Peak

The Novation Peak is an 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer based on the Novation Bass Station II analog monosynth; it is well suited for musicians, sound designers, and synthesizer enthusiasts. The instrument features analog-sounding NCOs (numerically controlled oscillators), which include 3 new Oxford oscillators per voice, as well as a flexible digital domain with 17 digital wavetables. The instrument also features a multi-mode, analog 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 the true analog distortion and digital effects including chorus, delay, and reverb.

At the heart of the synthesizer lies the 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-analog converter (DAC). These DACs are oversampling at over 24 MHz (24 million times per second), using a simple RC (resistor-capacitor) filter on their output in the analog domain. Peak's ability to generate waveforms at the oversampling frequency (up to 512 times the traditional rate) ensures that Peak's waveforms are pure at all frequencies and free from digital artifacts, no matter how aggressively the pitch is modulated.

The front panel of the synthesizer provides a 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. What's more, most of the control knobs, switches, and sliders transmit continuous controller data for recording and playing back automation from your sequencer of choice.

The rear panel offers a 1/4" headphone output, stereo (left & right) 1/4" outputs, two 1/4" pedal inputs, and an 1/8" CV modulation input for incorporating modular synthesizers. 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.