The Novation Ultranova MIDI Keyboard Synthesizer is a single-part synthesizer that uses the Supernova II synth engine combined with newer technology and completely new features. It is the latest addition to the “Nova” series of analog modeling synthesizers. The first thing that strikes you is that it is blue, a return to the traditional blue of the legendary Supernova II. Even the mod wheel and pitch bender backlight is blue (which you can choose to turn on or off when in use).

There are 37 full-size keys that respond to both velocity and aftertouch and are fast and very playable. It comes with a generous proportion of buttons and knobs for every use you can imagine: 8 relaxed-touch rotary responsive encoders, 1 large soft encoder, 1 large patch selection and speed dial encoder, 2 volume and monitor mix knobs, a pitch wheel and a mod wheel. And so you know the parameter names and values ​​of what you’re doing there’s a 144-character LCD display.

What makes the Novation Ultranova MIDI Synth Keyboard tick is its synth. It’s based on the Supernova II rack and comes as a single part with up to 18 voices, 14 filter types, 36 wavetables, 5 effect slots, and a Patch Browse that lets you search 300 sounds by type and genre. What may surprise many nova users is that, unlike its predecessors, the Ultranova is monotimbral.

Each of the 18 voices has three oscillators, each with independent density, virtual sync, and detune. Each oscillator comes with 70 sound source options with 14 analog and 24 digital waves to choose from along with 36 wavetables. Then there are the factory patches. There are four banks each with 128 patches. You can select the patch you want simply by turning the large patch selector or pressing the patch select button. It’s easy to choose the one you want as the patches are sorted numerically or alphabetically.

And speaking of patches, the Novation Ultranova MIDI Keyboard Synthesizer also comes with a patch library that you can host on a PC or Mac. With it, you can save an unlimited number of patches to your host computer and organize them any way you like. With the 12-band vocoder that comes with its own gooseneck microphone, you can process your own voice (via the microphone) or other sounds (via the stereo line inputs on the back).

Then there is the powerful software editor that allows you to do visual editing of all parameters as a companion editor to your digital audio workstation software. You can also turn the Ultranova into a MIDI controller with the auto-assign feature. You can use all 8 controllers as parameter controllers for the instruments you want to control. The Novation Ultranova MIDI Keyboard Synthesizer is a powerful machine with its 18-voice synth engine and options. It offers great sound and a flexible design. However, there is a huge potential learning curve and while the features are impressive, they are not necessarily unique, especially with their competition. But it will get the job done and that’s what counts.