The Novation Peak 8-Voice Polyphonic Synthesizer is an 8-voice polyphonic synthesiser based on the Novation Bass Station II analogue monosynth, and it is well suited for musicians, sound designers, and synthesiser enthusiasts. The instrument features analogue-sounding NCOs (numerically controlled oscillators), including 3 new Oxford oscillators per voice, as well as a flexible digital domain with 17 digital wavetables. It also features a multi-mode, analogue 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 true analogue distortion and digital effects including chorus, delay, and reverb.
Advanced sound engine
At the heart of the synthesiser lies a 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-analogue convertor (DAC). These DACs oversample at over 24 MHz (24 million times per second), using a simple RC (resistor-capacitor) filter on their output in the analogue domain. Peak's ability to generate waveforms at the oversampling frequency, up to 512 times the traditional rate, ensures that its waveforms are pure at all frequencies and free from digital artefacts, no matter how aggressively the pitch is modulated.
Hands-on control
The front panel of the synthesiser provides a wide 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. In addition, most of the control knobs, switches, and sliders transmit continuous controller data for recording and playing back automation from your sequencer of choice.
Connectivity and included items
The rear panel offers a 1/4" headphone output, stereo left and right 1/4" outputs, two 1/4" pedal inputs, and a 1/8" CV modulation input for incorporating modular synthesisers. 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.
