Peak

Novation Peak is an eight-voice desktop polyphonic synthesiser that combines digital oscillators with analogue filtering, amplification and distortion. Each voice has three FPGA-based New Oxford Oscillators, giving you classic waveforms and wavetables to build everything from detuned pads and sharp plucks to textured basses and leads. The front panel puts oscillator mixing, filter shaping and envelopes within reach, while a 16-slot modulation matrix lets you build more detailed patches. Onboard chorus, delay and reverb add movement and space. MIDI, USB-MIDI and a CV modulation input make Peak suitable for setups built around a keyboard controller, a DAW, a hardware sequencer or modular equipment.

Key features

• Eight-voice polyphonic, monotimbral desktop synthesiser
• Three FPGA-based New Oxford Oscillators per voice
• Classic oscillator waveforms, built-in wavetables and custom wavetable support
• Analogue multimode filter and VCA per voice
• Low-pass, band-pass and high-pass filter modes with 12 or 24 dB/octave slopes
• Analogue drive and distortion before and after the filter, plus global analogue distortion
• 16-slot modulation matrix and a separate effects modulation matrix
• Onboard chorus, delay and reverb
• Arpeggiator with latch, plus unison and glide
• Up to 512 patch locations, with 256 factory patches supplied
• 5-pin DIN MIDI, class-compliant USB-MIDI, CV modulation input and two pedal inputs
• Novation Components support for patch management and custom wavetable editing

Overview

Included Content

• 1 × Novation Peak desktop synthesiser
• 1 × External 12 V DC / 1 A power supply
• 1 × USB cable
• Ableton Live Lite, available as a software download

Creative Tools

• Blend three oscillators per voice to give a patch several layers. Detune two saw waves for a wide pad, then add a quieter wavetable oscillator and modulate its position to change the texture as the chord sustains.
• Shape the same oscillator mix in different ways with the analogue multimode filter. Use low-pass filtering for rounded basses, band-pass for focused leads or high-pass to keep a pad clear of the kick and bass.
• Compare pre-filter drive and post-filter distortion to hear how their position changes the result. Drive the signal before filtering and sweep the cutoff to shape the added harmonics, or add distortion after filtering for more edge.
• Use the modulation matrix to make a patch respond to the way you play. Assign velocity to the filter for sharper accents, or route aftertouch from a compatible MIDI controller to introduce vibrato on held notes.
• Use the separate effects modulation matrix to animate an effect without changing the core patch. Add chorus to a held chord, or use delay and reverb to give a short pluck a longer tail.
• Build repeating parts with the arpeggiator and latch. Hold a pattern while you adjust the filter, oscillator mix or effects, then use unison and glide to turn the same patch into a monophonic lead.
• Create and audition custom oscillator shapes in Novation Components. Save the wavetable to Peak and modulate its position to hear how the sound changes across the table.
• Sequence notes through DIN MIDI or USB-MIDI and use the CV input as a modulation source from compatible modular gear. Record Peak’s sound through its analogue outputs; the USB connection does not carry audio.

Ideal For

• Electronic musicians and producers
• Sound designers creating evolving pads, leads and basses
• Keyboard players adding a desktop synthesiser to a MIDI rig
• Hardware sequencer and DAW users
• Modular musicians integrating CV modulation with a polyphonic instrument
• Live performers who want hands-on control and recallable patches