At the turn of the millennium, the rackmount era was in full swing. Among the deluge of synthesizer modules to hit the market was the Novation Supernova II, which stood out as a true powerhouse. The Supernova II was an outstanding addition to the groundbreaking synthesis of its original predecessor—even more than 20 years after its initial release, this synth has taken analog modeling technology to unprecedented heights that many modern synths have yet to match.
Don't let its age deceive you: Novation created this synth module with intergalactic sound in mind. They made sure to include plenty of knobs and panel controls that also receive and transmit MIDI controller data, so every twist or turn can be effortlessly recorded and replayed as long as your controller or sequencer is up for the task. And with a whopping 24-voices, eight-part multitimbrality, and 1024 Programs across eight banks, it's a synth that can keep up with even the most demanding of sound designers. But it's not just the quantity of sounds that sets the Supernova II apart—it's the quality too. With three oscillators, two ring modulators, and one noise source per program, the possibilities for creating rich, complex sounds are practically endless. And with 12-, 18-, and 24-db-per-octave filters, configurable in low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass modes, the filter options alone are enough to get any synth enthusiast salivating.
One cool feature about Supernova II is that it allows external audio signals to effortlessly pass through its two balanced TRS inputs directly to its synthesis engine and filter. It can even use the input signal as either a modulator or carrier for its built-in vocoder. To make things easier, Novation has created some incredible factory patches that you can take advantage of. Add in the two LFOs, a diverse range of effects (including distortion, comb filter, EQ, reverb, phaser, flanger, chorus, quad chorus, ensemble, rotary speaker, delay, and pan), a 42-band vocoder with sibilance modes and spectrum analyzer, and the Supernova II starts to feel less like a synth module and more like an entire studio's worth of gear packed into a single rackmount unit.
Another wonderful feature of the Supanova II is its modulation matrix, with over 130 routings that set the benchmark Novation's most recent synths: Peak and Summit. This can be credited to Chris Huggett—a consultant for Novation who also designed both Supernovas, Bass Station and many other notable products for the company.
This particular listing is one of two that are listed on Reverb. Both are in decent condition and both sellers are open to offers.