewheel modes
- Additional Parameters: Offset, delay, envelope 3 speed modulation
Effects (Per Program/Part)
- Count: 7 simultaneous effects per program
- Types: Distortion, Stereo Reverb, Stereo Chorus/Flanger/Phaser, Stereo Delay, Comb Filter, EQ, Stereo Panner
- Configuration: Series processing (Distortion, EQ, Comb Filter, Panner) + Send/Return (Reverb, Chorus/Flanger/Phaser, Delay)
- Performance Mode: 56 total effects (8 parts × 7 effects each)
- Sync: Delay time syncable to internal or MIDI clock
Memory
- 16-Voice Model: 512 Programs, 256 Performances (expandable to 1024/512)
- 32-Voice Model: 1024 Programs, 512 Performances
- Storage: Flash ROM for OS updates and user data
- Arpeggio Patterns: 384 total (128 preset mono, 128 preset poly, 64 user mono, 64 user poly)
Arpeggiator
- Patterns: 384 total patterns
- Performance Mode: Up to 8 simultaneous arpeggios
- Octave Range: 1-4 octaves
- Gate Times: 25%, 50%, 75%, 99%
- Directions: Up, Down, As Played
- Tempo: 64-191 BPM
- Sync: Internal or External (MIDI) clock
- Note Lengths: 32nd-note triplet to 12 bars
- Programming: Step-time editing, 1-64 steps per pattern
Audio Specifications
- Audio Outputs: 8 assignable individual outputs + 1 stereo pair
- DAC: 24-bit, 128x oversampling delta-sigma per output
- Routing: Individual part assignment to any output pair
MIDI Implementation
- Connections: In, Out, Thru
- Controllers: All 28 knobs and 98 buttons transmit MIDI data
- Parameter Control: MIDI Controllers + Non-Registered Parameter Numbers (NRPNs)
- Arpeggiator: MIDI transmission and sync capabilities
- Sync: LFO speed, delay time, arpeggiator rate sync to MIDI clock
- Multitimbral: 8-part with individual channel assignment
Physical Specifications
- Format: 3U, 19-inch rackmount
- Dimensions: 133mm × 222mm × 483mm (H × D × W, including knobs)
- Weight: 3.5kg
- Power Supply: Built-in, multi-voltage (automatic switching)
- Display: Deep-blue fluorescent LCD
- Construction: Metallic blue casing with red LED indicators
Play Modes
- Program Mode: Single program playback with full editing access
- Performance Mode: 8-part multitimbral operation with individual part control
- Global Mode: System settings and user arpeggio programming
Modulation Sources (5 sources available)
- LFO 1
- LFO 2
- Envelope 2
- Envelope 3
- Mod Wheel
Additional Features
- Portamento: Multiple types including TB-303 style glide
- Poly Mode: Voice allocation control for repeated notes
- Oscillator Mode: Percussive or ensemble (oscillator reset behavior)
- Pre-glide: 8 types with 2, 5, 7, or 12 semitone ranges
- Aftertouch: Extensive aftertouch modulation throughout
- Velocity: Comprehensive velocity response control
- OS Updates: Downloadable via web, uploadable via MIDI
- Future Expansion: Reserved "Special" buttons for additional features
Supernova and Supernova II Differences
Supernova:
- 20-voice polyphony (expandable to 44 with expansion card)
- 8-part multi-timbral
- 512 programs and 256 performance memory locations
- Expansion card adds additional 512 programs and 256 performances
Supernova II:
- 24-voice polyphony (expandable to 36 or 48 with appropriate card)
- 8-part multi-timbral
- 512 built-in programs and 256 performances
- Additional memory for 512 more programs and 256 performances
- Compatible with different expansion cards than original Supernova
Supernova II Enhancements:
- External input and vocoder
- Enhanced unison detune, oscillator drift and dual filter separation
- Additional tempo-synced parameters
- Improved effects (better chorus/phaser, ensemble, quad chorus, rotary speaker)
- FM-capable oscillators
- LFO "slew" feature to smooth LFO shapes
- Comb filter with LFO sweep capability (tempo-syncable)
- Complex envelope shapes beyond ADSR with loopable A/D stages
- Drum mode for "one shot" sounds
- Dedicated drum maps and drum sounds
