Novation Announces Peak, New Desktop Polyphonic Synthesizer

Novation has announced Peak, a new 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer that supplies up to 17 wavetables and is influenced by the Bass Station II analog monosynth. Also, each of the 8 voices are equipped with 3 New Oxford Oscillators, and produce timbres that are reminiscent of analog tones with its NCOs (numerically controlled oscillators).

Peak is the result of Novation’s obsessive mission over the past decade to create a synthesiser that sounds entirely analogue yet gains the flexibility of the digital domain.

You can check out an unboxing and overall rundown of Peak in the video below from Ask.Audio.

Features

• Two ways to create waveforms – Analogue-sounding NCOs (Numerically-Controlled Oscillators) and 17 digital wavetables.
• A colossal amount of distortion – Three distortion points for each voice – pre-filter, post-filter and global – in an analogue signal chain.
• Control expression – Peak is capable of receiving polyphonic aftertouch, which puts expression right at your fingertips.
• Cross-modulate oscillators – The three New Oxford Oscillators for each voice can become a linear FM source using either the analogue-sounding NCOs (Numerically-Controlled Oscillators) or digital wavetables. They are also able to cross-modulate in a recursive loop.
• Huge modulation system – 16-slot modulation matrix and 16 direct assignments controlled from the front panel, cleverly arranged for intuitive patch design and sound editing. Three ADSR envelopes and two LFOs for each voice.
• Easily switch modulations – Two animate buttons give live performers instant one-touch transformation of patches.
• Mind-blowing sounds on-board – Reverb, delay and chorus at your disposal, and there’s also an arpeggiator.
• Connect to hardware and software – Connect and sync to your music software and MIDI-compatible hardware. CV modulation input used to slot together modular systems.
• Store unlimited sounds – Keep as many patches as you like on your Mac or PC using the Components software. Learn more about Components here.

Peak certainly offers some special features, including things like its 16-slot modulation matrix, multi-mode analog filter (with three distortion points), and more. While the synth itself does not have a true analog signal path, it’s doubtful that this matters in the grand scheme of Peak’s overall sound.

Peak will be available for purchase in late 2017 for $1299.99 in the US, £1249.99 in the UK and €1429.99 in Germany. You can also visit the Novation website to learn more the specs and features of Peak.